Ram ups the ante for towing, torque

FCA today announced that the 2018 Ram 3500 pickup with the 6.7-liter Cummins diesel will produce 930 lb-ft of torque, the highest output of any pickup, beating the Ford F-350 and F-450.

Working with a new fifth-wheel hitch (a $1,395 option), the Ram 3500 will be able to tow up to 30,000 pounds. FCA says the new hitch allows the 2018 Ram to tow the largest travel trailers on the U.S. market.

New Mopar hitch offers the highest available 5th wheel towing

The maximum gooseneck trailer rating is 31,210 pounds; a conventional hitch maxes out at 20,000 pounds.

Earlier this year, Allpar predicted a power boost for the 2018 Rams with the Cummins diesel.

Read more at: https://www.allpar.com/news/2017/08/ram-ups-the-ante-for-towing-torque-38283

Key Points for Parents with teen drivers

Parents play a huge role in helping their teens gain as much driving experience as possible. Before you begin, ask yourself a few questions.

- Can you dedicate several hours a week to practice driving with your teen? AAA recommends your teen complete at least 100 hours of supervised practice driving with a parent before being allowed to drive solo.
- Are you committed to coaching in different driving conditions and at different times of the day? It’s best to start practice driving in basic low-risk situations and gradually move to more complex situations, such as highways and driving in the rain.
- Are you patient enough to provide constructive feedback? There may be times when you want to yell, but remind yourself to remain calm, patient and positive and talk through the driving choices your teen makes. When necessary, agree to take a breather and work it out.
- Are you a good role model? Your teen has been watching you drive for years, but you might want to step up your driving game now. Always wear your seat belt, obey traffic laws, never talk or text on the phone while driving, don’t speed—the list goes on and on, but remember, lead by example.

As the parent, your job is to manage and coach your teen into becoming a safe, experienced driver through practice driving and mentoring. You’re in charge and can control how quickly your teen gets to drive under new conditions. Keep in mind, if your teen is breaking family rules or not being a responsible partner in the process, you can delay licensure.

Read more at: http://teendriving.aaa.com/MI/supervised-driving/key-points-for-parents/

How to Be Safe During the 100 Most Dangerous Days of Driving

The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is often referred to as “The 100 Deadliest Days” because of the high number of traffic deaths among teenage drivers. On average, the number of fatal teen driver crashes climbs 15 percent compared to the rest of the year. Over the past five years, more than 1,600 people were killed during this deadly period in crashes involving teen drivers ages 16-17, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

What’s more, a recent study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety revealed that drivers younger than 18 are almost four times as likely as other drivers to be in a crash, and nearly three times as likely to be involved in a fatal crash. That’s because teen crashes spike during the summer months because teens are out of school and on the road, according to Dr. David Yang, AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety executive director. He added that the Foundation’s research indicates that inexperience paired with more exposure on the road could create a deadly combination for young drivers.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Here are a few tips to remember when you get behind the wheel, followed by footage of teen drivers moments before crashing, illustrating the dangers of distracted driving.

- Use safe-driving skills, especially when your teen is with you. Lead by example.
- Before hitting the road, make sure everyone is buckled up.
- Always obey the speed limit and all traffic laws.
- Never drive impaired. If you’re going to drink alcohol, have a plan. Either appoint a designated driver or hire a taxi to get you home safely.
- Stay focused on driving. Avoid distractions, such as cell phones and daydreaming, and never text while driving.

A study and video analysis by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found distraction was a factor in nearly 6 out of 10 moderate-to-severe teen crashes. Researchers analyzed the six seconds leading up to a crash in nearly 1,700 videos of teen drivers from in-vehicle event recorders. Here, footage from some of those videos.

Read more at: https://autoadvice.michigan.aaa.com/drive/how-to-be-safe-during-the-100-most-dangerous-days-of-driving/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=MMDD

Community Car Care Events Show Most Vehicles Need Service

Community car care events conducted across the country reveal that the majority of vehicles need service on one or more inspected areas of the vehicle.

“At the Car Care Council, we stress the importance of preventative vehicle maintenance and provide free tools, tips and information to help motorists become more car care aware so they can avoid the hassle and expense associated with unexpected car trouble,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “By implementing a proactive auto care plan, car owners can identify and fix small issues now before they become more costly repairs later.”

The community car care event inspections checked a variety of vehicle components including wipers, belts, hoses, air filters, lighting, tires and lubricant/fluids. The Car Care Council gathered and tabulated the results and found that eight out of 10 vehicles need some type of service. The top areas showing the highest failure rates include:

- Engine Oil – 22 percent of vehicles tested had low, overfull or dirty oil.
- Belts/Hoses – inspections revealed 18 percent of belts were unsatisfactory and at least 12 percent of vehicles needed a new hose.
- Air Filters – nearly one out of every five vehicles inspected needed a new air filter.
- Check Engine Light – 14 percent of vehicles had an illuminated check engine light, slightly higher than the previous year’s results.
- Batteries – battery cables, clamps and terminals were found to be in need of repair on 18 percent of vehicles inspected.

The Car Care Council has a free Car Care Guide available at www.carcare.org/car-care-guide, providing motorists with a useful resource that can be kept in the glove box or accessed online. The guide features service interval information, questions to ask a technician and other helpful auto care information that can help drivers better maintain and protect their vehicle.

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 the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org.

Read more at: http://www.carcare.org/community-car-care-events-show-vehicles-need-service/

Back to school with Ram ProMaster

REV Group’s Collins Bus subsidiary is using the Ram ProMaster van as the basis for its first-in-class low-floor special needs school bus.

The new bus debuted at the recent School Transportation News Conference & Trade Show in Reno, Nevada. It takes advantage of the ProMaster’s ground-hugging design to eliminates the need for a lift, which is needed by other special-needs buses.

Collins is the first school bus with a truly low entry height.

Instead of a lift, the Ram-based bus has a driver-deployable ramp so the many children who use wheelchairs can enter and exit the bus without assistance. The Collins system also eliminates the downtime and maintenance costs of a wheelchair lift.

The ProMaster’s front-wheel drive setup allowed Collins engineers to design a true low-floor vehicle with a single entry with a nine-inch-high entry step when the ramp is retracted.

Collins also pointed out that the ProMaster has a smaller turning radius than competitors, making the bus more maneuverable in neighborhoods. The front wheel drive also helps traction on snow and ice.

Read more at: https://www.allpar.com/news/2017/08/back-to-school-with-ram-promaster-38233

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE INTRODUCES ROADMASTER ELITE & SPRINGFIELD DARK HORSE WITH 2018 MODEL LINEUP

Minneapolis, MN (July 26, 2017) – Indian Motorcycle, America’s first motorcycle company, elevated its 2018 motorcycle lineup from its entry-level Scout Sixty to its long-distance touring Roadmaster. Along with the newly introduced Indian® Scout® Bobber, headlining the 2018 model year is the ultra-premium Indian® Roadmaster® Elite and blacked-out, toughed-up Springfield Dark Horse. Also receiving a noticeable upgrade is the Chieftain Dark Horse, starting at $23,999. Riders will see a 19” ten-spoke blacked-out wheel with an open front fender and the industry-leading Ride Command infotainment system now included standard.

A limited production model, the ultra-premium Roadmaster Elite features custom-inspired two-tone candy paint that takes 30 hours to complete and is finished by hand, with real 23K gold leaf badging on the tank and lowers. Starting at $36,999, the Roadmaster Elite comes standard with a large number of premium amenities, including the industry-leading Ride Command system, a 300-watt premium audio system, passenger armrests, billet aluminum passenger and driver floorboards, a premium touring console, and stylish pinnacle mirrors.

