Latest News From Bumper Radio

Pump prices are holding relatively steady and remain at their lowest levels for this time of year since 2005. Today’s price of $2.31 per gallon represents a savings of three cents per gallon on the week and two cents per gallon on the month. Year-over-year drivers continue to benefit from noticeable discounts in the price to refuel their vehicles, and prices are down 47 cents per gallon versus this same date last year.

This year’s summer driving season is likely to set new records for both gasoline demand and vehicle miles traveled, and the latest data from the U.S. EIA shows that gasoline demand is currently at an all-time high. Strong demand can put additional pressure on refineries, and their ability to sustain output and keep gasoline flowing to markets directly impacts the price consumers pay at the pump. However, refineries are reportedly increasing output and gasoline supply has more than kept pace with growing demand. In fact, the refinery utilization rates reached its highest level since April and gasoline inventories posted an increase in the face of these record numbers. Gas prices have fallen for 16 consecutive days, and if the market can remain adequately supplied drivers are likely to continue paying prices unseen for the summer months in more than a decade.

ATLANTA, June 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz USA today announced pricing for the 2017 smart fortwo cabrio.  Arriving in U.S. dealers this fall, the smart fortwo cabrio will start at just $18,900, launching as the most affordable convertible on the market. A twinamic dual-clutch automatic transmission-equipped smart fortwo cabrio starts at $19,890.*

The introduction of the all-new smart fortwo cabrio represents the most expressive variant of the new model series.  Last offered as a 2015 model, the new smart fortwo cabrio is the only convertible priced under $20,000 available in the United States.  Customers can now park virtually anywhere and navigate narrow or city streets and highways effortlessly, all while enjoying the cabriolet lifestyle at an affordable cost. 
   

If you own a certain Hondas or Acuras, the federal safety regulator is saying "Stop driving your car now!"

Car Expert Lauren Fix, The Car Coach is live as she discusses the seriousness of this recall, the cars under the new NHTSA high-risk airbag.

Pump prices have now fallen for 24 straight days and registered their lowest price for yesterday’s Independence Day holiday since 2005. Today’s national average price for regular unleaded gasoline is $2.27 per gallon, which represents a savings of three cents per gallon on the week and nine cents per gallon on the month. Year-over-year drivers continue to benefit from noticeable discounts at the price to refuel their vehicles and prices are down 50 cents per gallon versus this same date last year.

The Car Coach, Lauren Fix, appears on Fox News to discuss the first driver to be killed in a self-driving car. See what the automotive expert has to say about the self-driving technology.

Tests show quality gasoline keeps engines 19 times cleaner

ORLANDO, Fla. (July 7, 2016) – New testing from AAA has uncovered significant differences in the quality of gasoline sold at fuel retailers in the United States. The independent laboratory testing compared gasolines that meet TOP TIER™ standards often marketed to consumers as having enhanced, engine-cleaning detergent additives with gasoline brands that do not participate in the automaker-backed program. Among brands tested, non-TOP TIER gasolines caused 19 times more engine deposits than TOP TIER brands after just 4,000 miles of simulated driving. Such carbon deposits are known to reduce fuel economy, increase emissions and negatively impact vehicle performance, particularly on newer vehicles. To protect vehicle investments, AAA urges drivers to use a gasoline that meets TOP TIER standards for engine cleanliness and performance.

“AAA was surprised to learn the extent to which detergent additives impact gasoline quality,” revealed John Nielsen, AAA’s managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. “As advertised, tested TOP TIER gasolines kept engines remarkably cleaner than other fuels we tested.”

LOS ANGELES, July 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- To help consumers who are in the market for a new, affordable car GOBankingRates.com released a list of popular cars on sale now for $300 or less a month.

See the full list here

From Honda, Chevrolet, Jeep, Ford and 11 other car manufacturers, 52 vehicles were identified using the following factors:

• Manufacturer MSRP
• 20 percent down payment
• 5-year auto loan term
• APR based on excellent, good and fair credit     

Just days after automakers and federal regulators reached a deal that would make forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking standard in vehicles by 2022, Toyota says it’ll do one better — make these safety features standard years ahead of schedule.

The carmaker announced Monday that Toyota Safety Sense and the Lexus Safety System + packages will come standard on almost every new vehicle by the end of 2017.

In all, Toyota says the packages, which are already offered as an option on several of its Lexus and Toyota vehicles, will be standard on 25 of 30 models by 2017.

“At Toyota, we are committed to creating better ways to move for everyone,” Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota Motor North America, said in a statement. “We are proud to help lead this industry in standardizing these systems and bring automated braking to our customers sooner rather than later.”

How often do you think about your spark plugs? If you are like most people, chances are it’s not very often. Though often overlooked by car owners, the spark plug is an important component of any finely tuned engine. The condition of the spark plugs can affect the power that your engine puts out, how good your fuel economy will be, and how smoothly your engine runs. Like your car’s oil, and other important parts, the spark plugs should be maintained and changed when necessary.

What is a spark plug?

Spark plugs are a fundamental part of the ignition system. They screw into the top of an engine’s cylinders where they receive a high voltage electrical current from the ignition coil(s). They then create the electric spark that is required to ignite the compressed air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. They will also transfer heat away from the combustion chamber. These events happen over a thousand times per minute when you are driving. It is this constant ignition that keeps your car moving on the road. The number of spark plugs your car has depends on how many cylinders there are. If you have a four-cylinder engine, you will have four spark plugs, and so on.

Your vehicle’s battery is like its heart; without that battery, your vehicle wouldn't have the power to start moving or do anything else. So it's important to understand at least a little bit about your battery, and to know the most common signs of a battery that needs to be replaced.

About Your Battery

The typical battery, in vehicles made in 1952 and later, is a “wet-cell” battery, a plastic cube containing sulfuric acid and lead, with two terminals coming out of the top or the side. This short guide should be reliable unless you have an aftermarket battery with special needs, such as a dry cell battery, or a hybrid like a Prius.