by L Baures | Nov 7, 2017 | Trusted Auto Pros
What is TPMS?
TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System. The system tells the vehicle when tire pressure is low.
This could be for one tire or multiple tires. When a tire pressure gets to about 25% lower than the recommended pressures a yellow light on the dash will appear.
Manufacturer recommended tire pressures can be found on the white and yellow sticker on the driver side door jam.
Tire pressure monitoring systems are required by law.
All vehicles sold (light motor vehicles) after Sept 1st, 2007 had to have a TPMS system in place.
This was partly due to problematic tires causing hundreds of deaths and a massive tire recall pushing Congress to do something about it.
How does TPMS work?
There are two different tire pressure monitoring systems in vehicles today. Direct and Indirect.
Direct TPMS
A sensor is placed in or on each wheel or tire and sends a radio frequency to the receiver in the vehicle.
Sensors are usually either attached to the tire valve stems or attached via a band on the inside of each wheel.
TPMS Sensor
Indirect TPMS
An indirect tire pressure monitoring system uses sensors already on the vehicle. The rotation wheel speed from the ABS sensors is used to detect a difference in revolutions of the wheels.
For example, if one tire is significantly under-inflated, the overall diameter will be smaller. If a difference is detected then a signal is sent to the vehicle computer.
A warning light will then appear on the dash. This system may not be accurate when all four tires lose pressure at the same time.
TPMS Warnings
There two types of warnings to let you know that pressure is low, depending on the vehicle and its age.
One system will be able to tell you what the pressure is, in each tire with a diagram.
You can see, the tire on the front passenger side is low on pressure.
TPMS warning light
Other warning systems will simply light the dash warning light to alert the driver that a tire has low pressure.
With this system, it doesn’t tell you which tire is low or by how much. Checking all four tires will have to be done in this instance.
Why is monitoring tire pressure so important?
It’s important to monitor tire pressure because when tire pressure is low it can cause poor handling, braking, and fuel efficiency.
TPMS systems can also alert the driver to punctures, and other tire problems.
Note the TPMS will not function properly and the light will come on if a wheel is replaced with the spare.
Learn more about tire pressures.
“Tire-Pressure Monitoring System.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 22 Oct. 2017, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tire-pressure_monitoring_system#Indirect_TPMS
by L Baures | Nov 2, 2017 | Trusted Auto Pros
Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies
Ram out hunger in WY. 1 in 7 people in Wyoming are struggling with hunger, according to Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies. 23,550 of those people are children.
“ For families who are struggling with the multitude of household expenses, when household bills are due, children need school supplies, or prescriptions must be filled, the first item to be trimmed from the family budget is typically food”.
The only food bank in the State, Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies (a non-profit organization) distributes more than 22,000 meals a day. 96% of every dollar that’s raised for the food bank goes towards purchasing and distributing food. All of the money raised stays in Wyoming. Not only does the food bank provide and distribute food to mobile pantries, but they also do; Totes of Hope Program (for children), Grocery Rescue Program, and two USDA hunger relief programs including National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).
How can you help?
Up until 22nd November 2017, Fremont Motors Fiat, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM in Casper will have a RAM 2500 pickup truck in the showroom to fill. The goal is to stuff the truck with food.
Let’s stuff the truck and RAM out hunger
Swing by the showroom on 6101 E 2nd Street, Casper, Wyoming and place your donated food in the back of the BLACK TRUCK IN THE SHOWROOM. Everything that is donated in Natrona County, stays in Natrona County. The truck bed is only half full at the moment, we need you help to FILL it!
What can you donate?
- Peanut butter
- Squeezable jelly
- Canned fruits (peaches, pears, fruit cocktail)
- Applesauce
- Canned vegetables (corn, green beans, peas, carrots)
- Tuna
- Canned chicken
- Mac and cheese
- Meals in a can (soup, ravioli, spaghetti, chili)
- Rice
- Healthy snacks (granola bars, fruit roll-ups, fruit snacks etc)
Find out more about Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies by clicking here. you can also donate or volunteer.