Joining the Roadmaster Elite in 2018 is the Springfield Dark Horse – a blacked-out, toughed-up bagger, starting at $20,999. Similar to other Dark Horse models, the Springfield Dark Horse features matte black paint with gloss black details. The Springfield Dark Horse features an open fender to showcase the new 19” ten-spoke, blacked-out front wheel. Its quick-release windshield features a blacked-out bracket. The stylish windshield protects riders from the elements, or can be easily removed to give a more mean, slimmed down look.

“The Roadmaster Elite and Springfield Dark Horse are two fantastic motorcycles, with two different attitudes. The Roadmaster Elite packs all the bells and whistles perfect for riders looking for the best of the best, while the Dark Horse brings blacked-out style to the Springfield line,” said Reid Wilson, Marketing Director – Indian Motorcycle. “Beyond these two offerings, we have elevated each and every model – listening to our consumers to bring new features and colors they have asked for.”

Continuing through the 2018 Indian lineup, the Chieftain platform receives notable upgrades – adding a Chieftain Classic model, starting at $23,999, that will feature the brand’s iconic valanced front fender and genuine leather seat with fringe, available in three colors, including Indian Motorcycle Red, Thunder Black Pearl and Star Silver Smoke. The Chieftain Limited, starting at $24,499, remains at the head of the pack and adds three new color, including Thunder Black Pearl, Blue Fire and Bronze Smoke. The Chieftain, available in Steel Gray, receives a lowered price of $21,499, and also receives a 19” blacked-out ten spoke wheel and open fender as standard.

For those looking to add a more modern style, the 10-spoke 19” wheel, in both black and contrast cut, along with an open front fender, are available as an accessory for the Roadmaster, Roadmaster Classic, Chieftain, and Springfield motorcycles. The wheel and open fender will fit those models from model year 2014 onwards.

The Indian Chief Classic also receives upgrades, now available with white wall tires, wire wheels, and full chrome hand controls. Available starting at $19,499, it is available with gorgeous Burgundy Metallic paint.

Indian’s iconic Chief Vintage line receives new offerings for 2018, starting at $19,999. Thunder Black and Star Silver over Thunder Black will for the first time ever feature black genuine leather saddlebags and seats to add to its beautiful styling.

Joining Indian’s recently announced Scout Bobber in the 2018 lineup is the Scout Sixty and Scout. The Scout Sixty, starting at $8,999, receives two new colors, including Polished Bronze and Thunder Black over Titanium Metallic. Meanwhile, the Scout, starting at $11,499, receives a new look and improved performance. Now standard are a cartridge fork front suspension and Pirelli tires, along with passenger accommodations, including a genuine leather passenger pillion and pegs. Scout receives two new colors for 2018, Metallic Jade and Willow Green over Ivory Cream.

Indian’s 2018 model lineup will be available at dealers in the U.S. and Canada starting in September. You can be the first to see and demo the entire 2018 line-up by visiting the Indian Motorcycle display at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally from August 5-13. Learn more about Indian Motorcycle by visiting IndianMotorcycle.com and Facebook, Twitter and Instagram social media channels.

Read more at: http://www.indianmotorcycle.com/en-us/story/indian-motorcycle-introduces-2018-model-lineup

Certified: Ram 1500 diesel

Both the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board have approved the production and sale of the Ram 1500 diesel and Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel.

Recently, Allpar broke the story that FCA had resumed small-batch production of the V6-diesel Rams. Last night, Automotive News predicted the imminent certification of the vehicles.

FCA and the government agencies had collaborated on resolving problems with the control systems on earlier trucks and Jeeps sold with the VM 3-liter V6 engines. The calibrations at issue appear to have been done by Bosch and a company half-owned by Volkswagen, as well as VM USA.

A version of this software will be used to update 2014-16 Jeeps and Rams with the diesel engines. The key issue was software that shut down emissions during conditions that are common for drivers, but not common on the EPA testing schedules. FCA does not appear to have been aware of these behaviors, which conserved diesel exhaust fluid (DEF).

The company reported that fuel economy would be unaffected by the new controls; the engines will likely use more DEF, an inexpensive (if purchased at a pump) additive.

Ordering is currently closed for the 2017 Ram 1500 diesel; however, some may have been built for people who have cancelled their orders after their trucks were made, due to the long lag time. At least one dealer reported that their 2017 orders had been rolled over to 2018s. An FCA representative said that 2018 Ram 1500 diesel production was consistent with the usual new-model-year production timing, suggesting they might be made in the third quarter of 2017.

Read more at: https://www.allpar.com/news/2017/07/2017-ram-1500-diesel-is-legal-now-38251

MEET THE GRIPPING 2018 CHALLENGER SRT® HELLCAT WIDEBODY

The 2018 Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody is a muscle car that flexes harder — and wider. The new widebody design fender flares add width and an aggressive look to the high-performance 2018 Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody.

Dodge and SRT enthusiasts have been clamoring for a factory-production Hellcat with even more grip. We listened. To start, Dodge engineers and designers took the world’s fastest quarter-mile production car,* the new Challenger SRT Demon, and transferred its style to the new 2018 Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody for improved performance on the street and a bolder, more aggressive new look.

Here’s a taste of what the 2018 Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody has in store …

Fenders, Tires and Intimidating Design

You wanted more grip? You got it. With the new Widebody fender flares that add 3.5 inches to the overall width of the Challenger Hellcat, the Widebody model joins the Challenger SRT Demon as the widest Challengers ever. These wider fender flares cover the new 20 x 11-inch “Devil’s Rim” split-five-spoke aluminum wheels, which ride on new, wider 305/35ZR20 Pirelli P-Zero tires with a new tread pattern for added grip on the road and the track.

Complementing the 2018 Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody’s menacing stance is a power-bulge aluminum hood with center intake and dual heat extractors; Hellcat-exclusive new grille and fender badges, along with a raised SRT Hellcat badge on the rear spoiler; exclusive illuminated air-catcher headlamps that feed air directly into the air box and engine bay through the center of the parking lamps; and quad projector headlamps that give a unique detailed appearance, while the aggressive brow “chops” the upper portion of the lamp design for a sinister look.

Supercharged Hellcat Performance

Under the hood, the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody owns the road and the track. Powered by the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI® V8 with 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody can be paired to either the Tremec six-speed manual or TorqueFlite® eight-speed automatic transmission.

On the track, the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody boasts a top speed of 195 mph, and 0-60 mph acceleration improved by .1 second (3.4 in Widebody vs. 3.5 in standard Hellcat). Even more, the ¼-mile elapsed time (ET) improved by approximately .3 sec (10.9 ET in Widebody vs. 11.2 ET in standard Hellcat), while the road course lap time on a 1.7-mile track lowered by approximately 2 seconds per lap. Lateral skid pad grip increased by .04 g (.97 g in Widebody vs. .93 g in standard Hellcat).

Upgraded Steering and Handling

The 2018 Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody is equipped with a new electric power steering (EPS) system with SRT Drive Modes that add new selectable steering tuning for the first time on a Hellcat model. The new EPS and SRT Drive modes offer drivers a tailored experience by controlling horsepower, transmission shift speeds, steering, paddle shifters (automatic transmission only), traction and suspension. On the road and the track, owners will experience improved handling, and will notice better steering feel and ease of turning efforts at parking lot speeds.

