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Latest News From Bumper to Bumper Radio

Like A Reliable Old Stove, Gas Prices Slowly Heat Up

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 1, 2024) —The national average for a gallon of gas rose by a nickel since last week to $3.15. The upward trend is likely a combination of oil costs edging into the upper $70s per barrel and normal seasonal increases as winter eases and demand for gas creeps higher.

“We are in that time of year where pump prices begin to heat up, usually peaking around July,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “But unless something shocks the global oil market and causes prices to spike, the national average for a gallon of gas will probably stagger higher, with some flat days or even small price dips along the way.”

Volkswagen Commemorates 75th Anniversary of the Brand in the United States

Two Volkswagen Beetles were imported in 1949, launching U.S. sales of the worldwide classic and the beginnings of one of America's best-known brands The story is brought up-to-date with the ID. Buzz, the electric re-imagining of the iconic VW Microbus, first sold in the U.S. in 1950. Volkswagen will celebrate its 75th anniversary with a new campaign that highlights key moments and its cultural impact in the U.S. Moments are planned throughout the year to celebrate owner and customer stories, including a return to Super Bowl LVIII

RESTON, Va., Jan. 17, 2024 - Exactly 75 years ago today, two Volkswagen Type 1 vehicles landed on the shores of New York, marking the first attempt to sell the vehicle, better known today as the Beetle, to Americans. Seventy-five years later, the iconic automaker is celebrating its humble beginnings, recognizing those who have woven the brand into the cultural fabric of the U.S. and setting the stage for the next era in its continued transformation.

To celebrate the momentous anniversary, today, the brand is announcing a year-long holistic campaign that will serve as a love letter to the American people, and an invitation to be part of Volkswagen's electric future.

Lee’s Answer on Engine Water Pumps | Accurate Automotive

By Accurate Automotive in Mesa, AZ


My water pump went out and it costs much more to replace on this vehicle than the ones I’ve had replaced in my older vehicles in the past. I trust Accurate Automotive since I’ve worked with you for many years but my technician said it’s because of where it’s located. Can you please help me better understand that?

Answer from Lead Technician and Owner of Accurate Automotive Lee Weatherby:

Thank you for being our loyal customer for so many years. We are proud of our 31 years in business and customers like you help make it possible.

Like Holiday Decorations, Gas Prices Are Coming Down

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 4, 2024) —The national average for a gallon of gas dipped slightly by three cents since last week to $3.09. One reason could be lower demand, as fewer people are fueling up after the peak of holiday road travel.

“January is a bit of blah time of year, and gas prices are in the doldrums as well,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “Barring some unexpected shock to the global oil market, gas prices will likely shuffle up and down a few cents for a while.”

What Can Cause Gasoline Odor? | Accurate Automotive

By Accurate Automotive in Mesa, AZ


Gasoline odor is also known as the smell of death so you can understand why we were concerned when we got a call from one of our customers who said she was smelling gasoline in her garage after she parked her vehicle inside of it. Her Check Engine light had also just come on. This was something she’d never experienced before. So, she called up her NAPA Service Advisor, Accurate Automotive in Mesa, Arizona and asked what was causing it.

The answer, of course, is that many things can cause a sitting vehicle to smell like gasoline fumes. But it can sometimes be tricky to track down the source, so here are a few things you can look for that may help your NAPA AutoCare Center technician pinpoint the origin of the odor.

Bumper Audio Clip of the Week

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