Latest News From Bumper to Bumper Radio

Consumers Finding No Love at The Pump

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 14, 2022) — The national average price for a gallon of gas rose sharply last week to $3.48, four cents more than a week ago. The main culprit behind the recent climb in pump prices remains the high cost of crude oil. Moderating winter weather and optimism over a potential fading of the omicron variant have led to an increase in gas demand.

“More drivers fueling up here coupled with a persistent tight supply of oil worldwide provides the recipe for higher prices at the pump,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “And unfortunately for consumers, it does not appear that this trend will change anytime soon.”

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks dropped by 1.6 million bbl to 248.4 million bbl last week. On the other hand, gasoline demand rose from 8.23 million b/d to 9.13 million b/d. A decrease in total stocks and increased demand have contributed to upward pressure on pump prices, but rising crude prices continue to play the dominant role in pushing pump prices higher. Gas prices will likely increase as demand grows and crude oil prices remain above $90 per barrel.

Debunking 4 Car Preventative Maintenance Myths | Good Works Auto Repair

Everyone has an opinion these days. But, the truth is, most opinions aren’t facts, no matter how much people believe them. In fact, you’ve probably heard your share of car preventative maintenance myths … we sure have. Let’s take a look at a few of them so you can have the information you need to make the best decisions about your vehicle’s care.

4 Common Car Preventative Maintenance Myths That Simply Aren’t True!

Myth #1: You should change your vehicle’s oil every 3,000 miles.

The truth: This is quite possibly one of the most common car preventative maintenance myths. While this may have been true in your grandparents’ day, oil change frequency is different for modern vehicles. That’s mostly because today’s motor oil has additives and lubricants inside it that help it last longer. For most vehicles that are less than 15 years old, oil changes can be done every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. If you’re not sure, check your owner’s manual or talk to your trusted mechanic.

PLANO, Texas, Feb. 14, 2022 -- Born from a lineage of trucks and SUVs rooted in quality, durability and reliability, there's no question that the all-new 2022 Toyota Tundra is an absolute powerhouse. The campaign for the all-new Tundra, "Born For This," marks Toyota's largest U.S. campaign to date as the third-generation vehicle looks to build on its success in the full-size truck segment.

"This campaign showcases the unstoppable independence of the all-new Tundra," said Lisa Materazzo, group vice president, Toyota Marketing, Toyota Motor North America. "'Born For This' celebrates our most capable, dependable and advanced truck yet - exactly what our guests have been waiting for – and the all-new Tundra is born to deliver."

Hyundai Motor Group Takes Top Honors in 2022 J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study

Owners of vehicles from Hyundai Motor Group nameplates report the fewest problems and frustrations compared to owners of other automotive brands in the U.S.

Kia ranks top brand overall and Genesis ranks top premium brand

Hyundai Motor ranks third overall, improving by four positions

SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 11, 2022 -- Hyundai Motor Group is the top-ranked automaker in J.D. Power's 2022 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) with its Hyundai, Kia and Genesis nameplates taking three of the industry's top four brand rankings overall, including the top spot.

Kia is the top-ranked brand overall, including all mass-market and premium brands, and Genesis is the top-ranked premium brand and fourth overall. Hyundai Motor is ranked third overall, based on VDS's PP100 (problems per 100 vehicles) scoring criteria.

Hyundai Motor also took top honors in the midsize SUV and midsize sedan segments with Santa Fe and Sonata, respectively. Kia Sorento took the top honor in the upper midsize SUV segment for the second consecutive year.

New-Vehicle Prices Retreat from Record Highs but Remain Well Above MSRP, According to Kelley Blue Book

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 9, 2022 -- New-vehicle average transaction prices (ATPs) decreased to $46,404 in January 2022, according to new data released today by Kelley Blue Book, after reaching a record high in December 2021. Prices fell 1.8% ($839) month over month mostly due to fewer luxury vehicles being sold in January, but prices remain elevated compared to one year ago, up 12.5% ($5,155) from January 2021. With new-vehicle supply holding steady at the same level since Thanksgiving and customer demand remaining strong, dealers continue to hold prices at or above the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP).

"The surge in new-car prices appears to have peaked," said Michelle Krebs, executive analyst for Cox Automotive. "Yet, while we expect vehicle supply to improve, it will continue to be tight particularly through the first half of the year. Because of this, we expect prices to remain high for the foreseeable future, but car shoppers can rest assured we don't anticipate any more record highs."

Bumper Audio Clip of the Week

Bumper to Bumper helps a listener who is having possible transmission issues with their Chevrolet Equinox.