by L Baures | Aug 6, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
What is a VIN Number?
VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number. This is a unique number made up of 17 characters used to describe a vehicle. You can decode a VIN to find out more about your car or truck.
Even though the N represents the word number, a lot of people still refer to it as the VIN Number.
Every vehicle since 1981 (except some imports) have VIN Numbers. Each one consists of a code of 17 digits. This code of digits is different for each and every vehicle on the planet (unless there are aliens somewhere with vehicles, I’m not sure about them).
Dealerships, insurance companies, parts suppliers, authorities, and potential buyers all use a VIN. This brings up the information needed to identify the vehicle. It is usually used as the base information to evaluate a car or truck too. CARFAX and Autocheck will also have information related to the VIN number of each vehicle, such as accident reports.
Find your vehicle’s VIN
This VIN sticker is on the driver’s door jamb of a Ford pickup truck
The easiest place to find a vehicle identification number is on the outside bottom of the windshield on the driver’s side. Look to the very bottom of the windshield to read it. There will also be a sticker on the side of the driver’s door, or on the inside of the driver’s side pillar or bulkhead.
VIN’s are also be stored within electronic devices within newer cars and trucks for security reasons.
How to decode a VIN?
WMI
Digits 1 through 3 combined is the WMI, (World Manufacturer Identifier).
The first digit of the VIN number is the country of origin or final processing plant. For example, numbers, 1, 4 and 5 represent the U.S. 2 is Canada and the number 3 represents Mexico. The Society of Automotive Engineers are the ones who assign WMI’s to countries and manufacturers. Next is the digit that represents the manufacturer, for example, ‘G’ is for General Motors, ‘C’ can be Chrysler and ‘B’ for BMW.
The third digit combined with the first two may identify the type of vehicle, such as whether it is a truck, SUV or car. For example, a Chevrolet truck VIN would start as ‘1GC’. 1 for the US as the country of origin, G for General Motors and C for Truck.
Vehicle Descriptor
Digits 4 through 8 represent the vehicle descriptor section.
This is information such as model type, restraint types, body type, engine, and transmission.
Check Digit
Digit 9 is a check digit.
The 9th digit is like a security code, called a check digit. It is a code number/letter the manufacturer generates to verify authenticity of the whole number.
Vehicle Identification Section (VIS)
Digits 10 through 17 is the Vehicle Identifier Section.
The 10th digit is the model year. This table below is a good quick guide to years. So if the 10th digit is a ‘D’ this means the vehicle is a 2013 model.
https://support.alldata.com/alldata-repair-online-article/vin-to-year-chart
Plant Code
The 11th digit is the manufacturer’s plant code.
Vehicle manufacturers all have their own unique codes for which plant the car, truck, or SUV’s are built.
Production Number
Digits 12 through 17 digits are numbers the vehicle gets as it rolls through the production line.
These numbers are usually sequential. For example, the very first of that vehicle might end in 000001.
Letters not used in a VIN
The letters I, O and Q are not used.
Can you now decode a VIN number, find out anything interesting? Let us know in the comments below!
Do I need a VIN Inspection in Wyoming/Nebraska
Where is the VIN number on a car?On the inside of the driver door jamb, there’s a sticker with the 17 digit VIN. You may also find the VIN stamped behind the lower part of the windshield.
by L Baures | Jul 31, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody, Charger SRT Hellcat, Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody, Charger SRT Hellcat, Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody (From left to right)
What is horsepower, by definition?
I’m not talking about the speed index of race horses here, I’m talking about cars, and trucks and well any vehicle really. When it comes to talking about vehicles, and in particular, the performance or power of a vehicle, the term horsepower (HP) is used. What exactly does it mean? Should you look at the horsepower rating when buying a vehicle?
When you ask Google to define: horsepower, the answer you’ll get is this;
“horse·pow·er
noun
a unit of power equal to 550 foot-pounds per second (745.7 watts).
the power of an engine measured in terms of this.
“a strong 140-horsepower engine”¹
There is mechanical and metric horsepower. When referring to vehicles, mechanical horsepower is what we are talking about here.
Is horsepower related to horses?
Yes, it IS related to horses, and it was a Scottish engineer who came up with the term. James Watt² born in 1736 is known for the work he did on steam engine development. He wanted a way of comparing the power of his steam engines to the power of draft horses.³
“One horsepower was deemed to be the equivalent of one horse lifting 33,000 pounds over one foot in one minute on the surface of the Earth.”¹¹ (550 foot-pounds per second).
