by L Baures | Oct 14, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
Restoring headlights with toothpaste
Huh? Toothpaste as a headlight cleaner? Yip, you were thinking along the same lines I was. Headlights don’t have a plaque? I was curious to see if this really worked so I thought I’d give it a try.
Headlights that are foggy, smokey, faded or cloudy
Most headlights are now made of plastic and not glass. Which is good and bad. My first car was a Rover Mini which came equipped with single unit glass headlamps. This meant that when the bulb went out, the whole unit needed replacing and was expensive. The bonus with most (not all) plastic headlamps is that you can pull them out and there’s a hole in the back to change a bulb. The downside of plastic headlight units is that over time, they will become cloudy looking and eventually yellow. Most of the time this can be fixed. There are headlight restoring kits available or you can have a specialist do it. IF the clouding or yellowness is on the inside, in which case you may need to remove the headlamps and possible have a recon/detailer fix them. They may just be cloudy on the outside.
To check: run your hand over the headlight. If it does not feel smooth, the cloudiness may just be on the outside. In which case, this trick may work.
Here’s how;
- Start with a clean and dry headlight, ie. free from bugs and dirt
- Mask around the area to avoid getting the toothpaste on the paintwork
- Add baking soda or make a paste with the toothpaste and baking soda if the toothpaste isn’t very gritty
- Apply the paste to the plastic and rub in with a brush (seem appropriate to use a toothbrush!).
- Wipe clean (again be careful to avoid rubbing the abrasive paste on to paint- it may scratch it)
- Rinse with water
- Dry off and Ta-Da
- Applying a wax or clear coat will help keep them clear a little longer.
Disclaimer: Do this at your own risk!
Tips for Safer Driving in the Snow
For Mustang Bullitt Review
by L Baures | Oct 12, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
Sales Tax
When purchasing a new or used car/truck, sales tax has to be paid. The process for this varies by state, but here in Wyoming, the sales tax rate is 5%. When trading a vehicle in, you only the pay the sales tax for the difference between the trade in value and the price of the new vehicle. For example, if you were to trade in your vehicle and get offered $10,000 offered for it and the new vehicle is $30,000, you pay sales tax on $20,000. In this case, the sales tax would be 5% of $20,000 which is $1000. In Wyoming, you would also need to calculate plates and registration fees.
What if you purchase a car out of state? Do you pay the sales tax for the state you purchase the car from?
No.
Sales tax is paid according to the state in which the vehicle will be registered in- not the state is it purchased from.
Purchasing a vehicle out of state may seem like a good option at the time. However, consider factors such as the extra travel, risks involved with used vehicles as laws vary by state. Other factors that may hinder the option are the hassles and the extra paperwork such as VIN inspections. Some states may also require smog or emissions testing. Wyoming does not require smog or emissions testing.
For example, if you purchased a vehicle from Montana (which has no sales tax), but you live in Natrona County, Wyoming. You pay Natrona County, Wyoming sales tax at 5%. Purchase a used truck in Wyoming, you will still pay Wyoming sales tax.
With regards to financing a vehicle, depending on the state in which you purchase the vehicle, sales tax can be added in. This will, of course, depend on individual purchasing circumstances.
Contact your local county clerks office vehicle department, or nearest dealership to clarify in your area. Buying a vehicle locally helps support your local economy.
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 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
by L Baures | Sep 25, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
Window Tinting in Wyoming
Photo by Wesley Tingey on Unsplash
What is the purpose of tinting the windows on your car or truck?
There are lots of reasons why a window tint on your vehicle is beneficial. MSN.com says, both Cheyenne and Jackson, WY are among 20 of the sunniest cities in the U.S. Adding to this is the higher altitude in parts of Wyoming, which increases the intensity of the sun rays. Driving in the harsh sun can be dangerous because you can’t see, but it’s bad for your eyes too. Adding a window tint reduces the harshness and glare from the sun.
A window tint in Wyoming can help reduce the heat building up inside your vehicle on scorching hot summers day. According to 3M™, their Crystalline Series Window Film, “… rejects up to 60% of solar energy and up to 97% of heat-producing infrared rays for the ultimate in comfort”. The light and heat from the sun can cause damage to the inside of your vehicle too. This could be warping and/or fading of interior materials.
Privacy is another reason for tinting windows. Probably the most important reason would be to keep valuables out of sight, but then there are bad hair days and nose picking. There are also window tint films available that are shatter resistant. This could help protect occupants of the vehicle from glass shards, should the window get broken. This may be an important factor too if you live somewhere that gets a lot of hail storms.
How is window tint darkness calculated?
How dark the tint is, is measured by, ‘Visible Light Transmission’. This is calculated as a percentage (the difference between the natural light outside and the amount of light that travels through the window with the tint.
The lower the percentage number, the darker the tint.
For example, a window with 80% VLT will have a very slight tint. A vehicle with an 18% tint will be very very dark (and probably illegal depending on your state law).
What is the window tint law in Wyoming?
Even although there are lots of benefits to tinting the windows on your vehicle, there needs to be a limit as to how dark the tint can be. For safety reasons such as still being able to see other vehicles and potential hazards around you. The law is different for each state, so be sure to check the legal limit for the state you live in.
Wyoming Statute Title 31, Motor Vehicles part 31-5-962.
Sunscreening devices.
Front side windows
“(d) A sunscreening device, when used in conjunction with the safety glazing materials of the side wings or side windows, or both, located at the immediate right and left of the driver, shall be a nonreflective type and have total light transmission through both the sunscreening device and glazing of not less than twenty‑eight percent (28%)”.
This means the front side windows on your vehicle cannot have less than 28% VLT. Remember that some vehicles come with a window tint from the factory, so if more tint is added this will add more darkness and reduce the VLT.
Rear sides and back window
(e) A sunscreening device, when used in conjunction with the safety glazing materials of the side windows behind the driver and the rearmost window, shall be a nonreflective type and have total light transmission through both the sunscreening device and glazing of not less than twenty‑eight percent (28%)”.
Windshield
“(c) A sunscreening device when used in conjunction with the windshield shall be a nonreflective type and may not be red, yellow or amber in color. A sunscreening device may be used only along the top of the windshield and may not extend downward beyond the AS‑1 line or more than five (5) inches from the top of the windshield, whichever is closer to the top of the windshield”.
Exceptions
“(h) The requirements of this section shall not apply to windows behind the driver of trucks, buses, motor homes, ambulances, limousines and multipurpose passenger vehicles, to windshields on motorcycles or motor‑driven cycles”.
In the eyes of the law, a multipurpose vehicle is a passenger vehicle that can carry less than 10 people that is built on a truck chassis or equipped with off-road features.
Have a question you’d like to ask us? Comment below or send us an email [email protected]
2014 Wyoming Statutes :: TITLE 31 – MOTOR VEHICLES.” Justia Law, law.justia.com/codes/wyoming/2014/title-31/
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