By Accurate Automotive in Mesa, AZ

Many Mesa drivers have probably noticed a bunch of warning lights on their dash when they start their engine. They flash on to test the circuits and then go off if everything’s OK. One of the warning lights looks like a car battery. Its job is to tell you if your vehicle battery’s not charging properly.
Mesa motorists probably know that their battery stores electricity – enough to start the engine and get moving. But that’s about it – you can only get a few miles or kilometers on battery power alone. You need an alternator to generate enough electricity to run your vehicle engine and power your electrical accessories like the stereo, power seats, heater fan, on-board computers and so on. On top of that, the alternator needs to recharge your battery. So when your vehicle alternator isn’t working, there isn’t enough electricity for all of those things. When your alternator fails, you aren’t going very far.

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 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!

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

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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.