By Own work, original version in German by Sgbeer (File: Pferdestaerke.svg) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
How does horsepower relate to vehicles?
Horsepower is a measurement of power. Manufacturers advertise horsepower figures to show how much power the vehicle has. ie. in relation to how fast the vehicle is. Without getting too complicated, as this is not always the case, but the higher the horsepower number, the more powerful the vehicle is. As an example, the 2017 Fiat 500 Pop has 101hp, the 2017 Dodge Demon has 840hp, so the Demon has more power. A LOT more power.
Should you look at horsepower figures when comparing vehicles?
Yes, but as a rough guide. If there are two vehicles within 20hp of each other, drive them both and see if you even notice a difference.
There are ways that HP figures can be skewed. Larry Webster wrote in a Car and Driver article that, “Since minute differences in the dimensions of engine components that naturally occur during series production—the compression ratio could be a smidge higher in one engine versus another—can result in two identical-looking engines making slightly different horsepower…”¹²
There are also different ways of quoting figures, such as BHP (brake horsepower), IHP (indicated horsepower), SHP (shaft horsepower), WHP (wheel horsepower). On top of that, other countries in the world have different systems. Germany uses Pferdestärke, which is quoted as PS. For example, a German vehicle might be rated at 200PS. 1 PS is not quite equivalent to 1 HP (PS x 0.9863 = 1HP).
There doesn’t seem to be any regulations as far which of these numbers should be quoted by manufacturers, although from my understanding, they do have the option to have the number SAE certified. If you were a manufacturer, you’re probably going to choose the highest number, which would be the BHP measurement at the crank. “Brake horsepower (bhp) is the power measured at the crankshaft just outside the engine, before the losses of power caused by the gearbox and drive train”³.
Other factors to consider
An HP figure alone will not tell how powerful a vehicle is, as there are other variables that affect power, performance, and speed of a vehicle. The weight of the vehicle is a huge factor. A car that weighs 3 ton is going to need more power to move it than a car that weighs 1 ton. Torque is another factor, along with vehicle design, aerodynamics, loss of power through other components used, and altitude etc.
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¹”Define:horsepower.” Google Search. Google, n.d. Web. 12 July 2017.
²Kingsford, Peter W. “James Watt.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., n.d. Web. 12 July 2017.
³”Horsepower.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 08 July 2017. Web. 12 July 2017.
¹¹Vousden, Mike. “What Is Horsepower? HP, BHP & PS Explained.” Carwow.co.uk. Carwow, 1 Feb. 2016. Web. 12 July 2017.
¹² LARRY WEBSTER. “Horsepower Confusion and Resolution – Column.” Larry Webster: Horsepower Confusion and Resolution – Column – Car and Driver. Caranddriver, 01 Apr. 2006. Web. 12 July 2017.
by L Baures | Jul 31, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
What is a battery?
When referring to a vehicle battery, “A battery is a self-contained, chemical power pack that can produce a limited amount of electrical energy wherever it’s needed”. 1. This article is for engine-powered vehicles, not hybrid batteries.
Why do vehicles have batteries?
Power is necessary for vehicles to start up. In simple terms, power is drawn from the battery to the starter. The starter then turns the engine to get it going. Once the vehicle is started, power then comes from the alternator.
Where is it located?
Most of the time the battery is located in the engine bay under the hood. Look for the two terminals. They will most likely have a red cover with a ‘+’ sign for the positive terminal and black cover on the other side with a ‘-‘ sign for the negative terminal. Sometimes the battery will be located under the back seat of the car or even in the trunk.
How long will a vehicle battery last?
Extreme temperature differences will affect the life of your battery. As you can see from the image above, In Wyoming and Nebraska, our average battery life is from 47 months-51 months. So just over 4 years is when you can expect to be changing it out.
There are, however, batteries that come with up to 6 years of warranty.
Lots of short trips will wear your battery life down too because the alternator doesn’t get a chance to recharge it fully.
How do you take care of a vehicle battery?
You can clean off the terminals if they become dirty. This will create a better contact.
To clean the terminals, remove the connectors (the round part over the terminals).
Make a paste of baking soda and distilled water. Use a wire brush and scrub the paste on the terminals until clean and shiny. This will help remove acid debris.
Take your vehicle to your trusted mechanic and have them test it. The voltage should be from 12.5-12.6 volts.
