Latest News From Bumper Radio

The brake system in your car needs to be in 100% working condition at all times.

Why? Because the last thing you want to face when driving downhill or navigating tight turns is any kind of brake trouble. 

Most car owners tend to take their car brake systems for granted. They ignore the number one rule when it comes to maintaining the health of your car’s brake system – routine maintenance.

Routine maintenance is essential if you want to keep the brakes working properly and avoid any big repair and replacement costs in the long run.

Maintenance Aspects of your Car’s Brake System

Seventh Annual Drive for Design Contest Challenges High School Students to Draw the Ultimate Status Vehicle

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 19, 2019 --

• Drive for Design contest is open to U.S. high school students in grades 10-12

• Three winners selected from the entries

• Prizes include an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour and mentoring time with leading designers at the FCA US Product Design studios, a scholarship to attend College for Creative Studies' Summer Experience Transportation Design program and serving as Junior Judge at the prestigious EyesOn Design Car Show

• Entries due by April 27, 2019, via www.FCAdrivefordesign.com

• Writer and Artist Josh Welton joins this year's judging panel as special guest

• FCA Design Heads Mark Trostle (Dodge/Performance) and Mark Allen (Jeep®) take your questions in an "Ask Me Anything" Facebook Live event on February 20 at 7 p.m. Eastern

• Follow Drive for Design via social media: Drive for Design Facebook page, the FCA US Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram using #DriveForDesign

Without a nudge from an art teacher, a visit to an art school or just plain luck, some of the world's top automotive designers may never have made their mark on history.

Mark Trostle, Head of Performance, Passenger Car and Utility Vehicle Design for FCA – North America, wants to change that. Seven years ago, he revived a contest he won as a high school student that helped drive him to where he is today, leading the design efforts for some of the most desired vehicles on the road.

The 2019 Drive for Design contest challenges U.S. high school students in grades 10-12 to design the ultimate status vehicle using any FCA brand. Just like in the professional world, there is a level of urgency – entries are due by April 27, 2019. Three students will be named winners from all valid entries received.

On the week, 28 states saw gas price averages increase by at least a nickel, pushing the national gas price average up six-cents to land at $2.33. That is the largest one-week increase seen at the national level this year. Today’s gas price average is nine-cents more expensive than last month, but 19-cents cheaper than a year ago.

“Motorists are seeing more expensive gas prices as a result of ongoing refinery problems coupled with crude oil prices hitting their highest level so far this year as global crude inventories tighten,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “Inventories are likely to continue to tighten and keep gas prices higher through the end of the month.”

The latest Energy Information Administration (EIA) weekly report details demand dropping for a second week, to total at 8.6 million b/d. Frigid and severe winter weather has been a driving factor for declining demand and this week’s approaching storm from the Plains to the Northeast has the potential to drop demand further. Refinery problems and increasing exports have kept inventories at minimal builds. For the week ending Feb. 8, inventories increased only 408,000 bbl to total 258.3 million bbl.

Quick Stats

The nation’s top 10 least expensive markets are: Alabama ($2.04), Mississippi ($2.04), Missouri ($2.07), Arkansas ($2.07), Louisiana ($2.07), South Carolina ($2.08), Texas ($2.09), Colorado ($2.09), Kansas ($2.11) and Virginia ($2.11).
The nation’s top 10 largest weekly increases are: Michigan (+16 cents), Oklahoma (+12 cents), Minnesota (+11 cents), Texas (+11 cents), Kansas (+10 cents), Arkansas (+10 cents), Delaware (+10 cents), Maryland (+9 cents), Iowa (+9 cents) and Kentucky (+9 cents).

Flu season is pretty aggressive this year, as many of us have been affected.

Would ya believe that ONE component in your vehicle that your are really intimate with could be DIRTIER than a public toilet seat?! (Oy Vey)

Join Frank of Desert Car Care of Chandler with Nick Coletti of ABC15 Arizona as he points out this easy tip and discusses simple and inexpensive ways to LOVE your ride for Valentines Day!

Virginia Auto Service is located in Phoenix is an Arizona Certified Emissions Specialist. Most people see emissions testing as something annoying that simply needs to be done every once in a while. Although this is accurate, it is always helpful to address a few questions most of us would like answered regarding the Emissions Standards Test in order to avoid the feared P0420 or PO420 codes generated by their check engine light.