In addition to steering, the 2018 Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody features a standard Brembo® brake system that includes two-piece 15.4-inch front rotors and six-piston front calipers that help provide outstanding heat management and longevity. And for even more control, the front splitter (shared with Demon) and rear spoiler (from Hellcat) deliver responsive and balanced handling at high speed.

Get Behind the Wheel

The new 2018 Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody completes the Dodge brand’s most powerful muscle car lineup ever, and will be available late summer of 2017 in 15 exterior color options. All customers who buy the new 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody receive one full-day session at Bob Bondurant School of High-performance Driving. For more information, visit driveSRT.com.

Are you clamoring for more speed and power? Learn more about the Dodge SRT lineup at dodge.com.

Read more at: https://blog.dodge.com/vehicles/challenger-srt-hellcat-widebody/

NEW FRONT FASCIA, AGGRESSIVE ATTITUDE // THE 2018 DODGE DURANGO

The Dodge Durango has a reputation for making its presence known. Now the 2018 Dodge Durango is upping the ante, approaching the upcoming year with a bold, aggressive front fascia. New for 2018, Durango R/T models will share the same front fascia, performance hood, lower valence and LED fog lamps first seen on the new 2018 Durango SRT® that debuted at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show.

That’s not all. Now every Durango powertrain can boast the SRT attitude — from the standard 295-horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar® V6 to the available 360-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI® V8 and new 475-horsepower 6.4-liter SRT. With rugged good looks and adrenaline-powered performance, all 2018 Dodge Durango R/T models will roll off the line with the SRT front fascia and hood, while 2018 Durango GT models with the Blacktop or Brass Monkey Appearance Packages will offer the performance hood.

The 2018 Dodge Durango went bold in appearance as well as technology and comfort. Front Park Assist is now included with ParkSense® Park Assist System¹ and is standard on 2018 Durango R/T models. All Durango models feature a ParkView® rear back-up camera², a new sport steering wheel and new driver-oriented electronic T-shifter which provides the driver with intuitive gear selection. The 2018 Dodge Durango R/T is equipped with a standard BeatsAudio™ nine-speaker premium audio system that includes a subwoofer and a 506-watt amplifier³.

Finally, to really stand out against the sea of sameness, Durango R/T and SRT models will be available with the high-impact B5 Blue exterior color.

Take a stand against the ordinary. Learn more about the 2018 Dodge Durango — available late summer 2017 — at dodge.com/durango.

Read more at: https://blog.dodge.com/features/aggressive-attitude-2018-dodge-durango/

DODGE AND LEAH PRITCHETT UNLEASH THE DEMON AT NHRA NEW ENGLAND NATIONALS

Dodge is kicking off summer by giving speed and power a swift kick … At the NHRA New England Nationals, Leah Pritchett joins Pennzoil to salute the Dodge brand by driving a supercharged 11,000-horsepower Mopar® HEMI® V8-powered Demon.

Pritchett’s Demon will be the quickest modified, non-production car on the planet. At New England, Pritchett, who was involved in initial testing for the Dodge Demon, will drive a dragster with a special “Demon” paint scheme, and her firesuit and the crew shirts will also sport Demon branding. The Top Fueler already holds the quickest run in NHRA history with a time of 3.658 seconds recorded early this year near Phoenix.

Speaking of records, the speed isn’t for the pros only. Available soon to the public, the limited-production 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT® Demon is the first-ever production car to do a front-wheel lift, as certified by Guinness World Records, and it’s the world’s fastest quarter-mile production car with an elapsed time (ET) of 9.65 seconds at 140 miles per hour (mph), as certified by NHRA. It also registers the highest g-force (1.8 g) ever recorded at launch in a production car.

Sound like your kind of thrill ride? If you want to get behind the wheel of the most powerful muscle car ever, the 840-horsepower SRT Demon will start arriving at dealerships this fall with a starting MSRP* of $84,995. And for those who want to unleash its full power at the drag strip, a personalized, exclusive Demon crate, with performance parts, will be available for $1.

Pritchett and the Demon will hit the track at the June 2-4 NHRA New England Nationals and the following week at Englishtown, New Jersey, for the Summernationals.

If you’re interested in the 2018 Dodge Demon, you’re probably not the kind of person who likes to wait around. Learn more now at dodge.com.

Read more at: https://blog.dodge.com/performance-2/pritchett-new-england-demon/

Dick Scott Fundraising Program - $100 Donation for Every Vehicle

At Dick Scott Automotive Group we realize how important it is to find new and innovative ways to enable parents/guardians to support their children's education and extracurricular activities. That's why in 2009, we created a program called "Dick Scott Donation Vouchers." Since that time, the program has been expanded to include other area groups and organizations!

How does it work? You sign up for the program and when a friend, neighbor or family member mentions they are looking for a new or pre-owned vehicle, you give them a Donation Voucher and ask them to try a Dick Scott Automotive Group location first. It's just that simple! If they find a new or used vehicle at one of our locations, they simply present their voucher at the time of purchase. Once the sale is complete, your school, group or organization receives a check for $100. It's just that simple. No strings!

Is there a limit on much we can earn? NO, there is no limit on how much a school, group or organization can earn.

How do I get copies of my Donation Voucher? Simply click on the name of your school, group or organization (@ www.DickScott.com/community).

How do I sign up? Send an email to Donations@dickscott.com that includes your name and telephone number, and the name of the school/group/organization you are signing up with their address, telephone number and an onsite contact. Once we receive your request, we will create the Donation Voucher, post it on our website and Facebook page and then email you to let you know you are all set!

How Do Power Car Windows Increase Passenger Safety?

Power windows are responsible for approximately 2,000 emergency room visits every year. When a power window closes, it exerts enough force to bruise or break bones, crush fingers, or restrict an airway. Though power windows exert large amounts of force, they are still largely considered safer than manual car windows.

Power windows can be controlled by the driver. No matter how many times you tell a misbehaving child to leave their power window switch alone, they may still keep pressing the button to open their window. The driver has a master set of window controls to close any window that is open on the car. This simple device saves lives and prevents injuries that could have occurred if a child tried to climb out the window. A manual window cannot be controlled by the driver in the same way.

There is a window lock switch. If you have a small child or a dog that tends to press the power window switch accidentally, or if you want to make sure that an accident or crushing injury doesn’t occur by the power window, you can engage the power window lock. It is typically mounted on the driver’s power window controls or on the dashboard, and when it is engaged the rear windows will not open with the rear switches. The driver can still open and close the rear power windows with the master control and the front passenger can still operate their window normally.

There is an anti-pinch device. The power window motor exerts massive force when a power window is being closed. In windows that use an express-up function, the window motor is equipped with an anti-pinch feature so the window will reverse if it encounters an obstruction like a child’s limb. Though it may still pinch, it will reverse directions before a serious crushing injury occurs.

Read more at: https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-do-power-car-windows-increase-passenger-safety

Top 10 Ways to Protect Your Car From Sun Damage

We all know that sun exposure can harm our skin, but did you know the sun’s rays can also damage your car? When you leave your car in the sun for extended periods of time, the temperature inside can reach as high as 145 degrees Fahrenheit, while the surface of the car’s exterior can reach much higher – up to nearly 200 degrees Fahrenheit!

Your car is not immune to negative effects caused by such heat. Here are 10 simple ways to protect your vehicle from sun damage:

1. Regularly check your fluid levels: When it’s hot outside, the fluids in your car can get used up more quickly than under normal circumstances. If you happen to be low on coolant, transmission fluid, or oil anyway, then that suboptimal condition coupled with high temperatures increases the chance of damage to your car.

