by L Baures | Oct 9, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
Staff Spotlight: Chris Hoffman
Chris Hoffman installing a window tint on a Jeep Cherokee.
What is your job title?
I am a Tint Technician for Fremont Auto Reconditioning.
Where were you born and raised?
Born in Crescent City, CA, raised in Concord, CA, but now live and work in Wyoming.
How long have you worked in the Auto Industry?
I have worked in the auto industry for 7 years now.
What is your favorite part of the job?
The thing I like the most about my job is working with customers.
Biggest achievement?
My biggest achievement is staying positive in a tumultuous life.
Growing up as a child, what did you want your career to be?
I wanted to be a scientist or an astronaut when I was a child.
When you aren’t working, what are you doing?
When I’m not at work I am either hanging out with friends, raising my children, or doing anything outside. I’m an outdoorsman.
What kind of music do you like?
I like to listen to every type of music. It just depends on my mood. Sometimes its classical piano. Other times its Lamb of God.
Do you have a favorite food?
My favorite food is Ribs or brisket.
What is your favorite Color?
My favorite color is Lime Green.
Favorite movie line?
“I’m Ron Burgundy?” Will Ferrel (Anchorman)
Given the chance, who would you like to be for a day?
I would like to be myself in the future. To see all the things I have done in my life. And contemplate how to have done them differently
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
The craziest thing I have ever done was a front flip in a Rzr 1000 2 seater side by side. It cracked the roll cage at the welds and ripped the plastic roof off. Both myself and the passenger were unharmed.
What was your first car?
The first car I owned was a (2WD) 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee. And I was living in Fort Collins where it snows and thought it was 4WD because it’s a Jeep………right?……….wrong.
If money was no object, what vehicle would you own?
It would be an International MXT-MV like the rock has in Fast & Furious 8.
Staff Spotlight: Sam Ideen
Wyoming Window Tint Law
Staff Spotlight: James Ogden
by L Baures | Oct 8, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
Driving in snow is a skill and it usually favors those who are cautious or those with experience. According to safewise.com, Wyoming is the most dangerous state for driving in the white stuff. Here are some tips for those who are new to driving in slick conditions or those that want a few extra tips.
Photo by Egor Kamelev
Tips for Driving in Snow -Safely
Know your vehicle
Acronyms can be confusing when it comes to cars, however, it’s important to know which systems your vehicle has. This makes a difference when it comes to controlling your vehicle in situations such as snow and ice. Some safety systems require less input from the driver. In the ice and snow, it’s important to know if your car is equipped with ABS (Anti-Lock Braking), TC (Traction Control), and ESC (Electronic Stability Control). Note that ESC can be called something different depending on the manufacturer. Variations might include; VSC (Vehicle Stability Control), ASC (Active Stability Control), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), ESP (Electronic Stability Program). They all effectively try to achieve the same outcome. See heading below on controlling a skid.
Accelerate and decelerate slowly
Being extra gentle on the pedals could mean the difference between losing traction and gaining momentum.
Increase following distance
According to drive-safely.net, the following distance should be increased to 6 seconds during bad weather. They also say that during extreme icing conditions, the following distance should be at least a minimum of 10 seconds.
Avoid sudden movements
Slamming on the brakes or jerking on the steering will most likely end up in your vehicle losing traction.
Use momentum
It can be difficult to gain traction again after stopping. For example, driving in snow up a steep incline, pushing hard on the accelerator will cause the wheels to spin. This could potentially mean losing traction. Use the momentum/inertia/torque already created, to keep it going.
One movement at a time
The Bridgestone Winter Driving School recommends using all of the grip available for, one action at a time. “Taking your foot off of the brake before you steer into the curve allows you to use all of the available grip for steering. Accelerate only when you are able to straighten the steering wheel at the exit of the turn.”
Do not use cruise control when driving in snow
Setting cruise control in wet, icy, or snowy conditions could result in losing traction. The cruise control will try to maintain the speed set, this means the car could end up accelerating through a puddle or snow. This could potentially mean losing traction and control.
With manual transmissions- shift to a higher gear
Staring in 2nd gear might help get more traction off the line as the wheels will initially move slower. Shift up to higher gears as soon as you can (gently). On a downhill slope, use engine braking from lower gears at an appropriate speed. Shifting down too early though could result in loss of traction.
