MDOT halting construction projects to minimize holiday weekend traffic - FULL LIST

The Michigan Department of Transportation is lifting most lane restrictions for the Fourth of July weekend.

More than half of road and bridge projects will be on hold to ease traffic delays for holiday travelers.

MDOT said Fourth of July traffic is expected to hit its highest mark in more than a decade.

Those lane restrictions will be lifted from 3 p.m. Friday until 6 a.m. Tuesday on 102 of MDOT's 144 projects across the state.

However, equipment and certain traffic configurations, like temporary shifts, may remain in place, so drivers should stay alert.

MDOT has provided a list of current project updates:

Upper Peninsula

- I-75, Chippewa County, has one lane closed in each direction under the Dafter Road bridge with a temporary concrete barrier wall.

- M-28, Gogebic County, has one lane of alternating traffic open over the Presque Isle River with a temporary traffic signal.

- M-94 in Manistique, Schoolcraft County, has a posted detour at US-2.

- US-41 in Hancock, Houghton County, has a posted detour for northbound traffic.

- US-41 in Ishpeming, Marquette County, has one lane open in each direction with a traffic shift between Third Street and Second Street.

For more information, contact MDOT Superior Region Communications Representative Dan Weingarten at 906-250-4809. Follow the Superior Region on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDOT_UP.

Northern Lower Peninsula

- M-27, Cheboygan County, has northbound traffic detoured on I-75 and M-68.

- US-23 in Cheboygan, Cheboygan County, has one lane open with a temporary traffic signal.

For more information, contact MDOT North Region Communications Representative James Lake at 906-250-0993. Follow the North Region on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDOT_Traverse.

West Michigan

- Cascade Road in Grand Rapids has one lane closed over I-96 with a traffic shift.

- I-196 in Grandville, Kent County, has the westbound ramp to M-11 (28th Street/Wilson Avenue) closed.

- M-45 (Lake Michigan Drive) in Walker, Kent County, will have lane closures in each direction between Kinney and Sunset Hills avenues.

- M-66, Ionia County, has the southbound bridge over I-96 closed with traffic shifted onto the northbound bridge.

- US-31, Ottawa County, has two lanes open in each direction between Ransom Street and Lakewood Boulevard with a traffic shift. The southbound US-31 entrance and exit ramps at I-196 Business Loop (Chicago Drive) are closed with a detour posted.

- US-131 in Grand Rapids has one southbound lane closed between Ann Street and Leonard Street. Also, the Ann Street ramp to southbound US-131 is closed, as well as the southbound US-131 exit ramp to Leonard Street.

For more information, contact MDOT Grand Region Communications Representative John Richard at 616-262-1565. Follow the Grand Region on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDOT_West.

Southwest Michigan

- I-94, Berrien County, has one lane closed in each direction between Stevensville and Bridgman. Also, the Red Arrow Highway ramp to westbound I-94 (Exit 16) in Bridgman is closed with a detour posted.

- I-94, Kalamazoo County, has a traffic shift in place at 40th Street. All ramps at the interchange are closed with a detour posted.

- US-12, Cass County, has a lane shift at Old M-205 for roundabout construction. Old M-205 and Five Points Road are closed with a posted detour.

- US-31, Berrien County, has one lane closed in each direction over the St. Joseph River between Niles Buchanan Road and Walton Road.

- US-131, Kalamazoo County, has one lane closed in each direction between U Avenue and I-94 in Portage. Also, the Centre Avenue ramp to northbound US-131 is closed with a detour posted.

For more information, contact MDOT Southwest Region Communications Representative Nick Schirripa at 269-208-7829. Follow the Southwest Region on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDOT_Southwest.

Central Michigan and Thumb

- Taylor Road, St. Clair County, has the bridge over I-69 closed.

- I-69, Genesee County, has one lane closed in each direction under Belsay Road.

- I-69, Lapeer County, has one lane closed in each direction between Clark Road and Lake Pleasant Road.

- I-75, Saginaw County, will have traffic shifted between Dixie Highway and Hess Road.

- M-18 in Beaverton, Midland County, has southbound traffic detoured.

- M-19, Sanilac County, has one lane of alternating traffic open at the South Fork of the Cass River with a temporary traffic signal.

- M-57 in Chesaning, Saginaw County, has one lane open over the Shiawassee River with a temporary signal.

- US-10, Clare County, has one lane open over Chippewa Creek with a temporary bridge.

- US-10 Business Route/M-20, Midland County, has one lane open in each direction over Saginaw Road and Waldo Road.

Southern Michigan

- I-75, Monroe County, has two lanes open in each direction with a traffic shift between I-275 and Dixie Highway.

- I-96 in Lansing, Ingham County, has two lanes open in each direction with a traffic shift between US-127 and M-99.

- M-14 in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, is closed between Main Street and the Miller Road/Maple Road interchange. A detour is posted.

- M-50/US-127 Business Route (West Avenue) in Jackson, Jackson County, is closed between Ganson Street and North Street with a detour posted.

- M-52, Washtenaw County, will have one lane maintained at Werkner Road with a temporary signal just north of Chelsea.

- M-100 north of Potterville, Eaton County, has one lane open with a temporary signal near Billwood Highway.

- US-12 in Saline, Washtenaw County, has one westbound lane open between Maple Street and Monroe Street with eastbound traffic detoured.

- US-127 in Lansing, Ingham County, has the northbound auxiliary lane closed between Grand River Avenue and Lake Lansing Road.