2. Have your battery tested once or twice each summer: When it’s hot outside, there is often a higher load placed on your car’s battery from running systems like the air conditioning. Periodic testing of your battery and charging system in general prevents you from unpleasant surprises (i.e. the car not starting) on hot days.

3. Get the air filters checked: There is typically more dust and debris circulating in the air during the warmer months, particularly in arid climates, and this can clog the air filters in your car. If this happens, your gas mileage may suffer, and it could even damage your mass air flow sensor, which helps regulate the air and fuel levels in your engine.

4. Use reflectorized sun panels on your front and rear dashes: While it may seem like a hassle to whip these fold-out panels out every time you go to the store, it pays off in the long run. These panels greatly reduce the overall temperature inside your car, which you’ll appreciate when you return, and need to use less air conditioning to cool the car. These panels also help to prevent the bleaching effect the sun has on your interior surfaces and upholstery, which can lower the value of your car should you wish to sell it.

5. Perform tire pressure checks monthly: Extreme heat, trapped air, and rubber can be a volatile combination, and it’s one on which your entire vehicle rests in the summer months. Underinflated tires are more likely to blow out in high temperatures, so prevent accidents (and poor gas mileage) by checking your tire pressure at least once a month. Do this as early in the day as possible when the temperatures are coolest for the most accurate pressure readings.

6. Park smart: If you have the choice between parking your car in the middle of a blazing parking lot or under a broad tree, opt for the shade. This doesn’t require any fancy props and will keep your car’s interior as cool as possible.

7. Regularly clean your car’s interior: The pairing of dust and hot sun can wreak havoc on your interior, essentially caking grime onto your dash and other surfaces. With periodic cleaning, however, this becomes a non-issue; just be sure to use cleaners intended for automobile use to avoid stains and unnecessarily drying out materials at risk of cracking.

8. Wash and hand-dry your car often: Just as dust and debris can cake onto your interior surfaces when exposed to high temperatures, your exterior paint can suffer in the summer sun. Frequently wash your vehicle to keep the surface clean, and dry it thoroughly by hand with a soft cloth, so bits of minerals and grime don’t stick to the residual moisture after a rinse.

9. Use a protective wax: It’s not enough just to clean your car from time to time; you should wax it at least twice a year to lock in the natural oils in the exterior paint and provide a layer of protection not just from grimy bits that can scratch the surface, but also from the sun’s rays.

10. Consider paint protection film: If you truly want to be vigilant against potential sun damage to your car, you may want to invest in a paint protection film kit. Some kits only cover the acrylic headlights, but some kits are available that cover your entire vehicle. If you adopt some or all of these simple tips to provide protection from the hot sun, your car will age more gracefully, much like your skin will with the regular application of sunscreen. They don’t take much effort to implement, and these small actions can save a lot of money down the road and help retain your car’s value over time.

Read more at: https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/top-10-ways-to-protect-your-car-from-sun-damage

Buying a Demon Crate

The 2018 Dodge Challenger Demon has an intriguing $1 option — the Demon Crate, which includes branded tools and accessories.

To prevent abuse, the bargain-priced Crate can’t be purchased by dealers when the car is ordered; the customer can only order it 48 hours after taking delivery of the car. The instrument panel badge, personalized with the customer’s name, cannot be changed, and is in the Crate. Customers can only order the Crate if their name matches the one on the order; and they have to order it from the Demon Concierge.

So what does the Crate include?

- Front Runner Drag Wheels
- High Octane Engine Calibration
- Passenger Mirror Block-Off Plate
- Performance Air Filter (Demon-branded)
- Trunk Foam Case (Demon-branded)
- Fender Cover (Demon-branded)
- Personalized instrument panel badge
- Shipping crate (Demon-branded)
- Demon-branded tools in a bag: torque wrench, extension, and socket; cordless impact wrench; hydraulic floor jack and carrying bag; and tire pressure gauge.

Read more at: https://www.allpar.com/news/2017/07/buying-a-demon-crate-38171

Community Car Care Events Show Most Vehicles Need Service

Community car care events conducted across the country reveal that the majority of vehicles need service on one or more inspected areas of the vehicle.

“At the Car Care Council, we stress the importance of preventative vehicle maintenance and provide free tools, tips and information to help motorists become more car care aware so they can avoid the hassle and expense associated with unexpected car trouble,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “By implementing a proactive auto care plan, car owners can identify and fix small issues now before they become more costly repairs later.”

The community car care event inspections checked a variety of vehicle components including wipers, belts, hoses, air filters, lighting, tires and lubricant/fluids. The Car Care Council gathered and tabulated the results and found that eight out of 10 vehicles need some type of service. The top areas showing the highest failure rates include:

- Engine Oil – 22 percent of vehicles tested had low, overfull or dirty oil.
- Belts/Hoses – inspections revealed 18 percent of belts were unsatisfactory and at least 12 percent of vehicles needed a new hose.
- Air Filters – nearly one out of every five vehicles inspected needed a new air filter.
- Check Engine Light – 14 percent of vehicles had an illuminated check engine light, slightly higher than the previous year’s results.
- Batteries – battery cables, clamps and terminals were found to be in need of repair on 18 percent of vehicles inspected.

The Car Care Council has a free Car Care Guide available at www.carcare.org/car-care-guide, providing motorists with a useful resource that can be kept in the glove box or accessed online. The guide features service interval information, questions to ask a technician and other helpful auto care information that can help drivers better maintain and protect their vehicle.

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 the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org.

Read more at: http://www.carcare.org/community-car-care-events-show-vehicles-need-service/

This is what the Durango SRT costs

The long-awaited Dodge Durango SRT was recently announced, with all wheel drive and a 475-horsepower 392 cubic inch Hemi V8 engine.

Today, Dodge also announced pricing of the three-row-SUV, which can run 0-60 times of 4.4 seconds and 12.9 second quarter-mile times. The company also revised the towing capacity upwards, by 100 pounds, to 8,700.

The base price will be $62,995 plus $1,095 in destination fees ($64,090), with deliveries starting in the fourth quarter of 2017.

That includes the eight-speed automatic, six-piston front Brembo calipers, four-piston rear calipers, and vented rotors at each wheel (slotted in front). The suspension is augmented by active Bilstein shocks; wheels are 20 x 10 and shod in Pirelli 295/45 Scorpion Verde rubber (with Pirelli P-Zeros optional).

A new SRT seven-mode drive system gives the driver the ability to adjust drive settings for performance or comfort; a new Sport mode cuts shift times in half and sends up to 65% of torque to the rear wheels, and a new Track mode makes shifts even faster and shoves 70% of torque to the back wheels.

Colors are B5 Blue (late availability), Billet, Bruiser Grey, DB Black, Granite, Octane Red Pearl, and White Knuckle. See our full Dodge Durango SRT page for the whole story.

Read more at: https://www.allpar.com/news/2017/07/this-is-what-the-durango-srt-costs-38174

New Hellcat head badge for 2018

We have been so busy focusing on the new Dodge Demon and the new Widebody package for the Hellcat Challenger that we nearly overlooked a new feature which will apply to all Hellcat cars for 2018 – the slick new 3D Hellcat fender badge, which made its grand debut on the Hellcat Challenger Widebody car.

The 2015-2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat featured the now-familiar Hellcat head badge on the front fenders — a solid piece with slightly raised chrome portions on a black background. During the 2015 and 2016 model years, those fender badges were the only Hellcat heads on the car, while the 2017 Hellcat Challenger and Charger also have the logo next to the SRT badge on the rear spoiler.