Natrona County Food Pantries & Soup Kitchens
- Alcova Baptist Church Food Bank, 21295 Kortes Road, 307 235-0524
- Celebrate Recovery, 5725 Highland Drive, 307 247-4073
- Casper Community Church, 249 N Wolcott Street, 307 265-4073
- Central Wyoming Rescue Mission, 230 North Park, 307 265-2251
- College Heights Community Centre, 1927 South Walnut Street, 307 224-4104
- Community of Hope Church, 520 S Walnut, 307 472-4673
- Faith Assembly of God, 4301 Casper Mountain Road, 307 265-9121
- First Baptist Church, 514 S Beech Street, 307 234-6946
- First United Methodist Church, 332 East 2nd Street, 307 234-9385
- Grace Baptist Church, 405 S Park, 307 265-1339
- First Church of Nazarene, 2020 South Jefferson, 307 258-9646
- Harvest Fields Ministry, 1402 S Elk, 307 234-6493
- Holy Cross Center, Inc. 1030 North Lincoln, 307 577-1041
- In Him Ministries of Casper, 1314 West 14th Street, 307 277-6492
- Joshua’s Storehouse, 334 South Wolcott Street, 307 265-0242
- Our Saviours Lutheran Church, 318 East 6th Street, 307 262-7830
- Poverty Resistance, 450 South Wolcott Street, 307 267-0704
- Restoration Fellowship, 411 South Walsh Drive, 307 235-9100
- Salvation Army, 441 South Center Street, 307 234-2002
- Set Free Ministry, 342 East K Street, 307 337-1307
- St. Marks Episcopal Chruch Food Closet, 701 South Wolcott, 307 234-0831
- Evansville Baptist Church, 459 Third Street, 307 262-6235
- Mountain View Baptist Church, Mills, 4250 Poison Spider Road, 307 234-4381
Soup Kitchen
- Salvation Army, 441 South Center Street, 307 234-2002
by L Baures | Nov 1, 2017 | Automotive News, Vehicle Reviews
The Toyota 4Runner is a mid-sized SUV that is built similar to a pickup truck (body on frame) and has optional 3rd-row seating. The current generation (fifth) of 4Runners has been around since 2009. The vehicle hasn’t changed much over the years and sales are increasing. Toyota must be thinking, why change it if it works. I got to test out the 2017 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium. There are currently 6 trim levels available in the lineup;
4Runner trim level line-up
- SR5
- SR5 Premium
- TRD Off-Road
- TRD Off-Road Premium
- Limited
- TRD Pro
All the trim levels are available in 4X4 and 2X4 except the top of the line TRD Pro which is only available in 4X4.
Safety
The 4Runner has a crash test safety overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It gets 3 out of 5 stars for rollover and front passenger. For the side crash tests it gets full marks with 5 out of 5 stars for all the tests except ‘Overall Side Pole’ it gets 4.
Performance
Engine & Transmission
The 4.0 Litre DOHC V-6 engine puts out 270hp and 278lb ft of torque. You’re not going to win many drag races with this SUV but the power suffices for what it is. It has a 5-speed transmission, which is less than most, but the advantage of is less gear changes and taller gears. For it only being a 5-speed the transmission is actually fairly smooth at a gentle pace. To get it to change down you’ll have to firmly plant your foot on the accelerator.
Handling
Handling is ok. It’s not super soft and it’s not super hard, it’s somewhere in between closer to softer. There is some body roll and that’s to be expected, it’s a fairly high profile SUV. A slight forward lean is noticeable on braking. The model I was testing had “..Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) that allows extended wheel travel at slow speeds for greater off-road capability and stability”.
Off-Road
Off-road is where the 4Runner gets an advantage. It has a good old lever where you hear the clunks moving between transfer cases. I like this, it gives a sense of security. The 4Runner has 9.6″ of ground clearance (more than some pickup trucks) and a 26-degree departure angle. ‘A-TRAC’ (active traction control) and ‘Multi-Terrain Select’ are available. Torsen™ limited-slip center diff is also available is lockable. Crawl Control comes standard on the TRD model trim levels (TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, and TRD Pro).