Metro Detroit

- Evergreen Road, Wayne County, will have one lane open in each direction over I-96.

- Larned Street in downtown Detroit will have one lane closed over I-375 for bridge work.

- I-94, Wayne County, has all ramps at Trumbull Avenue, including the eastbound service drive, closed.

- I-275, Wayne County, has all southbound lanes closed between the I-96/I-696 interchange and I-96/M-14.

- M-1 Rail work in downtown Detroit continues, with lane and shoulder closures in each direction on M-1 (Woodward Avenue), I-75, and I-94.

- M-24, Oakland County, will have lane shifts at Silver Bell and Clarkston roads.

- M-53 (Van Dyke Avenue), Macomb County, has lane closures in each direction at 16 Mile and 18 Mile roads.

Read more at: http://www.fox2detroit.com/news/local-news/167688444-story

How to protect your lawn during our dry, hot summer

We're getting plenty of sun and plenty of heat but we're seriously lacking in rain.

It's great for enjoying the outdoors but not so great for our lawns. Homeowners all over metro Detroit are frustrated with dry, crusty, brown grass.

So what can you do, without racking up a huge water bill? Under the hot blazing sun Tom Miller is doing his best to keep his lawn looking good.

But Miller admits so far it's a struggle thanks to a recent span of high temperatures and little to no rain.

"It's terrible in Royal Oak, water prices are out of sight, you can't water it like you should," said Miller.

Miller is not alone, drive down any street around Metro Detroit and you see more brown than green grass and vibrant flowers growing from the soil.

"Put a little bit of lawn food on it not sure it that will help or not," Miller said.

But lawn care experts say there is a prescription for helping to resuscitate your lawn.

First rule of thumb - turn the sprinkler system on more often but when you turn it on is key.

"You want to water in morning because it's less heat," said Kristin Eisbrenner, from Lawn Doctor. "If you water at noon, it is so hot it would be very difficult and it's just going to burn the grass. All the moisture and the heat is going to cause more damage."

Turning your sprinkler on when the sun goes down in the evening can also cause damage.

"If you water in the evening it can cause fungus to grow," Eisbrenner said.

Cutting your lawn when the soil is dry also requires a change in technique. Experts say start by using a different blade so you don't cut the grass too short.

"You want to make sure when you have someone mowing your lawn to make sure they're cutting it longer," she said. "(Keep it) maybe two or three inches. Mulching also helps to keep moister in the soil."

And be careful if you do any weed whipping

"If they weed whip along edge of lawn be careful not to scalp it, it will burn and your lawn will just be gone," she said.

If you can't afford to run your sprinkler system or even hire a lawn service experts say do the following:

"Try to make sure you give it some fertilizer so that it has a supportive system for its roots and it will come back," Eisbrenner said.

And that's good news for people who want green grass over hay.

Read more at: http://www.fox2detroit.com/news/local-news/166698941-story

2016 Jeep Renegade

There was some skepticism regarding whether or not the rugged Jeep styling and trail-blazing performance could translate to a subcompact car, and it was silenced with one test drive in the 2016 Jeep Renegade. With its off-roading capabilities, bold styling, and its comfortable and compelling interior, the Renegade is something to get excited about.

Whether you’re cruising down I-275 on your daily commute or heading to Lake St. Clair for some beach fun, the 2016 Jeep Renegade has all the power you need. The standard powertrain is the 1.4L MultiAir® Turbo engine, which gives drivers 160 horsepower, 184 lb.-ft. of torque, and a fuel rating of 31 MPG hwy1. For even more power, the 2.4L Tigershark® moves you with 180 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. of torque from the class-exclusive2 9-speed transmission. Despite its surplus of power, it still delivers a fuel rating of 31 MPG hwy3, plus a 2,000-lb. tow rating4. Jeep engineers silenced the critics by giving the 2016 Jeep Renegade one of two 4x4 systems for best-in-class5 capability. Sport, Latitude, and Limited models have Jeep Active Drive, while Trailhawk® trims exclusively are paired with Jeep Active Drive Low. Both offer a rear axle disconnect system to switch from two to four-wheel drive, but only Jeep Active Drive Low has a 20:1 crawl ratio. No matter which 4x4 system you have, both come with the class-exclusive2 Selec-Terrain® dial. With a simple turn, select from Auto, Snow, Sand, Mud, or Rock settings.

One look at the 2016 Renegade and the iconic Jeep brand styling is made clear. Not only is the exterior stylish, but with functional features like fog lamps and heated side mirrors, your visibility is never compromised. Even more impressive is the windshield wiper de-icer. The heating elements keep the blades free of ice so you always have a clear view of the road ahead. Another dynamic feature is the available My Sky® open-air dual-panel roof6. The panels can retract, or you can remove them completely, and can be easily stored inside the rear cargo area.

Beyond feeling a warm breeze throughout the cabin, you’ll also have available leather-trimmed seats for a luxury feel, or standard cloth seats made from heavy-duty mesh fabric. You can easily fill the Jeep Renegade with tons of gear thanks to the second-row seats with either a 60/40 split or a 40/20/40 split. In any case, leave them in place for 18.5 cubic ft. of storage space7, or fold them down for an impressive 50.8 cubic ft. of cargo room7. There’s also the height-adjustable rear floor to conceal the MySky® roof panels6, or any other types of belongings. And to always remain comfortable, you’ll enjoy features like the available dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. No matter how far you travel, the Renegade makes it easy to stay connected with the available Uconnect® 6.5 NAV infotainment system. This bundles a 6.5-inch full-color touchscreen, GPS Navigation, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio8, a USB port9 with iPod® compatibility, Uconnect® Voice Command, hands-free phone10 and voice texting11, and more. And to make the most out of your music, opt for the BeatsAudio™ 9-speaker sound system with 506 watts of power.

