by L Baures | Jul 9, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
Does Adaptive Cruise Control have different names?
Yes. There are several autonomous cruise control systems out there. They are now becoming more and more popular in newer model vehicles. Depending on the manufacturer of the vehicle, the system may be called; Adaptive Cruise Control, Radar Cruise Control, Intelligent Cruise Control, Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, or Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
What exactly does Adaptive Cruise Control do?
It could potentially be described as cruise control for traffic.
The autonomous cruise control system is an extended version of cruise control. The driver is able to turn the system on or off. When the system is engaged, it will function like a regular cruise control until the vehicle gets close behind another one, within line of site. The vehicle uses sensors or lasers to detect this and will begin slowing down.
For example, you are driving on the highway with cruise set to 70mph, you are approaching a slower moving vehicle ahead (say it’s doing 65mph), the autonomous cruise system will detect this and adjust the speed of your vehicle accordingly. This helps to maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front. The distance at which the vehicle begins to slow down at can be adjusted by the driver.
Autonomous cruise control is a major step towards autonomous vehicles. Cars that are equipped with ACC are considered level 1 autonomous. For more information on autonomous levels check out this article.
Lasers and sensors
Some vehicles use lasers in their autonomous cruise control systems and others use radar. Laser-based systems cannot detect other vehicles in bad weather conditions. Laser-based systems also may not work great on dirty vehicles, due to the lasers needing to be exposed. Radar-based systems are more popular and are used by major brands such as Toyota and Dodge.
Some ACC systems will come to a complete stop
Not all Autonomous Cruise Control systems are equal. There are basic systems and advanced, and of course, the price varies depending on the system. Some systems, when activated will cancel out below a certain speed, such as 25mph. Therefore the driver is still responsible for braking below these speeds. Other systems will combine with technology such as pre-collision braking. This means that when ACC is ON, the vehicle will come to a complete stop. Depending on the system, it may also then speed up again when the gap between the vehicle in front increases.
Do you have a question about a vehicle feature or something you’re not quite sure how it works, let us know and we’ll help you! Comment below or send us an email to [email protected]
by L Baures | Jul 6, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
Charles from Casper Wyoming asked us,
“Why don’t RAM put their best engine (the Cummins) in their best looking truck, the Power Wagon?”
Photo: FCA
A very valid question, thanks to Charles for submitting. It’s a common question, believe it or not, that has been floating around for years now. There are gas and diesel options on just about every other RAM truck, now including the 1500’s with the EcoDiesel. So why isn’ there a diesel option on the RAM Power Wagon?
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2017 Power Wagon Review
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Photos: L Baures
Quick overview of the Power Wagon
The name Power RAM/Power Wagon name has been around since the 1940’s with the Dodge Power Wagon. Back then it was a nameplate and the truck was not a dedicated off-road truck (other than maybe moonshining?). A Cummins turbo diesel engine was available as an option from 1989-1993. Around 2005 is about the time the truck became more of an off-road vehicle. The only pickup that comes with a winch from factory. A 12,000lb WARN winch. (Check out our funny video on how to use the Power Wagon Winch) Today, the Power Wagon is an off-road beast with locking front and rear diffs, disconnecting sway bars and of course the winch. It has the 6.4L Hemi V-8 with a 4.10 axle ratio, Bilstein shocks, steel bumpers and a factory lift to mention just some of the features.
Why no Cummins option
The reason the Power Wagon does not have a Cummins option is that just about everything that makes it a Power Wagon is not very compatible with the Cummins engine. The V-8 gas Hemi engine takes up less room than the inline 6 Cummins. Road and Track mentioned the fact that there would not be room for the winch if there was a Cummins in it. Another reason is that the Cummins engine is also much heavier than the 6.4L Hemi. The Cummins is 1050-1150 lbs dry, whilst the 6.4L HEMI is around 500lbs. Probably not a great idea to have a nose heavy off-road truck. Better throttle response from a gas engine might just be what you need as you’re trying to negotiate a rock.
Photo: FCA
Sure, RAM could probably find a way to overcome these factors but a lot of engineering would have to be done. The real question is, is it financially viable for the company to completely redesign and engineer a truck that is about to be replaced. The answer is no. Perhaps in the future when the truck is redesigned we could see a diesel-powered Power Wagon, but don’t hold your breath.
Still want a diesel heavy-duty off-road truck?
If you’d rather replace the winch with a Cummins engine, there is always the option of a RAM 2500 with the off-road package. The package includes Bilstein shocks, off-road decals, tow hooks, transfer case skid plate and Hill Descent Control.
