Happy New Year!

Whatever Happened to Hood Ornaments?

Remember when car hoods had fun, sleek or sophisticated figurines? Today, you’ll hardly ever see one. But what happened to the hood ornaments we knew and loved in the past? It turns out, there’s a surprising history behind hood ornaments - and why they disappeared.

Ornaments have long adorned our modes of transport, from lady luck strapped to the bow of a ship to the ornate spires worn by carriage horses. Car historians trace the hood ornament back to the early 20th century, when cars still had external radiator caps and temperature gauges. Seeking ways to dress them up, designers turned to miniature works of art—animals, emblems and model machines that embodied the car's identity. In the 1920s, the Cadillac LaSalle featured an elaborate statuette of its namesake, intrepid 17th century French explorer Robert de LaSalle, tipping his hat over a burned-out campfire.

By the end of the decade, the practical need for the hood ornament was gone, as radiator caps were relocated under hoods and temperature gauges moved to dashboards. But that didn't stop the auto mascot from enjoying a life of its own. Some sort of doppelganger topped most cars made in America between 1930 and 1950. Among the classics: the forward-leaning Roman messenger goddess Mercury used on Buicks in the 1930s; the wild and sinewy Archer on vintage Pierce Arrows; and the Goddess of Speed that once graced Packards.

Stripped-down hippie tastes, Nader-esque concerns that ornaments could turn otherwise minor pedestrian scraps into fatal accidents, and even irrational fears about heightened fuel costs from increased drag, began to erode the popularity of hood ornaments over the years.

Read the original article here: http://thebea.st/UkF42c

Safe Driving Saves Lives: 10 Best Tips for Safe Driving

Since many people will be hitting the roads this weekend, it’s important that you know how to drive safely. Even if you’re not leaving town, keep in mind that people unfamiliar with Johnstown may be hitting local streets. Brushing up on your safe driving techniques is never a bad idea!

Today, we drive safer cars on safer roads; decades of advertisements and public information campaigns have made most of us safer drivers. As a result, the U.S. logged the lowest accident fatality rate ever recorded in 2008 [source:NHTSA]. Despite this progress, unfortunately, the number of auto accidents and fatalities nationwide is still quite staggering: In 2008, there were almost 6 million car accidents in the U.S., leading to more than 37,000 deaths. What's more, automobile accidents are the leading cause of death for people between the ages of three and 34 in this country.
Improvements in technology will continue to help bring those numbers down, but the bottom line remains that most car accidents are the result of human error. The best way to reduce the risk of being involved in an accident is to practice safe driving behaviors. Whether you're just learning to drive or you've been behind the wheel for decades, it's a good idea to review some basic rules for safe driving. Here are 10 driving tips that will help bring you and your passengers home unharmed.
1. Don’t drive drunk.
2. Don’t speed.
3. Avoid distractions.
4. Don’t drive drowsy.
5. Wear your seat belt.
6. Be extra careful in bad weather.
7. Don’t follow too closely.
8. Watch out for the other guy.
9. Practice defensive driving.
10. Keep your vehicle safe.

Read the whole article at How Stuff Works: http://bit.ly/12mHK57

How All-Wheel and 4-Wheel Drive Works

Different cars use different systems that enable drivers to have more control over the vehicle. However, many drivers don’t know the difference between four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. This distinction is critical if you’re trying to figure out how your car works. Here’s more information from How Stuff Works:

There are almost as many different types of four-wheel-drive systems as there are four-wheel-drive vehicles. It seems that every manufacturer has several different schemes for providing power to all of the wheels. The language used by the different carmakers can sometimes be a little confusing, so before we get started explaining how they work, let's clear up some terminology:

• Four-wheel drive - Usually, when carmakers say that a car has four-wheel drive, they are referring to a part-time system. For reasons we'll explore later in this article, these systems are meant only for use in low-traction conditions, such as off-road or on snow or ice.
• All-wheel drive - These systems are sometimes called full-time four-wheel drive. All-wheel-drive systems are designed to function on all types of surfaces, both on- and off-road, and most of them cannot be switched off.

Part-time and full-time four-wheel-drive systems can be evaluated using the same criteria. The best system will send exactly the right amount of torque to each wheel, which is the maximum torque that won't cause that tire to slip.

Learn more and read the entire article over at How Stuff Works here: http://bit.ly/7caG0s

Ram named Motor Trend Truck of the Year

"The 2013 Ram 1500 SLT is essentially like driving a Chrysler 300 with a bed," says the story that appears in the magazine's February issue. The Ram is made by Chrysler Group, which also makes the 300, a car known for its relatively upscale interior.
Chrysler recently split off the Ram truck division from Dodge, so the trucks no longer carry the Dodge name.
To be eligible for the Truck of the Year award, a model must be completely new or substantially changed for the 2013 model year. Only two other trucks -- the Ford (F, Fortune 500) F-150 pickup and Nissan NV 3500 passenger van -- were eligible this year.
When Chrysler Group unveiled the new Ram at the 2012 New York Auto Show, the automaker touted advances in fuel economy, boasting that it had become the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid truck sold in the United States. The V6-powered Ram truck gets 25 miles per gallon on the highway, according to the EPA. Last year's 2012 Dodge Ram V6 was rated at 20 mpg on the highway.

 Read more: http://money.cnn.com/2012/12/06/autos/ram-motor-trend-truck-year/

Holiday Shellabration at the Roxbury Bandshell

Members of the Roxbury Bandshell Preservation Alliance will host a free “Holiday Shellabration” at 5 p.m. Sunday, December 2nd at the Roxbury Park Bandshell on Franklin Street in the 8th Ward section of Johnstown. The tree lighting and concert are a thank-you and early Christmas present to those who helped at the bandshell during the year, doing everything from attending concerts to volunteering services.

The celebration will begin with the lighting of a tree, which in the past has had 3,000 lights, 60 handmade ornaments with red ribbons and gold balls and a 3-foot lighted star for the top. Beginning Sunday, the tree will be lit every evening during the holiday season and all day on Christmas. A holiday concert will feature performances by Bill McClelland, Pastor Bob Wagner, Michelle DiGuardi and musical storyteller Tim Dabbs.
Free cookies and hot chocolate will be available, and Santa is expected to put in an appearance.