All this, and so much more, can be yours today when you’re behind the wheel of the 2016 Jeep Renegade.

How to Protect Your Car’s Interior

Try to add up the hours you spend in your car. It’s a lot, isn’t it? Commutes, errand runs and road trips can have you sitting in those bucket seats for hours on end, and during that time, you and your passengers are actually living in the interior. That means smudges on the windows, scratches on the dash and food in the seat crevices accumulate and leave you wondering what happened to the spotless interior you swear it had when you first bought the car.

A Quick Clean

Luckily, it’s not that difficult to keep a car’s cabin from looking a little too, well, lived in. First things first, get something to stuff your trash into. Just use a plastic bag or a container you don’t use around the house and throw it in the backseat. You can even affix a temporary hook to the door or seat to keep things even neater. Every once and awhile, take it out and relish in the fact that you haven’t spent an hour cleaning up. Keeping trash off the floor also preserves your carpets, which can get stained from any number of items.

The idea of taking a rag to your dash and leather seats is made easier if you have them on-hand. The key here is to just use a little bit of soapy water to wipe the surfaces of your car – some cleaning products contain alcohols that prematurely dry and age the materials by reducing the flexibility in the vinyl. Store a small spray bottle of your homemade cleaning fluid and a rag under your seat or in a storage bin for access when you’re waiting for your kids to get out of school or sitting in that crazy-long drive-through line. This will also come in handy when an emergency spill happens. Lastly, keep your car smelling like roses (or at least a laundromat) by adding dryer sheets under the seats.

Weather Resistant

You can’t discount the impact weather has on your vehicle either. In summer, sandy feet can quickly make a mess of an interior, and dare we mention the destruction caused by mud and snow? If you spend a lot of time ducking in and out of the elements, you might want to grab some all-weather floor mats. They’re easy to clean and do a great job of keeping the muck in one place.

The sun’s rays can also wreak havoc on your car’s surfaces, causing vinyl to crack over time and materials to fade. A simple solution is to regularly put a sunshade on the windshield. They’re inexpensive and help to keep your interior looking new.

Saving money on repair work and cleaning comes more easily when you take the time to make preventative care a priority. Not only will these tricks make your car a nicer place to be, keeping grime out of your ride will cut down on large maintenance costs in the future and will help to retain its value over time.

Read more at: http://www.carcare.org/2015/10/how-to-protect-your-cars-interior/

Is Your Car Ready for a Road Trip?

If you are planning a road trip this summer, it’s important to remember that you shouldn’t just put gas in your car and go, says the non-profit Car Care Council. A pre-trip vehicle check can determine how road-ready your vehicle is so you can take steps to have any problems fixed before heading out for vacation.

Before you hit the road, the Car Care Council recommends a vehicle check to help avoid the inconvenience, potential safety hazards and unplanned expense of breaking down miles away from home.

- Check filters and fluids, including engine oil, antifreeze/coolant, windshield washer and power steering, brake and transmission fluids. Dirty air filters can waste gas and cause the engine to lose power.
- Check the hoses and belts and replace if they become cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or show signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and the cooling system.
- Check the brake system and make sure the battery connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free.
- Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Under inflated tires reduce a vehicle’s fuel economy and uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.
- Check the engine to make sure it is delivering the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.
- Check that the gas cap is not damaged, loose or missing to prevent gas from spilling or evaporating.

“With summer vacation season upon us, a thorough inspection of your vehicle will give you peace of mind and help make your road journey safer,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Taking a few minutes to ‘be car care aware’ will make for a less stressful and more fun adventure.”

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 copy of the council’s Car Care Guide, which is now available electronically, or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.

Read more at: http://www.carcare.org/2016/06/car-ready-road-trip/

Command the Trail in the 2016 Wrangler

When you think of the all-American SUV, the Jeep Wrangler is bound to make the short list. No trail is too tough, and with so many ways to configure the exterior, you’re bound to stand out from the crowd. Better yet, with tons of exciting features, every drive is better than the next. To get your hands on the 2016 Jeep Wrangler for sale visit Dick Scott Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Plymouth or Dick Scott Motor Mall in Fowlerville.

The 2016 Jeep Wrangler is Trail Rated® tough, and that is made clear once you have a seat inside. Start the engine, and the Pentastar® V6 powertrain kicks to life as it produces best-in-class 285 horsepower, as well as 260 lb.-ft. of torque. It not only has a powerful performance, it’s efficient too with a fuel rating of 17/21 MPG city/hwy. The Wrangler can be paired with one of two 4x4 systems. Your first option is the Command-Trac® 4x4 system, perfect for four-wheel off-roading power. With equal power to all four wheels, you’ll have best-in-class winter performance, which is sure to come in handy when I-275 is coated with snow. When you choose the Rock-Trac® 4x4 system you’ll have best-in-class off-road performance with a 4:1 low-gear ratio, so you can crawl at lower speeds. And to ensure safe trail exploring, the Wrangler has Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist.