2018 RAM 2500 Off-Road Package
Would you like to submit a reader question?
Send your question to [email protected] and don’t worry, if you want to remain anonymous, we can do that too!
Bowman, Zach. “Ram Had 3 Diesel Options for the Power Wagon, Chose None.” Road & Track, Road & Track, 6 Oct. 2017,
Parks, Seth. “Making the Case for a Diesel Ram Power Wagon.” The Truth About Cars, 22 June 2017,
by L Baures | Jul 5, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
The Chevrolet Blazer has been around for a while.
The original Blazer name was used by Chevrolet in 1969. Back then, the vehicle was classed as full size and based off of the pickup chassis. It was eventually renamed the Tahoe. From 1983 there was the S-10 Blazer based on the smaller pickup, discontinued in 2005.
Chevy says it will be, “Slotting between the Equinox and Traverse, the 2019 Blazer will offer unique design elements on each model, appealing to customers seeking distinctive styling and outstanding utility.’
2019 Chevy Blazer, Photo: Chevrolet
Quick specs
Here’s what we know so far about the new Balzer;
- Two engine choices, a 2.5 liter 4 cylinder and a 3.6 liter V-6)
- 2.5-liter engine will have 193hp and 188 lb-ft torque
- The 3.6-liter engine will have 305hp and 269 lb-ft torque (this will be on the Premier and RS trim levels)
- It will be available in AWD with ‘Traction Select’
- 9-Speed transmission
2019 Chevrolet Blazer RS, Photo: Chevrolet
Features
- HID Headlamps
- LED daytime running lights
- Dual exhaust outlets
- Tailgate spoiler
- Padded knee area
- Cargo management system
- Electronic locking glovebox
- Auto heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated steering wheel (also auto and works with remote start)
- Adaptive Cruise control
- Hands-free power liftgate
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
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Tail lamps
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Interior
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Cargo Management
Chevrolet says there will be a variety of trim line options to suit different customer tastes, although so far, only the Premier and RS trims have been mentioned). The RS will be the sporty trim model, with more black stying such as the mesh grill, bowtie, and leather interior.
2019 Chevrolet Blazer RS:
The Premier will be luxury trim model with leather and suede microfiber seats and chrome accents.
2019 Chevrolet Blazer Premier, Photo: Chevrolet
Other features will include flat folding rear seats, sliding rear seats, dual-pane sliding sunroof and active safety features. Estimated towing capacity with the V-6 engine is 4,500 lbs (hitch guidance available).
Prices have not yet been released, and the car is expected to arrive in Chevy dealerships early 2019. TO find out more, contact your preferred dealership or sign up for updates with Chevy here.
by L Baures | Jul 3, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
Not all American cars are really American
Every year, cars.com researches which vehicles are the most American. They call it the ‘American Made Index’. Part of being an American vehicle is obviously being assembled at a plant in America. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean the car or truck is American. Most of the parts could be sourced from anywhere else in the world, including the engine and transmission. Calculations are based upon where the car is assembled, how much of the parts are domestic, and American jobs at the manufacturing plants.
But one that is…is the MOST American Car
According to the Cars.com American-Made Index, last years most American Made vehicle was the Jeep Wrangler. For 2018 though the Jeep Cherokee takes the top of the list as the most American. The Jeep Cherokee’s final assembly point is in Belvidere, Illinois and has mostly American parts.
2018 Jeep Cherokee, Photo: FCA
How can you check where a car is made?
Every new vehicle in the United States must have a Monroney sticker on the window until sold. On that Monroney will be information about where parts are sourced from, as well as the final assembly point. For example, see the area highlighted in red in the picture below.
2018 Jeep Cherokee Monroney
If you aren’t near the car and shopping online for vehicles, links to the window sticker/Monroney can be found on the Fremont Motors website. Click on the vehicle you’d like to view then click on the part that says, ‘Window Sticker’ as shown in the yellow on the picture below (on fremontmotors.com).
Fremont Motors window sticker link
What about used or pre-owned vehicles?
Used or pre-owned vehicles won’t typically have a Monroney window sticker (unless the first owner kept it in the vehicle and it has been saved in there). You won’t be able to tell where the parts came from but you’ll be able to tell if the vehicle’s final assembly point was in the USA by the VIN Number. Look on the side of the drivers’ door for a sticker with a 17 digit code. See the area highlighted in red below.
VIN sticker of a Chevy. The first number is 1 indicates the cars country of origin is America.