The 2018 Hellcat badges are getting their most significant changes, with another Hellcat head being added to the SRT badge on the grille, and a new look for the fender badges. They will not have the black background, opting for an open-back design which gives it more of a 3D look. Rather than the chrome finish, the 2018 Hellcat head has a billet aluminum finish (it is not actually metal), giving it a much tougher look.

In short, the 2018 Dodges take the design of the new Demon fender badge and apply it to the Hellcat fender badge. The result is a far more prominent badge that will stand out against any body color. Having seen these badges in person on the 2018 Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody shown here, I fully expect to see lots of owners of 2015-2017 Hellcat cars swapping for these badges – even if they paint them some other color rather than keeping the billet look.

The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody is expected to hit dealerships during the third quarter of 2017, so it shouldn’t be more than a few months before these badges are available through your local dealership.

Patrick RallPatrick Rall was raised a Mopar boy, spending years racing a Dodge Mirada while working his way through college. After spending a few years post-college in the tax accounting field, Patrick made the jump to the world of journalism and his work has been published in magazines and websites around the world.

Read more at: https://www.allpar.com/news/2017/07/new-hellcat-head-badge-for-2018-38170

Hot Summer Car Care Tips

- Check your fluids and perform regular maintenance.
- Confirm proper tire pressure to avoid a blowout and improve fuel economy.
- Keep yourself cool with a/c and your vehicle cool by parking in the shade.

The arrival of summer marks an ideal time to make sure your car or truck is in good working condition. The high temperatures of summer can be tough on a vehicle - everything from the paint down to the tires is subjected to harsher than normal conditions. Gone unchecked, some issues could leave you stranded in the heat. Here are a few tips to help make sure you and your vehicle are protected against the hazards of summer.

Fluids like coolant, motor oil and windshield washer fluid are things motorists can regularly check on their own. Engine coolant, sometimes called antifreeze, is the number one thing motorists should stay on top of in the summer months. Since modern cars have a closed system for coolant, checking or adding coolant is easy. This is generally done through the coolant reservoir located under the hood. Consult your owner's manual for a specific location. Be sure the coolant level is between the minimum and maximum markings, adding more if necessary. But never open the radiator cap or coolant tank lid when the engine is hot.

Tire pressure is also important, especially in summer months. As the outside temperature climbs, the air in your car's tires expands, so check your tire pressure when the tires are at a normal temperature - before you set out on a road trip. Also, be sure to use the proper tire pressure for your car, not the maximum pressure listed on the tire sidewall. Check the recommended tire pressure label in the door jamb or glove compartment, or consult your owner's manual.

Tires that are over- or underinflated can reduce the vehicle's handling capability or generate excess heat, causing a blowout. Although most newer cars have an on-board tire pressure monitoring system, get a good quality tire pressure gauge - a dial-type analog unit or digital gauge, not a straight, pen-type one - and check them yourself every few months. Don't forget to check the pressure in your spare tire, too. It's like an insurance policy. You never know when you might need it.

Along with the heat, summer also means more long-distance road trips that reveal the high cost of poor fuel economy. So it's a good time to keep up periodic maintenance like oil and filter changes and inspection or replacement of the air cleaner and fuel filters. Not only are these essential to the durability of your engine in the long term, but neglecting them will cause poor fuel economy in the short term, too. Performing regular maintenance means it will take less fuel to make that long highway trip. Maintaining proper tire pressure and using cruise control on the highway can further improve fuel economy, keeping your summer fuel costs down.

While air conditioning can be a drag on fuel economy in stop-and-go driving, keeping the windows up and the a/c on improves aerodynamics and is ideal on the highway. Plus, it will keep the driver and passengers comfortable and reduce driver fatigue. Have your air conditioning system checked annually. If your car's a/c is not getting cold, chances are you have a leak in the system. Adding refrigerant will only solve the problem temporarily, so invest in a proper repair. Some a/c systems have a cabin air filtration system. Check your owner's manual to see how often the filter should be changed. And if you see a little water dripping from your car, don't worry. The a/c system drains condensation when it's working properly.

Keeping your car cool when you're not driving is important, too. The heat of the summer sun can cause cosmetic damage to your car and make it harder to cool off inside when it's time to drive. Protect your paint and interior by parking in a garage or under an awning when possible. Regularly wax your vehicle using a polish with UV protection to reduce sun damage and paint fading. Protect the interior, too. Purchasing a $10 sunshade that keeps sunlight from coming in the windshield can reduce fading, drying and cracking inside your vehicle, and keep you cooler when you sit down behind the wheel.

Preparation is a key to handling harsh summer heat. Following these simple tips will help your vehicle to perform its best this summer. Not only will you and your vehicle be better prepared to survive the heat, but you'll also make the most of your summer by enjoying the freedom that a well-cared-for car can offer. That certainly beats being stranded in the heat.

What it means to you: Don't get stranded in the heat. Maintain your car year-round, but make special preparations for dealing with the hazards of summer, too.

Read more at: https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/hot-summer-car-care-tips-170070

Meet the upgraded 2018 Durangos

Dodge has announced a number of upgrades for the 2018 Durango series, following the unveiling of the Durango SRT.

First, the Durango R/T’s appearance will be updated, with the SRT hood and fascia; this means the 5.7 Hemi-powered R/T will get a functional hood scoop with dual heat extractors, and a cold air ducting system, as well as LED fog lights. R/T buyers also get a standard 506-watt Beats nine-speaker stereo (available as an option on GT and Citadel).

The rear parking assist system, which beeps when an object is sensed behind the Durango — assuming it’s in reverse — will be augmented with front park assistance. The front-and-rear sensing system is standard on both R/T and SRT.

Buyers of the Durango GT can pay extra for the SRT hood — if they get the Blacktop or Brass Monkey package. The 2018 Durango GT will also be sweetened with a standard power liftgate, and Capri-and-suede bucket leather seats (also available as a standalone options).

All 2018 Dodge Durangos will have a standard backup camera, a new steering wheel, and a driver-oriented T-shifter with an AutoStick selector gate. Customers can opt for a leather-wrapped instrument panel, including contrasting stitching.

The 2018 Durango R/T will, late in the model run, be available in the famed B5 Blue paint, once reserved for the Durango SRT (and Dodge large cars). Dealers can order the 2018 Durango now, with deliveries expected in the third quarter of 2017; pricing will be announced later.

Read more at: https://www.allpar.com/news/2017/06/meet-the-upgraded-2018-durangos-38125

Rumored Challenger Hellcat Widebody: it’s real

Today, Dodge revealed that a car long rumored on Allpar’s forums is indeed real: the 2018 Challenger SRT Hellcat will be offered with a widebody package which improves quarter mile and road course times, while giving the 707hp Mopar muscle car a menacing stance.

This is the same basic design as the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, with composite flares bolted onto unique sheet metal which allows for much bigger rubber under all four corners. To be exact, the Widebody Hellcat Challenger is fitted with 20 x 11-inch “Devil’s Rim” split spoke aluminum wheels wrapped in 305/35ZR20 Pirelli P-Zero performance tires and this extra rubber allows the supercharged Challenger to corner better, launch harder and look meaner.

In addition to the flared body bits, the wider wheels and the huge tires, the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody has a new electronic power steering (EPS) system – the first electronic steering system in the Hellcat Challenger – which works with the Drive Mode system. This high tech steering setup has selectable settings for Street, Sport, and Track, with varying levels of feedback for each.

Tim Kuniskis, head of passenger cars for Dodge, reported that the new car leveraged the effort put into the SRT Demon.