There’s no denying that the 2016 Jeep Wrangler is one of the most noticeable vehicles out on the road today – which is pretty impressive when you take into consideration how many ways the exterior can be configured. For instance, remove the tops and doors for a more open-air feel, and even choose from one of the four options for the top: no top, soft top, Freedom Top® hardtop, and color top. Other exciting exterior features include the full-size spare tire, fog lamps and heated power side mirrors for visibility no matter the weather, and available side steps for easy entry and exit.

Have a seat inside, and you’ll quickly realize this isn’t your average SUV. In fact, the 2016 Wrangler has the most comfortable interior in its class. Choose upholstery in premium sedosa cloth or available McKinley leather trim to support you on your daily commute, and with available heated front seats, the long winter months won’t seem so bad. When you’re loading all your camp gear inside, take advantage of the fold-and-tumble seats. Leave them in place for 12.8 cubic ft. of cargo space, or fold them flat for 56.5 cubic ft. of storage room. And if you bring a little dirt from the camp site with you on the way home, the Wrangler is standard with a durable and washable interior that features drain plugs for easy cleaning.

Depending on the trim level, the Jeep Wrangler has one of three entertainment systems. Radio 130 comes with a CD player, MP3 capability, and AM/FM radio. Upgrade to Radio 130S, and you’ll now have a 1-year subscription to SiriusXM® Satellite Radio. The top-of-the-line Radio 430N adds on a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Garmin® GPS Navigation with SiriusXM® Travel Link, and a USB port. And to experience best-in-class audio, the 9-speaker Alpine® premium all-weather sound system plays your favorite song with crystal clear clarity.

To conquer the trail, day-to-day errands, and everything in between, get behind the wheel of the 2016 Jeep Wrangler for sale in Plymouth, MI, here at Dick Scott Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and in Fowlerville, MI, at Dick Scott Motor Mall. We are open six days a week, with convenient evening and weekend hours, so it’s always a good time to see what the Wrangler brings to the table.

Heat Stroke Death Risk to Children in Hot Cars

With warm weather, sadly, comes tragic cases of children being left in hot cars and dying from heat stroke. Already this year, there have been incidents in Alabama and Kentucky, and there is the reminder of past incidents with ongoing television coverage of the Ross Harris trial. But hot cars needn't be a danger to kids, if parents can keep their cool.

On average, 37 children die of heat stroke each year after being left in a hot car, according to KidsAndCars.org. While it may be hard to imagine, many deaths have occurred when over-stressed parents forgot that their children were in the backseat.

These hot-car tragedies often occur when there is a change in driver's routine, stress, or a sleeping baby in the back and a parent or caregiver forgets that a child is in the car. Some knowingly leave children "just for a minute" not realizing how quickly the temperature in a car can rise to dangerous levels. Even if it is only 70 degrees outside, a car can quickly heat to more than 120 degrees. Jennifer Stockburger, Consumer Reports' Director of Operations at our Auto Test Center, says that researchers are working on devices such as weight sensors or heartbeat monitors to detect the presence of a child in the backseat, but nothing currently exists to warn the driver that a child has been left behind. Currently, some child seat manufacturers are also working to incorporate technologies into the child seat itself.

Tips to Prevent Hot-Car Tragedies

- Simple rule: Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, not even for a minute. In addition to being dangerous, it is against the law in many states.
- Set up cell-phone reminders for yourself to be sure you’ve gotten the children safely to their destination.
- Check the car to make sure that all occupants leave the vehicle or are carried out when unloading. If you lock the door with a key, rather than with a remote, it would force that one last look in the car before leaving it.
- Always lock your car and keep keys and remotes away from children.
- To serve as a reminder, keep a stuffed animal on the front passenger seat when carrying a child in the backseat.
- Place something in the backseat that you would need, such as a purse, briefcase or cell phone.
- Have a plan that your childcare provider will call you if your child does not show up.
- If you see a child alone in a car, especially if they seem hot, call 911 immediately to help get them out.
Read more at: http://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/heat-stroke-death-risk-to-children-in-hot-cars/

2017 Ram Power Wagon Laramie caught

Brian Williams caught this 2017 2500 Ram Power Wagon Laramie while it was being tested in high altitudes in the Rockies. He wrote that it’s only missing the legacy “Macho Power Wagon” graphics and blacked out bits.

The brawny, off-road-oriented Power Wagon, revamped for 2017, will gain a more luxurious version for those who need the muscle but also want the pampering of the wood and leather-lined high-end trim offered on other Ram pick-ups.

The Laramie will get more brightwork as befitting of this top-spec Ram, with a new take on the Power Wagon’s Rebel-derived grille – a sort-of chromed mesh insert replaces black plastic. Chromed wheels are now wrapped in the chunky off-road tires, too.

Inside, the Power Wagon should get the typical Laramie treatment, which means upgraded leather with thick stitching and wood-like trim.

Expect to see the Laramie Power Wagon later this year.

Read more at: http://www.allpar.com/news/2016/06/2017-ram-power-wagon-laramie-caught-31987

Mopar ’16 Ram Rebel

The first Mopar truck has just been launched, and there will be just five hundred of them.

The Mopar ’16 Ram Rebel starts with the Ram 1500 4x4 Rebel Crew Cab, built at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant near Detroit. Buyers can get either flame red with black, or just plain black. Mopar and Ram created the new pickup by using Mopar Custom Shop options.

