Where’s the cheapest gas in the US? It’s Michigan

MICHIGAN — Of all 50 states, Michigan now has the cheapest gas prices in the entire country, according to data from GasBuddy.com. But it likely won’t last long.

Michigan’s average price for a gallon of gas is $1.802, barely beating out Oklahoma’s $1.804 per gallon.

Nationally, the average is around $2.03 per gallon.

GasBuddy.com analyst Patrick DeHaan said on Twitter it was back on Feb. 26, 2009—more than 2,400 days ago—that gas prices were this low in the state. DeHaan also said it’s likely the lowered prices won’t last more than 24-48 hours.

Why the drop?

DeHaan says it’s likely because of some ‘healthy competition’ as gas stations are continuing to try undercut each other. But he said it won’t stick around.

“I expect an upward adjustment likely tomorrow as most stations have been selling at a loss,” he told FOX 17. “I’d top off tonight, but wouldn’t get too excited when prices rise, because I’m expecting they’ll stay under $2 more often than over it thru the rest of 2015.”

Both Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties are averaging the cheapest gas prices with an average of $1.60 per gallon.

Missouri has the third cheapest gas in the state with an average price for gallon around $1.817.

Read more at: http://fox17online.com/2015/11/29/wheres-the-cheapest-gas-in-the-us-its-about-to-be-michigan/

Indian Scout And Scout Sixty: Premium Motorcycles For the First-Time Rider

If you’re looking for a first motorcycle and love Indian’s design ethos, you might want to spend a year experiencing the physics of two wheels on a 100-horsepower Indian Scout, or the newly introduced 78-horsepower Scout Sixty, named for its slightly smaller 60 cubic inch engine.

Scout is 259 pounds lighter than the Indian Chief Vintage model, an obvious advantage throughout the learning curve. Only a wag like me would have the nerve to call this 538-lb. bike a scooter, but Scout and Scout Sixty are not difficult to ride so long as one respects the weight. With hips slung low behind the mass of a tall, narrow V-twin, two feet can be placed firmly on the ground at stop signs or when maneuvering Scout into a parking spot—no tip-toe walking and little risk of dropping the bike curbside. Yet like all traditional American bikes, the seating position is roomy, a comfortable place for either a tall lanky guy, or a petite woman with short legs. For morning rides or rumbling about town, there’s a purity and ease of motion found in lighter bikes like Scout.

If you fall in love with riding and move up to a Chief with its 111 cubic inch Thunder Stroke V-twin, then your Scout can stay part of the family, ready to entertain a friend who wants to come along. The revived Indian Motorcycle Company turns out high-quality machines, with well over 90 percent of the content sourced here, in America. Like the originals, a Scout or Chief can provide enjoyment for decades.

Read more at: http://www.forbes.com/sites/markewing/2015/11/25/indian-scout-and-scout-sixty-premium-motorcycles-for-the-first-time-rider/

10 THINGS EVERYONE SHOULD LEARN HOW TO DO WITH YOUR CAR’S INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM

In today's tech-dependent world, cars have become rolling computers packed with all kinds of features, from navigation to 4G LTE connectivity. Offerings from luxury carmakers, in particular, now include a mind-boggling array of technology to appeal to a new generation. All of these new features mean owners will need to learn how to use them, especially the infotainment system, which is becoming the norm. No longer does your center stack only adjust radio channels or play music. It now gives you maps and directions, allows you to make phone calls and personalize your car, and it even checks your vehicle's oil life or reminds you when it needs to go in for service. Here are 10 things every owner should learn or know how to do with their car's infotainment systems.

PAIR A SMARTPHONE VIA BLUETOOTH
Because nearly every car sold today comes standard with Bluetooth connectivity, pairing your mobile phone with the car has become part of the car-starting ritual. Once you've finished pairing your device via Bluetooth, you can stay connected without taking your hands off the steering wheel or looking away from the road.

MAKE HANDS-FREE CALLS USING BLUETOOTH
One of the key reasons to pair your phone with the car via Bluetooth is so you can make calls without holding a device to your ear and turning yourself into a cop magnet and a less safe driver. Additionally, you'll be able to hear the person on the other line clearly because Bluetooth will project the sound through the car's speakers.

USE VOICE COMMAND TO CHANGE MUSIC, ADD A DESTINATION, ETC.
Although the controls for infotainment systems are getting easier and less complicated, there's still no reason to be tinkering with it while on the move. For that reason, knowing the available voice commands in your car is indispensable because it allows you to make inputs without taking your eyes off the road. Even though it's still not as intuitive, voice command systems are improving and are able to understand speech better as updates are continually rolled out.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR INSTRUMENTS AND INTERIOR MOOD LIGHTING
Personalization is becoming another key part of the modern infotainment system, and with cars becoming more customizable, owners can now make their vehicles as unique as they are. Mini, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz all have vehicles that are available with mood lighting and customizable instruments for some added level of personalization, giving your car a unique interior ambience.

SEARCH FOR DESTINATIONS AND DIRECTIONS ONLINE
Some vehicle infotainment systems offer the ability to search for restaurants or points of interest when equipped with 4G LTE connectivity or online capability. BMW was one of the first to integrate a search engine into its infotainment system, and that capability has since spread to other luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz and Audi.

PLAY DIGITAL MUSIC
Other than the cheapest, most bare-bones variants, cars today all come with at least one USB port, allowing you to play music from a flash drive, so you can bring your entire playlist with you. Additionally, using Bluetooth, you can also stream your playlist from your mobile device.

CONTROLLING YOUR PHONE VIA THE SCREEN ON THE DASH
Some cars give you more entertainment options than others. One of these extras is the ability to control your mobile device, either via the touchscreen by plugging it into the USB port or with features such as MirrorLink. Once this is done, you can access all of your smartphone's functions in the infotainment screen. Everything from your music and text messages to Google Maps and apps such as Pandora will be at your fingertips. However, being able to control your phone via the infotainment system's touchscreen has its limitations; some of these systems won't let you access them while driving.

USE GOOGLE ANDROID AUTO OR APPLE CARPLAY
More and more carmakers are realizing that connectivity is important to nearly everyone these days, hence the addition of Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto to infotainment systems. Pairing your phone via a USB port and opening Android Auto or CarPlay gives you a more comprehensive menu in your infotainment system and keeps your car connected to the rest of the world. Additionally, you can expand the navigation system through Google Maps, which gives you more routes to get you to your destination.

HOW TO USE THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM
Onboard navigation systems come in handy and work even when you have a weak mobile phone signal. GPS data loaded into the car is aided by satellite-based information, eliminating the need for a few more bars. Knowing how to use your navigation system is a big help when you're lost and can't call anyone who can get you back to civilization in one piece.

USE SMARTPHONE APPS
With everyone's lives revolving around staying connected, the infotainment systems in cars today now come with app capability for smartphones. Features such as Pandora, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Aha, Spotify, Facebook, Twitter, and Google Maps are now available in some vehicles. This means you can stay up to date with what's happening with the rest of the world and your circles using your car's infotainment system. Just make sure you do so without taking your attention off of driving and operate these features only when stopped.

Read more at: http://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/car-tech/10-things-everyone-should-learn-how-to-do-with-your-car’s-infotainment-system/ss-CCfEiO?ocid=fbmsnautos#image=1

The race is on: Cherokee vs Wrangler

The U.S. sales race is on between the Jeep Cherokee and the former front-running Jeep Wrangler. While the Wrangler epitomizes much of what Jeep used to be — its go-anywhere capability, nearly-all-American design and engineering, and the style-and-form ties to the original Army jeeps — the Cherokee is more practical for most people, more technologically advanced, and newer.

