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Drive in anxious and cruise out confident with the best automotive information for your vehicle! Tune in to KTAR News 92.3 every Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon as Matt Allen helps listeners with their car problems. The show call in number is 602-277-5827.


Latest News From Bumper to Bumper Radio

Don’t Let Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System Leave You Feeling Flat

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 23, 2023) —A new study by AAA found that in-vehicle tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are generally accurate, but drivers should still check their tire pressure manually. Why keep tabs on your tires? They are the only part of your car in contact with the road, and proper inflation is the key to safety and better gas mileage.

“Whether in rain, sleet, snow, or dry conditions, tires are the unsung heroes of your car,” said Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of automotive engineering. “They are designed to work best when properly inflated. Our research found that the pressure monitoring systems that provide data for instrument displays or trigger the amber dashboard warning worked as intended. But we recommend always having a dependable old-school manual pressure gauge to check them once a month because a tire can be more than 20% deflated before it triggers the dashboard warning.”

Diesel Vehicle Service and Repair | Accurate Automotive

By Accurate Automotive in Mesa, AZ


Did you know Accurate Automotive offers service and repair to many different types of vehicles? Many of our customers are surprised to learn we can help them with their diesel vehicles.

A lot of people are excited about the new diesel engines that are becoming available in passenger cars and SUV’s and they’re curious about the preventive maintenance requirements. People may not know that diesel engines have long been used extensively in Europe and Asia. In fact, in some markets, there are nearly as many diesel-powered passenger cars as there are gasoline.

You may ask, why has it taken so long to get in North America? There are a bunch of reasons like fuel tax policies and such, but the biggest hurdle was that North American diesel fuel had a high sulfur content – too high for the latest generation of highly refined diesel engines. Recent government mandates to remove sulfur now open North America up to the engines the rest of the world’s been enjoying for a long time.

“Are We There Yet?” Guide to Traveling with Kids by Air, Land, and Sea

WASHINGTON, DC (September 25, 2023) – Traveling can be blissful, inspiring, and restorative. Traveling with kids – let’s face it – can be challenging. AAA travel advisors say with enough planning and creativity, traveling with kids can be successful, not stressful!

“Travel is an enriching and educational experience for children of all ages,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “AAA is fortunate to have so many experienced travel advisors who know the ins and outs of family travel and can help AAA members plan memorable vacations.”


FLIGHTS

Before You Go: When you’re purchasing airline tickets, AAA travel advisors say avoid buying basic economy if you’re traveling with kids. Basic fares come with restrictions and oftentimes that means no seat selection. If your family wants to sit together, be sure to purchase at least regular economy, also known as main cabin. Download movies and shows on your mobile device ahead of time, in case there’s no Wi-Fi onboard. Carry a backpack instead of a suitcase to free up your hands at the airport and during boarding and deplaning.

Is the Peak Price for Gas In the Rearview Mirror?

WASHINGTON, D.C. —The national average for a gallon of gas hit what may be 2023’s peak price of $3.88 earlier this week, only to slide a few cents in the following days. Today’s average is $3.86 – a penny more than a week ago.

“The recent drop in the national average, while small, is typical this time of year as much of the country makes the switch to less expensive winter blend gasoline,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “But the gradual seasonal decline in prices is being slowed by higher oil costs.”

With diesel fuel prices still being higher than they were in recent years, fuel economy is vital. While there’s not much the average person can do to affect fuel prices at the pump, there ARE things you can do to improve fuel efficiency. Here are 5 ways to increase fuel economy on a diesel pickup. Put them to use, and you’ll enjoy better engine performance and money savings at the pump!

Bumper Audio Clip of the Week

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