If you’ve ever been in a snowball fight when someone decides to lob the hardest ice-packed ball at you, you know it hurts.
If cars or trucks had feelings, they’d tell you the same thing about hail.
Ice balls that fall (or get blown) from the sky can cause some serious problems.
Hail is essentially raindrops that get propelled up into the atmosphere where they freeze before coming to the ground.
Updrafts from thunderclouds can actually pull the droplets back up into the clouds several times before they eventually get too heavy and end up dropping.
According to an article by the National Severe Storms Laboratory, “Though Florida has the most thunderstorms, Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming usually has the most hail storms“.
KGAB AM 650 posted a link with videos of previous hail storms around Wyoming.
Hail that dropped in a WY storm, May 2018. Photo courtesy: C Dibble, Casper.
Hail damage cost to cars and trucks
When pieces of hail hit the metal on cars/trucks it can hit hard enough that it will cause dents.
If it hits really hard, it can crack windshields and not just dent the metal, but crack the paintwork through to the bare metal.
To replace a windshield can cost anywhere from $190 to $1,000 dollars depending on the vehicle.
Repairing the dents can cost anywhere from $40-$80 per dent. Depending on which panels it hits, some dents could be trickier to repair.
Jennifer Zarello, Manager of the Fremont Auto Collision Center in Casper, WY said the average hail damage repair is around $2500.
This cost could up if the damaged panels are aluminum, she said the cost could go up as much as 50%.
It is entirely possible that a vehicle can be declared a ‘total loss’ if the cost of repairing the damage is more than the vehicle is worth.
A vehicle could end up with a branded title if there is enough damage.
Of course, you can leave the dents in the car, however, this will affect the trade-in value with the cost to repair being removed from the value of the vehicle.
Comprehensive insurance will cover hail damage. You may have to pay your deductible and a claim may result in the cost of your auto insurance premiums going up (depending on your provider and policy).
If you do have to make a claim, make sure you contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
Hail damaged car.
How to avoid hail damage to your car or truck
Find shelter
Taking a few minutes to protect your vehicle is well worth it to avoid an insurance claim and/or body shop trip.
If you have a garage, put your car/truck in the garage.
Find a parking garage, or somewhere that has shelter such as a hotel entrance or car wash.
Park close (right next) to a large/tall building and use it as a hail shadow. For example, if the storm is coming from the West, park on the East side of the building, ie. the opposite side to the direction the storm is coming from.
Cover your vehicle
Here are some other ideas and materials you can use to attempt to protect your vehicle from hail;
Use a car cover/hail blanket
Place a tarp over the roof, windshield, and tailgate,
Blankets,
Mats,
Foam pieces,
Cardboard,
Cushions,
Car Mats
Towels,
Bubble wrap,
Sleeping bag,
Inflatables,
Use paracord, string, bungees or tape to hold in place and/or place something heavy enough (that won’t also damage your car) on top to hold your material down during the wind.
Check out this video of Chris Hobson, Casper, Wy, quickly covering his truck in blankets to protect it!
Amidst storm season, the Fremont Motors All Mopar Car Show in 2017 was a washout with heavy rain and thunder. Although lot’s of people still turned up, and meticulously kept cleaning and drying their cars, it wasn’t needed this year. The memorial day car shows at the dealerships around town in Casper, WY were lucky to have what little sunshine that did appear over the weekend this year. Fri 25th May was scorching with temperatures reaching over 80º the cars were just gleaming as they sat awaiting the watchful eyes of judges, fellow enthusiasts, families, photographers, passers-by, and spectators. With the weather being kinder this year, there was a good-sized turnout, with over 40 vehicles on display.
Among the vehicles on display were; old cars, new cars, Dodge Challenger’s, (including an original 1971 Demon and a new Hellcat), Plymouth Road Runner’s, a Dodge Viper, Dodge Dart, Chrysler New Yorker, DeSoto, 1941 Dodge Deluxe, Plymouth Belvedere, and Plymouth Cuda’s. It’s hard to miss the crazy bright colors and muscle car exhaust notes of these beauties. It’s always great a mix of people at car shows, no matter your age or type of car, lasting friendships with a common interest are made on days like these. The mutual understanding of the amount of work, time and money that goes into keeping these cars alive is something you only truly understand if you have been there.