Just how much does the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody help? Well, the wider rear tires allow the wider Hellcat to launch significantly harder, leading to a 0-60 time of 3.4 seconds and quarter mile time of 10.9 seconds – 0.1 seconds quicker to 60 and 0.3 seconds quicker in the quarter mile than the original Hellcat Challenger.

Those quarter mile times will be more than enough to entice the average Mopar muscle car buyer who is looking to go drag racing, but Challenger fans who prefer tracks with turns will see improvements as well.

On a lateral skid pad, the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody reaches 0.97g of grip, compared to 0.93g for the standard Hellcat Challenger. On an unspecified 1.7-mile road course, the improved steering capabilities and grip allowed the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody to be a full 2 seconds quicker per lap, beating a non-Widebody Hellcat Challenger by some 13 car lengths after one lap.

The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody has an MSRP of $72,590 with the 6-speed manual transmission, including gas guzzler tax and destination. The rest of the 2018 Challenger prices have not been announced, but the 2018 widebody package lists for $7,300 more than the 2017 Hellcat Challenger.

Read more at: https://www.allpar.com/news/2017/06/rumored-challenger-hellcat-widebody-its-real-38111

Next-Gen 2018 Jeep Wrangler

The video actually shows two different four-door Wrangler Unlimited prototypes undergoing tests. The footage doesn’t reveal anything we don’t already know about the vehicle, but in a few of the shots its new LED headlamps and fender-mounted LED running lights can be clearly seen. Toward the end of the video, a prototype for the four-door Wrangler JT pickup truck is also pictured parked in an FCA lot.

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL, which will likely make a debut at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show in November, will introduce major changes to the storied Wrangler nameplate. The vehicle will retain its solid axles and removable doors, but will feature a more refined and upscale cabin and should be lighter thanks to an aluminum hood and doors. A number of engine options should also be on the table, with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine said to be joined by FCA’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel engine. Both six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions will likely be on offer as well.

More information on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL should become available as its debut this fall approaches, but for now, you can see it testing in the video above.

Read more at: http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2017/06/2018-jeep-wrangler-jl-caught-testing-in-spy-video.html?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Wranglerforum.com_breaking&utm_source=Wranglerforum.com20170626

The minivan that just won’t die

The plan for Dodge was so simple and clear: it would be all muscle. The old people movers would be pushed onto Chrysler. The only thing standing in the way: Dodge’s two best sellers are front wheel drive people-movers.

The company has apparently been ambivalent, sometimes planning on Chrysler crossovers, sometimes planning on Dodge crossovers. At least the plan for the minivan was clear: the new, highly regarded, top-quality-ranked Chrysler Pacifica would become FCA’s sole minivan after September 1, 2017.

Now that, too, has changed.

The Dodge Caravan has sold roughly evenly with its Chrysler counterpart in recent years, except in Canada, where just about everyone buys the Dodge. Sergio Marchionne joked that sales chief Reid Bigland would keep the Caravan going forever if he could.

Numerous sources have told Allpar that there will be a 2019 Dodge Caravan after all, on the current “RT” body. The main reason for dropping the Dodge, other than brand clarity, boosting Pacifica sales, and reducing parts inventories, was a passenger-ejection safety standard that takes effect on September 1, 2017.

The changes should not be too costly, since the basic body and chassis aren’t affected; it’s mainly a matter of redesigned side airbags, different window glass, and possibly new seats. According to some, including Automotive News, implementing those changes is the reason why the plant is temporarily pausing Caravan production.

The pause seems only to affect minivans for the United States. According to the Windsor Star, quoting FCA Canada, Canadian and Mexican production is unaffected.

The 2018 Dodge Caravan will have its production launch in December, giving engineers and suppliers time to engineer and test changes and create necessary tooling and software. After that — yes, Virginia, there will be a 2019 Dodge Caravan.

Read more at: https://www.allpar.com/news/2017/06/the-minivan-that-just-wont-die-38065

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS FROM THE 2017 EASTER JEEP® SAFARI

Ready for a little off-road inspiration? Take a look at the extreme trail riding photos and video from the 2017 Easter Jeep® Safari in Moab, Utah.

Remember, when it comes to the most difficult trails, the key is to stay calm and remain focused … and that’s a tall order when you’re tackling the inclines at Moab. Fortunately, the iconic Jeep Wrangler 4×4 is built for the challenge.

And no matter how hardcore your 4×4 credentials, a good spotter is essential when choosing the correct line and conquering the most daunting obstacles. See how the guides at the Easter Jeep Safari help to instill confidence and calm nerves in the most precarious situations.

After all that excitement on the trail, it’s important take a deep breath and reflect. And when it comes to watching the world go by, it doesn’t hurt to have the best seat in the house. Let’s sit back and enjoy the view from the Top of the World.

Can’t get enough of Moab? Check out the Jeep brand concept vehicles that showed their 4×4 prowess at the 2017 Easter Jeep Safari.

Read more at: https://blog.jeep.com/news/sights-sounds-2017-easter-jeep-safari/

Tips on How to Maintain Your New Car

One of the reassuring qualities of contemporary cars is that they need much less-frequent service to keep them running well. Changing the spark plugs, breaker points, and condenser used to be a seasonal exercise, and body rust was accepted as a normal if unfortunate hazard of aging. Now many spark plugs can go 100,000 miles between changes. Electronic ignition has done away with the points and condenser. Chassis, suspensions, and even some transmissions are lubed for life. And factory rust-through warranties typically run six years or longer. What’s more, reliability has improved significantly. The result is that most late-model cars and trucks should be able to go 200,000 miles with regular upkeep.

Here are a few simple, periodic checks and procedures you can do that will help you get there.

Check the Engine Oil

Do it regularly—monthly for a vehicle in good condition; more often if you notice an oil leak or find you need to add oil routinely. The car should be parked on level ground so you can get an accurate dipstick reading. Don’t overfill. And if you do have a leak, find and fix it soon.

Check Tire Air Pressure

Once a month and before any extended road trips, use an accurate tire-pressure gauge to check the inflation pressure in each tire, including the spare. Do this when the tires are cold (before the vehicle has been driven or after no more than a couple of miles of driving). Use the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer, not the maximum pressure embossed on the tire’s sidewall. The recommended pressure is usually found on a placard on a front doorjamb, in the glove compartment, or in the owner’s manual. Also be sure to inspect tires for abnormal or uneven wear, cuts, and any sidewall bulges you can see.

CR advises that digital tire-pressure gauges (which cost about $15 to $25) are probably the best bet overall because they will give an accurate reading or none at all. Many pencil-type gauges (typically $10 to $15) are good as well. Note that to check the pressure in a temporary spare tire, which is often 60 psi, you will need a gauge that goes higher than that—say from 0 up to 90 pounds. (See our tire buying advice and Ratings.)

Wash the Car

Try to wash the car every week, if you can. Wash the body and, if necessary, hose out the fender wells and undercarriage to remove dirt and road salt. It’s time to wax the finish when water beads become larger than a quarter. (Read "How to Wash Your Car" and check our car wax ratings.)

Other Checks at Each Oil Change

For normal driving, many automakers recommend changing the engine oil and filter every 7,500 miles or six months, whichever comes first. This is sufficient for the majority of motorists. For "severe" driving—with frequent, very cold starts and short trips, dusty conditions, or trailer towing—the change interval should be shortened to every 3,000 miles or three months. (Check your owner’s manual for the specific intervals recommended for your vehicle.) Special engines such as diesels and turbocharged engines may need more-frequent oil changes.

Check the Air Filter

Remove the air-filter element and hold it up to a strong light. If you don’t see light, replace it. Regardless, follow the recommended service intervals.