The Mopar ’16 includes an aluminum, dual-bezel hood with a matte-black hood graphic, off-road wheel flares, and a Mopar-blue-and-black graphic stripe on both sides and the tailgate. The normal billet-silver front bumper skid plate was swapped out for a black one, and 17” satin black wheels were added to tie in with the blacked-out front. Inside, buyers get a serialized Mopar ’16 glove box badge and stainless-steel door sill guards; the front guards are embossed with the Ram logo.

Functionally, an extra skid plate was added for the power steering box.

The Ram Rebels chosen by Mopar have the 5.7-liter HEMI® engine with an eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission, a 4x4 transfer case, front suspension skid plates, black tubular side steps, a spray-on bedliner, and a tri-fold Ram-logo tonneau cover.

As with previous Mopar vehicles, the Mopar ’16 Ram Rebel has an owner’s kit with Mopar ’16 merchandise, a brochure, and a metal birth certificate that highlights truck specifications, date of manufacture, and the proprietary number. The kit is in a case, packaged in a Ram-branded tool bag.

The Mopar ’16 Ram Rebel will be sold in both the U.S. and Canada, with a list price in the US starting at $52,460. Buyers can find numerous Mopar options for it at dealerships, including a cold air intake and cat-back exhaust system. It is due to show up in dealerships this summer.

Past Mopar cars were the ’10 Dodge Challenger, ’11 Charger, ’12 Chrysler 300, ’13 Dart, ’14 Challenger, and ’15 Charger R/T.

Read more at: http://www.allpar.com/trucks/ram/mopar-rebel.html

Indian Motorcycle Celebrates 115th Birthday

Indian Motorcycle is marking its 115th birthday, tracing its beginnings back to when George Hendee and Oscar Hedstrom first started building motorcycles in 1901.

Hendee started manufacturing bicycles with the name “American Indian” in 1897 but this was soon shortened to “Indian.” A former bicycle racer, Hendee was joined by fellow racer Hedstrom in 1900 and the two decided to build a motorized bicycle to be used as a cycle racing pace bike.

A prototype and two production units were built in 1901 and the first Indian motorcycles were sold to the public in 1902. In 1903, Hedstrom set a world motorcycle speed record of 56 mph and in 1904 the company introduced the deep red paint scheme that would become Indian’s trademark color. In 1905 Indian built its first V-twin factory racer, putting a road-going version of the motorcycle on sale in 1907.

Throughout these early years Indian motorcycles were officially sold by the Hendee Manufacturing Company. That was changed in 1923, when the company name was changed to the Indian Motocycle Company. Note the lack of the letter “R.”

The Indian name grew in popularity and prestige throughout the 1920s, 30s and 40s, but bad managerial decisions and a challenging post-war economy saw the company suffer bankruptcy in the 1950s. The strength of the name, however, was enough to keep the Indian spirit alive over the next half century –– with more than half a dozen attempts made at its resurrection.

Minnesota-based Polaris became the modern day custodian of the brand in 2011. In the five years since, the number of models in the lineup has grown rapidly to nine, with the most recent additions this year being the Scout Sixty, Springfield and Chieftain Dark Horse.

While it’s an American brand, the appeal of Indian has spread rapidly beyond U.S. shores. The European version of the Indian Motorcycle Riders Group was launched less than a year ago and already has more than 6,000 members.

See a timeline of Indian Motorcycle’s past 115 years here.

Read more at: https://rideapart.com/articles/indian-motorcycle-celebrates-115th-birthday

If you get called for a warranty scam

A group insisting to be “Chrysler warranty services” is again calling owners with intent to scam, possibly using falsified caller ID numbers.

Customers buy extended warranties from dealers; Chrysler Service Contracts, which covers Ram, Dodge, Jeep, and Chrysler, does not call customers to sell extended warranties.

The scammer sounds real, because the person claims to be calling from Chrysler (not Fiat Chrysler, so far) and knows what car you own and when you purchased it — abusing public records to get that data.

The only real recourse may be teasing the caller’s contact information from them, hanging up, and sending it to FCA US Legal in Auburn Hills — and, for users of the free nomorobo service, reporting the calls to them so they will be blacklisted.

Read more at: http://www.allpar.com/news/2016/06/if-you-get-called-for-a-warranty-scam-31942

Which RAM Truck is Right for Your towing needs?

Those in need of a new RAM truck have an impressive lineup of choices. From the 1500, to the 2500, and even the 3500, all are top-of-the-line choices in terms of towing your boat, RV, or camper trailer. If you aren’t sure how to choose the best RAM truck for your towing needs, we at Dick Scott Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Dick Scott Motor Mall have broken your choices down for you by model, so you can be sure you’ve made the right choice.

RAM 1500

The RAM 1500 kicks off the pickup truck lineup with a choice of three powerful engine options. The base 3.6L Pentastar® V6 engine gives the Ram 1500 a commanding 7,160-lb. towing capacity as well as a 1,880-lb. payload capacity. You’ll also have 305 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque. There’s also the choice of the 5.7L HEMI® V8 engine, which upgrades towing to a 10,650-lb. towing capacity, as well as a 1,810-lb. payload capacity. You’ll also have 395 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque.

If you prefer to drive a diesel truck, the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 delivers in a big way with a 9,210-lb. towing capacity and a 1,600-lb. payload capacity. This engine also has an output of 240 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. The Ram 1500 also has commanding towing features, so you can do so with confidence, with features like Hill Start Assist, an Integrated Trailer Hitch, and Trailer Sway Control.