Read more: http://tribune-democrat.com/events/x1332342589/Holiday-Shellabration-at-bandshell-to-feature-tree-lighting-concert

10 Things Teens Should Know About Cars and Driving

When a teenager gets a driver license, it signifies freedom and the lure of the open road. But with this newfound freedom comes a host of new situations and possible problems that most teen drivers have never encountered before. It's a good idea to review these scenarios with new drivers in your family, and discuss how to handle them before they happen for real.

From traffic stops to road rage, here's a primer on what you need to tell teen drivers as they take to the roads.

1. What to do when you're stopped by a police officer
Safely pull to the side of the road, turn off your car, roll down the window and keep your hands visible. Don't make any sudden moves or argue with the officer. Do your arguing in traffic court.

2. How to deal with a flat tire
Pull completely off the road, even if it means destroying the tire. Call roadside assistance and let that person change the tire. If you have a spare (many cars now only have an inflation kit) and know how to change the tire, make sure you are out of traffic and in plain sight of oncoming traffic before changing it yourself.

3. What to do when the "check engine" light comes on
If there is any change in the car's performance, any mechanical noises, smoke from the tailpipe or electrical smells, stop the car and call for assistance. If there are none of these symptoms, take the car to a dealer and let them diagnose the problem. However, if you just bought gas, the light might just be indicating that the gas cap is loose. Tighten the cap and continue driving. The light should go off on its own.

4. How to deal with a friend who is about to drive under the influence
Don't get in the car. Do anything not to drive with an intoxicated person, and that includes calling your parents for a lift or paying for a taxi. Your next move is to try to prevent your drunken friend from hurting themselves or someone else.

5. How to drive safely while talking on a cell phone
Most states ban all cell phone use by novice drivers, so be sure you know if these provisions apply where you live. If it's permissible to use a cell, always use a hands-free device so you can keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Learn how to pair your phone with the car's Bluetooth system. Don't even think about texting while driving (no, not even at stoplights).

6. How to get an honest quote for an automotive repair
Search Edmunds.com's Car Maintenance Guide or the Web to get an estimate for how much the repair should cost. Search online for garages with high customer ratings and ask friends for recommended garages. Call the garage and ask for a ballpark estimate and let the garage know you are contacting other places for their best quote. Use your intuition to make the final decision on whom to trust.

7. How to buy a new car
Don't just wander onto a dealership's car lot. Instead, contact the Internet department of several dealerships to get multiple quotes and compare these with Edmunds.com's True Market Value^®price for any car you're interested in. Make sure you check incentives and rebates. Follow up with phone calls to the Internet managers of these dealerships to verify the terms of their offers. Finally, ask the dealership to deliver the car to your home or office to avoid the hard sell in the finance and insurance office.

8. What to do after an auto accident
If the car is drivable and there are no serious injuries, turn on your flashers and pull safely out of traffic. Call the police to report the accident. Exchange insurance information with the other driver but refrain from discussing the accident and who is at fault. Make notes and use your cell phone's camera to take pictures of the cars involved.

9. How to drive in rain and snow
Reduce your speed and leave more room between your vehicle and those in front of you. Understand how to handle skids. If possible, practice reacting to skidding in safe conditions, such as a snow-covered empty parking lot. Understand that a car might hydroplane on a rain puddle on the road and learn how to react to driving with reduced traction and visibility.

10. How to avoid road rage situations
Understand the severe consequences to you, your car and your driving record when minor disagreements escalate to life-threatening situations. When someone offends you, take a deep breath and know that your anger will dissolve in minutes. Don't anger other drivers by cutting them off or tailgating. If you've inadvertently angered another driver, don't get drawn into interacting with them. Ignore them or, if necessary, change your route. Finally, repeat this phrase: It's just not worth it.

Read more: http://www.edmunds.com/driving-tips/10-things-teens-should-know-about-cars-and-driving.html

Avoid “Turkey” of a Weekend with Pre-Trip Vehicle Check

One way to avoid a turkey of a Thanksgiving road trip is to make sure the vehicle you will be driving is running well. A 10-minute pre-trip check is small potatoes compared to a big helping of inconvenience if you break down many miles away from home, according to the Car Care Council.

“A pre-trip vehicle check provides peace of mind, helping reduce the chance of costly car trouble and providing an opportunity to have any repairs performed by one’s own trusted technician before hitting the road,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “While no inspection can guarantee a car’s performance, it’s comforting to know proper precautions were taken to ensure a stress-free Thanksgiving road trip.”

The Car Care Council suggests the following 10-minute vehicle check to help ensure safety and reliability on the road:

• Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.
• Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering and brake and transmission, as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
• Check the hoses and belts that can become cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or show signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and the cooling system.
• Check lighting to identify any problems with exterior and interior lighting as the chance of an accident increases if you can’t see or be seen.
• Check wipers. Wiper blades should be replaced every six months. Make sure the windshield wipers are working properly and keep the reservoir filled with solvent.

The Car Care Council also recommends that motorists restock their emergency kit. To save on fuel costs during the trip, the council suggests that motorists avoid aggressive driving, observe the speed limit and avoid excessive idling. Gas caps that are damaged, loose or missing should be replaced to prevent gas from spilling or evaporating.

Courtesy of: http://www.carcare.org/2012/11/avoid-turkey-of-a-weekend-with-pre-trip-vehicle-check/

Tire Care Tips

Tires are essential to keeping you on the road in more ways than you might think... Worn tread can cause hydroplaning and can force you off the road. Wear down a tire enough and you'll begin to expose the inner side-walls making it harder to change, and low grip can lead to sliding on slightly wet roads or roads with even a little amount of rocks and sand.

Inspect your tires for any tread issues, and have the alignment checked by a technician especially before a long road trip.  Your wheels and trim also need attention – After driving on roads that have been treated throughout the winter, or if you find yourself driving on a slightly dust coated road, it’s a good idea to clean the tires with mild soap and water and dry them with a soft cloth.  Make sure you don’t use an abrasive cleaner on the chrome of your rims!