Crawl Control Demonstration
Toyota say that the crawl control can be used in extremely rough off-road road conditions. That may mean several different scenarios to people but I tested on a sandy hill as it was close by. Crawl control is sort of like an extremely slow cruise control. You set the speed and tt will maintain it without you having to touch the brake or accelerator.
To engage:
- Vehicle stopped
- Foot on the brake
- Shift to NEUTRAL
- Shift to 4LOW
- Put in FORWARD or REVERSE gear
- Select ON on the Crawl Control dial on the roof
- Select your speed between Low and High
- Foot off the brake and let the vehicle CRAWL!
Comfort / Entertainment
The 4Runner I had was not equipped with the 3rd row so I can’t comment on the space there. The 2nd row, however, has ample room for both children and adults to be comfortable. My particular car seats were easy to install, the latch system is very easy to get to. For kids, a universal tablet holder is available as an option ($99) that hooks onto the back of the front seats. Your own tablet can then be added to provide entertainment for children.
The buttons and knobs on the Toyota are big. Very big. So big that you can’t miss them. The fan speed, blower direction, and temperature knobs are almost the size of China. You’ll never have to search long for the right control again. The radio power knob is also large and easy to get to. The screen is a 6.1″ touchscreen that’s quick to load. It doesn’t have the latest technology such as AppleCarPlay or AndriodAuto yet but it’s easy to use. It works and there’s also a CD player.
Economy
The 4Runner’s fuel economy is EPA estimated at 17mpg in the city for the 4×4. 20mpg is estimated for the highway and a combined estimate at 18mpg. The 2×4 gets 1mpg more on the highway. Whilst I had the vehicle, I averaged 18.9mpg.
Dependability
According to the NHTSA, the 2017 4Runner has only had 2 recalls so far and 0 investigations. Toyota’s are known for their reliability.
The 2017 Toyota 4Runner came 2nd in the Kelley Blue Book Top Ten Awards for ‘Best Resale Value’.
Toyota Unveils 2019 TRD Pro’s
Review: 2017 RAV4
“Multi-Tool on Wheels: 2017 Toyota 4Runner Is the Everyday SUV That Lets You Explore When You Want, Where You Want | Toyota USA Newsroom.” Hub, Toyota, 5 Dec. 2016, pressroom.toyota.com/releases/2017-toyota-4runner-everday-suv-explore-where-when-you-want.htm.
by L Baures | Oct 30, 2017 | Trusted Auto Pros
How are vehicles given safety ratings?
Vehicles are crash tested by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). They are then awarded stars based on their performance in the test. 1-5 stars can be awarded, with 5 stars being the best possible outcome. All of the vehicles listed below are available in AWD/4×4 from Fremont Motors. All vehicle can have 3rd-row seating except the Ford Edge, VW Touareg, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
2017 Toyota Highlander 5/5
Photo : Toyota Media
Available in FWD or AWD, with a 3.5L V6, the Toyota Highlander AWD gets an overall 5-star rating for safety. The Toyota gets a whopping 5 stars in all 7 side crash tests. It gets 4 stars for front driver side crash, but 5 stars for front passenger side. That makes the overall front rating 4 stars. Rollover rating is 4 stars.
2017 Toyota 4Runner 4/5
Photo: Toyota
The Toyota 4Runner is available in FWD and AWD, with a 4.0 liter 6 cylinder engine. The 4Runner gets an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Whilst it does very good on the side crash tests, it gets 5 stars for all categories except one. It gets 4 stars for overall side pole rating. For frontal crash tests, the 4Runner only gets 3 stars for front passenger side. It gets 4 stars for front driver side and consequently a 4 star overall for front crash rating. For rollovers, the 4Runner scores 3 out of 5 stars.
2017 Volkswagen Touareg
Photo: VW Media
The Volkswagen Touareg has yet to be rated by the NHTSA. It does, however, rate ‘good’ on the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety).