So far, the people have chosen the Cherokee, helped by constraints on the Wrangler’s production. Those constraints will not ease for at least a year, as the Cherokee is moved to a new plant (likely Sterling Heights or Belvidere) and the Wrangler moves into its spot.

The Wrangler has not had a full redesign for some years, and is missing some of the creature comforts of the Cherokee — some of which it can’t have anyway, since its removable roof and off-road chops reduce its comfort-and-convenience options. It is making do with a five-speed automatic, shared now only with the police edition of the Dodge Charger, while the Cherokee has a nine-speed which we’ve been assured will be completely sorted out for the 2016 model year.

So far, the Cherokee’s sales have been 178,785 from January 1 to October 31, 2015, well over the Wrangler’s 173,264. However, there’s time for the Wrangler to catch up as winter weather hits, though now it seems unlikely.

Last year, the Wrangler, at this time, was also second fiddle — to the Jeep Grand Cherokee, losing the race for #1 by around 3,400 sales. Cherokee sales are up 24% this year, Wrangler sales are up 17%, and Grand Cherokee is up just 4%. (Patriot is up by 29% but hasn’t broken 100,000 yet.) Part of the problem there, too, is capacity. Adding the Grand Cherokee to its factory-mate the Dodge Durango brings sales of 208,681. Cherokee and Wrangler each have their own factories.

The other Jeep race is between the new Jeep Renegade and the Jeep Compass. The Compass’ sales are up just 1%, year to date, at 52,987, while Renegade is brand new and has already cleared 44,626 sales. If Compass’ sales drop and Renegade supplies increase, the Italian-made newcomer could well beat the decade-old, heavily refreshed mini-Jeep.

Read more at: http://www.allpar.com/news/index.php/2015/11/the-race-is-on-cherokee-vs-wrangler-30641

5 Winter Car Care Tips

Sometimes, it may be easy to forget about giving your car the tender loving care it needs to stay healthy. But with the heavy snow, icy roads and cold weather that winter can bring, now is the time to make sure to care for your vehicle.

Cold weather makes pliable material stiffer and more brittle and can make fluids thicker. If you live an area with severe winter weather, you know how dangerous the roads can get and the unique problems winter weather can create for your car.

So, take a look through our list of top five winter car care tips:

1. Take your car in for a tune-up.

If you haven’t taken your car to the shop for a while, now is the time to do so. A tune-up will help keep your car running longer and may save you money by detecting potential problems early.

2. Check your tires.

On slippery or icy roads, your tires are extremely important to giving you stability and controlled handling. So, make sure to check your tires’ pressure and wear. You can place a penny on its edge in a tread groove to test a tire’s tread. If you can see the top of his hair or any of the tires background, it is time to replace your tires. Do this in several spots because tires don’t wear evenly. You should also take your tires in to get rotated and properly balanced. If you’re in an area with particularly severe winter weather, you should consider purchasing a set of snow tires, which are made specifically for snowy and icy surfaces.

3. Check your fluids levels.

Make sure you check that the transmission, brake, power steering and windshield washer fluids and coolants are filled to proper levels. You should use de-icer windshield washer fluid which will help clear light ice and frost while preventing re-freezing.

4. Make a winter emergency kit.

In addition to the emergency road kit you should already have in your car, it is a good idea to have a special winter car kit. This kit should include things like cat litter or sand for tire traction on snow and ice, an ice scraper and de-icing liquid.

5. Check your air filters.

During the summer and fall, contaminants can get caught in your air filters and will eventually get caught inside your vehicle and cause problems. If you see any debris caught on the filter, it’s a good idea to get the filter replaced.

Read more at: http://blog.allstate.com/5-winter-car-care-tips/

What exactly is the Hurricane engine?

Speculation/analysis. Last week, Allpar was the first to show one of the Hurricane prototype engines. It is a turbocharged two-liter, according to various reports; scuttlebutt had the goal at 300 horsepower or so for an SRT version, and the mid-200s for a standard model.

Alfa Romeo recently announced its two-liter four would hit 276 horsepower, but other than taking full credit for its development, said nothing about its origins. If it were based on the 1.75 liter engine they already have, we would expect them to say it, so we suspect they are using some version of the Hurricane.

Normally, it would seem that the Hurricane was an updated, turbocharged version of the current “World Engine,” but Bob Lees’ 2014 presentation included an image of a future four-cylinder engine family, to be made in two sizes, for the entire company: Fiat, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, and Alfa Romeo (Maserati seems unlikely to use it).

Some of these technologies are being explored by Chrysler, such as the belt-starter alternator, stop-start system, cooled EGR, integrated manifold, and variable-displacement oil pump. MultiAir is from Fiat, and direct injection probably draws on Fiat’s expertise as well. The Alfa Romeo engine uses MultiAir and direct injection.

It’s possible that this will be the first appearance of the new engine family, which would, among other things, explain why the Alfa Romeo Giulia is taking so long to arrive.

It’s also possible that they are building on the existing Chrysler 2-liter engine and past work on trying to make a Dart SRT4. Alfa Romeo would have to do their own tuning and engineering, partly because the SRT engine would be built to a lower cost budget, partly because they have different goals.

Regardless, for marketing reasons, expect any new engine to show up as an Alfa Romeo first — because no premium car owner wants a mass-market engine under the hood. Since mass-market car buyers don’t mind high-end engines, even if Auburn Hills had done all the work on the new engine series (which they almost certainly have not), it would still be credited to Alfa Romeo.

Read more at: http://www.allpar.com/news/index.php/2015/11/what-exactly-irricane-engine-30625

INTRODUCING THE POLARIS GENERAL

The Polaris GENERAL Sets the Versatility Benchmark: Ultimate Versatility to Battle It All

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (November 17, 2015) – Polaris® Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII), the leading manufacturer of off-road vehicles, continues to expand its market leadership by broadening its side-by-side product line-up. Today, the company is introducing the Polaris GENERAL™, the new standard in off-road versatility.

“Today is a great day at Polaris! Once again, we are launching a game-changing new product,” said Tim Blinkhorn, GM, RANGER & Polaris GENERAL. “This vehicle is the most versatile sideby-side ever built, made for those who want to battle it all. Whether it’s dominating any trail, or conquering any job, The Polaris GENERAL delivers.”

The Polaris GENERAL has class-leading features needed to tackle the trails and a work ethic to battle tough jobs. It starts with a 100 horsepower ProStar® 1000 engine delivering the most power and torque. The engine accelerates 0-40 mph in 3.6 seconds, thanks to a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio. When it’s time for work, the Polaris GENERAL brings the biggest payload [1100 lbs (498 kg)] and a class-best 600 lb. (272 kg) dump box to get the job done.

For all-day comfort and a locked-in, aggressive feel, the Polaris GENERAL features a completely new cabin for an all-new ride experience. Factory-installed half doors with armrests offer extra protection from debris, and easy in-and-out, work-friendly cab access. The roomy cab features dual bolstered bucket seats, adjustable for the driver, providing a secure feel and ample leg room, while the thin-film technology under the seat cover provides a dry ride in wet conditions. Space-optimized foot rests for both the driver and passenger also make for a secure ride.