Happy Halloween

Don’t know what to do to celebrate Halloween? Here’s a few ideas:

At Faranda’s Farm, 1171 Penn Ave., Hollsopple, the theme of this year’s maze is “Catch the Spirit, the Tradition of Boy & Girl Scouts.” The corn maze will be open from 4 p.m. to dusk Fridays, 11 a.m. to dusk Saturdays and 1 to 6 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 30 and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 31.

Flashlight Nites, which will be held Oct. 16-17, 23-24 and 30-31, include hayrides, a fire ring and barnyard activities. Admission to the maze is $10 or $8 for groups of more than 20.

At Barr Ridge Farms, Route 271, north of Nicktown, a fall harvest and corn maze will be held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 6 p.m. Sundays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays through Oct. 31.
The cost is $4 for adults and $3 for children.

Courtesy of: http://tribune-democrat.com/events/x546427840/Haunted-happenings-Halloween-events-range-from-family-friendly-to-frightfully-fearsome

Tire Buying Tips

Understand Tire Basics

Simply put, a tire is a flexible container of compressed air. This air container support the vehicle's load; propels a vehicle forward, backward and side-to-side; stops the vehicle; and cushions the load from road imperfections.

Today's tires have between 19 and 25 different components. Tires are built from the inside out rather than the outside in. The heart of every tire is an inner liner. Its job is to give the tire shape and hold in air. Fabric belts are wrapped around the inner liner. The bead is fastened to the bottom of the fabric belts and holds the tire to the wheel.

On top of the fabric belts are steel belts. These belts have two jobs: They give the tire stability and make the tread pattern as flat as possible. (A flatter tread means more contact with the road.) The tire tread is on top of the belts. There are different tread patterns for different types of tires. The sidewall on the side of the tire gives it stiffness and ride characteristics. A taller, softer sidewall will absorb more bumps, while a shorter, stiffer sidewall will provide better cornering ability and sharper steering response.

On the sidewall of every passenger-car and light-truck tire is an alphanumeric code that describes the dimensions of the tire. For most tires, this code will start with a "P." Some may start with an "LT" to signify light truck. Some tires may have a "Max. Load" indication. When selecting new tires, it is important to make sure a tire's load rating is at least a high as the tire you are replacing.

Choose the Right Tire

Perhaps the biggest mistake a consumer can make whenreplacing tires is not using the correct size. On the sidewall of your tire, you'll find a code that tells the tire's size and capabilities. Here's a sample code:

P195/60R16 63H M+S

• P - Type of tire
• 195 - Width of the tire across the tread in millimeters
• 60 - Aspect ratio of the sidewall compared to the width
• R - Radial construction
• 16 - Diameter of the rim in inches
• 63 - Tire's load rating
• H - Tire's speed rating
• M+S - Tire is suitable for all-season driving

If the tire-size code starts with LT instead of P, it means the tire is a light-truck tire. Light-truck tires are designed to have higher-load carrying capacities and are usually found on pickups and SUVs. These vehicles are not required to have LT tires, and in many cases, the original-equipment specification calls for passenger-car tires.

The speed rating translates into the tire's ability to dissipate heat, or prevent heat build-up. Heat is a tire's enemy. The more heat, the faster the tire wears, and the faster a tire might break down. A tire with a higher speed rating can dissipate more heat on long highway trips. If a consumer were to spend little time on the highway, the speed rating might not be an important factor in choosing a replacement tire.

Tires are speed rated from 99 to 186 miles per hour (159.3 to 299.3 kilometers per hour). The most common speed ratings are T (118 miles per hour or 189.9 kilometers per hour) and H (130 miles per hour or 209.2 kilometers per hour). Both of those ratings clearly exceed the nationally posted speed limits and would make excellent long-distance highway tires. If a consumer were to drive only in urban situations at low speeds, a tire with an S (112 miles per hour or 180.2 kilometers per hour) speed rating might be completely acceptable.

Another important factor in choosing a replacement tire is the load rating. The load capacity number on the tire-size code indicates the load-carrying capacity of that single tire. When selecting replacement tires, consumers have to be careful not to select a tire with a lower load-carrying capacity.

Regardless of a tire's speed rating, load-carrying ability, size and construction, traction are the keys to safety. A common mistake is to select a tire without considering its ability to hold the road. Savvy consumers will balance a tire's traction in dry conditions, in wet conditions and in the snow. If you desire a high-performance tire but live in northern climates, consider a "winter" tire for driving in the snowy season. If you live where the weather is warm all year, a touring tire may suit your needs just fine.

Most consumers will make the mistake of waiting until spring to get new tires. As a tire wears out, dry traction generally increases and wet and snow traction decrease. So the best time to buy new tires is not in the spring, but in the fall.

Passenger-car and light-truck tires are very different. Pickup and SUV owners will generally select passenger-car tires because they are less costly and offer a smoother ride. However, if a vehicle will consistently be loaded with cargo or will be asked to pull a heavy trailer, then perhaps the higher load-carrying capacity of a light-truck tire would be the better choice.

 

Consider How You Drive

Regardless of where you get new tires, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Know the size and type of tire recommended by your owner's manual.
• Determine your needs and priorities. What type of driving you will be doing? Do you prefer a soft ride, a firm ride, or a mix of the two?
• Make sure you purchase a tire that is capable of supporting the load your vehicle might demand. Don't buy a passenger-car tire if you need a light-truck tire.
• Don't buy more tire than you need. Consumers often overestimate their tire needs. In most cases, a quality all-season tire will suffice where a touring tire might be suggested.
• Keep in mind that any tire selection is a balance between ride quality, noise suppression, fuel economy, wear, load capability and cost. It's the job of the tire-store expert and the consumer to select a tire that is the right balance of each.
• An interesting trend in the automotive aftermarket industry is "plus sizing." It involves mounting bigger wheels and tires on a vehicle to enhance the look or improve handling.