We interviewed a few people to find out a little more about them and their cars.
Competition winners
Results from the Show and Shine competition are as follows;
Years: 1960 & older
1st – Jim Dorland 1934 Dodge convertible, Eaton Colorado
2nd – Lee Taylor 1939 Chrysler 4 Dr sedan, Casper.
Here in the Rocky Mountains of the West, trucks are such a popular vehicle choice. Why? Well, they are just. so. practical. The higher ground clearance and 4WD make navigating over rough terrain much easier, not to mention the snow. Now that we have more luxury truck options than ever before, trucks are also used as everyday vehicles and family vehicles. The ability to throw whatever you need in the bed of the truck is just too handy (like that time you go to the home improvement store for a tube of sealant but, impulse buy fence posts). In farm and ranch country, being able to hook up to a trailer and haul time and time again is a must. Which fuel type though, gas vs diesel?
Gas vs diesel?
An age-old argument that there is no right or wrong answer to. When considering a pickup truck it all comes down to what you need your truck to do for you. There are, however, pros and cons to consider that will help in aiding your decision.
Cost to buy
Gas has the advantage here. When comparing like for like trucks, you’re going to pay more to buy a diesel engines truck than a gas engined truck. For example, a Ford F-250 Superduty SRW XL Supercab with 8′ box in 4WD with the 6.2L gas engine has an MSRP of $42,740. a similar pickup truck with a 6.7L diesel engine has an MSRP of $52,375. That is over a $9,000 difference for the diesel engine.
Fuel economy
Diesel has the advantage here. Ok, here goes the yucky math part. It’s true, diesel engine’s do get better fuel mileage than gas, especially in cars. Not so much in heavy-duty trucks. The advantage in fuel economy is marginal. According to fuelly.com, (real-world mileages) report, the 2017 F-250 with the 6.2L gas engine, averages 11.8mpg. The same report shows the 6.7L diesel engine averages 14.5 mpg. According to local fuel prices, diesel is $2.70/gallon and gas is $2.28/gallon. Assuming prices all stayed equal and the truck continues to get equal fuel economy. 50,000 miles in the gas engine truck would cost around $9,661. 50,000 miles in the diesel engine would cost $9,310 in diesel fuel costs. From this example, you can see there is only a saving of around $351 over 50,000 miles in a diesel.
Another factor to consider is that due to emissions regulations, diesel pickups now need regular top-ups of DEF (diesel exhaust fluid).
Talking of the DEF system and mileage, it’s worth noting that due to the new particulate systems on diesel pickups, short journeys are evil. Driving only a few miles every day at low speeds can cause blockage problems.
Resale value and depreciation
Diesel has the advantage here. Diesel engine pickup trucks are seen to last longer than their gasoline counterparts, especially on the higher-mile end of the scale (ie. 100,000 miles). A gasoline engine at this mileage has most likely reached its peak of performance, whilst a diesel may require some maintenance, it’ll likely last a lot longer. Diesel-powered pickups usually hold their value better and depreciate less than gas (assuming like for like and average mileage).
Towing
Diesel has the advantage here. Both gas and diesel-powered pickup trucks are capable of towing, a diesel does it better. Due to the torque, a diesel can typically pull more weight than a gas. For example, a 2018 RAM 3500 SLT 4×4 Crew Cab with 6.4L Heavy Duty HEMI (4.10 axle ratio) gas engine can tow up to 15,540 lbs. A 2018 RAM 3500 SLT 4×4 Crew Cab with the 6.7 L Cummins (4.10 axle ratio) can tow up to 30,240 lbs. Although there isn’t always this much difference, this particular truck has almost double the towing capacity between gas and diesel. Check out full RAM towing specs here. Another advantage to using diesel for towing is that a lot of the newer pickups have an exhaust brake. This uses back pressure from the turbo to slow the truck down. Useful in reducing brake wear or overheating the brakes when going down a steep mountain pass.
Gas has the advantage here. Derek Zarello, Service Writer at the Fremont Dodge store in Casper, WY says that diesel pickups typically cost more to maintain. For example, an oil change on a diesel pickup including DEF is going to be around three times the price of an oil change on a gas pickup. The reason being is that the oil type itself is more expensive and there is more of it required. Then there is the also the diesel exhaust fluid that will need topped up or filled up.