Why is it important to have car emissions measured and adjusted?

Since the 1950’s, government agencies down to the state level have been monitoring the emission of noxious gases from automobiles. As time continued, tests regarding high vehicle emissions were conducted and proved that emissions had adverse effects not only on humans, but the environment as well. Medical tests have shown that high levels of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, soot, and smoke, even at microscopic size, can lead to illnesses. In high doses, these gases can lead to liver failure and in extreme cases, even death.

Since when is it a law that emissions should be checked and regulated?

Because it was highly ineffective to regulate emissions from a state and local level, control of the emissions standards nationwide were slowly put into the care of Federal systems. In the 1970’s, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, better known as the EPA, was created. Since that time, the EPA imposed strict limitations to keep the emission of noxious gases maintained at a minimum.

What needs to be done in order to pass?

Honestly, the best way to make sure that you’ll pass the emissions test the first time around is preventative maintenance. An engine that is well taken care of has a much better chance of breezing through the emissions test. But in case you’ve neglected the engine a bit, here are a few things that Virginia Auto Service can do for you to better your odds.

GILBERT, AZ — Everyone knows red means stop and the 6th graders at Patterson Elementary in Gilbert are no exception. But one tri-colored stop light with gloves and a hat made them start thinking about solutions to major problems along Valley streets, intersections and sidewalks.

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA -- Hyundai's Santa Fe received the distinct honor of most dependable Midsize SUV in the J.D. Power 2019 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). Released today, the annual Vehicle Dependability Study shows Santa Fe ranked highest in its class, beating out leading competitors in the 2016 model year. The Santa Fe delivers Hyundai's recipe of bold design, high-output powertrains and a host of features to please drivers and passengers with high expectations for functionality, versatility and comfort.

"Long-term ownership satisfaction is a key part of the Hyundai Way," said Barry J. Ratzlaff, vice president of customer satisfaction, Hyundai Motor America. "We strive to create vehicles that deliver quality, safety, bold design and great value. This award from J.D. Power recognizes the strong effort of our R&D, Manufacturing and Quality teams as well as our dealers who all work together to support our owners. Along with great vehicles, Hyundai also offers our customers the assurance of a great shopping and ownership experience."

The study, now in its 30th year, examines problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of 2016 model-year vehicles. Overall dependability is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality. The study covers 177 specific problems grouped into eight major vehicle categories.

On the week, the national gas price average is two cents more expensive, landing at $2.28. At the start of the workweek, nearly half of all state averages also saw jumps – some at or more than a dime increase.

Frigid temperatures across much of the country have contributed toward a half a million barrel per day drop in demand to measure at 9 million bbl – a level consistent with a year ago according to Energy Information Administration (EIA). At the same time, gasoline stocks saw a nominal 513,000 bbl increase for a total of 257.8 bbl. While demand is mostly flat year-over-year, total stocks sit at a 124 million bbl surplus.

“Since the beginning of the year, crude oil remains relatively cheap, moving between $51- $55/bbl,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “This, coupled with fluctuating gasoline stocks due to planned and unplanned maintenance at refineries as well as instability in demand, likely due to frigid temperatures, are all contributing toward movement at retail pumps across the country.”

Today’s national gas price average is four cents more expensive than a month ago and 30 cents less expensive than a year ago.

Quick Stats

The nation’s top 10 least expensive markets are: Arkansas ($1.96), Mississippi ($1.96), Alabama ($1.97), Texas ($1.97), Missouri ($1.99), Louisiana ($1.99), Oklahoma ($1.99), South Carolina ($1.99), Kansas ($2.00) and Colorado ($2.01).
The nation’s top 10 largest weekly changes are: Michigan (+13 cents), Illinois (+9 cents), Missouri (+9 cents), Wisconsin (+7 cents), New Mexico (+6 cents), Iowa (+6 cents), Ohio (+6 cents), Utah (-6 cents), Indiana (+5 cents) and Minnesota (+5 cents).

CHICAGO, Feb. 8, 2019 -- Automakers, manufacturers and enthusiasts from across the globe are revving up for the 2019 Chicago Auto Show. The nation's largest and best-attended auto show, held annually at McCormick Place, opens its doors to the public on Saturday, Feb. 9 and runs through Monday, Feb. 18, Presidents Day. This year marks the 111th edition of the nation's longest-running auto show.