Plus sizing usually increases cornering response and traction. Often these gains come at the expense of increased ride harshness. In addition, these larger wheels and tires are often not as durable as OEM wheels and tires.

A few items of note for consumers considering plus sizing:

• Make sure that the tire and wheel are approved for use on your vehicle.
• Make sure that the replacement tire has the same load-carrying capacity.
• The new wheel and tire combination should be within 3 percent +/- the original tire diameter.
• Make sure that a new tire placard is installed to inform future owners of the correct tire pressure.

New vs. Used Tires

You've probably seen used car tire piles along the side of the road at some point. But should you purchase a used tire to save money and will it hold up as long? Most people opt for new tires, but some look to used tires as a way to save money.

Consider the fact that some retailers have deals where you buy three tires and you get the fourth free. You may not necessarily need to replace that fourth tire, but you do because it's free. Used tires that are only slightly worn, like in this situation, may be a good option to save a little money.

The flip side is purchasing an old or worn out tire that isn't safe. Used tires may have defects, punctures or tread-wear you may or may not be able to see. When considering purchasing a used tire you can test the depth of the tread by using a penny. Simply flip the penny upside down and place it inside each of the tire's tread grooves. If the top of Lincoln's head can be seen from any of the grooves then the tread is too low [source: Consumer Reports].

If the tread is still good, you still need to inspect the tire for any defects. This may be difficult and some problems may not be noticeable until the tire is on the vehicle. Purchasing a used tire that has already been plugged or patched may save money, but is not a good idea. Worn tires will not stop as fast and will be more likely to skid on wet surfaces [source: Consumer Reports].

New tires will come with some type of guarantee or warranty that a used tire will not have. If you want a little piece of mind that your tires are in the best condition possible, buy new ones.

Read more tire buying tips: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/buying-selling/cg-tire-buying-tips.htm

When To Get New Tires

When it comes to driving safely, you have to start where the rubber meets the road. Your car's tires are the only surface that contacts the asphalt, so they affect braking, steering, and general auto performance. HowStuffWorks.com has written an article on warning signs that your tires are getting old or worn out. Keep informed to keep safe, and check out their tips here.




source: howstuffwork.com

Imported From Detroit

Get a sense of where your Chrysler came from with the new Imported From Detroit site on Chrysler's website. Each car and city has its story, so find out what you're really buying when you buy Chrysler. Check it out here.

source: Chrysler.com

What To Do When You Take The Car In

Taking the car in for repairs can lead to a discussion with a mechanic who knows each part of every last car, but how do you know that the suggestions you get are worth your dollar? Car and Driver reports on which extras to choose when you go in for a check-up:



Any time we take a car into the shop and someone starts a sentence with “You know, while we’ve got it in here . . .” our BS meter goes off. Is he looking to help us out or just to make a quick buck? We asked longtime C/Dfriend, master mechanic, and auto-service instructor Russ Ferguson his thoughts on several common upsells. Their utility is rated on the Ferguson scale, which is to say out of five stars.

Read the full story here.

Source: blog.caranddriver.com
 

Businesses get Creative with Support for United Way

The local Tribune-Democrat reports on how businesses are getting creative in their support for the United Way.



Dave Sutor

dsutor@tribdem.com

— Businesses across Cambria and Somerset counties find simple, creative and fun ways to raise funds for the United Way of the Laurel Highlands every year.

There are car washes, Wii competitions, dart tournaments, gift-card giveaways, paid days off, limo lunches, turkey trots and more. Some companies offer easy payroll deductions.

Read the rest of the story here.

How To Share The Road With Truckers

Everybody has a horror story to tell about an encounter they've had with an 18-wheeler on the Interstate, and how they were nearly killed by the inattentiveness of the truck driver. News programs like Dateline NBC and 60 Minutes feed this fear with selectively edited stories regarding truck safety. But what nobody seems to consider is that they themselves may have caused the problem because of ignorance about what is involved in driving a truck, or by engaging in righteous driving behavior that did nothing but endanger their own lives and those of the people they care most about.

Personally, we've seen rude truckers hog the road, and we've seen dimwitted drivers set themselves up for what could be a very painful, if not deadly, lesson. Furthermore, not all trucks traveling the nation's highways are properly maintained, due to a lack of finances or pure laziness. But for most truck drivers, who are paid by the mile and are held responsible for damaged goods, their lives and livelihoods depend on driving a well-maintained truck carefully, and getting freight to its destination on time.

Tractor trailer trucks are responsible for carrying nearly 30 percent of all the cargo shipped in the United States. Technology and improved roadways have allowed the use of trucks for shipping to increase steadily since the 1920s, resulting in larger vehicles and heavier loads. Yet, traffic fatalities involving trucks have steadily declined during the past 50 years, except for a small spike upward in the early 1980s right after the trucking industry was deregulated. Fatalities due to accidents involving semi trucks total 5,000 annually on average, with the vast majority of those fatalities suffered by occupants of passenger vehicles that collided with a truck. As motorists who must share the road with semi trucks, we can do our part to help reduce this number even further if we simply take the time to follow a few simple driving rules and try to understand how difficult it is to maneuver a tractor-trailer in traffic.

We asked Michael Taylor, transportation special programs developer for the Tractor Trailer Training Program at Triton College in River Grove, Ill., what the top five pet peeves truckers had with fellow motorists were. Here is his list:

1) Riding in a trucker's blind spots. Trucks have large blind spots to the right and rear of the vehicle. Smaller blind spots exist on the right front corner and mid-left side of the truck. The worst thing a driver can do is chug along in the trucker's blind spot, where he cannot be seen. If you're going to pass a truck, do it and get it over with. Don't sit alongside with the cruise control set 1 mph faster than the truck is traveling.

2) Cut-offs. Don't try to sneak into a small gap in traffic ahead of a truck. Don't get in front of a truck and then brake to make a turn. Trucks take as much as three times the distance to stop as the average passenger car, and you're only risking your own life by cutting a truck off and then slowing down in front of it.

