Are You A Normal Or Severe Driver? (NAPSA)—How do you think automobile manufacturers would characterize your driving? Surprisingly, according to their definitions, most people who think they are normal drivers are in fact severe. Take heart. Severe driving is not about your driving style. It refers to the conditions you drive in. If you drive in hot or cold weather, ia dusty or muddy condi- tions, on rough roads, in lots of stop and go traffic, make frequent short trips, and/or drive in coastal areas or where road salts are used, you are a severe driver. The majority of owner’s manuals recommend changing the oil every 3,000 roiles if the vehicle is driven under severe conditions. However, according to a recent poll, most people either do not read their manuals (or only skim them when theyfirst purchase a car}, or they misinterpret the information. Younger drivers are even less likely to consult their owner’s manuals than their older counterparts, according to the survey. The Pennzoil-Quaker State Company/Harris Interactive Poll also revealed that 86 percent of the 5,545 people surveyedinitially rated themselves as normal drivers. Only 14 percent thought they were severe. However, when given the criteria for severe dri- ving conditions, the numbers dramatically reversed. Soccer Moms=Severe Drivers Many people are surprised to learn that what they thougbt were normal driving conditions are actually severe. For example, few people would initially consider “soccer moms” to be severe drivers, but when vou consider the numerous short trips and stopand-go traffic that they endure as High temperatures and lots of stop-and-go traffic create severe driving conditions, in which preyentive car maintenance is even more important, they shuttle their children to and from their many activities, you can see how they in fact meet this definition. Cmece normal and severe conditions were explained, the 14 percent of survey respondents who originally assumed they were severe drivers increased dramatically to 55 percent. Also, the 96 percent of female drivers whofirst assumed they were normal dropped to 46 percent. With the summer travel season going inte high gear, severe driving conditions will abound. Experts recommend changing your car’s ail every 3,000 miles as an essential part of preventive car maintenance under severe driving conditions. Over time, the additives in the moter oil are “used up” and the only wayte get the engine the protection it needs is to routinely change the oil and filter. To learn if you are a normal or severe driver, visit www.pennzoil- quakerstate.com.