Inside the cockpit, the Polaris GENERAL features an all-new customizable instrumentation cluster that tilts with the steering wheel and includes a combination of digital and analog gauges giving clear readings of vehicle speed, engine RPMs, and standard trip information. To keep riding and work essentials close, the vehicle features 23 liters of integrated storage inside the cab with a combination of enclosed and in-dash storage. The center console is not only a comfortable armrest but also provides more storage, a 12V outlet and two cup holders. Sealed floor seams and equipment passthroughs keep the occupants cleaner; while dual removable floor drains allow for easier clean out of the cabin.

For a stable and smooth ride, the Polaris GENERAL has an 81-inch wheelbase complemented with a performance-oriented suspension for ultimate control. The vehicle features a dual a-arm front suspension with a class-best 12.25 inches (31.12 cm) of suspension travel and 13.2 inches (33.53 cm) rear travel that is calibrated to soak up rocks, roots, bumps and ruts. Standard front and rear sway bars keep the ride level and reduce body roll through aggressive cornering on trails. Ground clearance is also best-in-class, with 12 inches (30.48 cm) unloaded, and 7.4 in (18.8 cm) when loaded with 600 lbs. (272 kg) of camping gear or work materials in the dumping bed. The vehicle also features a full-body skid plate to protect from trail obstacles.

The Polaris GENERAL features a High-Performance, Close Ratio All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system maximizing power delivery to the ground in every condition for a more responsive ride. When needed, all four wheels will engage almost instantly for more forward traction and will revert back to 2WD when it is no longer needed. The vehicle also features an Engine Braking System (EBS) for more control when trailering up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg) and on descents. Along with the AWD and EBS system, a faster steering ratio coupled with standard Electronic Power Steering (EPS) means the vehicle takes the brunt of what the terrain has to offer so the operator can play or work longer.

The Polaris GENERAL showcases fully-integrated accessories and with more than 30 brand new Polaris Engineered Accessories™ and 90-plus common fit items, the vehicle can be customized to work more efficiently and get back to the trail quicker. The cab frame features profile tubing providing a 360-degree sealing surface that accepts the revolutionary Polaris ProFit Lock & Ride® Technology providing the best in class cab comfort. Windshields, roofs, doors and rear panels follow the shape of the vehicle, locking directly into the cab frame’s precision contours. The vehicle also accepts the Glacier® Plow Systems, a full line of protection, several LED lighting options and Lock & Ride storage Accessories to quickly and easily add or change as needed for the trail or job. For ultimate class-leading cab comfort, a heater kit and windshield wiper kit provide additional all-weather options.

To meet the variety of recreational and work needs, the Polaris GENERAL is available in three different models. The base model is available with in-mold plastic in Indy Red. The Polaris GENERAL Velocity Blue will include automotive-style paint; Sport Low Profile Front Bumper and Polaris HD 4500 lb. (2041 kg) winch; and 14-inch (35.56 cm) Matte Black cast aluminum wheels paired with eight-ply, 27-inch (68.58 cm) GBC Dirt Commander Tires providing better side bite, stiffer sidewalls, better tracking through corners and increased durability in tough work environments. The Polaris GENERAL Deluxe Orange Burst will have all the features included on the Velocity Blue model with premium adjustable Fox Podium X 2.0 QS3 Shocks and the addition of a Polaris GENERAL Pro-Fit Lock & Ride Sport Roof, rear-view mirror and MTX® Premium Soundbar featuring eight-speakers delivering 100 watts of premium audio through Six Performance 3-inch (7.62 cm) speakers and Two 1-inch (2.54 cm) tweeters with Bluetooth connectivity to rock the trails.

The Velocity Blue and Deluxe Orange Burst models will be available at Polaris dealerships starting in December. The Indy Red will be available in March 2016. More information about Polaris’ whole line of Off-Road Vehicle offerings and Polaris Engineered Accessories can be found online at www.Polaris.com.

Read more at: http://www.polaris.com/en-us/company/news-item.aspx?articleID=425

A Legend Reborn: Indian Motorcycle Unveils the 2016 Scout Sixty

To say Indian Motorcycle has had a tumultuous history would be a major understatement. The brand was founded in 1901 — arguably making it America’s first motorcycle company — and it enjoyed a significant amount of early success, growth, and technological breakthroughs. After World War II took its toll, however, its spot as America’s number one bike manufacturer was snatched up by Harley Davidson, and production eventually ceased in 1953. The nameplate was passed around by a variety of short-lived owners for years, but was eventually put down for good in 2003. Or so we thought.

Indian Motorcycle came back from the dead in 2006, and its 2011 acquisition by Polaris Industries gave it new life. A reliable parent company with financial stability meant that the brand could invest in new projects and technologies, one of which just dropped at the EICMA International Motorcycle Show in Milan, Italy.

It’s called the Scout Sixty, an entry-level cruiser based on the Indian Scout that debuted in 2014. The bike shares its chassis, suspension, and brakes with the classically styled Scout, but it’s been fitted with a smaller, 61-cubic inch (999cc) V-Twin engine to bring the cost down and improve agility. With a starting price of $8,999 in Thunder Black, Indian hopes the Scout Sixty will introduce the company to a new group of customers.

“The Indian Scout has been a stunningly successful introduction for us, with balance, performance and maneuverability that appeals to a broad swath of riders here in America and around the globe,” said Steve Menneto, President of Motorcycles for Polaris Industries. “The new Scout Sixty expands that reach even further to include newer riders and a younger demographic who long to experience the legendary quality and craftsmanship of an Indian motorcycle.”

As far as the specs go, the Scout Sixty creates 78 horsepower 64 pound-feet of torque in U.S. configuration, all of which is channeled to the ground via a 6-speed gearbox. Dry weight is 542 pounds from the factory, but as usual, buyers can choose from a variety of add-ons to personalize their ride to their liking. The Scout Sixty is en route to dealerships now.

Read more at: http://sports.yahoo.com/news/legend-reborn-indian-motorcycle-unveils-101536088.html;_ylt=A0LEV7ja1ExWYn0AYQwnnIlQ;_ylu=X3oDMTByMjB0aG5zBGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzYw--

Be Car Care Aware Before Your Holiday Road Trip

The holidays are stressful enough without having to worry about your vehicle making it over the river and through the woods in time for dinner at grandma’s house. The Car Care Council recommends that before hitting the road for the holidays, you take a little time to have your vehicle thoroughly inspected to make sure it is road ready.

“The last thing anyone wants during the holiday season is to break down miles from home in the middle of nowhere,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “It’s always a wise idea to have your vehicle checked out before you leave home to identify any potential problems that can be serviced before your holiday journey.”

The non-profit Car Care Council suggests a pre-trip check of the following items on your vehicle to help ensure a safe holiday road trip: tires and tire pressure, brakes, hoses and belts, air filters, wipers, exterior and interior lighting, and fluid levels, including engine oil, windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.

“A pre-trip inspection will not only make sure your vehicle is running right, but it will also help make the trip a lot less stressful,” continued White. “Whether you do it yourself or visit a trusted neighborhood technician, being car care aware before you leave home will help you relax and enjoy the ride to your holiday destination without the worry of unexpected, costly car trouble.”