3) Impatience while reversing. Motorists need to understand that it takes time and concentration to back a 48-foot trailer up without hitting anything. Sometimes a truck driver needs to make several attempts to reverse into tight quarters. Keep your cool and let the trucker do her job.

4) Don't play policeman. Don't try to make a truck driver conform to a bureaucrat's idea of what is right and wrong on the highway. As an example, Taylor cited the way truck drivers handle hilly terrain on the highway. A fully loaded truck slows way down going up a hill. On the way down the other side of the hill, a fully loaded truck gathers speed quickly. Truckers like to use that speed to help the truck up the next hill. Do not sit in the passing lane going the speed limit. Let the truck driver pass, and let the Highway Patrol worry about citing the trucker for breaking the law.

5) No assistance in lane changes or merges. It's not easy to get a 22-foot tractor and 48-foot trailer into traffic easily. If a trucker has his turn signal blinking, leave room for the truck to merge or change lanes. Indicate your willingness to allow the truck in by flashing your lights.

According to "Sharing the Road," a booklet distributed by John Deere Transportation Insurance, the three most common types of accidents involving heavy trucks involve the following:

1) Crashes caused by the truck's inability to stop in time.2) Crashes caused by a motorist trying to pass a truck on the right while the truck is making a right-hand turn. Also known as the right turn squeeze.3) Crashes caused by a motorist riding in the trucker's blind spots. Use the following rule of thumb: If you cannot see the truck driver in his mirrors, he probably cannot see you.

By taking simple common-sense steps to protect yourself and your family when driving near large trucks, traffic fatalities will continue to drop. Over the years, the trucking industry has improved the quality of truck drivers by making it more difficult to qualify for and keep a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Mandatory drug testing has also been instituted. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published the following data in 2008. The intoxication rate for drivers involved in fatal accidents was:

27% for motorcycle riders 23% for light truck drivers (pickups and SUVs, that is) 23% for passenger car drivers 1% for truck drivers

Still, more work must be done to combat tightly scheduled deliveries, overbearing stacks of paperwork and driver fatigue caused by federal regulations that work against the human body's natural circadian rhythm.

After meeting with truck driving instructors at Triton College, with representatives from the Illinois Transportation Association and learning what it takes to pilot a tractor-trailer by taking the wheel myself, we joined Taylor for a ride in a brand-new empty tanker truck.

We covered suburban roads during a half-hour loop just to the southeastern side of O'Hare airport. During our 30-minute ride, two motorists turned left across traffic directly in front of the truck. One young woman in a Toyota Celica crossed no more than 50 feet in front of us as she zoomed onto a side street. An older couple in a Dodge Grand Caravan turned in front of our International tractor, and incredibly, slowed so they wouldn't scrape the van on a steep driveway apron to a convenience store. A dude in a Camaro RS blasted by on the left, cut in front of the truck and stopped at a red light we were approaching. When the light turned green, he turned right.

These are the kinds of driving habits that we must break for truck-related accident rates to drop even lower. After a day at truck driving school, we left Chicago for Denver in a Subaru Outback. During that evening and the next day traveling I-80 and I-76, we were keenly aware of the needs of the truckers with whom we shared the road. We behaved more courteously toward truck drivers and fellow motorists than usual, and exercised more patience. We doubt very much that by driving more defensively and less aggressively we arrived in Denver any sooner than we would have had we not let that Kenworth into our lane back in Iowa or had we tried to beat that Freightliner to the construction zone near Lincoln, Neb. We do feel, however, that our trip was a safer one, that we had done our part to make highway travel better. Now it's time to do yours.

Source: Edmunds.com

Chrysler Think Fast Challenge

Think fast. Put your knowledge to the test, and play the Think Fast Challenge:

 

 

Take the challenge: https://www.facebook.com/Chrysler/app_388076601227060?ism=KMOct1712Facebook1

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk

The most capable Jeep Grand Cherokee ever conceived has just been unleashed. Time to take control of the trails.

Visit http://bit.ly/PaBc6e for more information on the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk

Chrysler and the Environment

Chrysler has solidified its position as one of the most eco-conscious automakers through rewarding environmentally-friendly dealerships, reports AutoblogGreen:

The company may be best known for tire-melting Hemi engines, but at least some of its dealerships are showing some love for the environment.

Chrysler, which launched a program last year to commemorate its most eco-friendly dealers, has named its first batch of 30 winners as part of its Dealer ECO (that stands for Environmentally Conscious Operations) Program.

The U.S. automaker awarded five dealers in Michigan as well as three dealerships each in New York and California among the 30. One Arkansas dealership was rewarded for having a 2,000-square-foot solar-panel system on its roof (pictured), while another, in Michigan, was singled out for using used motor oil to heat the facility.

In all, the dealers were noted for their energy efficiency, oil containment, waste recycling and community involvement. And each of the dealers received a bamboo plaque commemorating their achievements.

While we can't claim to be amongst the honored dealerships, we hope to be in the next batch!

EV Charging

The primary hurdle to switching from gasoline-powered vehicles has been the problem of creating the infrastructure needed—people are hesitant to adopt vehicles if there's nowhere to refuel/recharge them, but if there isn't the demand for those places, they won't be built. But recently, a handful of automakers have signed on to a standard system for charging electric vehicles (EVs). With a standard system, the first step to building the infrastructure necessary to switch to EVs has been made. Auto123.com has been on top of this development, and we recommend their coverage of it. The meat of it is as follows:

As announced last year, eight automobile manufacturers (Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Daimler, Ford, GM, Porsche, and Volkswagen) agreed to support a harmonized single-port fast-charging system. The result of their hard work will be on display during the Electric Vehicle Symposium 26 in Los Angeles from May 6 to 9.

The Combined Charging System (CCS) applies to electric vehicles in Europe and the United States. It apparently enables a full charge in – wait for it – only 15 to 20 minutes!

Fast charging works with home and public stations, and with 120- or 240-volt outlets. As a matter of fact, the International Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has chosen the CCS as the fast-charging methodology for a standard that incrementally extends the existing Type 1-based AC-charging.