2018 Volkswagen Atlas 5/5
Photo: VW
The Volkswagen Atlas is available in FWD and AWD. Available in a 2.0 liter turbo or 3.6 V6, The Atlas gets an overall safety rating of 5 stars. Front driver side crash rating is 4 stars, passenger side gets 5 though. So the overall front crash rating is 5 stars. For side crash ratings the Volkswagen does superb and gets 5 stars on all 7 side crash tests. Rollover crash rating is 4 stars.
2017/18 Ford Edge 5/5
Photo: Ford
The Ford Edge is also available in FWD or AWD. It scores amazingly in the crash test with an overall score of 5 stars. The Edge gets 5 stars for all front crash tests. It also gets 5 stars in every single side crash test. Rollover safety rating is 4 stars.
Photo: Ford
Ford’s Explorer does pretty well too, also with an overall crash test rating of 5 stars. The vehicle gets 4 stars for front driver side crash rating but 5 stars for the passenger side. Overall front crash rating is 5 stars. For the side crash tests, the Explorer also gets 5 stars for every test. Rollover is also 4 stars the same as the Edge.
2017 Dodge Durango 4/5
Photo: FCA Media
The Dodge Durango is available in FWD and AWD, with a 3.6 liter V6, a 5.7-liter HEMI® V8 and the 6.4liter HEMi® V8. The front driver’s side crash test gets 4 stars but passenger side gets 5. Overall frontal crash test rating is 5 stars. For the side impact tests, the Durango gets full marks of 5 stars all around. It is also noted on there that during the side crash on the driver’s side, “This vehicle rolled onto its side after impact in a side MDB NCAP test”. Rollover crash rating is 3 stars.
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5/5
Photo: FCA Media
The Grand Cherokee scores the maximum amount of stars for overall safety rating getting 5. The Jeep gets 5 stars for every single crash test except the rollover test, where is scores 4 out of 5 stars. Frontal crash and side crash tests all score the max 5 stars.
2017 Buick Enclave 5/5
Photo: Buick Media
The Buick Enclave is a 3rd row vehicle available in AWD and it gets the maximum 5-star safety rating. Frontal crash test results are all 5 stars as well as side impact test scores. For rollover, the Enclave gets 4 stars. The 2018 body style is different and as of yet, not crash test results are available.
2017 Chevrolet Traverse 5/5
Photo: Chevrolet Media
Based off the same platform as the Enclave, not surprisingly, the Traverse alls scores full marks. The Traverse gets a 5-star overall safety rating. 5 stars all round for frontal crash rating and side crash rating. Rollover is 4 stars. The 2018 body style is different and as of yet, no crash test results are available on NHTSA.
2017 GMC Acadia 5/5
Photo: GMC Media
The new shape 2017 Acadia gets 5 stars all round except rollover crash test, where it gets 4 stars the same as the other two.
by L Baures | Oct 26, 2017 | Trusted Auto Pros
Britney Kinney
Britney Kinney is the title clerk at Fremont Chevrolet GMC and Buick in Riverton, Wyoming.
We interviewed her to find out a little more, here are the questions we asked;
How long have you worked in the auto Industry?
Britney has worked at the Fremont Chevy dealer for 4 years but explains that she was practically born into the dealership as her dad had worked there as a sales manager before she was born.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Britney says she is naturally a very sociable person so she likes to talk to people, meet new people and get them to come back.
When you aren’t working, what are you doing?
“…I have a little boy, he is 6 years old right now his name is Dagen, he’s my life, he’s my little side-kick. He does everything with me. I love the outdoors, I love growing up in Wyoming. Going up to the mountains, being at the lake is my favorite spot. And… I have a shopping problem haha. Spending time with my family. I love my family”.
What is your favorite food?
“My favorite food…that’s a tough one. I’d say anything Italien”.
What is your favorite Color?
“My favorite color is glitter.Most people would not consider that a color. In my life it is”.
How about music. What kind of music do you like?
Britney’s favorite music various from anything from Country to Hip-Hop. Depends on the day, depends on whos around and what she’s doing.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Jumping off a cliff in Hawaii
What was your first car?
“I got a little lucky, when I was 16 I got a drive a Hummer”.