As a precaution, the Car Care Council recommends that drivers keep important telephone numbers in their cell phone or glove box in case of a travel emergency. Vehicles should have a roadside emergency kit that includes items such as a first aid kit, tire-changing jack, tire pressure gauge, jumper cables, flashlight and blankets. A copy of the council’s 80-page Car Care Guide should be kept in the glove box as a reference and can be ordered free-of-charge at www.carcare.org/car-care-guide.

Read more at: http://www.carcare.org/2015/11/be-car-care-aware-holiday-road-trip/

When Is The Best Time To Buy A Car?

We’re down to the last two months of the year and soon the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays will be upon us. In quick succession they will come and go, bringing us to a new year with a host of fresh possibilities and goals awaiting us.

One goal millions of American consumers would like to attain before the new year arrives is to purchase a new vehicle. There are more than 250 million registered passenger vehicles in the United States with an average age of 11.5 years according to IHS Automotive. That’s a long time to hang on to a car and for many people getting a new one has become a high priority, especially if their current ride is experiencing significant downtime.

The months of November and December provide very good opportunities for people to purchase a new vehicle. For one, the year-end sales rush is on and manufacturers such as Ford, Hyundai and Nissan have already announced incentives that may include some of the best deals of the year. For another, the 2016 models have arrived and dealerships are anxious to clear lots of 2015 inventory. If you do your homework carefully, you can slash thousands of dollars off the sticker price of some new models before incentives are taken. Yes, this could be the best time to buy a car, SUV or pickup truck.

There is some debate among experts about the best time to buy a car. Manufacturers and dealers usually insist, “right now!” — but that isn’t always the case. With an eye on the remaining weeks of the year ahead, the following dates, days and even times of the week may help you in your new car shopping decision.

Black Friday

The day after Thanksgiving is known as “Black Friday” or when merchants offer tantalizing deals to help kick off the Christmas shopping season. The day is so busy that malls are packed with customers from well before sunrise to late at night.

Pity the poor new cars salesperson who looks out at the traffic-choked roadway and observes potential customers whose minds are locked on getting a Christmas gift deal and nothing else. Few customers venture to dealer lots and that omission may cost them a big bargain.

In 2013, Consumer Reports surveyed the automotive landscape just days before Thanksgiving and found that a number of older, but still new models had discounts ranging from 15 to 25 percent off the sticker price. For example, that means a $40,000 full-size pickup truck might retail for as low as $30,000 if buyers were aware of the incentives.

Consumer Reports noted that Black Friday could be an especially beneficial day to shop as “dealers may even sweeten the deal further to clear their lots” and the day is also close to the end of the month as “dealers are more willing to negotiate to meet their quotas.” If Black Friday isn’t the best time to buy a new car, it certainly ranks as one of the top days.

Best Days of the Week

You may think that shopping for a new car on a weekend is the ideal time to buy. However, that usually isn’t the case unless it’s the end of the month and dealers are clamoring to meet their sales quota. Keep in mind that there’s no way to know if the dealership has met its quota. Don’t expect the salesman to greet you as you enter the showroom by saying, “Gee, we’re really glad you stopped by today. If we make a sale, we’ll meet our monthly quota!”

Monday may be the best day of the week to buy a car as most of the business has been conducted over the previous weekend. The lower the foot traffic, the more likely you’ll have increased negotiating power. This may be even more apparent in December when people are stepping up their Christmas shopping. For instance, if you shop on the Monday following the Thanksgiving weekend — also known as Cyber Monday — you may find showrooms are nearly empty.

At Year End

Some people think that December 31 is the best day to buy a new car, especially as the calendar year comes to a close. Although it can certainly be a good day, the first few days of the new year can be a good time to shop too. Why? Because those days are counted in the previous year’s totals.

Dealer’s work with what is known as a “U.S. Sales Reporting Calendar.” For 2015, the sales month and year cutoff is on Monday, Jan. 4, 2016. Many dealers are open on New Year’s Day and almost all will stay open late on Jan. 4, in a bid to get that final sale.

Dispelling Myths

Just as there is a best time to buy a new car there are some myths about timing your purchase that should be examined and dispelled.

For instance, some people believe that shopping for a new car on a rainy or snowy day is ideal for securing a bargain. On the contrary, many dealerships are packed with people whose plans were changed because of the foul weather.

Arriving at a dealership just as your sales associate is ready to leave for the day seems like a great way to snag a deal too. After all, she may have plans and is eager to get home. Don’t be fooled: sales people are used to working well beyond their scheduled hours in a bid to secure a deal. Besides, it is the sales manager who ultimately approves or nixes any deal.

Get Prepared

Now that you’re ready to buy a new car, visit the manufacturer’s website to identify the vehicle and trim level that interests you. Contact at least three dealerships to obtain quotes. Learn what incentives are available, which is information that is typically found on the manufacturer’s website. You can arrange financing on your own or do so through the dealership, but with the latter choice you may forfeit cash back in exchange for cut-rate financing.

Read more at: http://www.carfax.com/blog/when-is-the-best-time-to-buy-a-car/

Hanging onto Current Vehicle vs. Buying New a No Brainer

Buying a new car might sound cool and exciting, but keeping your current vehicle, and continually maintaining it at recommended intervals, makes more economic sense than purchasing a new one, says the non-profit Car Care Council.

“From the down payment to the monthly car payments and higher insurance rates, the cost of buying a new car adds up really fast,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “By simply budgeting the equivalent of just one new car payment, you could cover an entire year’s worth of basic maintenance on your current vehicle and redirect the rest to beef up savings, take a vacation, or pay off credit card debt, college loans and other bills.”

In order to realize savings by extending the life of your current vehicle, the Car Care Council recommends following a vehicle service schedule, such as the free personalized service schedule and email reminder service. You should be sure to have your vehicles inspected if you suspect there is a problem and remember to address minor repairs before they become more complicated, expensive repairs. A copy of the Car Care Guide should be kept in the glove box as an auto care reference and can be ordered free-of-charge at www.carcare.org/car-care-guide.

“The average vehicle cost about $3,900 in the early 1970s, but didn’t last anywhere near as long as cars do now. Today, that cost has jumped to over $33,000, and the average age of passenger vehicles is 11.5 years,” said White. “With proper routine maintenance, the typical car should deliver at least 200,000 miles of safe, dependable, efficient and enjoyable performance.”

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a free copy of the council’s popular Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.

Read more at: http://www.carcare.org/2015/11/hanging-onto-current-vehicle-vs-buying-new-brainer/

New Jeeps to be shown at LA

Jeep will show two special editions at the Los Angeles Auto Show: the 2016 Grand Cherokee SRT Night and the 2016 Jeep Wrangler Backcountry.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Night, due in the first quarter of 2016, adds a black roof, lightweight performance wheels, and other touches, while the Wrangler Backcountry, coming late this November, is winter-themed.

In addition to the black roof, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Night will have a gloss-black rear spoiler, front grille bezels, B and C pillars, and side window surrounds, with a satin-black front appliqué, hood and rear liftgate badges, and split five-spoke “5Ten” 20-inch wheels (which reveal red Brembo brake calipers). Inside, the Night comes with black Laguna leather with Silver accent stitching and metallic black bezels. Colors are Velvet Red, Billet Silver, and Granite Crystal.

As with any Grand Cherokee SRT, the Night has a 6.4-liter V-8 engine with 475 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque, an adaptive damping suspension, and a Selec-Track Traction Control system; and can do 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds.