Check the Constant-Velocity-Joint Boots

On front-wheel-drive and some four-wheel-drive vehicles, examine these bellowslike rubber boots, also known as CV boots, on the drive axles. Immediately replace any that are cut, cracked, or leaking. If dirt contaminates the CV joint it can quickly lead to an expensive fix.

Inspect the Exhaust System

If you’re willing to make under-car inspections, check for rusted-through exhaust parts that need replacing. Also tighten loose clamps. Do this while the car is up on ramps. If a shop changes your oil, have them make these checks. Listen for changes in the exhaust sound while driving. It’s usually advisable to replace the entire exhaust system all at once rather than to repair sections at different times.

Look at the Brakes

For most people it makes sense to have a shop check and service the brakes. If you handle your own brake work, remove all wheels and examine the brake system. Replace excessively worn pads or linings, and have badly scored rotors or drums machined or replaced. The brakes should be checked at least twice per year; more often if you drive a lot of miles.

Check the Fluids

On many newer cars, the automatic transmission is sealed. On cars where it is not sealed, check the transmission dipstick with the engine warmed up and running (see the owner’s manual for details). Also check the power-steering-pump dipstick (it’s usually attached to the fluid-reservoir cap) and the level in the brake-fluid reservoir. If the brake-fluid level is low, top it up and have the system checked for leaks.

Clean the Radiator

Prevent overheating by removing debris with a soft brush and washing the outside of the radiator with a detergent solution.

Check the Battery

Inspect the battery’s terminals and cables to make sure they are securely attached, with no corrosion. If the battery has removable caps, check its fluid level every few months—especially in warmer climates. (See our car battery ratings and buying advice.)

Regular Maintenance For Every Two to Four Years

Drain and Flush the Cooling System

Considering the hassle of collecting and safely disposing of old antifreeze, you may want to leave this to a shop.

Change the Automatic-Transmission Fluid

Many models require that you replace the fluid and filter every 36,000 miles—sooner if the normally pink fluid takes on a brownish tint. With some cars the fluid and, if applicable, the filter can go 100,000 miles or more. With other late models, the transmission fluid never needs to be changed. Check your owner’s manual for this information.

Replace the Drive Belts and Hoses

Do this every two to three years, even if they don’t show any wear. If a belt becomes noisy, have it adjusted.

Change the Timing Belt

If your vehicle has a belt instead of a chain, stick to the manufacturer’s recommended replacement interval—usually every 60,000 to 80,000 miles. Check the owner’s manual or consult a dealer. Failure to change the timing belt can result in a very expensive engine repair if the belt should break.

Read more at: http://www.consumerreports.org/car-repair-maintenance/tips-on-how-to-maintain-your-new-car/

Ally Asks: Should You Buy or Lease a New Car?

Getting a new car is one of the biggest purchasing decisions many people make. But figuring out whether you should buy or lease can be tricky, and your decision can affect your budget and savings for years.

About 80 percent of auto consumers pay cash or finance their new cars with loans, according to Newsday. That means a fifth of consumers forgo ownership entirely to take advantage of the benefits of leasing. If you’re looking to get a new car, it’s important to figure out which financing approach is right for you and your budget.

Buying vs. Leasing: What’s the Difference?

When you buy a vehicle, you’re either paying cash or financing the cost with a loan. Most buyers make an initial down payment and then a monthly payment including interest. Eventually buyers get complete ownership of their vehicles, which are titled in their name. There are no limits on mileage or how long the buyer keeps the car. The owner can choose what to repair and when, and can sell or trade the vehicle for its depreciated resale or trade value to help defray the cost of purchasing the next car.

When you lease a vehicle, you pay only a portion of the vehicle’s cost. Depending on your financing plan, you may have the option of not making a down payment. Typically, you pay for your use of the car every month, plus an interest rate. There are usually limits to how many miles you drive, and you typically have to make agreed-upon repairs under the terms of the lease. At the end of the lease – usually two or three years – you can decide to buy the car or get a new one.

Which Costs More?

Although monthly payments tend to be lower on a leased car than a purchased car, most experts agree that leasing ultimately costs more. When you buy a car, you eventually pay it off – and at that point, you can keep driving it as long as you’d like without monthly financing payments. And you can sell or trade it to raise cash for a new car or other expense.

But if you lease a car, you’ll have to either buy it or lease another once the agreement ends. (And if you end the lease before the full term, you may have to pay a large penalty.) Either way, you usually end up paying more than you would have if you had bought the car and continued to use it for years afterward.

Which Option is Best?

In deciding whether to lease or buy, costs aren’t all you need to think about – consider your personal priorities, too. Leasing may make sense if you want a new car with the latest features every two or three years, want lower monthly payments and plan to keep your mileage low. Buying may be right for you if the higher monthly payments are worth owning your car, in addition to being able to drive unlimited miles, customize your car and keep it for many years.

And before you decide, it’s a good idea to research the differences. This article on Edmunds.com looks at the financial differences, and SmartMoney.com and Bankrate.com offer auto-financing calculators that can help you figure out your costs of each payment method over the coming years.

Read more at: https://www.ally.com/do-it-right/car/ally-asks-should-you-buy-or-a-lease-a-new-car/

6 Essential Summer Car Care Tips

Road trip season is almost here! Make sure your vehicle is ready to handle some sun-drenched driving. Summer’s high temperatures, flurries of dust and dirt, and the occasional rain can all take a toll on your vehicle’s most important systems. With these essential services, though, you can better prepare your car and help it run smoothly and safely through summer and into fall. Ready to get started?

Tip #1: Get your oil and oil filter changed. This is particularly important if your last oil change was awhile ago, because intense weather conditions of any kind (wet, hot, or cold) can put extra demands on your oil and oil filter. Your oil works to keep your engine parts lubricated while the filter works to capture harmful debris, dirt, and metal fragments that have finagled their way into the oil system. A clean filter means more material gets picked up. More material getting picked up means cleaner oil. Cleaner oil means a healthier, happier engine!

Tip #2: Double-check your fluid levels. Seasonal weather changes can lead to low transmission fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, and even windshield wiper fluid, so check them all! Coolant fluid, in particular, is an especially important one to keep an eye before the heat of the season. According to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, the greatest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating. If you’re not comfortable performing these checks on your own, stop by your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care and let one of our technicians take a look. (Fun fact: our oil change service includes a free top-off of many fluids!)

Tip #3: Check and monitor your tire pressure. Between hitting hidden potholes and dealing with difficult road conditions, your tires deserve a good check-up. The truth is, tires lose or gain pressure daily depending on the outside temperature. In cool weather, for example, a tire will typically lose one or two pounds of air per month. Make sure your tires (including your spare!) are properly inflated before hitting the road for a big summer road trip, because tires with low air pressure tend to wear out much more quickly. Get started by finding your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure.

Pro-Tip: If safety and convenience are top concerns for you this summer, check out the DriveGuard tire. DriveGuard tires let you drive up to 50 miles at a max speed of 50 mph after a puncture. That means more time to reach a safer place to stop, or more time to simply make it to grandma’s driveway.

Tip #4: Evaluate your alignment. If your car pulls to one side, your steering wheel vibrates, or your steering wheel isn’t centered when you’re driving straight, get your vehicle’s alignment checked out. Alignment can be thrown off by general wear and tear, as well as run-ins with rough roads, potholes, and curbs. Proper alignment can help extend the life of your tires, make for a smoother ride, and even save you a few bucks on gas. A quick check-up can let you know if your car is due for an alignment service.