The technology will be integrated to all new European vehicles starting in 2017.

According to the manufacturers, a harmonized fast-charging standard will accelerate the development of EV infrastructures and reduce costs for owners.

Combined charging stations are scheduled to hit the market later this year. The first vehicles using this technology will be launched in 2013.

"The minivan is here and the minivan won’t ever go away.”

To some extent, Chrysler created the minivan and the minivan saved the company.

Minivans get a lot of grief and end up as the butt of a lot of jokes, but for Chrysler they're no laughing matter. They've been the top in the field essentially since their introduction and rise to the top of the priority lines of Chrysler, reports Businessweek:

Almost 30 years after the minivan was introduced, after attacks from all sides, Chrysler Group LLC remains on top. Now, CEO Sergio Marchionne will have to decide how best to sustain the success.

So far, the moves made by Marchionne, who is preparing to merge Chrysler with majority owner Fiat SpA (F), have paid off. The choice he faces now: whether to merge Chrysler’s two remaining minivans into one and whether to dramatically redesign one or both. Either way, Marchionne and his dealers are committed to Chrysler’s signature product.

“I don’t care if the minivan market shrinks as long as I’m King Kong in it,” Chuck Eddy, a Chrysler dealer in Austintown, Ohio, said in a phone interview. “That is Chrysler’s attitude, too. The minivan is here and the minivan won’t ever go away.”

Just four years after a 1979 government bailout, Chrysler Chief Executive Officer Lee Iacocca introduced the Dodge Caravan, and minivans soon joined Ram pickups and Jeep sport- utility vehicles as the company’s most important product lines.

“When people think Chrysler, is minivan a product that comes to mind? The answer is ‘absolutely,’ ” Alexander Edwards, president of the automotive practice at San Diego-based Strategic Vision, a marketing and branding company, said in a phone interview. “Most everybody that is in the minivan segment recognizes Chrysler as the creator.”

 And even after pioneering the minivan as a market, they stayed dominant:

Chrysler has kept the title despite an onslaught of entries from Ford, Toyota Motor Corp. (7203), Honda Motor Co. and the predecessor of General Motors Co. (GM) (GM) Ford and GM eventually quit the segment, and Chrysler has claimed at least 40 percent of the U.S. minivan market every year since 2007.

Marchionne is closing in on deciding whether Chrysler still needs two entries for the U.S. minivan market. He led a complete overhaul of Chrysler’s lineup in the 19 months after its U.S.- backed bankruptcy in 2009, introducing 16 new or refreshed models. The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300 sedan have drawn praise from critics, including Consumer Reports.

The revamp has led to 11 months of U.S. sales gains exceeding 20 percent and made Chrysler the biggest gainer of market share through April. Deliveries climbed 33 percent in the first four months, boosting market share by 2 percentage points to 11.6 percent. 

 Nowadays, they're looking to use lower prices for more features to attract buyers:

Buyers paid an average price of $32,735 for the Town & Country in March, less than the $33,032 paid for Toyota’s Sienna and $32,949 for Honda’s Odyssey, according to Edmunds.com data. Grand Caravans sold for $27,151 on average.

Chrysler offers more-generous incentives on minivans than its competitors. The average incentive per Town & Country sold was $3,106 in March and $2,236 for Grand Caravan, compared to Sienna’s $1,650 and Odyssey’s $974, according to researcher Edmunds.com.

Those four models have accounted for 90 percent of minivan sales so far this year in the U.S., where, over the past decade, many buyers have switched to car-based SUVs, such as the Chevrolet Traverse and redesigned Ford Explorer. 

The 300 Ruyi

The Beijing Auto Show is still going strong, and Chrysler has taken the wraps off if the 300 Ruyi concept vehicle: http://www.insideline.com/chrysler/chrysler-300-ruyi-debuts-2012-beijing-auto-show.html

The 2013 Dodge Dart lets you wirelessly charge your cellphone! 

Jeep-Truck Conversion: The Transformation is Complete

Check out our Mopar-kit based Jeep-truck modification: 

Using the Mopar JK-8 kit, we converted this Jeep Wrangler into a pickup truck with a steel bed. According to Chrysler, the design was inspired by the Jeep Scrambler CJ-8 from the 1980's.

The car has only 20 miles on it and is ready to go! Call Mike Giffin at our dealership for more information at (814) 266-2345.

Major components include a spacious 44-inch by 50-inch steel bed, inner and outer bedsides constructed from stamped sheet metal, Freedom Panel assemblies, a removable fiberglass hardtop with a sliding rear window, two fixed side windows, a fiberglass bulkhead, and JK-8 badging.

Important Information: 

The Hardtop and Freedom Panels are smooth, ready to accept your choice of color.

Kit is built to order, please allow 30 days from order date.

Conversion is permanent and cannot be undone.

Features

Half Hard Top works with Freedom Top Panels to enclose the new cabin

Bulkhead provides 44 inches between the wheel wells

Bed Floor provides truck bed of 50 inches x 44 inches

Inner and Outer Body Panels cover the second row entrance

—jeep4x4center.com

This heavy-duty, officially-supported kit will turn your Wrangler Unlimited into a pickup, using a 44" x 50" steel bed, inner and outer bedsides made from stamped sheet metal, sport bar extensions, a removable fiberglass hardtop with sliding rear window, and a fiberglass bulkhead. (uncrate.com)

The 2013 Dodge SRT Viper was supposed to remain under wraps until this April at the New York auto show, but images of a Hot Wheels cast model have leaked, giving us a glimpse of the sleek new ride. Nitrobahn has the scoop.