The Jeep Wrangler Backcountry is based on the Wrangler Sahara, and has decals on the front fender and rear quarter panel, front and rear powder coated bumpers, 17-inch Rubicon wheels painted in mildly glossy black, and a black fuel fill door; it has Rubicon rock rails with no-charge-optional Sahara side steps. A black hard top is standard but a body color hard top is optional. Colors are Hydro Blue, Black, Bright White, Granite Crystal, and Xtreme Purple, a color unique (within the Wrangler range) to Backcountry.

The interior has glossy black vent rings, door handles, and grab handles, with black leather seat bolsters and mesh inserts. The console lid and door armrests have light gray accent stitching. Rounding off the package are a nine-speaker premium Alpine sound system, all-weather slush mats, and the Bluetooth hands-free Connectivity Group.

Read more at: http://www.allpar.com/news/index.php/2015/11/new-jeeps-to-be-shown-at-la-30560

Jeep: When will it hit another million?

Early in the morning of January 5, 2015, Allpar spread the word that worldwide Jeep sales had reached one million in 2014.

This year, the question isn’t whether Jeep will pull off a repeat: it’s whether Jeep can hit a million sales in November, or how far past a million Jeep will get in 2015.

FCA’s hottest brand in the U.S. (and fastest-growing brand in other markets) continues to make a splash around the world. The new Renegade, now being produced in a new plant in Pernambuco, was just named “Car of the Year” in Brazil, where it’s already the best-selling SUV.

Pontus-Haggstrom-WebPaul W. Smith of Detroit radio station WJR interviewed Pontus Häggstrӧm, CEO of FCA Japan, on the opening day of the Tokyo Motor Show (listen to the interview here*). Jeep is the top-selling U.S. vehicle brand in Japan, and Häggstrӧm said the Wrangler is the top-selling Jeep model. The Cherokee was voted one of the top ten cars last year, becoming the first American vehicle to make the list. The Swedish executive said he hopes the Renegade, just introduced to Japan, will be another top ten winner.

During the presentation of the most recent five-year plan, Jeep brand CEO Mike Manley noted that worldwide Jeep sales hit 85,000 in April 2014, an all-time record for monthly volume. Just over a year later, in May 2015, sales in North America hit 90,825. Add another 7,558 for Europe and the four markets saw 98,383 Jeep sales, 16% more than the entire world just a year earlier.

Through the end of October, Jeep has delivered 791,376 new vehicles in North America. It’s the top-selling SUV brand in the U.S., with a 13% share of the crossover/SUV market that includes 25 brands.

Last month, Jeep sold 12,775 more utilities in the U.S. than second-place Ford; for the first ten months of the year, Jeep is beating Ford by 81,248 sales.

Number one is a great position to be in; number one in the fastest-growing market segment is even better. In October, the segment grew more than four percentage points to 38% of total sales, second only to passenger cars with a 41% share.

Sales are also up 12% in Canada, though they are off by 10% in Mexico.

October Jeep sales in North America were up 30% compared to October 2014, and year-to-date deliveries have grown 22%.

In the past couple of years, Jeep has gotten about 17% of its total annual sales in the last two months of the year. Using that as a guide, Jeep may come tantalizingly close to a million sales in North America alone — about 950,000 sales between the three countries.

Adding in the latest European Union numbers (September), Jeep hits the million mark with room to spare. Factor in the Asia-Pacific and Latin American regions, and Jeep could get close to 1.2 million sales this year.

Read more at: http://www.allpar.com/news/index.php/2015/11/jeep-on-the-way-to-another-million-30530

2015 Jeep Wrangler Review

The 2015 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Hard Rock is noisy, inefficient, floaty and bouncy — but like an ugly puppy, you can’t help but love it.

The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most iconic vehicles on the road today. Even though this latest model shares no parts with the original Willys Jeep that helped the Allies win World War II, the shapes, the mission and the image of the Wrangler remain the same: Go anywhere, anytime.

There are few vehicles in the world that can do what a Wrangler can do – take you to nearly any corner of the wilderness and navigate rush-hour traffic without undue stress. Even fewer can do it for the Wrangler’s sticker price. But as good as Wranglers are in the mud and on trails, do they work as daily drivers? Hundreds of thousands of people own and love them, but is buying one setting yourself up for disappointment?

For 2015, Jeep tweaked just a couple of things in the Wrangler, adding an optional nine-speaker Alpine sound system and changing out a few paint colors (compare the 2014 and 2015 models here). I spent a summer week with a new 2015 Wrangler Rubicon Hard Rock two-door — Jeep’s top off-road-ready rock-crawler — to see what life with the dedicated 4x4 is like.
Exterior & Styling
Park a Wrangler next to an original Jeep, and the resemblance is clear. The design has gotten significantly larger and safer over the years, but like the Porsche 911 and Volkswagen Beetle, there’s no mistaking the current Wrangler if you’ve seen its forebear.

My test model was a two-door Rubicon Hard Rock, the top-spec off-road model. As such, it had some cosmetic differences from lesser Wranglers: a winch-ready steel front bumper with red tow hooks; black rocker panel guards; a “power dome” hood with functional heat-extractor louvers; and unique wheels with chunky off-road tires. It looks like a Tonka toy, with oversized features and scoops and flaps. In other words, it looks fantastic — exactly how every Jeep should look.

The proof of the Rubicon Hard Rock’s style came during my brief visit to a dealer. While trundling through the parking lot, top down and doors off, a family with a young boy stopped and stared. The boy sported an ear-to-ear grin, pointed and declared: “THAT’S the one you should get, Dad!”
How It Drives
Unlike some small SUVs — which look the part of off-roaders but are actually modified, tall-riding compact cars underneath — the Wrangler behaves exactly as it looks. It’s a true go-anywhere 4x4 machine.

What does this mean on the street? It’s loud, with tire noise from the chunky mud-ready tires, wind noise (because it’s about as slippery through the air as a box of Kleenex) and road noise through the cabin combining to create a highway cacophony that’s impressive, in a sense. Put the top down or drive around with the doors off, however, and you won’t care in the slightest.

The handling characteristics are best described as “approximate,” meaning the truck steers approximately where you want it to. The soft off-road suspension and beefy Dana 44 solid axles, front and rear, give an acceptable ride quality. The body, however, dips and squats when accelerating and stopping, then dips again with each gear change of the long-throw, six-speed manual transmission.

Highway directional stability is awful, with the Wrangler wandering all over the lane and requiring constant adjustment. The off-road tires don’t help, either, meant as they are for traction in dirty, muddy conditions instead of tarmac.

The steering behavior is also unusual. There’s very little return-to-center motion, meaning that after completing a turn you’ll need to center the wheel instead of just letting the truck straighten itself out. The four-door model, called the Unlimited, smooths out a lot of these rough edges; its longer wheelbase adds considerable stability to the formula.

All the qualities that make the Wrangler awful to drive on the street make it amazing in the rough. The SUV can scale hills you’d have trouble walking over, blast through deep water and thick mud — you name it. But know that if you’re considering one as a daily driver, it comes with compromises.

One area that has improved dramatically over previous Wranglers is the engine. Since 2012, the Wrangler has come only with a fully modern 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine. That’s the same one found in nearly all V-6-powered Fiat Chrysler Automobiles products these days. It puts out a healthy 285 horsepower but doesn’t feel like it, as the Wrangler is geared for better off-road traction, not on-road snap. So while it has plenty of guts and not a lot of weight, it’s not what anyone would call quick (unless you’ve driven the previous six- or four-cylinder Wrangler; then it will seem speedy).