Tip #5: Test your battery. “Summer heat accelerates the rate of fluid loss and resulting oxidation of battery components, which can leave you stranded without warning,” says Steve Fox, Director of Automotive Services for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “Most people don’t realize that heat is the number one cause of battery failure and reduced battery life,” he adds.

Use our Virtual Battery Tester to get a general idea for when your battery might fail, or stop by your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care location for a free battery test. Our technicians will be able to tell you the temperature at which your battery could fail. An easy and free battery test could ensure you won’t be caught off guard by a car that won’t start this summer.

Tip #6: Get your brakes inspected. At the end of the day, is there anything more important than good brakes in your vehicle? Stop-and-go traffic, long holiday road trips, and inclement conditions may have done a number on your brakes. Whether your brakes are making eerie noises or demanding extra pressure, it’s may be time for some fine tuning.

You can’t always guarantee that life will run smoothly, but you can do your best to make sure that your car does. Basic maintenance services, like oil changes, are the perfect place to start before summer. Firestone Complete Auto Care’s full-service oil change includes an oil and oil filter replacement, a top-off of important fluids, and a courtesy 19-point inspection. If there’s something “off” with your brakes, battery, alignment, or tire pressure, there’s a good chance our technicians will catch it during the courtesy inspection and bring it to your attention. Summer car care couldn’t be more convenient! Schedule an appointment online today. We’re open late and on weekends, just for you!

Read more at: http://blog.firestonecompleteautocare.com/maintenance/summer-car-care-tips/

What to Do When Your Engine Overheats

Things can get out of control quickly if you don’t know what to do when your vehicle’s temperature rises.

Many modern automobiles are so refined that you can hardly hear their engines anymore, but don’t be lulled into complacency—there’s still a combustion cycle taking place under the hood, and catastrophic overheating remains a remote possibility. That’s why you should periodically check your vehicle’s temperature gauge while driving. Every gauge has a normal stopping point once the engine is warmed up; it’s usually a bit below the midpoint line between cold and hot. It’s probably not a doomsday scenario for your engine if your gauge ever reads anywhere above normal, but it could easily become one if you don’t take prompt action. Here are the steps you’ll need to know.

Step 1: Check for steam

The one surefire indication that you’ve really got an overheating engine is that old B-movie standby: plumes of steam pouring out before your eyes. Except it likely won’t be that dramatic, so take a closer look. If you see any steam at all, proceed to Step 3 posthaste lest you meet the same fiery demise as many a B-movie villain. Steam is bad. Take it seriously.

Step 2: Turn off your A/C, Turn on your heater

If you’re the cautious type, skip directly to Step 3—but bear in mind that older engines in particular are prone to mild overheating on hot days, especially when the air conditioner has been running. There’s nothing out of the ordinary in this case; you just need to give your engine a breather. So if you don’t see any steam, you can turn off the A/C and see if that calms things down. If it doesn’t, put your heater on full-blast, which will transfer heat away from the engine. Of course, it will also transfer heat toward you, but your comfort is a lesser priority than the engine’s at this point. If these measures don’t work in short order, then you’ve definitely got a problem, and you need to stop driving and figure it out.

Step 3: Pull over and turn off your engine

When you find a safe place to stop, get there and kill the engine immediately. Do not idle the engine while you’re collecting your thoughts. Engines have to work harder to keep cool at idle than at cruising speed, and the last thing you want to do is add stress to a potentially overheating engine. So turn it off, and then take that breath. NOTE: If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, and you believe your engine is suffering from more than just temporary overload, now is the time to call for roadside assistance. The remaining steps will require you to get your hands dirty.


Step 4: Pop the hood

WARNING: Very likely it’s hotter than usual under there. You’ll get a feel for this once you’ve pulled the hood release and the hood is slightly ajar. If the heat strikes you as potentially dangerous—as it may well be—then let the engine cool down before proceeding. Only open the hood fully when you are confident that it’s safe to do so.

Step 5: Check coolant levels

Your engine should have a coolant reservoir in the vicinity of the radiator (see your owner’s manual for the exact location). This is usually made of plastic and thus unlikely to be dangerously hot. Check the coolant level in this reservoir. If it’s normal, you’re in luck—chances are you’ve just got a malfunctioning temperature gauge. As long as there are no other signs of overheating, you can restart the engine and proceed with caution. If it’s low or empty, however, there’s probably a coolant leak somewhere. Calling for roadside assistance is strongly advised here, though the more mechanically inclined might first inspect the radiator hoses for loose clamps and such. Things can get out of control quickly if you don’t know what to do when your vehicle’s temperature rises.

Step 6: If you need to keep driving…

Wait until you’re certain that the engine is cool, protect your hand with a thick glove or rag, and twist off the radiator cap. Coolant is normally visible just below where the cap sits (your owner’s manual will have the details), but if your engine’s overheating, the coolant in your radiator should be visibly depleted. Be sure to refill both the radiator and the reservoir, using coolant or—if necessary—water. This should bring the temperature down once you’re underway, but remember, you’ve got a serious leak somewhere, so be vigilant. If the temperature starts rising again, you’ll have to pull over and repeat the process. Incidentally, by no means should you view this as a long-term solution—your engine needs professional help, so get your mechanic on the job as soon as you can.

Read more at: http://www.carcare.org/what-to-do-when-your-engine-overheats/

Car Cleaning Tips: How to Get and Keep Your Car Clean

Many of us live a significant portion of our lives in the car, so we might as well consider it a mobile living room. Except it’s a living room that comes in constant contact with the germs and grit of the outside world. When considered as an extension of your home, you’d hope it would benefit from the same cleaning routine. But, we know this isn’t always the case.

If it’s been a while since the inside of car has seen a vacuum, there is evidence to suggest that your car may be carrying some unwanted passengers – of the microscopic variety. Freshen up the inside of your ride by trying out some of our clean-car tips below.

Conquer clutter.

It’s difficult to do a deep-clean of your vehicle with a vacuum and scrub brush when clutter is in the way. Clutter not only gives dirt and bacteria more surfaces to live on, but it can be distracting to drivers. And stressful. Removing excess clutter is the very first step to taking pride in your ride.

Resist the road snacks.

We can all appreciate the value of a good car snack. And with your eyes on the road, you may not notice just how many crumbs are getting lost in your car. These crumbs, and yesterday’s half-finished coffee (it’s ok, you don’t have to admit it), fuel the growth of bacteria. If you can’t resist the road snacks, try to minimize the evidence. Remove food wrappers or trash right away, make sure drink containers are spill-proof, and vacuum in the deep cracks and crevices with a thin, telescoping vacuum attachment.

Keep your child seats clean.

Fun fact: those iconic fish-shaped crackers are the number one item found in children’s car seats. On a smaller scale, car seats also carry an average of 100 different types of microscopic passengers. Always check with the car seat manufacturer prior to cleaning, and pick a time when it won’t be needed for 12-24 hours, so it has ample time to dry. Take a picture of the set-up before removing from your vehicle, and rely on the manufacturer’s guide and your picture to be sure the car seat is re-installed correctly.

Let the fresh air in.

When your cabin air filter is dirty or clogged, it actually makes the air quality inside your car worse than the air outside. A dirty filter traps dust, pollen, and exhaust fumes inside your vehicle. What’s more, over time a restricted air filter can cause issues with the vehicle’s HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning) system. Ask your dealership or take a look at your owner’s manual to determine how often your cabin air filter should be replaced. Most should function well for 12,000 to 15,000 miles. Make an appointment with your dealership to get a new filter installed.