Check out Chrysler at the Geneva Auto Show

Like customizing your Chrysler or Fiat? Check out Chrysler & Fiat’s accessory possibilities at the Geneva Auto show, March 8-18th: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/chrysler-group-llc-and-fiat-group-automobiles-to-feature-custom-vehicles-at-geneva-international-motor-show-2012-03-02

The Awards Keep Coming for Jeep

2012 is looking to be a great year for Jeep!  Check out this long list of awards:

Jeep® Wrangler and Grand Cherokee – the pillars of the Jeep brand – continue to earn accolades from opinion-leading media outlets. The vehicles recently captured four more awards:

• Kelley Blue Book Total Cost of Total Cost of Ownership – Mid-size Sport Utility award: 2012 Jeep Wrangler
• Kiplinger's Personal Finance Best Resale – Truck-based SUVs: 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport
• MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award – Best Large Utility: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (shared with Dodge Durango)
• Kiplinger's Personal Finance Worth a Look – Mid-size and Large Crossovers: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo

"We're delighted that the Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee have received this recognition from these influential, opinion-leading media organizations," said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "These awards are especially meaningful because they focus on the customer. The MotorWeek award is specifically chosen from the buyers' point of view, while the awards from Kelley Blue Book and Kiplinger's focus on value for the customer – which Jeep vehicles consistently deliver."
These four new awards for Jeep vehicles are in addition to the following recognition received by the Jeep brand and its vehicles so far in 2012:

• Polk Automotive Loyalty Award – Most Improved Loyalty to Make: Jeep Brand
• Autobytel 2012 SUV of the Year: Jeep® Wrangler
• Overland Journal 2011 SUV of the Year – North America: Jeep Wrangler
• U.S. News & World Report's Best Cars for the Money – Off-Road SUV: Jeep Wrangler
• Cars.com's Play Car of the Year (Off-Roaders and Sun Lovers categories): Jeep Wrangler
• The Fast Lane Car's (TFLCar.com) Top-10 2012 Most Fun to Drive Cars: Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8
• 2012 Vehix New Car Buying Guide, Convertible Under $40,000 Recommended: Jeep Wrangler
• 2012 Vehix New Car Buying Guide, SUV Under $30,000 Recommended: Jeep Wrangler
• 2012 Vehix New Car Buying Guide, SUV Under $30,000 Recommended: Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Consumer Guide Recommended Buy: Jeep Grand Cherokee

Check out the full press release here: http://www.jeepnewsnow.com/modules/news/

Jeep Vehicles Earn Four More Awards

Jeep® Wrangler and Grand Cherokee – the pillars of the Jeep brand – continue to earn accolades from opinion-leading media outlets. The vehicles recently captured four more awards:

• Kelley Blue Book Total Cost of Total Cost of Ownership – Mid-size Sport Utility award: 2012Jeep Wrangler
• Kiplinger's Personal Finance Best Resale – Truck-based SUVs: 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport
• MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award – Best Large Utility: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (shared with Dodge Durango)
• Kiplinger's Personal Finance Worth a Look – Mid-size and Large Crossovers: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo

"We're delighted that the Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee have received this recognition from these influential, opinion-leading media organizations," said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "These awards are especially meaningful because they focus on the customer. The MotorWeek award is specifically chosen from the buyers' point of view, while the awards from Kelley Blue Book and Kiplinger's focus on value for the customer – which Jeep vehicles consistently deliver."

In January, Jeep brand vehicle sales rose 37 percent (versus industry rise of 12 percent), with Grand Cherokee sales rising 40 percent and Wrangler sales rising 23 percent. In 2011, Jeep brand vehicle sales increased 44 percent (versus an industry increase of 11 percent), with Grand Cherokee sales increasing 51 percent and Wrangler sales increasing 30 percent.

These four new awards for Jeep vehicles are in addition to the following recognition received by the Jeep brand and its vehicles so far in 2012:

• Polk Automotive Loyalty Award – Most Improved Loyalty to Make: Jeep Brand
• Autobytel 2012 SUV of the Year: Jeep® Wrangler
• Overland Journal 2011 SUV of the Year – North America: Jeep Wrangler
• U.S. News & World Report's Best Cars for the Money – Off-Road SUV: Jeep Wrangler
• Cars.com's Play Car of the Year (Off-Roaders and Sun Lovers categories): Jeep Wrangler
• The Fast Lane Car's (TFLCar.com) Top-10 2012 Most Fun to Drive Cars: Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8
• 2012 Vehix New Car Buying Guide, Convertible Under $40,000 Recommended: Jeep Wrangler
• 2012 Vehix New Car Buying Guide, SUV Under $30,000 Recommended: Jeep Wrangler
• 2012 Vehix New Car Buying Guide, SUV Under $30,000 Recommended: Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Consumer Guide Recommended Buy: Jeep Grand Cherokee

Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/02/08/4249385/jeep-vehicles-earn-four-more-awards.html

Alonso and Massa get a pair of Ferrari-red Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8s

How beautiful are these Ferrari-red Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8s? Who wants one?

There's no end to the perks of being a Formula One racing driver, especially if you happen to drive for Scuderia Ferrari. As if piloting one of the fastest F1 cars on the grid weren't enough, Ferrari has gifted each of its gifted drivers his own 458 Italia, Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari and Maserati GranCabrio, to name just a few. And something tells us that if either Fernando Alonso or Felipe Massa wanted anything else from the expansive Fiat-Chrysler product range – say, a Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, for example – that would hardly pose a problem.
That's exactly what the talented duo got the other day at the Fiorano test track at Ferrari headquarters in Maranello, where the first two examples of the new SRT8 in Europe were delivered to the pair of stars. Certainly, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 has plenty to love, what with its 6.4-liter Hemi V8 and 5-second dash to 62 mph, but Fernando And Felipe got more than that.
These two unique examples were decked out in Rosso Corso , with matte black front grille, a black offset racing stripe, black roof, carbon fiber trim and white accents. Ride height was lowered by 1.5 inches on unique forged and painted 20-inch alloys, and the interior has similarly been decked out in red leather accents and top-stitching and even yellow dials on the instruments.

Read more: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/alonso-and-massa-get-a-pair-of-ferrari-red-jeep-grand-cherokee-s/

Get Bonus Cash Through February 15th!

Running through February 15th get $750 bonus cash when you purchase 2012 editions of the Chrysler 300, Chrysler 300 C Sedan, Chrysler 200, Town and Country, Dodge Charger (excluding SRT), Dodge Caravan, Dodge Journey, Light-duty Ram and Jeep Compass! Give us a call at 888-279-7793 with any questions or to schedule a test drive.