A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while a five-speed automatic is an option. The four-wheel-drive system is part-time only, with a transfer case shift lever that you use only when you’re in situations that call for it: namely, slippery conditions that let the front wheels spin a bit. Use it on dry pavement, and you risk damage to the axles. The Wrangler’s isn’t an on-demand all-wheel-drive or full-time four-wheel-drive system like most modern SUVs have.
The big benefit of the new engine comes in fuel economy. The new Wrangler is rated 17/21/18 mpg city/highway/combined (manual and automatic), a significant improvement over previous generations. My week of testing included a good mix of city and highway miles, but I had the top down and doors off more often than not, adding considerable aerodynamic drag to an already bad situation (a Kleenex box with holes in it?).  As such, my week with the Wrangler netted about 16.5 mpg on average. This likely would have been improved with the automatic transmission, as the temptation to keep the Wrangler in a lower gear for better acceleration is eliminated.
Interior
Pop open one of the Wrangler’s free-swinging doors (they’re restricted only by a fabric strap door check without détentes like a normal car door) and climb up and in. You’ll be greeted by a very upright, very old-school driving position.

The steering wheel is close to both you and the dash, but there’s some thoughtful and logical arrangement of everything in the truck. The audio and climate controls are located high in the dash, making for easy operation while driving but also keeping sensitive electronics out of the danger zone in case you decide to ford some deep water.

There’s all-weather carpeting in the Wrangler, with drain plugs in the floor in case you need to hose out your rig – something you can actually do, if you’re careful about where you spray.

Because you’re sitting up so high and the Wrangler has nearly vertical body surfaces, outward visibility is quite good. It’s even better when you take the doors and top off, producing arguably the most open-air vehicle you can buy short of a motorcycle.

Front seat comfort isn’t bad at all, with decent-sized, supportive chairs. Backseat room is acceptable, as well, but does require a bit of twisting to climb into the space. Legroom is at a premium in back. That’s ameliorated by the longer Unlimited, but at a price premium.

The Wrangler is truly at its best when you can make the outside your inside, however. Lowering the top and removing the doors takes a little practice, but it’s not as convoluted or difficult as it has been in previous-generation models. The Sunrider top even lets you fold back just the portion over the front seats for a big sunroof effect. Dropping it entirely requires you to unzip and remove the rear window, as well as both left and right side panels. You then either store them in the backseat or leave them at home.

Obviously, the ability to gain access to the inside of your Wrangler by simply unzipping a window means you shouldn’t leave anything valuable in the truck, ever, unless you opt for the marginally more secure three-piece hardtop. Accidentally leaving the center console unlocked while the doors were off resulted in someone stealing the tool kit that contained the door bolts I’d stored inside it.

Removing the doors is also simple: Just unclip the electrical wiring harness (if you have power windows), use the included tool kit to undo two Torx hinge bolts per side, lift it off and store it somewhere safe. The feeling of driving around without doors, while likely horribly unsafe in the event of a side-impact crash, is a thrill unrivaled in the motorized world, save anything with only two wheels. A few blocks in a completely open Wrangler can immediately make you forget all the truck’s ills and foibles. You’ll find yourself grinning like an idiot and saying to yourself, “Y’know, this really ain’t bad at all!”
Ergonomics & Electronics
Not much has changed in the Wrangler in recent years with regard to electronics. The gauges still incorporate old-style, dot-matrix LCD displays, and the stereo head unit is still last-generation Chrysler corporate, as are the climate-control knobs. It all works just fine, but doesn’t look as updated as it could.

Jeep has updated the audio system, however, with a standard eight-speaker stereo or an optional nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. The Alpine system relocates the subwoofer from the side of the rear cargo area (where it was in the 2014 model) to the floor. How wise it is to put a speaker grille at the bottom of a cargo area is uncertain, especially in a vehicle likely to get sandy and dirty in normal use, but the quality of the Alpine system is undeniable. It’s the first sound system I’ve ever heard in a Wrangler that sounds good, top up or down.
Cargo & Storage
Given that the Wrangler is not physically all that big inside, you have the choice of carrying people or stuff, but generally not both. Space behind the rear seat is a limited 12.8 cubic feet, but that rear seat can be folded forward or even removed, making for a much more usable 55.0 cubic feet of space. That said, doing so leaves you with just a two-seat SUV, so if you need to carry more people when you get where you’re going, that could be a problem. The four-door Unlimited is much more spacious, featuring 31.5 cubic feet of room behind the rear seat that’s expandable to 70.6 cubic feet in total. It’s more suitable for people who regularly need to haul people and stuff together.

If you think you can make up for the lack of cargo room with a trailer, well, you won’t be able to haul all that much, either. The two-door Wrangler is rated to tow only 2,000 pounds, while the four-door can tow 3,500 pounds. That’s a very, very small pop-up camper or a Jet Ski, but the Wrangler’s relatively short wheelbase prevents it from safely towing anything too heavy.
Safety
The Wrangler has been crash-tested, and the news isn’t good. For some reason, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has rated the Wrangler only for rollover protection, where it earned three out of five stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has tested the Wrangler more extensively, and the results are mixed (see full results here). The Wrangler scores good (out of a possible good, acceptable, marginal or poor) only in the moderate overlap front test, which is admittedly a tough one. But it goes downhill from there, with the Jeep earning a marginal score in the small overlap front test and in the head restraints and seats test. It earned a poor rating in side-impact protection (the tested vehicle wasn’t equipped with the Wrangler’s optional side airbags).

There is no available electronic forward-crash detection system, blind spot warning, automatic braking, parking sensors or even a backup camera. The backup camera would be welcome to mitigate the Wrangler’s terrible rear visibility, due in part to the full-size spare tire mounted directly behind the rear window.

See what few safety features can be had on a Wrangler here.
Value in Its Class
So the Wrangler is primitive, loud, bouncy, inefficient, not terribly crashworthy and offers hellacious amounts of fun. It’s also expensive. A base Wrangler Sport starts at $23,990 including destination fee, but you’ll never find one on a dealer lot anywhere close to that price. That Sport comes with a manual transmission but without air conditioning, which can be added separately or as part of the better equipped and much more common Sport S option package.

Next in line is the fancier Sahara model for $29,990, including considerably more standard features, body-colored fenders instead of black plastic, an optional body-colored painted hardtop, 18-inch wheels and more. The top of the line is the Rubicon, which starts at $33,190 and includes a host of off-road upgrades, such as a dedicated off-road suspension, beefier axles front and rear, 32-inch mud-terrain tires, a stronger 4x4 transfer case, electronic sway bar disconnect and more.

My test model was a Rubicon with the Hard Rock Package, which includes a combination of cosmetic changes, like the power dome hood, and option bundles like air conditioning and USB connectivity. My as-tested price was $38,835. Build a Wrangler your way here.

That’s a lot of coin for a truck as primitive as the Wrangler, but it costs that much because Jeep can charge that much for it and get it. The reason? There are no direct competitors to the two-door Wrangler. The closest in abilities is the Land Rover Defender 90 (not sold in the U.S.), the super-expensive Mercedes-Benz G550 or possibly a Nissan Xterra Pro-4X. Most of those, however, are four-door SUVs and considerably more expensive, and few have the provenance and fanatical following the Wrangler commands.