Signs of a possible bad car battery
- Vehicle not starting (how to jump-start a car)
- Slow engine crank (if the engine sounds like a teenager on a school morning)
- Battery light or check engine light stays on
- A swollen or bloated battery case
- Lots of corrosion on the battery or acid leaks
- Rotten egg smell
- Low battery fluid level
Thanks for reading…. here’s a coupon to show you some love! Show us some love back, by liking us on Facebook or subscribing to our blog!
You might also like: Vehicle Battery, Facts, and Myths.
by L Baures | Jul 30, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
Compact crossovers, Volkswagen Tiguan vs GMC Terrain.
The compact crossover/SUV segment has grown rapidly in 2018. There have several facelifted models along with completely new models hitting the market. Two popular models in this segment are the all-new Volkswagen Tiguan vs GMC Terrain. Both are available in FWD or AWD. We will be comparing the AWD models. So how do they compare?
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2018 VW Tiguan , Photo: Volkswagen
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2018 GMC Terrain, Photo: GMC Media
Trim Levels
Volkswagen Tiguan
GMC Terrain
- SL (FWD only)
- SLE
- SLT
- Denali
Safety
| Tiguan | Terrain (later release) |
|---|
| Overall Safety Rating | Not yet rated | ***** |
| Front Driver Side | Not yet rated | ***** |
| Front Passenger Side | Not yet rated | ***** |
| Overall Side Rating | ***** | ***** |
| Rollover | **** | **** |
| | |
Note, that whilst the NHTSA rating is out of a maximum possible 5 stars, 2018 model year GMC Terrains produced before November 28, 2017, did not get a 5-star safety rating.
Volkswagen Tiguan
Driver Assistance Package ($850) is available on the base trim (the S)
- Forward Collision Warning & Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist)
- Blind Spot Monitor with
- Rear Traffic Alert
Also available, depending on trim levels is;
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Light Assist
- Lane Assist
- Area View
- Park Distance Control with Maneuver Braking
- Front Assist
- Rear Traffic Alert
GMC Terrain
Driver Alert Package I is available on SLE and SLT and includes;
- Side Blind Zone Alert with Lane Change Alert,
- Rear Park Assist,
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Safety Alert Driver Seat
Driver Alert Package II is available on SLT and Denali and includes;
- Low-Speed Forward Automatic Braking,
- Forward Collision Alert,
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning,
- Following Distance Indicator and IntelliBeam headlamps
Performance and Economy
| Volkswagen Tiguan AWD | GMC Terrain AWD | GMC Terrain AWD | GMC Terrain AWD |
|---|
| Engine | 2.0 L Turbo Gasoline | 1.5 L Turbo Gasoline | 1.6 L Turbo Diesel | 2.0 L Turbo Gasoline |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Auto | 9-Speed Auto | 6- Speed Auto | 9-Speed Auto |
| Horsepower / Torque | 184 hp / 221 lb-ft | 170 hp / 203 lb-ft | 137 hp / 240 lb-ft | 252 / 260 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy (City) | 21 mpg | 24 mpg | 28 mpg | 21 mpg |
| Fuel Economy (Highway) | 27 mpg | 28 mpg | 38 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 mpg | 26 mpg | 32 mpg | 23 mpg |
Size and Dimensions
Exterior
The Tiguan and the Terrain are almost identical when it comes to exterior dimensions.
| Volkswagen Tiguan | GMC Terrain |
|---|
| Width (W/O mirrors) | 72.4" | 72.4" |
| Track Width | 62.2" | 62.2" |
| Length | 185.1" | 182.3" |
| Height | 66.3" | 65.4" |
| Ground Clearance | 7.9" | 6.90" |
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2018 GMC Terrain Exterior, Photo: GM
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2018 VW Tiguan, Photo: VW
Interior
| Volkswagen Tiguan | GMC Terrain |
|---|
| Seating capacity | 5 (or 7 with 3rd row option) | 5 |
| Front Leg Room | 40.2" | 40.9" |
| Back Seat Leg Room | 38.7" | 39.7" |
| Cargo Volume | 73.5" | 63.3" |
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2018 VW Tiguan Cargo Area, Photo: VW
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2018 GMC Terrain Interior, Photo: GMC
Technology and Entertainment
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on both AWD vehicles in all trim levels.