"The Chicago Auto Show has something to offer everyone, whether you're interested in purchasing a new vehicle, checking out the hottest concept cars, experiencing interactive displays, or just taking the family out for a fun day, there's so much to see and do at the 2019 show," said Chicago Auto Show Chairman Ray Scarpelli.

The 2019 Chicago Auto Show promises visitors exclusive access to nearly 1,000 of the newest and most exciting vehicles, including the nearly 20 vehicles that made their debut during the show's 2019 Media Preview, including:

2020 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Italia
2019 Cadillac XT5 Sport
2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD
2019 Chrysler Pacifica 35th Anniversary Edition
2019 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson by Tuscany
2020 GMC Sierra HD
2020 Kia Sportage
2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata 30th Anniversary Edition
2019 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
2020 Nissan Rogue Sport
2019 Ram 1500 Multifunction Tailgate
2019 Ram Chassis Cab
2020 Subaru Legacy
2020 Toyota RAV4 Off-Road
2020 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro
2020 Toyota Tacoma
2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

In addition to the hottest debuts, latest production, concept and exotic vehicles, the show is packed with opportunities for the public to get behind the wheel. Attendees can ride along in four indoor test track experiences including Camp Jeep, Land Rover Above and Beyond Tour track, Kia Torque Track and the Ram Truck Territory. Visitors can also take a test drive in six outdoor ride-and-drive opportunities including Ford, Mazda, Subaru, Volkswagen, Volvo and the Clean Air Initiative featuring green vehicles.

CHICAGO, Feb. 8, 2019 -- Pickup unveiled at 2019 Chicago Auto Show highlights more than 170 Mopar products available for new 2019 Ram Heavy Duty

Modified Ram 2500 Heavy Duty features Ram Bar, LED off-road lights, bed step and more

Custom Ram Heavy Duty showcases conceptual products including beadlock wheels, off-road rock rails and spare tire carrier

The Mopar and Ram Truck brands unveiled a modified 2019 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty truck at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show, highlighting a few of the more than 170 products Mopar will offer for the most powerful, most capable pickup in the segment.

The Mopar and Ram Truck brands unveiled a modified 2019 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty truck at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show, highlighting a few of the more than 170 products Mopar will offer for the most powerful, most capable pickup in the segment.

The Mopar and Ram Truck brands unveiled today at the Chicago Auto Show (CAS) a modified 2019 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty truck, highlighting a few of the more than 170 products Mopar will offer for the most powerful, most capable pickup in the segment.

"The Mopar-modified Ram 2500 Heavy Duty on display at the Chicago Auto Show is the latest example of our commitment to offering owners a full product line to choose from right at launch of FCA US LLC vehicles," said Steve Beahm, Head of Parts and Service (Mopar) and Passenger Car Brands, FCA - North America. "Whether it's for the trail, the street or the worksite, Mopar will have more than 170 parts and accessories that provide a path to enhanced capability for the new 2019 Ram Heavy Duty."

Mopar-modified 2019 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty
The modified pickup, based on a 2019 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty Big Horn powered by the 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 engine, is trimmed in monochromatic Blue Streak production color and has been enhanced with the addition of vehicle-launch ready Mopar parts and accessories, as well as a few unique conceptual products.

Mopar parts include a black, powder-coated Ram Bar located in the bed and topped with five 5-inch LED off-road lights, each shining bright at 4,800 lumens each. An auxiliary switch bank inside the cab integrates with the Mopar LED lights to provide an organized central area for operation of auxiliary accessories.

A rear bed step, a production option also available as a Mopar accessory, lowers for easy access when the tailgate is up or down and retracts with a gentle push. A set of Mopar off-road wheel flares offers additional defense against the trail while enhancing the truck's rugged appearance.

A pair of Mopar conceptual products work together to deliver tough, durable off-road capability. Conceptual off-road rock rails are powder-coated and provide protection for driving through the trails, while 17-inch custom-milled concept beadlock wheels work with aggressive Goodyear tires. In the bed area, a conceptual rear spare tire carrier holds up to a 37-inch tire.