Xterra drivers don’t wave at each other like Wrangler owners do. There isn’t a massive nationwide G-Class enthusiast group that organizes three-dozen off-road events around the country, like the Jeep Jamboree network. And on none of these can you take the top and doors off.

As read on: http://www.cars.com/jeep/wrangler/2015/expert-reviews/?review=0&reviewId=64048

Dick Scott Automotive Group 8th Annual Toys for Tots Collection Drive

We are excited to announce our 8th Annual Toys for Tots Drive has Begun! We will be collecting donations during normal business hours until Friday December 11th at Dick Scott Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Dick Scott Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Pre-Owned Center, Dick Scott Classic Motorcycles and Dick Scott Collision - Plymouth. Dick Scott Motor Mall and Dick Scott Collision - Fowlerville will be collection donations until Friday, December 18th!

Our last seven years have all been a great success and we have been able to donate wonder toys to kids in need! We are again collecting NEW, UNWRAPPED toys this year and are looking forward to another great year!

Thank you to all our generous Community Members, Customers and Employee’s who help make our Toys for Tots Drive such a success year after year!! It is only with your help that we are able to make a difference in so many children's lives this time of year. We are honored to have the opportunity support such a great cause year after year!


PLEASE NOTE: Toys for Tots is always in need of gifts for 9 to 12 year olds, both boys and girls. Craft or hobby kits, makeup kits, electronics and CD’s, are always great choices!
(Please no stuffed animals as they can no longer be distributed because they can harbor germs.)

You may drop your unwrapped Toys off at ANY
Dick Scott Location:

Dick Scott Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
684 W Ann Arbor Rd
Plymouth, MI 48170
(734) 451-2110
http://www.DickScottDodge.com


Dick Scott Motormall
3030 Fowlerville Rd
Fowlerville, MI 48836
(517) 223-3721
http://www.dickscottmotormall.com

Dick Scott Classic Motorcycles
36534 Plymouth Rd
Livonia, MI 48150
(734) 542-8000
http://www.dickscottclassicmotorcycles.com

Dick Scott Collision – Plymouth
1035 S Mill Street
Plymouth, MI 48170
734-451-2555
http://www.DickScottCollision.com

Dick Scott Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Pre-Owned Center
200 W Ann Arbor Rd
Plymouth, MI 48170
734-656-1166
http://www.DickScottUsedCars.com

Dick Scott Collision – Fowlerville
3030 Fowlerville Rd
Fowlerville, MI 48836
517-223-3721
http://www.DickScottCollision.com

The secret behind the Ram Rebel X

The folks at Mopar have put together an impressive spread of eleven vehicles to fill their huge indoor display at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The split is three from Ram, one from Jeep, three from Dodge, two from the Chrysler brand, and two from Fiat. All showcase Mopar parts that are either on sale or being considered, along with some features and names that are not yet available – but which would drive the Mopar world wild.

Ram Rebel X

The Ram Rebel-based SEMA show truck has been been modified to sit one inch higher than the “normal” Rebel in its highest setting, making plenty of room for the 35 inch mud tires wrapped around 17 inch beadlock wheels. Mopar then added a prototype 2-piece skid plate, larger wheel flares, side step rails, smoked headlights and taillights, a tonneau cover, unique badges and a prototype active air intake hood setup.

A Ram spokesman said that the lift came entirely from the air suspension, put to its maximum setting. This might be a one-off attention-getter, but it might also be an experiment to see how people react to a taller Ram Rebel. Perhaps, if there is a strong enough demand, Ram might start investing the surprisingly large amounts of cash required to actually customize the suspension to have a higher lift — assuming it doesn’t wreak havoc on economy figures.

Ram 2500 Dragmaster

The Ram 2500 Dragmaster is the ultimate race hauler, starting with the powerful Ram 2500 Promaster and adding an extensive cargo storage system inside to hold everything that you need for a day at the drag strip. This storage setup isn’t available from Mopar, but it shows how the huge van can be customized.

No day at the track with the Dragmaster 2500 would be complete without the baddest Mopar factory race car ever, so this big hauler is hooked up to a trailer carrying the new supercharged 354 V8 Challenger Drag Pak.

Ram Promaster City Deep Dive

This compact Promaster City is named the Deep Dive, and like the larger Promaster 2500, it has been modified to serve as an ideal work vehicle — this time for a diving shop, with equipment in custom storage compartments.

There is also an extensive paint and graphics package to allow this Promaster to serve as a rolling billboard, while a flat screen TV mounted inside of the rear door allows divers to watch their videos while getting out of their wet suits.

Read more at: http://www.allpar.com/cars/concepts/SEMA/2015/ram.html

Steps to a “Greener” Car

It doesn’t matter if the car you’re driving is new or old, big or small. There are preventive maintenance steps every vehicle owner can take to make sure their car is as “green” or environmentally friendly as possible, according to the Car Care Council.

By following a few simple preventive maintenance steps, you can help protect the environment by improving gas mileage, which in turn saves money at the pump.

Keep your car properly tuned for optimum performance- A properly maintained vehicle can improve its efficiency, reduce emissions and save you money. Regular engine performance maintenance will help you burn less gas, pollute less, and prevent car trouble down the line. This will include checking the spark plugs, replacing the fuel and air filters, replacing ignition system and/or emission system parts if needed and ensuring the onboard computer control system is working properly.

Improve gas mileage by 4% on a proper tune-up and up to 40% when fixing a serious maintenance problem such as a faulty oxygen sensor. Worn or fouled spark plugs can cause the engine to lose power or misfire and waste fuel.

Drive Smart – How you drive has a lot to do with fuel economy. Avoid sudden starts and stops and go the speed limit. Minimize unnecessary miles by combining errands in one trip. Drive wisely and minimize unnecessary miles by consolidating errands, getting good directions and avoiding excessive idling. Other guidelines to follow include:

- When possible, use your vehicle’s cruise control features.

- Use your air conditioning only when needed. Parking in the shade and using a reflective windshield shade can help your car stay cooler when parked, meaning it takes less to cool it off when you get back in.

- Speeding and Aggressive Driving: Most cars lose fuel efficiency over 50 miles per hour (MPH) at a rate of about $0.24 per gallon for every 5 mph over 50. Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) can also reduce gas mileage – as much as 33 percent on the highway and five percent on city streets.

Lighten the Load – Get the junk out of the trunk and the stuff out of your car, with the exception of emergency items such as a spare tire and a first-aid kit. Extra items weigh the vehicle down and cause an increase in gas usage.

Regularly check and replace dirty air filters- An air filter that is clogged with dirt, dust and bugs chokes off the air and creates a “rich” mixture that causes the engine to lose power. Replacing a clogged air filter will improve your car’s performance and acceleration, but not miles per gallon. The air filter should be inspected at each oil change, and replaced annually or when restricted, torn, water or oil-soaked.

Have spark plugs checked and replaced if necessary- A vehicle can have four, six or eight spark plugs, which fire as many as three million times every 1,000 miles. This results in a lot of heat, electrical, and chemical erosion. A dirty spark plug also causes misfiring, which wastes fuel.

Maintain the cooling system- A cooling system thermostat that causes the engine to run too cold will lower the fuel efficiency of a car by as much as one or two mpg. There also are improved radiator caps on the market today that allow the cooling system to operate at a higher temperature before boiling over, increasing the system’s efficiency and reducing emissions.

Tire Checks – Proper tire pressure can improve gas mileage by 3.3 percent or 10 cents per gallon.