If money was no object, what vehicle would you own?
“From when I was about 10 years old, I wanted a Range Rover, but I’m gonna let that happen one day, so I’d have to say a Rolls Royce”.
by L Baures | Oct 25, 2017 | Automotive News
General Motors Plan All Electric Line-Up By 2023
General Motors (GM) CEO Mary Barra announced the future as “…zero crashers, zero emissions, and zero congestion”.
General Motors outlined an all-electric path to zero emissions with at least 20 new all-electric vehicles by 2023.
Vice president of General Motors, Mark Ruess says, “Although that future won’t happen overnight, GM is committed to driving increased usage and acceptance of electric vehicles through no-compromise solutions that meet our customers’ needs.” By 2023, they are planning on launching at least another 20 all-electric vehicles. These will be based on the learnings of the Chevrolet Bolt EV, which is Chevy’s all-electric vehicle that was named 2017 Car of the Year by MotorTrend.
GM confirms it’s moving away from hybrids to focus on all-electric.
For 2019 GM confirmed that it was ceasing production of the Chevy Volt, to focus on all-electric and self-driving cars.
As part of this move, GM also confirmed the closure of factories including Lordstown Assembly in Warren, Ohio; Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly in Michigan and Oshawa Assembly in Ontario, Canada.
It also plans to close transmission plants in White Marsh, Maryland, and Warren, Michigan.
GM Announces 300 million Investment for An American Made Electric Car
General Motors announced it would invest $300 million and create 400 jobs to build a new electric car in Michigan, CEO Mary Barra announced on Friday.
What about trucks?
General motors teased in their article about a new concept platform called SURUS which stands for Silent Utility Rover Universal Superstructure. The vehicle will be based on a heavy-duty truck frame powered by fuel cell technology. The vehicle will be four-wheel steer and driven by two electric motors. GM also stated that “SURUS could be used as a delivery vehicle, truck or even an ambulance — all emissions-free.” This is all they said, and no photos were added, but as soon we find any more information on this, we will let you know.
According to Trucks.com, Kenworth is also working on a hydrogen fuel cell class 8 drayage truck. Kenworth expects to launch it by the end of the year. Toyota is also working on hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, “Toyota believes that hydrogen fuel cell technology has tremendous potential to become the powertrain of the future,” said TMNA Executive Vice President Bob Carter”. They currently have a vehicle called the Mirai, which is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.
Infrastructure
For this task to even be remotely possible, there needs to be an infrastructure to support it. Given that in Wyoming, it’s still possible to run out of gas in the middle of nowhere because there aren’t any gas stations, there’s a lot of work to do in at least this State. Meanwhile, compared to other States, Wyoming is just getting started at this. Find out more about hybrids and electric charging stations in Wyoming in our previous article here. There are currently only 40 hydrogen refueling stations in the entire United States; incidentally, most of them are in California.
Would you drive an all-electric or hydrogen fuel cell powered car/truck?
General Motors mentioned in their statement about driving usage and acceptance. It seems they might have a lot of work to do on the acceptance part here in Wyoming anyway. After a quick research post on Facebook, I asked my friends if they would drive an all-electric car or pickup truck. One person said they are eagerly awaiting theirs. Brian Connely of Casper, WY noted,”…If it had a range of 100 miles or so, I could use it as a daily commuter back and forth to work w/ a stop at the grocery store, etc. I want to retrofit an old Toyota 4X4 P/U to electric”. However, the majority said, no. 65% of the replies I got said no. 29% said yes, and the rest said they would drive one but not own one. Several people voiced concerns over the range of the vehicles at the moment in WY makes it difficult with the lack of charging stations. Kim Garrett said, “No, too many miles between outlets…I don’t want to be left high and dry on hwy 220 or 487 in a storm”.
Would you?
Let us know you’re thoughts. Comment below or on our Facebook post.
Toyota Reveals AWD Prius
Kelly, Kevin, and Elizabeth Winter. “GM Outlines All-Electric Path to Zero Emissions.”Media.gm.com, General Motors, 2 Oct. 2017,
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