Put your vehicle in ‘snow mode’
If you have a newer vehicle with various drive modes, you may have modes such as, ‘Sport’, ‘Eco’, ‘Sand’, ‘Mud’, ‘Rocks’, and or ‘Snow’. Putting your vehicle into ‘Snow’ mode will change the dynamics of the car (torque distribution, power, and transmission settings). This will increase the chances of the vehicle being able to get traction.
4WD/AWD and/or ‘Snow Mode’ doesn’t mean your vehicle will stop any better
Four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive systems can be great at splitting the torque between wheels that have or don’t have grip. This, however, does not mean the vehicle can stop on a dime. Even with 4WD and AWD, vehicles can still lose traction and end up in a skid. If all four wheels are on slick terrain, there may not be anywhere for the system to get traction from.
Pump the brakes (non-ABS equipped vehicles)
If your vehicle is not equipped with ABS (anti-lock braking system), pumping the brakes could help avoid locking the wheels and skidding.
“Gently apply and release pressure at a moderate rate. Do not apply quick or steady pressure, as this can cause your wheels to lock and your car to skid. The main principle behind an ABS is that rotating wheels provide more control than those that are skidding”, says Erie Insurance.
Let there be light
Winter weather can bring dull, flat light conditions and reduced visibility. Turn on lights, even if you can see, make it easier for other drivers to see you. In blizzard conditions, it is easier to see with lower down fog lamps or dipped beams. Having main beams on during a blizzard makes it look like you are about to embark on a Star Trek mission.
Photo Credit: Nika Kakalashvili
Controlling a skid
Non-ESC equipped vehicles
Don’t panic. The worst thing you could do is get all flustered, hit the brakes hard causing the skid to worsen. If the back end of the vehicle starts to slide out (oversteer) to your left, ease off the accelerator and gently steer to the left. Match the steering input to the slide. For example, if the back end of the vehicle is just beginning to slide, only a minor adjustment is needed. Be ready in case the vehicle snaps back and starts sliding to the other side (fishtailing).
ESC equipped vehicles
Richard Gladman, head of driving at IAM RoadSmart, said in an inews article, “…if you have ESC keep steering in the direction you want to travel.”
Consider Winter Tires
Winter tires are composed of a different type of rubber than regular tires. The compound of winter tires is designed to grip during cooler temperatures. Other compounds may become stiff which makes the tire a lot less flexible. Studded tires can also aid with traction, but they not legal in all states. Find out the pros and cons of changing to winter wheels.
Be aware of bridges and overpasses
Bridges and overpasses may be icier than other parts of the road. This is due to cold air passing on both the top and under the bridge, causing it to cool faster.
Do you have any Tips for Driving in Snow? Let us know in the comments section below.
New SUVs Under $25000 with AWD or 4×4
Snow Tips: How To Get Your Vehicle Unstuck
Do You Need Snow Tires in Wyoming?
by L Baures | Oct 4, 2018 | Automotive News
Would you Rebel 12 times at a Rodeo with a Mojave Power Wagon?
Just kidding, not really a question, but those are the three new editions coming from RAM Trucks. The Rebel 12, Rodeo Edition and the Mojave Power Wagon.
Information on these trucks was released in September 2018, the same month that is a record month for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. “Our Ram and Jeep brands propelled both our retail and total sales to their highest levels in 18 years,” said Reid Bigland, Head of U.S. Sales. Perhaps part of those results is that RAM Trucks is listening to what customers want, and these three editions just might attest to that. What do you think?
RAM Rebel 12
RAM Rebel 12, Photo: FCA
The all-new 2019 RAM 1500 redesign includes the Rebel. The RAM Rebel is the 1500 (half-ton) off-road spec pickup truck. Part of the new design for the truck included the interior of which one of the biggest (literally) features is the 12″ infotainment screen. This was initially not available on the Rebel model. However, after hearing people comment on how they wish the Rebel had the 12″ screen, RAM Trucks listened and made it happen. Hello, Rebel 12.
“Customers have been asking for additional high-end features on Rebel and now we’re delivering with benchmark technology and materials wrapped in off-road capability,” says Jim Morrison, Head of RAM Brand
RAM Rebel 12 Interior, Photo: FCA
The Rebel 12 is a special edition truck that will feature the latest UConnect technology on the 12″ color screen. The touchscreen is reconfigurable and even has a split screen mode. You can check out navigation maps and radio info all at the same time. Sirius XM with 360L is also available. A leather-trimmed interior and a 19 speaker Harmon Kardon speaker system will also be added to the Rebel 12 edition. Rebel trucks already come with a locking rear diff, factory lift, Bilstein shocks, skid plates and 33″ tires. Built in Michigan, the Rebel 12 will be arriving at dealerships during the last quarter of 2018.
