Latest News From Bumper to Bumper Radio

The national gas price average has increased for the sixth consecutive week, landing today’s national average at $2.61. That is 18 cents more expensive since prices started the upward trend in late-December and 3 cents more than last Monday.

“Every motorist in the country is paying more at the pump year-over-year. At 18 cents, Utah is seeing the smallest increase and California is feeling the biggest increase at 52 cents compared to the same time last year,” said Jeanette Casselano. “Strong demand coupled with steadily rising oil prices means filling up will continue to cost consumers more this month. In fact, the last time the national gas price average was this high, but under $3/gallon in February was in 2010.”

On the week, U.S. consumer gasoline demand hit 9 million b/d. In 2017, demand did not reach this mark until early March, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Quick Stats

The largest monthly changes in the nation’s top ten markets are: Iowa (+22 cents), California (+21 cents), Minnesota (+19 cents), Nebraska (+18 cents), Kansas (+17 cents), North Dakota (+17 cents), Oklahoma (+17 cents), Florida (+16 cents), Louisiana (+16 cents) and Missouri (+16 cents).

The nation’s top ten least expensive markets are: Texas ($2.36), Mississippi ($2.37), South Carolina ($2.37), Alabama ($2.37), Missouri ($2.38), Arizona ($2.38), Arkansas ($2.39), Tennessee ($2.41), Oklahoma ($2.42) and New Mexico ($2.43).

The Goodguys 9th Spring Nationals is a HUGE automotive festival now welcoming over 2,500 hot rods, customs, classics, street rods, muscle cars & trick trucks through 1987. This event is the second in the Goodguys 2018 event season and brings together timeless traditions and new school trends. In addition to the giant car show, this event features:

  • A huge vendor midway featuring commercial exhibits and a tractor trailer midway
  • Giant used auto parts swap meet and cars-for-sale area
  • Goodguys AutoCross Shootout presented by Prestone
  • Saturday Specialty Feature parking areas
  • Nitro Thunderfest dragster exhibition presented by Fuelcurve.com—nitro in the air!
  • Musical entertainment on Saturday and Sunday
  • Goodguys Autocross racing competition –timed racing on a closed performance course
  • Model car show—a celebration of the hobby and talent of model builders,
  • Kids zone—PPG Coloring contest, costumed characters, Revell model car kit make n‘ take sessions, and lots of fun for the entire family!
  • Spectre Performance All American Sunday; open to all years American made and powered vehicles.  Participants, who enter on Sunday will able to run the Goodguys AutoCross, are a part of the show n’ shine and be eligible for the awards.  Registration for All American Sunday opens at 7 am at WestWorld of Scottsdale.
  • Awards ceremony on Sunday afternoon at 2:22 pm

PITTSBURGH, Feb. 7, 2018 -- An inventor from Fall Branch, Tenn., has developed the OIL FILTER IMPROVEMENT, an improved oil filter for motor vehicles and equipment. It will automatically collect small ferrous shavings within the oil that are created by moving mechanical parts of the engine. This helps prevent premature wear of components by intercepting the shavings before they are circulated.

"Having worked in factory maintenance, I used this idea all the time. By catching metal within the oil, it will increase the longevity of motor vehicle engines," said the inventor.

The OIL FILTER IMPROVEMENT removes fine metal shavings from motor vehicle oil. This will, in turn, reduce excessive wear of internal components, as well as prevent eventual parts failure. It also helps keep the engine oil clean and protected for the owner/operator. This will help ensure a long and reliable engine life while preventing costly repairs. This improved filter will offer peace of mind that maximum engine protection is being provided. It also is perfect for fuel and hydraulic filters.

ORLANDO, Fla. (January 24, 2018) – American drivers are beginning to embrace self-driving vehicles, according to a new study from AAA. The annual survey reveals that 63 percent of U.S. drivers report feeling afraid to ride in a fully self-driving vehicle, a significant decrease from 78 percent in early 2017. Millennial and male drivers are the most trusting of autonomous technologies, with only half reporting they would be afraid to ride in a self-driving car. To ensure that American drivers continue to be informed, prepared and comfortable with this shift in mobility, AAA urges automakers to prioritize consumer education.

“Americans are starting to feel more comfortable with the idea of self-driving vehicles,” AAA Automotive Engineering and Industry Relations Director Greg Brannon said. “Compared to just a year ago, AAA found that 20 million more U.S. drivers would trust a self-driving vehicle to take them for a ride.”

While riding in a fully self-driving vehicle is a futuristic concept for most, testing of these vehicles in the United States means that sharing the road with an automated vehicle is an increasing near-term possibility. In this situation, drivers remain leery of self-driving vehicles.

RAAMSDONKVEER, Netherlands, January 31, 2018 -- On the 6th & 7th of March (press only) and between the 8th and 18th of March (public days) at the Geneva Motor Show in booth 1210, PAL-V will unveil the world's first flying car production model - the PAL-V Liberty. Not only a decisive milestone for PAL-V, but also a historic breakthrough in the evolution of flying cars altogether.

About the importance of this milestone, Robert Dingemanse, CEO of PAL-V, stated: "The production model is the moment of truth. The moment where the wall between fiction and facts is torn down. A production model is the last stage in the R&D process before starting full production and delivery. All certifications required for commercialization will be granted on the basis of this production model. It is the pivotal point that separates pioneers from dreamers."

The certification not only guarantees the safety of the flying car but also is the approval that the vehicle can be driven on the roads and flown in the air. Dingemanse said: "Once full certification is granted in 2019 we will hand over the keys of the PAL-V Liberty to our first customers."

Bumper Audio Clip of the Week

Bumper to Bumper helps a listener who is having an intermittent electrical issue with her vehicle.