by L Baures | Jun 12, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
Topping up the coolant in the cooling system reservoir
What is coolant?
Coolant ( either ethylene glycol or propylene glycol) is diluted (usually 50/50 with distilled water) antifreeze. It is used for several purposes in your vehicle. As the antifreeze name would describe, in winter it stops the water from freezing. In the summertime, it also helps to dissipate some of the heat from your engine to avoid overheating. Coolant also helps keep your vehicles cooling system clean with rust inhibitors. Rust, dirt and other particles can clog up the cooling system and cause problems.
What colors does coolant come in?
Variations of coolant/antifreeze can come in; pink, red, orange, blue, green, and yellow. This can make it confusing when trying to decide which coolant you need in your vehicle. The different colors can mean different properties of the liquid.
Coolant colors yellow and red
3 main types of coolant
- Inorganic Acid Technology (IAG)-Typically used in older cars up until the mid-90s in the U.S, contains phosphates (corrosion inhibitors) and silicates. Lasts around 2 years. Usually bright green.
- Organic Acid Technology (OAG)- Found in most newer cars, does not contain silicates or phosphates but has azoles and neutralized organic acids (corrosion inhibitors). Provides high-temperature protection for aluminum. Lasts about 5 years. Typically, orange or red in color.
- Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT)- A mix of the above two types of coolant. This has silicates and has an extended life lasting up to 5 years. Typically orange or yellow.
Which color coolant to use?
As a quick guide, if your topping up the coolant levels, use the same color as is in the vehicle already. However just because it’s the same color doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the same type. Check in your owners manual to see exactly which type of coolant to add to your vehicle. You can also check with your (manufacturer) dealership parts department. Various aftermarket companies and vehicle manufacturers use different colors. For example, Toyota has green and red, but it depends on the year and model of the vehicle as to which kind is needed.
Never mix different types of coolant
Unless you’re an expert on the exact chemical composition and reactions of the various types, keep it simple and stick with what the manufacturer recommends. Mixing the wrong types could cause radiator and cooling system damage (which could lead to engine/waterpump damage) and a repair bill that’ll make you pass out on the floor. Which could then lead to an expensive doctors bill. Check the owners manual.
How much dilution?
First, check to make sure the solution of coolant/antifreeze you buy is not already pre-diluted. From concentrate, most of the time a 50 percent coolant and 50 percent distilled or de-ionized water dilution is recommended.This will protect the system from freezing to about -34 F. For temperatures below that, up to 70% coolant concentrate can be used. Tap water or well water is not recommended due to the minerals in the water.
How often should you change it?
This again depends on your specific vehicle’s manufacturer recommendation. Check the owners manual for your vehicle of with your service dept. Some vehicles require it every 2 years whilst others can come with a ‘lifetime’ blend of coolant. It’s worth noting though, that even though the liquid may still show as ‘full’ in your tank, the active properties of the chemical composition may not be working anymore (ie. it might not be working as intended). A tool called a ‘coolant hydrometer’ can be used to check the specific gravity of the coolant. It won’t tell you if the coolant is still protective against corrosion though.
by L Baures | Jun 12, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
2018 National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association RAM truck giveaway
RAM 2500 4×4 with the 6.4 L HEMI
The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) give away a RAM 2500 truck to a college rodeo student every year. Competing students are entered into a draw to win the truck. NIRA Commissioner Roger Walters pulls out a name during a drawing (with witnesses present) and the truck is presented to the winner at the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) in Casper, WY. The CNFR is the big daddy of College Rodeo. It’s a week-long event that takes place, this year from, June 8th to the 16th at Casper Events Center. This year’s lucky winner is Caitlyn Wiswell and it’s a good job she won! We arranged to meet for this interview, and upon initial introductions, I asked her, “how excited are you to win this truck?” Looking back at the truck she arrived in, said,
“I am super excited. Especially since I have to bum rides from rough stock riders to get around.”
Caitlyn Wiswell
Caitlyn is currently a student at Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU) studying Biology with a view to having a future in the medical field, “..after I graduate with a bachelors in Biology I’m going to apply to nursing school and med school. I might apply to vet school, I have another year yet, just kinda wanna get all my ducks in a row before I decide.” She is a breakaway roper and team roper. During the College National Finals Rodeo Caitlyn will be competing in the breakaway roping. She has already competed twice in the finals and will be competing again on Fri evening.
