Welcome to Bumper to Bumper Radio!

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

Annual New Car Ownership Costs Boil Over $12K

ORLANDO, FL - AAA’s Your Driving Costs (YDC) has been a reliable data source for the expenses associated with owning and operating a brand-new vehicle for more than seven decades. Based on the latest figures, the average cost of owning and operating a new vehicle in 2023 has increased significantly, with an annual expense of $12,182 or a monthly cost of $1,015. This is a sharp increase from 2022 when the average yearly cost was only $10,728, or $894 monthly.

“It’s important for car buyers to clearly understand the costs associated with owning a new vehicle,” said Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of automotive research. “Due to global supply chain issues and constrained inventory of new vehicles, car prices rose dramatically in 2022. And while the situation continues to improve, the spillover effects are keeping prices high.”

The overall average manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of the new vehicles in the 2023 YDC study is $34,876. This is $1,575 (4.7%) higher than last year. It is important to note that MSRP does not always correspond to a consumer’s actual purchase price and may vary depending on demand. Furthermore, a higher sticker price directly impacts finance costs, with this year’s vehicles boasting an average annual finance charge of $1,253, a staggering 90% increase from the previous year.

Fifteen Events Are Planned for the Goodguys 2024 Event Season

Fifteen events are planned for the Goodguys 2024 Event Season including a new northeast event at Dover Motor Speedway and an exciting new partnership and dates for the 14th LMC Truck Spring Lone Star Nationals!

Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, the world’s largest hot-rodding association, has announced their 2024 Season Event Schedule. Goodguys will produce 15 events across the country in 2024 bringing America’s Favorite Car Show back to many of the same premium venues and markets as 2023. Additionally, Goodguys will add a new event in the northeast and make a date change and collaboration announcement for the 14th LMC Truck Spring Lone Star Nationals presented by TREMEC to expand the hot-rodding experience for participants and spectators.

Make your plans to head on out to the "Valley of the Sun" and join us for our season ending event in beautiful Scottsdale, AZ! It's gonna be wild!


26th Speedway Motors Southwest Nationals | November 17-19, 2023 | WestWorld of Scottsdale

THE SOUTHWEST GRANDE FINALE

November 18-20, 2023

WestWorld of Scottsdale
16601 N Pima Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Friday, November 18 - 8:00am to 5:00pm

Saturday, November 19 - 8:00am to 5:00pm

Sunday, November 20 - 8:00am to 3:00pm



Lee Weatherby’s 1-2-3-4 of Vehicles | Accurate Automotive

By Accurate Automotive in Mesa, AZ


How do you know if you have engine belt issues?

Is your vehicle making unusual squeaking noises while you’re driving?

More often than not, drivers know when their belts require attention because their vehicle makes an unusual squeaking noise when driven. These noises can sound like chirping or squeaking noises. These noises should always be addressed and you should give us a call at (480) 890-0409 so we can diagnose your vehicle and ensure your issue is in fact a belt issue. If it is our ASE Certified technicians will offer you repair or replacement recommendations and we will move forward with your approved repairs. As always we are happy to give you a ride within 20 miles of our shop by downtown Mesa, Arizona.

Gas Prices Nudge Down, But Further Relief Could Face Turbulence

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The national average for a gallon of gas dropped four cents since last week, despite growing gas demand. However, the price of oil has declined several dollars per barrel and is holding steady below $80, contributing to lower pump prices. As Labor Day approaches, gas demand and volatile oil prices, particularly during an active hurricane season, could limit how much lower prices descend in the weeks ahead.

“Although the national average did a U-turn this week, the road ahead could lead to higher prices,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “Ongoing concerns regarding potential storm activity could hinder falling pump prices this fall.”

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand jumped from 8.85 to 8.91 million b/d last week. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks increased slightly from 216.2 to 217.6 million bbl. Although demand increased, growing stock levels contributed to pushing prices lower.

Bumper Audio Clip of the Week

Bumper to Bumper helps a listener who is having trouble passing emissions with their 2012 Nissan Pathfinder.