RAM 2500

If you are looking for a RAM truck with a little more horsepower for your towing needs check out the RAM 2500. This heavy-duty pickup truck spares no effort with three engine options of its own. First up is the 5.7L HEMI® V8 engine with Variable Valve Timing. This engine choice delivers a staggering 13,890-lb. towing capacity and a 3,060-lb. payload capacity. You’ll also have 383 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. For more power, the 6.4L HEMI® V8 gives the RAM 2500 a 16,320-lb. towing capacity, a 3,990-lb. payload capacity, 410 horsepower, and 429 lb.-ft. of torque.

The RAM 2500 also has a diesel engine: the 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel, which produces an impressive 17,980-lb. towing capacity, a 3,160-lb. payload capacity, and a 10,000-lb GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). Drivers will also have a breakdown of 370 horsepower and 800 lb.-ft. of torque. In terms of towing features, the RAM 2500 boasts heavy-duty hooks, a trailer harness connector, a tow/haul mode selector, and more.

RAM 3500

For the utmost in power, there’s the RAM 3500 for the toughest of jobs and biggest of items. Starting things off is its own 5.7L HEMI® V8 with Variable Valve Timing, but with a more powerful 13,910-lb. towing capacity and a 4,480-lb. payload capacity. The 6.4L HEMI® V8 in the RAM 3500 now has a maximum 16,520-lb. towing capacity and a remarkable 7,390-lb. payload capacity.

For top-of-the-line power, the 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel choice has a best-in-class 31,210-lb. maximum towing capacity, a 6,720-lb. payload capacity, 385 horsepower, a maximum 14,000-lb. GVWR, and a best-in-class 900 lb.-ft. of torque.

We hope this breakdown of each RAM truck has made it clear how to choose the best RAM truck for your towing needs.

Do Not Take Out A Home Equity Loan To Pay For Your Car

I recently heard what is possibly the worst piece of car buying advice I’ve ever heard: my father-in-law, who is in the market for a car, was told that rather than get a car loan, he should take a home equity loan instead. Here’s why that is a horrible idea.

For those of you not familiar with a home equity loan, sometimes called a second mortgage, it basically works like this: if the market value of your home is greater than the balance owed on your mortgage, you have equity. The bank will use the equity to loan you money for a specific amount of time, usually at a fixed rate.

Let’s say, for example, you have a home mortgage of $150,000 but your home is worth $225,000. You could take a home equity loan of $75,000. But just because you could, doesn’t mean you should, and in this case my wife’s father was told to take such a loan to pay for a car.

The philosophy behind using a home equity loan often is rooted in the myth that you are getting screwed by taking dealer financing. Some people view using a home equity loan to buy a car as some kind of financial life-hack because it gives you the flexibility to pay the loan in a shorter or longer term and you can use the interest as a tax deduction.

This sounds good in theory, but the risks far outweigh the benefits.

The most obvious downside is the interest rate. While home equity loans are typically lower than traditional mortgage rates, for folks with good credit they simply can’t compete with the auto loans. According to Bankrate.com, the average home equity loan is about five percent. Experian’s data shows that new car loans are averaging 4.46 percent for new cars and 8.56 percent for used.

But these averages don’t tell the whole story, borrowers with FICO scores above 700—aka, good credit scores—can often get new car rates as low as zero percent depending on the automaker, and used car loans as low as 1.99 percent.

Another disadvantage has more to do with personal discipline than dollars and cents. Home equity loans typically have terms of 10 years or more. People will tell themselves, “Oh I’ll take a ten-year loan for this car and pay it off in five years.”

In reality, what tends to happen is that other expenses pile up, and you start telling yourself that you don’t have to make that $400 car payment when $200 will be sufficient. This means it will take you forever to pay off your car and you will risk being upside down on your loan.

Furthermore, a home equity loan is essentially leveraging your house on a depreciating asset—the car. (Your 2016 Hyundai Sonata is not a vintage Ferrari. It is not going up in value. End of story.) So not only are you taking on debt, which is not necessarily a bad thing if managed right, you are using your home’s value as collateral against a purchase that rapidly goes down in value.

Many Americans learned a hard lesson about relying on their home’s equity during the last housing crisis. If the market in your area drops and the home is now worth less, you could end up being underwater on both your home and your car.

Some people use a home equity loan to pay down and consolidate debt at a lower rate. This can be a smart move if you have credit card balances with an 18 percent APR.

However, when car loans are at record low rates, there is no good reason to put your home at risk for a vehicle.

Read more at: http://jalopnik.com/do-not-take-out-a-home-equity-loan-to-pay-for-your-car-1780755188?rev=1465397682423&utm_campaign=socialflow_jalopnik_facebook&utm_source=jalopnik_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow

Construction Alert: Months-Long I-94 Repair Project Set To Begin Monday

A $9 million I-94 repair project set to begin on Monday could affect travel to and from Detroit Metro Airport.

The Michigan Department of Transportation says work along I-94 near the airport, between Telegraph Road and I-275 in Wayne County, will start at 8 p.m. on June 13 and should wrap up in mid-November.

Nearly 11 miles of freeway and ramps in the Romulus and Taylor area Taylor will be repaired with resurfacing, concrete pavement repairs, drainage work, and pavement markings — including the common ramps to Middle Belt Road and Merriman Road, along with Vining Road and Wayne Road.