I asked her how did she get started in rodeo and she explained that her dad team roped and her mom ran barrels, “…and I’ve always liked the sport, what’s there not to like. Be outside and rope, just been craving it ever since. It’s a lot of fun.” I asked, why not barrel racing? Caitlyn replied, “…unless you make your own barrel horse, they tend to be super expensive and it’s hard to compete at a collegiate level in the barrel racing. In the breakaway roping, I made my own horse and it was easier to compete at that level. I would love to run barrels it’s just hard to afford a nice horse, that or make a nice one, but I have not made a nice barrel horse yet.”
The reaction to winning
In her spare time, Caitlyn takes in outside horses, rides colts and helps out with day work at local ranches. She was working at a ranch when she got the call.
“I actually almost didn’t answer the phone. We were gathering bulls for my boss and my phone rang, I was like, Wyoming? I was gonna decline it but I was like, maybe this is important. When he told me I had won a truck I thought It was a prank and I asked him to quit playing a prank on me. I started laughing, then he told me it was commissioner Walters (of NIRA) and I started crying. Because obviously as you can see I don’t have a vehicle that runs right now, so I’ve been bumming a truck and thank goodness my coaches are awesome. I borrowed their truck to go to the vet, to get to the College Finals. This is before we even knew I was winning a truck…so I cried for probably ten minutes.”
We were sitting talking away in the 2018 RAM 2500 truck that Caitlyn will get the keys to, after a parade lap during the Saturday Final Rodeo event.
“This is crazy! I seriously have never been in a new vehicle before, in my life” she says.
“No one in my family has ever owned a new vehicle. Ever” she says with a great big smile. “…two days before I got the phone call, the transmission went out on my pickup. I have an 03 dodge 3500. I feel like, sometimes, things happen when you need it the most.”
She’s looking around inside the truck and says, “and it’s four wheel drive, my last pickup was two-wheel drive, so I’m super excited about that too!”
Caitlyn looked at the mileage on the truck exclaiming, “56 miles…my truck has like 356,000 miles”
Caitlyn Wiswell standing next to the truck she will be able to take home after the CNFR.
2019 NIRA CNFR Truck winner
by L Baures | Jun 6, 2018 | Vehicle Reviews
Toyota Camry XSE V6 Review
2018 Toyota Camry XSE V6, Photo: L Baures
The XSE surprised me. Ok, it’s not the most clever rhyme ever, but it does pretty much sum up what my thoughts are on the 2018 Toyota Camry XSE. The Camry, of course, has been a best seller in the U.S. for a long time.
To some, it might be seen as a boring, bland, soulless sedan, but reliable and safe nonetheless. Toyota previously hasn’t been known for making drastic changes to vehicles, but the design of the new Camry might change one’s mind on that.
The sporty edges, defining lines, and angry-looking grill seems like a big step for Toyota. It’s different.
Such a photogenic car! Photo: L Baures
Trim lines
Fist, I want to explain the trim levels because there can be quite a difference between them. The FWD sedan starts at around $23k equipped with a 2.5L 4 cylinder engine and 8-speed automatic transmission in the ‘L’ model.
Following that, comes the LE, SE, XLE, XSE, XLE V6, XSE V6. There are also 3 hybrid options available; Hybrid LE, Hybrid SE and Hybrid XLE. What do the letters mean? L is for the entry-level model, LE is the luxury edition, SE is for sport edition and X means executive.
Camry XSE V6 packs a punch
2018 Toyota Camry XSE V6, Photo: L Baures
I was anticipating another regular run-of-the-mill sedan when I heard I was getting a Camry to test. What I didn’t realize is that the model is the XSE equipped with the 3.5 L V-6 (the bigger engine option) on the sporty trim. Pleasantly surprised when I entered the on-ramp approaching 80 mph speed limit on I-25. The 301 hp and 267 lb-ft torque gently pushed my head backward as I reached 80 mph in no time at all. “Huh”, I thought, “this car actually has some pep”.
My thoughts then shifted from ‘”practical family sedan” to “ok, is there a SPORT button, can this car do more!?”
Sport button found, mode activated, “Mwa ha ha ha, ok Camry…let’s see it”, I say.
(Side note: Is it weird that I talk to cars?)
Uh hu, the car can do more. I plant the accelerator, a wee delay followed by an angry purr from the exhaust, good acceleration, and torque steer! Power delivery is smooth and of course, being a naturally aspirated engine, there’s no turbo lag.
That’s right ladies and gents, torque steer from a Camry (torque steer is when the car accelerates so hard it can influence the steering). Entering into corners the Camry feels planted and stable thanks to the sport-tuned suspension that comes as standard. Handling is superb. The direct shift 8-speed automatic transmission is smooth once it gets going.