If the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) starts with the number 1, 4 or 5 then the vehicle’s final assembly point is in the United States of America. Some VIN stickers may also just say where the cars’ country of origin is. For example, “Made in Italy“.
Just some of the vehicles made in American plants;
Ford
Lincoln
Buick
Chevrolet
GMC
Dodge
Jeep
RAM
Toyota
Volkswagen
Where is your vehicles’ country of origin? Would you buy a vehicle made in America over one that isn’t?
by L Baures | Jun 29, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
Make the trip easier with these pickup truck accessories for hunting
Heading out into the mountains or prairies this year to hunt, and taking your pickup? Here are some pickup truck accessories for hunting that could help make things a littler easier.
1. All weather floor mats
Big game hunting season just so happens to be around the time it rains or snows. Hiking through the mud and/or snow is most likely going to leave your footwear dirty. Then if you get lucky and manage to harvest an animal, you might be even dirtier. Keep the carpets in your truck clean with some all weather floor mats.
Plastic/rubber material is much easier to clean and hose down than regular carpet. Find the perfect sized all weather floor mats at your local dealership parts department.
2. Seat covers
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Realtree seat covers available from Ford
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Carhartt seat cover available from Ford
For mostly the same reasons as above, car seat covers are great for protecting the original material (especially if you have cloth seats). This will help when it comes to trading in the vehicle. Keeping a truck in the best possible condition will help retain its value. This is why seat covers are one of the top accessories for hunting.
Universal seat covers can be purchased from the supermarkets, car and truck accessory stores, dealerships and even truck-stops. You’ll find form fitting seat covers from your local dealership parts dept. Note that some manufacturers cannot provide form-fitting seat covers yet due to side airbag restrictions. Mopar, Ford and Chevrolet parts stores will be able to get these for you.
3. RAM BOX Holster
For RAM pickup trucks with RAMBoxes, a holster can be added to either RAMBox to gently and securely hold two rifles. The same holster can also be rotated to hold up to six fishing rods.
4. Bedliner
By Abcflorida [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], from Wikimedia Commons
5. Rifle/bow rack for inside the truck
Secure your rifle or bow safely out of the way by utilizing a rack. Liveoutdoors.com says, “Forget about those old-school, rear-window mounted racks that scratch the stock and rattle the scope lose. Today’s gun racks offer a range of options from how they are mounted, ease of access and appropriate padding and safety locks so they don’t come loose”. There are all sorts of mounts available from the back seat, to roof and front seat mounts.
6. Truck Tent
Planning on sleeping in the truck? How about a tent that goes over the bed, like this one from Chevrolet, as a cheaper alternative to an overbed camper/topper. You may want mother nature to be on your side for one of these though.
Chevrolet Truck Tent
7. Fender well tool box /rifle storage
These sit over the wheel wells in the bed of the truck. Open the tailgate and it’s right there. Some are available with two separate compartments, one for the rifle or shotgun and the other for ammo.
8. Plug-in scent killer
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Scent Crusher Ozone Go
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Scent Crusher Ozone Go MAX
There can be all sorts of smells in vehicles from stale fast food to your own scent. Scents can make all the difference when hunting. Scent Crusher makes the Ozone Go and Ozone Go MAX that plugs into a 12V socket in your truck.
9. Storage organization
Organize your hunting gear with a storage system of drawers and shelved like this one by Decked.
Truck storage system by Decked. Photo: Decked
For more information on Decked storage systems, contact Ameri-Tech or your preferred dealership.
10. A good jack
No, not the kind that goes with the fizzy black drink, but one that’ll help if you get a flat tire. Traveling off-road in your pickup and/or on dirt/gravel roads can put a lot of strain on tires. Obviously, we recommend good tires in the first place, but if you do happen to get a puncture, you might need a better jack. The ones that come as standard might be fine for a highway wheel change, but a more sturdy jack just might save you some grief in the backcountry.
A couple of other truck accessories for hunting worth a mention are; window mount for spotting scope, a WiFi hotspot, cargo ramp, and grille cover.
What are you favorite pickup truck accessories for hunting? Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments below.
Check out Best All-Terrain Light Duty Truck Tires
by L Baures | Jun 27, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
Battle of small SUV’s.
According to carsalesbase.com, Subcompact SUV’s sales continue to grow across the U.S. Although smaller in size, most of compact SUV’s are offered in all-wheel drive, making them still very practical in mountainous areas and cheaper than a full-size SUV. Here is an ‘on-paper’ comparison of two popular AWD models in that segment. The 2018 Buick Encore and 2018 Jeep Compass.
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