The majority of the work will occur during overnight hours and full-time during weekends.

MDOT says overnight work on the westbound side of I-94 is expected to begin early next week, just west of Telegraph Road, and will occur between 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. the next day and around the clock on weekends.

There will be single and double-lane closures on I-94 that will sometimes leave only one lane open. The common ramps to the airport will remain open as much as possible until mid-August, when concrete repair work will close the ramps. Traffic will be detoured to an alternate airport entrance off southbound I-275 and Eureka Road.

Ten message board signs will be placed on I-94, I-275, US-24 (Telegraph Road), and M-39 to advise drivers of the road work and ramp closures.

[VIEW A PROJECT MAP]

To avoid any delays with this construction, drivers are strongly urged to use the I-275 and Eureka Road airport entrance.

If there’s a weather delay, MDOT says, work will begin on Tuesday, June 14.

Read more at: http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2016/06/08/construction-alert-months-long-i-94-repair-project-set-to-begin-monday/?cid=facebook_99.5_WYCD

Soaring Wait Times, Airfares, Baggage Fees Make Driving the Way to Go

The news is full of stories about soaring airfares, checked bag fess and extended wait times in airport security lines. When you consider the time and cost of flying, it becomes clear that travel by car is the way to go, says the non-profit Car Care Council.

“Standing in line for hours in order to board an overcrowded plane after paying extra to check bags has made air travel a real headache, ” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “With no relief in sight, more and more travelers are realizing the benefits of driving to their destinations. Since a family of four can travel 1,000 miles round-trip by car for about the cost of one airline ticket, driving is clearly the sensible option.”

In addition to direct cost savings, travel by car offers a number of practical advantages over flying and lets you better enjoy the ride:

Leave when you want, from where you want.
Pack whatever and as much as you want.
No waiting in long ticket counter and security lines.
No weather delays.
No baggage, meal or headset fees.
More and better meal options.
No airport parking, rental car or taxi expenses.
More legroom and overall comfort.
Stop and stretch any time.
No strangers sitting next to you.
Convenience and ease of taking your pet with you.

Before you hit the road, the Car Care Council recommends that you get your vehicle inspected, restock your emergency kit and order a free copy of the Car Care Council’s popular Car Care Guide for the glove box at www.carcare.org/car-care-guide.

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 80-page Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.

Read more at: http://www.carcare.org/2016/06/soaring-wait-times-airfares-baggage-fees-make-driving-way-go/

Buying and Selling a Michigan Vehicle

In Michigan, when there is a change of ownership of a car, a title transfer must take place. This includes ownership changes caused by the purchase and sale of a vehicle.

Buying from a Dealer

When you purchase a car from a Michigan dealer, that dealer will handle the titling and registration process for you. You can expect to pay all applicable fees as part of the vehicle transaction.

Buying from a Private Seller

Take the following steps to complete a vehicle title transfer after purchasing a car from a private seller:

•       Obtain the title certificate from the seller. Make sure the seller completes:

◦       The title assignment and provides a signature.

◦       The odometer disclosure statement.

▪       Note that any change to the title, such as crossing out a name, invalidates the document.

▪        

•       Visit an SOS office with:

•        

◦       The completed title certificate.

◦       Your proof of Michigan car insurance.

◦       A completed Appointment of Agent form (Form TR-128), if multiple owners will be on the new title AND all owners cannot be present.

◦       Proof of lien satisfaction, if applicable.

▪       You cannot transfer a Michigan title if a loan is still out on the car.

◦       A license plate you wish to transfer from your old vehicle, if applicable (otherwise, you will purchase a new plate).

◦       Payment for any applicable title transfer fees.

◦        

If possible, make the trip to the SOS with the seller when the change of ownership takes place. Otherwise, you have 15 days after the transaction to complete the title transfer on your own.

Keep in mind, however, that you can only drive the vehicle without a license plate in the immediate 3 days of the purchase date.

Read more at: http://www.dmv.org/mi-michigan/title-transfers.php

Top distraction for teen drivers in crashes may surprise you

Startling new research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reveals the disturbing behaviors behind distracted driving among young drivers.

Usually, AAA refers to the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day as the "summer driving season," but now, it's giving it a much more ominous name - the "100 Deadliest Days."

During the summer months, more teenagers are on the road and the number of deaths from crashes involving teen drivers soars to an average of 10 every day -- 16 percent higher than the rest of the year.

Working with the University of Iowa, AAA studied teen drivers over the past eight years, using dashboard cameras and documenting more than 2,200 moderate to severe collisions. Over that time, they saw a disturbing change in behavior.

"They're more likely to interact with their phones via texting or social media, which is particularly scary because they're actually then looking down, taking their eyes off the road," said Jennifer Ryan of AAA.

According to the study, 60 percent of teen crashes today are caused by distracted driving. But perhaps surprisingly, the study found that cell phones are not the number one problem.

The top distraction for teens is other passengers, accounting for 15 percent of teen driver accidents, compared to 12 percent caused by distracted by texting or talking on a cell phone.

"What we know about teens is that when they add a passenger, they're more likely to be distracted, they're more likely to engage in risky behavior," Ryan said.

Stacy Robinson lost two daughters in a crash in Texas in March. A teenage friend who was driving was looking at her phone moments before hitting an 18-wheeler head on.

"I will miss both of my daughters very much," Robinson said, sobbing.