What about diesel compact trucks, half ton’s and 1500’s?
The market has recently seen the introduction of smaller trucks such as the Chevrolet Colorado with a diesel engine. A 2018 Chevy Colorado, with the 2.8L turbo-diesel crew cab long box, can tow around 7600 lbs. Fuel economy for the 4WD compact truck is rated by the EPA at 28 mpg on the highway, 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg combined.
The 2018 RAM 1500 in 4WD with the EcoDiesel engine is EPA rated at 27 mpg on the highway, 19 mpg in the city and 22 mpg combined. Towing capacity is around 8,400 lb for a 4×4 Crew Cab but actual towing capacity will depend on the exact specifics of the truck.
The new Ford F-150 with a Powerstroke diesel engine will be available this year. Official fuel economy numbers have not yet been published on the EPA website yet, Ford are hoping for close to 30 mpg. Ford did publish a towing capacity of 11,400 lbs, however, it doesn’t say which truck configuration this is on. Most likely a base model 2WD. Also worth noting is what road and track commented, “The diesel F-150 won’t be the towing champion of Ford’s light-duty lineup. With an 11,400-lb max, the diesel tows 200 lbs less than an F-150 with the 5.0-liter V8; the champion drivetrain is still the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, with an impressive 13,200-lb towing max. The diesel’s 2020 lb. payload capacity lags behind the 3.5 EcoBoost’s 3230 lbs and the 5.0-liter V8’s 3270 lbs”.
The same pro’s and con’s mostly still apply to the smaller trucks. EXCEPT for fuel economy and cost to own over a longer period. Due to a bigger difference in fuel economy between the gas diesel models in the RAM trucks. For example, the RAM 1500 4WD with the 5.7L V-8 is rated at 17 mpg combined.
Using the same numbers as quoted above for fuel costs, the cost of 50,000 miles in the HEMI is around $6,705 in gas. The cost of 50,000 miles in the EcoDiesel $6,136 in diesel fuel. A slightly bigger saving between the half-ton models. There will still be the added costs of DEF and maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gas or Diesel Better For Towing?
Most truck enthusiasts will tell you the diesel is better than its gasoline counterpart when it comes to towing. The engines get better gas mileage, last longer and usually can tow more. Diesel Engines have a lot of low-end torque and can pull heavy loads up extreme grades with confidence.
Are Diesel Trucks More Reliable than Gas Engine Trucks?
Diesel engines “in general” are simply made to last longer because the engines require more robust parts to deal with the high-compression ratios and high cylinder pressure within the engine.
Which Trucks Have A Better Resale? Gas or Diesel.
In general, a diesel equipt truck will have a better resale. That said, you also have to take into account diesel trucks cost more starting out.
Conclusion
Gas vs diesel? It really comes down to what you will be using your truck for. How often and how long you’ll be keeping it. If you will be towing heavy loads, frequently and racking up miles for years then a heavy-duty diesel makes sense. Long trips or short trips? As far as the smaller trucks go, the biggest differences to diesels are longevity, instant fuel economy, and resale value.
Fun fact: Fleet and commercial sales manager Brett Osborne at Fremont Motors in Wyoming, sells almost double the number of heavy-duty diesel pickup trucks compared to gas.
Update:10/5/2018. You do not need a VIN inspection if you purchase a vehicle brand new from out of State. You will need the Manufacturers Statement of Origin that will come with the vehicle.
What is a VIN?
A VIN is your Vehicle Identification Number that is a 17 digit code, that is unique to your vehicle. It enables insurance companies, auto dealers, and law enforcement to bring up the year and model specific information on the vehicle.
Do I need a VIN inspection?
You will only need a VIN inspection if;
if your vehicle is registered in a different state
is a homemade vehicle
the vehicle has been rebuilt or reconstructed
is a kit car
any vehicle for which a bond is required ( A Bond for Certificate of Title is required for circumstances where the owner of a vehicle is requesting a Duplicate Certificate of Title or is not able to obtain a properly executed certificate of title upon transfer of ownership pursuant to 31-2-105. The Surety Bond is a one-time non-refundable instrument that allows issuance of a new title. A Bond for Certificate of Title is NOT required for vehicles that are valued at less than $2500.)1
How do I get a VIN Inspection?