Touchscreens
The Volkswagen base trim S model comes with a 6.5″ capacitive color touchscreen. SE, SEL, and SEL Premium Tiguans come with a brighter 8.0″ glass-covered touchscreen. This also includes navigation. The GMC Terrain in the SLE comes with a 7″ color touchscreen. Upgraded Infotainment package with navigation is available as an extra. SLT models get the 8″ diagonal touchscreen as standard with navigation as an optional extra. Top of the line Denali models in the Terrain get the 8″ screen with navigation as standard.
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Volkswagen Tiguan SEL Premium touchscreen
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GMC Terrain touchscreen
Audio
Tiguan S, SE, and SEL trim lines get a 6-speaker audio system as standard. Top of the line Tiguan SEL Premiums get a new Fender® Premium Audio system with 9 speakers. This includes a 480-watt, 12 channel amp, and a Bassman™ subwoofer. audio
A 6-speaking sound system is standard on the Terrain SLE and SLT trim levels with the 7-Speaker Bose® Premium Audio standard on the Denali. Bose Premium Audio is available as an extra on SLT models as part of the, ‘Infotainment Package II’.
USB ports
Volkswagen Tiguan
- S – 1 port
- SE – 3 ports
- SEL – 3 ports
- SEL Premium -3 ports
GMC Terrain
- SLE- 2 data/charging ports and 2 charge-only ports
- SLT- 4 data/charging and 2 charge-only ports
- Denali – 4 data/charging and 2 charge-only ports
Comfort and Convenience
Volkswagen Tiguan S gets a cloth interior. SE and SEL models get leatherette heated driver and passenger seats. The SEL Premium gets leather seats, also heated. On the Terrain, SLE’s get cloth, SLT, and Denali get heated leather-appointed seats. Heated rear seats are available as an option on the Denali. A heated steering wheel is standard on both top trims from each manufacturer, the SEL Premium from VW and the Denali from GMC.
For remote start, on the Volkswagen SE, it is an option, and standard on the SEL and SEL Premium. This is similar for the Terrain, an optional extra on the SLE and standard on SLT and Denali trims.
Transmissions
Here is probably one of the most noticeable differences between the Tiguan and Terrain. The Tiguan has a traditional shift lever vs a push-button shifter on the Terrain. GMC call it the “Electronic Precision Shift, button and trigger based transmission interface.”
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2018 VW Tiguan transmission shift lever
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2018 GMC Terrain transmission shifter buttons
Drive modes
Both vehicles in the AWD configurations offer various ‘drive modes’ to adjust traction according to road conditions. The AWD 4Motion system from Volkswagen offers modes that include; Off-Road, customizable Off-Road, customizable On-Road, and Snow. The GMC Terrain has a tow/haul mode, Off-Road, and AWD disconnect. Downhill assist is also available in the Terrain.
Price
With so many options and choices available between the two vehicles, it’s difficult to compare price according to features. Taking the two most similar (as equipped without packages), the VW Tiguan SEL and GMC Terrain SLT both in AWD with 2.0 L engine, the Volkswagen works out slightly less based on MSRP. The Tiguan SEL comes in at $33,385 MSRP and the GMC Terrain at $35,990. These prices are manufacturer suggested retail prices taken from their respective websites and do take into consideration any discounts or incentives which may vary and or change at any time.
Read our first impress review on the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. For the latest deals or test drive a Tiguan, contact Fremont Volkswagen. For more information or a test drive in the Terrain, contact Fremont Chevy.
by L Baures | Jul 26, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
What is Fremont Care?
Fremont Care is a 1-year hassle-free maintenance plan to keep your Fremont vehicle purchase protected.
Who doesn’t like hassle-free stuff? Keeping your vehicle in tip-top condition has never been easier with Fremont Care. Routine maintenance not only helps the longevity of your vehicle but is also going to help with the value of your future trade. For lease vehicles, this also helps meet your obligation under your lease agreement to maintain your vehicle.
What is included?
3 Oil Changes
With a purchase of any new or used vehicle from Fremont Motors you automatically get 3 oil changes, all included.
1 Tire Rotation
If that is not enough how about a tire rotation on top that. Rotating the tires allows for more evenly distributed tire wear. This is especially important on 2WD vehicles. On a FWD vehicle, for example, your front two tires are going to wear long before the rear two tires, so if you rotate them before they lose a lot of tread you will get more miles from all your tires. This saves money. Who doesn’t like saving money?
24hr Roadside Assistance
Still not enough? Alright, so you are a bargain hunter, we know it. 24hr Roadside assistance is also included with Fremont Care, just for you! This includes;
- Lockout protection
- Flat tire changes
- Jump starts
- Fluid Delivery
- Towing for mechanical breakdown and collision recovery
Pretty good deal huh?