Tire pressure should be checked at least monthly, including the spare. Tires that are not properly inflated add rolling resistance that makes the engine work harder to move the vehicle. Remember, tires can lose pressure due to seasonal temperature changes. According to the Rubber Manufacturer’s Association, a tire can lose up to half of its inflation pressure and not appear to be flat. Optimal tire pressure for your vehicle is listed in the owner’s manual or on the car door sidewall.

Gas Caps – Check your vehicle’s gas cap. A loose, cracked or damaged gas cap allows gas to escape from your tank as a vapor, wasting fuel and increasing vehicle emissions. It’s also wasting your gas money!

Fill-Ups- When filling up your car, remember to stop when the nozzle shuts off! Topping off the gas tank can release harmful vapors into the environment and waste money. Remember, your tank needs some extra room to allow the gasoline to expand. Some pumps engineered to protect the environment draw extra vapors back into the pump, meaning you pay for more gas than you are getting, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

A/C Maintenance and Use – The A/C system should be inspected annually, during which a technician checks pressures to test operation, refrigerant charge and outlet temperatures. Use the window to help keep the car cool.

Vehicle Fuel System - By properly maintaining your vehicle’s fuel system, such as replacing your car’s fuel filter every two years or 24,000 miles and having your fuel injectors flushed our every 30,000 miles, you will not only have a cleaner, ‘greener’ car, but you will save money at the pump.”

Emission systems - Emission systems control a vehicle’s emissions, exhaust and pollutants using an array of sensors, computerized engine controls and the exhaust components. Emission systems substantially reduce harmful gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), unburned hydrocarbons (HC) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and prevent harmful gasoline vapors from escaping at the fuel tank. Your car’s emission system keeps the engine running cleanly and efficiently in all sorts of operating conditions, and keeping it in proper working condition can save money and protect the environment. Fixing a faulty oxygen sensor can improve gas mileage by 40%!

Maintain and repair your car as outlined in the council’s Car Care Guide- The guide helps drivers understand their car, the care it needs, and when it needs it and why. Single copies of the free guide may be ordered here on the Car Care Council Web site.

Questions to ask your mechanic:

1. What is the most important thing I should do to my car to make sure I’m doing my part to protect the environment?

2. If my car emits a lot of exhaust, does this mean there’s something wrong with it?

3. Is the refrigerant in my car environmentally friendly and if not, what should I do?

4. Where can I take my used oil, oil filter and other fluids for recycling?

Read more at: http://www.carcare.org/go-green/steps-to-a-greener-car/

Dodge broke Laguna Seca, other track records

The original Dodge Viper went on the road and bested cars costing multiple times the price. After a brief period of being slammed as not living up to its price, the 2016 Dodge Viper ACR has done it again — breaking lap records at 13, including the world-famous Laguna Seca, Road Atlanta, and Virginia International Raceway.

The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) has certified that the 2016 Dodge Viper ACR now holds more track records than any other production car in the world.

Credit goes to the Viper ACR’s optional Extreme Aero package, which delivers 1,700+ pounds of peak downforce at top speed.

Dodge’s SRT vehicle dynamics and development engineer Chris “The Wolf” Winkler, an SCCA champion with over two decades of experience, set eleven of the Viper ACR’s thirteen track records.

At the Laguna Seca Raceway, Dodge used Randy Pobst, who already had dozens of track records there. His new time was 5.27 seconds faster than the past ACR’s track record at Laguna, and 1.24 seconds faster than his previous Laguna track record in the 887-horsepower, $845,000 Porsche 918 Spyder — the equivalent of 11 car lengths after just one lap.

The Viper ACR is a street legal car. Copying the success of the old Ramchargers and Golden Commandos, many SRT engineers also race their own cars; they also learned from the factory-based racing Viper GTS-R that won the GTLM class driver and team championships in 2014 in ALMS.

As with the Hellcat series, the Viper was designed to run at the track for long periods without a performance falloff. Full information/more photos

Read more at: http://www.allpar.com/news/index.php/2015/11/dodge-broke-laguna-seca-other-track-records-30504

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review

Although many expected a radical change and innovation with the new model 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee, it will unfortunately not happen with this generation of Cherokee model. According to verified information, this model will next year go on sale as a model for 2016 year. The biggest change will be the new automatic transmission. Standard for each new model are minor changes in some segments of the interior and exterior. Major changes on Cherokee should not be expected before 2017, maybe and later.

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Specs

It is hard to decide whether it is better to drive this model on ordinary town road or enjoy in the temptations, steps and inclines through forest roads. In this adventure, 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee on the best way showing its main characteristic – reliability, regardless of the road conditions, and weather. This model also provides pleasant feeling in driving. Nominated is as a chief in its competition.

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Design

Italian designers have marked the interior. Distinctive appearance characterized rich segments, constructed from high quality materials and with digitized all the commands. Tech adds in interior include 8.4″ touchscreen, then 19-speakers, more than 90 info on the panel and 12 different parameters for tractions. Luxury and style, great sound isolation and satisfactory parameters will follow and 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Exterior will not have radical changes. For expect is that new model bring new design of light-groups, re-stylish grille, bumper and air intakes. Offer could include and new body colors.

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Engine

Better fuel efficiency, slightly advanced aerodynamic characteristics and handling will follow new model. Under the hood will be engines with more power, which will cause higher towing capacity. 2016 Grand Cherokee will run 3.6-litre V6 engine. This Pentastar product is capable to produce up to 290 hp. The second option is a 5.7-litre V8 Hemi engine with more power than its predecessor, more than 360 hp. Towing capacity will be more than 8000 pounds (3,630 kg). Engines will be paired to the automatic ZF gearbox with eight speeds. EPA estimates will be better. Previous model was rated with 20/23 mpg (3.6L engine) and with 23/30 mpg (5.7L engine) in city/highway driving (consumes 7.5 liters on 100 kilometers).

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Price and Release

This model of SUV category will have main rivals in models such as Ford Explorer, then Honda Pilot LX and Toyota Highlander. Also, new model will offer and diesel engine. 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel will continue competition with similar models from Volkswagen, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. Model will be released early next fall, with the same range of price. So, new model will cost between $ 30,590 and $ 65,390.

Read more at: http://2016carsreview.com/2016-jeep-grand-cherokee/

300-hp Dart GLH coming, turbos for all?

Work on a Dart SRT has yielded one result, according to an Allpar source: the Dart GLH, borrowing a name from hot Omnis of the past.

Carroll Shelby claimed that GLH stood for “Goes Like Heck,” and it’s likely that the new Dart will do just that, with its long-rumored turbocharged engine.

In addition to the Dart GLH, other Darts will be available with the optional “Hurricane” turbo, though probably not tuned to the GLH’s 300 hp. Indeed, we were told earlier to expect more like 240 hp from the engine, which has been reported as being 1.8 or 2.0 liters.

It seems likely that the engine will eventually be available everywhere the 2.4 World Engine is, except for the current Compass and Patriot.

Production times are unknown and could be one or two calendar years away.

Increased competition likely put the kibosh on an SRT4, but the GLH, if it comes to fruition, would probably be the car that was once to be badged as an SRT. The moniker is only used on cars that are at the top of their class, for the price.

The above rendering was designed to illustrate rumors of a Dart SRT4.

Read more at: http://www.allpar.com/news/index.php/2015/08/dart-glh-coming-turbos-for-all-29765