Rodeo Edition
Based on the Laramie Longhorn truck, the Rodeo edition includes more trailering features and some Southwestern luxury. Available in the heavy-duty line-up, (2500 and 3500) the Rodeo edition also gets body colored bumpers and side steps. For towing the truck will come with a 5th wheel/gooseneck prep package and the center high mount stop lamp with bed camera. Being able to see the inside of the bed on camera makes it a lot easier to back up and align the trailer.
-
-
RAM 2500 Rodeo Edition,
-
-
-
-
Photos: FCA
Rodeo Editions will be available in Walnut Brown, Brilliant Chrystal Black, Bright White, Pearl White, Granite Crystal Metallic and Delmonico Red. Duallys will get 17″ polished aluminum wheels, whilst the single rear wheel trucks get 20″ aluminum wheels. The 20″ wheels will have the option of painted pockets or not. A suede headliner and “LONGHORN” badging across the tailgate adds to the luxury.
Mojave Power Wagon
The RAM Power Wagon is a heavy duty off-road pickup truck that comes standard with features such as skid plates, sway bar disconnect, and a winch. It also stands out from other trucks having not just a rear locking differential, but also a front locking differential. One of the most popular colors, on the half-ton off-road (Rebel) truck, will be available on the Power Wagon. Mojave Sand is a color that has never previously been offered on any of the heavy-duty trucks from RAM. This will be a limited edition truck only available through the final quarter of 2018. Mojave Sand packages will be an extra $795 and limited to 1500 trucks made.
-
-
Mojave Power Wagon
-
-
-
Photos: FCA
Meet RAM Rodeo Pickup Man Clint Humble.
College Rodeo Competitor Wins RAM Truck.
For more information on any of these 3 new RAM Trucks, contact your preferred dealer.
by L Baures | Oct 1, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
Are you a Chevrolet Truck Legend?
Are you a Chevrolet truck owner? Do you have pride in your Chevrolet pickup truck? Is your truck brand new or a classic? If you answered yes to both those questions, then read on. You could qualify to be a Chevy Truck Legend.
1955 3100 Series – Dale alongside his 1955 3100 Series. Dale has owned five Chevy trucks. Photo: Chevrolet
What is the Chevy Truck Legends Program?
The Chevy Truck Legends Program is a community created by Chevrolet for its centennial (100 years) anniversary 2 years ago. It’s a way for owners to connect, and share the passion for Chevrolet trucks. It’s also a way for Chevy to reward their most loyal customers and fans.
“We had an incredible response to the Truck Legends pilot program, and greatly appreciate the owners who have shared their stories,” said Sandor Piszar, Chevrolet Trucks Marketing director. “We look forward to hearing from customers across the country, and for the opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to our most loyal customers.”
How to qualify?
To qualify to join the Chevy Truck Legends Program, there are 2 ways. One way is to have a Chevrolet truck that has 100,000 miles or more on the odometer. The other way is to have purchased and/or leased 2 new Chevrolet trucks in your lifetime. Qualifying vehicles include; C/K trucks, Silverado, Silverado HD, Colorado, S-10’s and Avalanches. Tahoe’s and Suburbans are also classed as trucks, so these also qualify too.
What does it cost to join?
It is free to join for ‘qualified’ members.
Member benefits
Joining the Chevy Truck Legends program has several benefits. Who doesn’t like swag? Branded hats and decals come in a welcome box. Later, come milestone decals for the number of legend trucks and mileage milestones. Exclusive offers are available from participating Chevy dealers as well as invites to events from Chevrolet. These could include race events, auto shows, concerts, and vehicle events.
Goodies! Photo: Chevrolet
Do you qualify? Sign up here and become a legend!
Click the link below, enter your VIN number(s) to sign up and get some free Chevy stuff. Woohoo.
https://register.chevytrucklegends.com/us/en/m/p/gm/truckclub/register1.asp#
You may also be interested in: Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison Off-Road Truck Coming 2019
Recent Comments