You will receive a prepaid maintenance package that fits conveniently in your glove compartment. When you take your vehicle in for its scheduled service, simply present your Fremont Care Maintenance Plan coverage service card to your Fremont Motors service advisor. Your trained technician already know what is covered under your plan, which can save you time whenever you bring your vehicle in for service.
The following services will be performed at each scheduled service visit
Oil and oil filter change
Tire Rotation (one per year) & Multi-Point Inspection that can include;
Fluids inspected and replenished
- Brake Master Cylinder
- Clutch Master Cylinder
- Transmission
- Differential
- Coolant
- Windshield Washer
- Power Steering
- Transfer Caser
Visual inspection of;
- Air Filter (engine and cabin)
- System Hoses (cracking and leaks)
- Drive Belts (cracking/damage/wear)
- Axle Boots (damage/leaks)
- Shock Absorbers/Suspension
- PCV Valve (if applicable)
- Cooling System
- Exhaust System/Muffler
- Tire Wear
- Tire Pressure Check and Adjustment
- Windshield Wipers
The multi-point inspection of critical components in your vehicle can save you money by identifying potential problems, such as excessive wear. Early detection can reduce the possibility of a part failure.
Extend your Fremont Care Maintenance plan
Several longer-term maintenance plans are available for purchase, and if financed can be conveniently included in your monthly payment (subject to credit approval). Give us a call to find out more or ask your finance manager at your preferred Fremont Motors dealership for more information.
Make a trip out of it
Need an excuse to visit another town? Your Fremont Care Maintenance Plan is valid at any of the Fremont Motor Group locations throughout Wyoming and Nebraska. No matter which brand of vehicle you own, you can take it to any of the following locations;
- Casper Fiat, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM
- Casper Volkswagen
- Riverton Ford, Lincoln
- Riverton GMC Chevy Buick
- Lander Ford, Lincoln
- Lander Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM
- Lander Toyota
- Powell Ford, Lincoln,
- Powell Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM
- Cody Ford Lincoln
- Cody Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM
- Rock Springs Fiat, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM
- Sheridan Ford, Lincoln
- Sheridan Toyota
- Scottsbluff Ford, Lincoln
Already purchased a vehicle from Fremont? Not sure if it has been a year yet, give us a call and we will find out for you. Schedule your car in for maintenance work here, or give your preferred Fremont Motor service dept a call.
When do you need to have your oil changed? Check out the blog on “How To Check Your Oil” or look for the oil percentage calculator on your vehicle.
Do I need to get my vehicle serviced where I bought it?
Pros and Cons of Big Wheels on a Car
by L Baures | Jul 25, 2018 | Automotive News
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Ferrari CEO Sergio Marchionne unexpectedly passes away July 25th 2018. NBC News reported that his death was due to having a stroke whilst recovering from a shoulder surgery. He was just 66 years old.
From all of the Fremont Motors and Trusted Auto Professionals teams, we offer our sincerest condolences to everyone at FCA and Marchionne’s family.
Sergio Marchionne
Sergio Marchionne, Photo: FCA
The man is a legend in the world of automotive. In 2005, after just one year of being CEO of Fiat Chrysler, Marchionne turned the company around. He took the company from losing millions of dollars back to making money. Since 2014, he also was involved in bringing Ferrari back to being on top on Formula 1 racing. Marchionne is also the man responsible for bringing Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati back to the United States. He was openly against electric or autonomous vehicles, however, the 5-year company plan showed a slow progression towards those areas.
Upon learning of his rapidly deteriorating health conditions, on Saturday, July 21st. The Board of Directors of FCA announced that Mike Manley would take over the position as CEO.
“Mr. Manley and his management team will proceed with the implementation of the 2018 – 2022 Business Plan as presented on June 1 of this year, a plan that will further assure FCA’s strong and independent future.”
Mike Manley
Michael Manley
According to Bloomberg, Mike Manley started his automotive career in Aberdeen, Scotland, UK. working for a Swan National Motors dealership in 1986. He was a management trainee. Manley joined Daimler Chrysler in the United Kingdom in 2000. In 2003 he transfers to the United States. By 2008, he was Executive Vice President of International Sales and Global Product Planning. Since 2009 he was head of Jeep and 2015 he was head of RAM Trucks. He holds a Master of Business Administration (Ashridge Management College in Ashridge, England). On top of that, he also has a BA in Science in Engineering (from Southbank University in London).
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