2012 Honor Roll: Jeep Picks up Where It Left Off

After hauling away some of the industry’s top honors in 2011, the Jeep brand is keeping the pedal to the metal this year: The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Wrangler already have combined to score 10 more awards in just the first two weeks of 2012.

The Wrangler kicked things off with Autobytel’s 2012 SUV of the Year title, then took the same crown from Overland Journal. It also has earned the nod as Best Car for the Money in the Off-Road SUV category from U.S. News & World Reports, and as Play Car of the Year, in both the Off-Roaders and Sun Lovers segments, from Cars.com. The Wrangler also has driven off with two “Recommended” recognitions from Vehix, in the Convertible Under $40,000 class and the SUV Under $30,000 class.

The Jeep flagship, the Grand Cherokee, was a Vehix “Recommended” choice as an SUV Under $30,000, earned the same status from Consumer Guide, and saw its hi-po variant, the Grand Cherokee SRT8, race into contention as one of the Top 10 Most Fun to Drive Cars from The Fast Lane Car (TFLCar.com).

And the Jeep brand itself garnered a Polk Automotive Loyalty Award for Most Improved Loyalty to Make.

Even better, the new Jeep lineup isn’t just piling up the awards, it’s doing the same thing with sales. Jeep was the fastest-growing auto brand in the entire country in 2011, raising sales by an incredible 44 percent—a rate four times faster than for the industry as a whole. Further, helping Jeep score a total of 419,349 sales, every model on the Jeep team increased deliveries by at least 30 percent. Leading the way? The Jeep Compass, which grew sales by a stellar 200 percent last year.

“The awards we have received from these media and industry influencers are a huge testament to the Jeep brand and its vehicles, and I am grateful for each and every one of them,” said Mike Manley, president and CEO of Jeep. “And without question, the most important recognition we receive occurs when our customers vote with their checkbook. For Jeep to be recognized as the brand with the largest increase in customer loyalty is fantastic. My thanks go out to all of our Jeep customers for their business.”

Read more: http://www.jeepinthenews.com/2012-honor-roll-jeep-picks-up-where-it-left-off/

Art will be focus of Martin Luther King celebration at Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center

Black history will be told through art. “A Painting Is Worth a Thousand Words,” featuring artwork by Gregory Rance Thompson and Penelope Wilson, will be the centerpiece of a Martin Luther King Day celebration Monday at Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center, 411 Third Ave. in the Cambria City section of Johnstown. A reception will be held from  2 to 5 p.m., and both artists will be in attendance, said activities director Beth Elston. The exhibit will be on display through February, in celebration of Black History Month.
“We expect to use the exhibit as a backdrop for an activity later in February, maybe a lecture,” Elston said. Thompson, a Johnstown native, enjoys drawing on poster board with watercolors, markers or graphite. Figures and characters are prominent in the self-taught artist’s work, and he has completed murals on buildings and walls in various homes throughout the Johnstown area as well as doing greeting cards.

Read more: http://tribune-democrat.com/events/x2145130598/Art-will-be-focus-of-Martin-Luther-King-celebration

The “Show Stopping” Jeep Hurricane

 

The "Show-stopping" Jeep Hurricane goes from concept to showroom floors!

Show-stopping concepts and extreme expressions of the Chrysler Group LLC brands aren't new: Dodge had its Tomahawk and Chrysler, the ME Four-Twelve. But when the Jeep® Hurricane blew onto Auto Show stage, it raised the bar for the Jeep brand.

"Jeep Hurricane is simply the most maneuverable, most capable and most powerful 4x4 ever built," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President—Chrysler Group LLC Design. "It pays homage to the extreme enthusiasts' Jeep vehicles in form and off-road capability, but is a unique interpretation of Jeep design. Simply stated, it is the extreme example for the Jeep brand."

Hurricane represents the continued success of bold concept vehicles for the brands as a means of demonstrating Chrysler Group LLC's creative and mechanical expertise. For example, powerful powertrain performance is an understatement considering the Hurricane is not just HEMI®-equipped, but HEMI squared. There are two 5.7-liter HEMI engines in the vehicle: one in the front and one in the back. Both engines deliver 335 horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque—a total of 670 hp and 740 lb-ft of torque.

Can you have responsible excess? To test the theory, we equipped both HEMI engines in the Jeep Hurricane with the Chrysler Group LLC Multi-Displacement System (MDS). Depending on the driver's needs, the Hurricane can be powered by 4-, 8-, 12- or 16-cylinders.  All of that translates into buckets of torque for climbing obstacles other 4x4 vehicles can't even comprehend. In addition, it has the power and traction to move from 0-60 in less than five seconds.

The power is delivered through a central transfer case and split axles with a mechanically controlled four-wheel torque distribution system. The front and rear suspension is short/long arm independent with 20 inches of suspension travel, controlled by coilover shocks with remote reservoirs.

Read more: http://www.jeep.com/en/autoshow/concept_vehicles/hurricane/

Chrysler 300 Still Turns Heads

The Chrysler 300 flagship sedan offers style on a grand scale and a roomy interior reminiscent of the big American sedans of yesteryear. But the V-8-powered SRT8 version of the 300 provides another, less nostalgic blast from the past: It guzzles gas.

The 470-horsepower, 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8, with the performance to rival pricier Mercedes-Benz and Lexus sedans, has a government fuel economy rating of only 14 miles a gallon in city driving and 23 mpg on the highway. That's worse than the V-8-powered 2012 Jaguar XJ and Lexus LS 460 and even the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck with V-8.

But no one would confuse the expressive Chrysler 300 with a truck, a Jaguar or a Lexus.

Revamped over the past two years but still using the same rear-wheel-drive platform, the Chrysler 300 seems like a new, full-size sedan.

What once looked like a Bentley now has a more modern headlight shape, light-emitting diode daytime running lamps and a black-colored grille that adds a sinister, yet attractive flair to the 300 SRT8.

Click Here to read more about the 300 SRT8!