As a bonus, the ergonomic paddle shifter’s behind the steering wheel are fun to engage more with the car.
Drive modes
There are three drive mode options; ECO, NORMAL and SPORT. I’d tell you how ECO did on fuel consumption, but I was just having way too much in SPORT mode. Sorry. I did still average 23 mpg though, so not bad at all. EPA estimates are; 32 mpg on the highway, 22 mpg in the city and 26 mpg combined.
Quad exhausts, spoiler and, diffuser-like rear lower panel give the car an even sportier look. Photo: L Baures
Safety
As with most all-new Toyota’s the Camry XSE V6 sedan comes with the latest safety technology as standard called TSS-P. This includes features such as; Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, ten airbags, and Brake Assist.
For parents of small children that need car seats, the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers) are easy to access and car seats can be clicked in effortlessly. The NHTSA awards the car with a 5-star overall safety rating.
The instrument cluster has various menus. One of which shows the safety feature activation/deactivation.
Technology
Check out the cool camera. Not just a backup camera, but 360 with a birdseye view. This is how it looks as I was sitting in the car wash. This feature is available in the optional, ‘Driver Assistance’ Package which also includes a head-up display.
The Camry XSE V6 also features a Qi wireless charging pad for compatible smartphones. This is a great feature but one of my few complaints I have about this car. Because the car handles so good when cornering your phone can slide off the charging pad. Useful when you’re cruising through.
Entune 3.0 allows smartphone connectivity. The 8″ color touchscreen works well and has dynamic navigation along with App Suite. Premium JBL audio has 9 speakers and there are several USB ports. Also available and exclusive to the XSE is a two-tone Midnight Black Metallic roof, Midnight Black Metallic rear spoiler, and exterior mirror housing.
LED Daytime Running Lights
The Camry XSE V6 model starts around $35,100 MSRP as per the Toyota website. For more information, you can contact us or your preferred Toyota dealer.
Toyota Helps Paleontologists get to Dinosaurs in Wyoming
Why Do Manufacturers Camouflage Vehicles?
by L Baures | Jun 1, 2018 | Automotive News
RAM Trucks reveals TRX will go into production
Tweet from FCA confirming production of TRX will happen.
Back in the fall of 2016 RAM Trucks introduced a concept truck called the Rebel TRX. As part of the off-road Rebel series, the TRX (nicknamed the is set to stomp all over the Ford Raptor. Spec released for the concept TRX suggest it will have the 6.2 L Supercharged HEMI® engine, “the most powerful factory-engineered half-ton pickup ever”. The transmission will be the 8-speed automatic TorqueFlite (8HP70), with paddle shifters and a 4×4 Performance Control System.
Other details suggested in the concept release are;
- BorgWarner 44-45 transfer case
- Drives modes; Normal, Wet/Snow, Off-road and Baja
- Open differential and custom CV half-shafts
- Aggressive 37-inch tires.
- Dynatrac Pro 60 axle
- Electric, selectable locker to 35-spline, 1.5-inch axle shafts
- High-strength steel frame
- Custom-built upper and lower A-arms
- 13 inches of front and rear wheel travel
- Custom beadlock wheels
- Two complete spare tire and wheel packages
- Lockable storage between the wheels in the bed
” When traversing rough terrain at high speeds, seating is important. The interior design team chose suede with accent mesh cloth inserts to cover the rear bench and front buckets. The suede inserts provide tremendous grip to clothing. The front seats integrate lateral support upper bolsters with embroidered logos. All four seats are strapped with six-point harnesses, further fixing occupants to their proper locations”, said Ram Trucks.
Image: FCA
From the image above, it looks like the Rebel TRX is set for 2022 and will have the mild hybrid (maybe an option, maybe not?). Level 2 autonomy means it will most likely have a full speed range adaptive cruise control along with the other safety technology the new 2019 RAM has.
by L Baures | May 31, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
How to avoid hail damage
(or at least try)
What is hail?
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!
Video courtesy: Stephanie Hobson.
Do you have any great tips to avoid hail damage?
Let us know in the comments below.
Send us a pic of your vehicle wrapped up!
by L Baures | May 30, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
2018 All Mopar Car Show
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.
Years: 1961-1980
1st- Glenn wise 1970 Plymouth Road Runner, Casper.
2nd – George Russell 1969 Plymouth Road Runner, Casper.
Years 1981- present
1st – Mathew Stokes 2015 Dodge Challenger, Casper.
2nd – David Barelle 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT.
Casper People’s choice
Jerry cover 1970 Plymouth Cuda, Rock Springs
How can you not smile when you see all these bright colors? Photo: L Baures
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