Contact your local law enforcement office and they will be able to carry out the inspection.
In Casper, there are actually designated parking spots just for VIN inspections at the Hall of Justice. Located at 201 North David St. Casper, WY, 82601. You do not need an appointment, and inspections can be carried out during normal business hours.
If you need to register your vehicle in Wyoming, but the vehicle is out of state, you can contact a local law enforcement officer in your jurisdiction to perform the vehicle VIN inspection. Find the paperwork here.
What about Nebraska?
Nebraska is similar, you will just need to contact your local county vehicle office. A list of which can be found here.
The fee is around $10.00 for both Wyoming and Nebraska.
We’ve come a long way from a 3 on the tree transmission to some vehicles now having a 10-speed automatic transmission. Changes between gears in an automatic transmission, for the most part, should be mostly unnoticeable and smooth. Exceptions to that may be performance vehicles. Remember that the more gears your vehicle has, the more it will shift. Getting used to a 8, 9, or 10-speed auto can be a little different than what we are typically used to.
If you notice something unusual about your vehicle, it’s always a good idea to have it checked out by an expert to make sure. The earlier you catch a problem, the better before it becomes a bigger one.
Slipping gears
If you hear revving from the engine, or notice your RPMs (revolutions per minute) go up, but not your speed, or you aren’t even moving, this could be slipping gears. There is another time this could happen though, so if you happen to be driving on ice or snow, it may just be wheel spin as opposed to a transmission issue. If it happens on dry roads, you may want to get this checked out by a professional.
Violent and /or slow gear shifts
If your coffee is spilling during gear changes or your head slams into the headrest, there might be a transmission problem. You may also hear loud clunking noises. If it takes forever and an age to change gear this could also be a sign of a problem. For example, you plant the accelerator and expect it to kick down and it doesn’t, or going up a steep hill and it’s not changing to maintain speed. Again if this is happening you should have your transmission checked.
Burning smell
This may happen during conditions that are difficult. The transmission works very heard when towing. (If you do a lot of towing, a tranny cooler is a good idea). Most newer vehicles are equipped with a transmission temperature warning light. If this comes on, pull over, let is cool down and call roadside assistance. (The number for roadside assistance cover that comes with your manufacturer vehicle warranty will be in the owners manual).
“The ideal temperature for your transmission is 200 degrees. For every 20 degrees past 200, the lifespan of your transmission is reduced by a factor of 2. In other words, if you hit 220 degrees, you can expect to get about half the normal life out of your transmission. At 240 degrees, your transmission will last about 1/4 the time that it should. And if you get up to 260 degrees, you are down to 1/8 the normal life”, says, YourMechanic.
Leaking fluid
This one is difficult because some transmissions may have casings to where the fluid may never make it to the ground. In this case, it would be hard to tell if it’s leaking. Otherwise, you could try the cardboard test. It’s not a failsafe test by any means but a good place to start. Place a piece of cardboard or paper (that won’t blow away in Wyoming!) underneath your vehicle overnight. Re-check it in the morning to see if there are any fluid leaks visible. If there is, be sure to bring the piece of cardboard with you to your mechanic. Most newer vehicles now require special processes and tools to check transmission fluid levels.
Dash lights(s)
Transmission warning light
Oh… the dreaded lights that nightmares are made of. Nobody likes to see warning lights on the dash. If the transmission warning light or check engine light comes on, the vehicle may go into limp mode. Limp mode means it will not shift gear, to reduce the chance of any further damage to the engine or transmission. If this happens you should pull over as soon as it’s safe to do so and call roadside assistance or your dealership.
Extreme climate conditions and servicing
Places where there are extreme climate conditions (such as Wyoming!), can cause early fatigue and breakdown of components. Seals and gaskets can become brittle or weak, and fluids can become ineffective. This is just one reason it’s so important to have your transmission servicing done. Some newer transmissions do not require servicing, however, be sure to check your owners manual and find out if it does. Living in an extreme climate or towing regularly may require more frequent servicing.
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