Now, Toron Woolridge, the brother of the two girls, spreads the word about the dangers of distracted driving.

"The best way that I can honor my sisters, the best way I know possible is to talk to youth and talk to parents and help them to understand what could happen," Woolridge said.

AAA recommends complete bans on wireless devices for drivers under age 18, which is now the law in 30 states.

Read more at: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/aaa-foundation-behind-distracted-driving-among-teens-and-the-100-deadliest-days/

Summer Driving Tips

The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) recommends taking five minutes every month and before every long drive to check your tires, including the spare. Through its Be Tire Smart – Play Your PART campaign, RMA offers consumer-friendly tips that demonstrate the correct way to check tire pressure and tread wear, and information about driving factors that can affect tire pressure, alignment and rotation. For many Americans, the summer season is driving season. These tire safety tips are designed to help drivers make sure that they’re ready for safe, enjoyable road trips this summer.

Tire Pressure

Make sure you check your tire pressure regularly – at least once per month and before every long trip — including the spare and keep it at the level recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

The correct cold inflation pressure for your tires is listed on the vehicle label on the door post, fuel door, glove box or in the owners’ manual. “Cold inflation pressure” refers to the pressure in a tire that has not been driven for at least three hours. As tires warm during driving, it is normal for pressure to build up. Never “bleed” or reduce air pressure when tires are hot.

The tire pressure listed on your sidewalls is the maximum pressure and is not intended to serve as notification of the correct pressure.

Under inflation creates excessive stresses and heat and may lead to tire failure. It is also important to guard against overinflation, which can cause uneven wear plus handling and stopping problems.

Vehicle Loading and Overloading

Before you fill the trunk and the roof rack with your stuff, check out the vehicle manufacturers recommendations for loading your vehicle. You may not realize it, but you and your passengers count towards the total recommended vehicle weight.

The vehicle manufacturers loading recommendation can be found on the vehicle information placard on the door post or in the vehicle owners’ manual.

Overloading your vehicle creates excessive heat inside your tires. Excessive heat can cause tire failure that could result in vehicle damage and/or serious injury or even death.

And don’t forget, if you’re going to be driving long distances with a loaded vehicle or you haven’t had your car checked in a while, have the alignment and rotation checked. Tires and wheels that are out of balance or misaligned can cause uneven wear or vehicle problems. Have your car checked by an automotive service professional before you leave.

Tread

Check the tread grooves of your tires to make sure that they’re free of foreign objects. This makes it easier for your tires to grip the road and increases your ability to safely maneuver your car.

Also check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregularities.

You may have irregular tread wear if there are high and low areas or unusually smooth areas. Built-in treadwear indicators, or “wear bars,” which look like narrow strips of smooth rubber across the tread will appear on the tire when the tread is worn down to one-sixteenth of an inch. When you see these “wear bars,” the tire is worn out and should be replaced.

Read more at: https://rma.org/tire-safety/seasonal-driving-tips/

Today, June 1st, marks start of summer gasoline rules in Michigan

Rules mean higher gas prices at the pump:

You can expect to see a jump at the pump starting Wednesday.

June 1 marks the beginning of summer gasoline rules in Michigan -- which means gas stations in Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties must only sell or dispense a "summer gas blend" that does not exceed 7.0 pounds per square inch (psi) vapor pressure.

“Summer-formula gasoline increases fuel efficiency and helps smog-causing compounds from being released into the atmosphere,” said Craig VanBuren, acting laboratory division director for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. “MDARD inspectors will conduct on-site testing during the summer gas season, which runs from June 1 to September 15.”

The current statewide average price for regular unleaded is around $2.50 a gallon. That's up 19 cents compared to a month ago, but still lower than the $2.73 average we were paying a year ago.

How to file a gas quality complaint

If you suspect that you have purchased substandard fuel (mislabeled octane, water in gas, etc) or that you have received a short/incorrect measure, contact MDARD on our Complaints page. Questions about gas gouging should be directed to the Michigan Attorney General’s office at 877-765-8388.

Tips for energy efficient driving

1. Combine trips for shopping and errands.

2. Avoid unnecessary trips. Use the telephone or e-mail to communicate.

3. For short trips, walk or ride a bike.

4. Join a carpool or use public transit to and from work or school.

5. Don’t idle the car for more than one minute.

6. Drive the speed limit, or below, for better mileage.

7. Overdrive gears improve the fuel economy of your car during highway driving.

8. Avoid sudden bursts of speed, tailgating and pumping the accelerator pedal. Gradual starts and stops result in less fuel use and less wear and tear.

9. Out on the open highway, keep windows rolled up to reduce drag.

10. Using a vehicle’s air conditioner on a hot summer day can decrease mileage. If it’s cool enough, use the flow-through ventilation on your car instead of the air conditioner.

11. Travel during off-peak hours when possible.

12. Take the shortest route with the best roads.

13. Use the cruise control -- it can save fuel by maintaining a steady speed.

14. Keep tires at the recommended air pressure.

15. Keep your car engine properly tuned.

16. Remove bicycle and ski racks when not in use.

17. Excess weight uses more fuel. Remove unnecessary items from inside the vehicle, trunk or truck bed.

18. Use the lowest octane gasoline recommended by the manufacturer.

19. When buying a new car, make fuel efficiency a priority.

20. Don’t buy a bigger engine than you need.

Read more at: http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/june-1st-marks-the-start-of-summer-gasoline-rules-in-michigan