Carcare.org Blog: Avoid Car Trouble with a Belt Check

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Avoid Car Trouble with a Belt Check

You may not see them, or know much about them, but engine belts are always working to keep your vehicle moving. Losing a belt can mean immediate trouble for the engine and a breakdown for you. To avoid being stranded, the non-profit Car Care Council recommends that motorists review the owner’s manual to ensure that belts are inspected and replaced at the proper intervals.

A vehicle’s belts are essential to the cooling, air conditioning and charging systems of the engine. Serpentine belts are used to turn the water pump, alternator, power steering and air-conditioning compressor. Older cars use V-belts for various accessories.

Always check serpentine and V-belts for looseness and their overall condition. Replace V-belts when cracked, frayed, glazed or showing signs of excessive wear. Noise in the belt system is a sign of wear and the smell of burnt rubber can indicate a slipping belt. When changing a serpentine belt, it is important to check all the components in the serpentine system as tensioners and pulleys wear at the same rate as the belt and should be inspected.

Typical serpentine belt replacement is 60,000 to 90,000 miles. Typical V-belt replacement is 40,000 to 50,000 miles. Replace timing belt per interval specified in the owner’s manual.

“Why risk being stranded when a bad belt can be diagnosed with simple routine maintenance?” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Inspecting and replacing belts as specified in your owner’s manual will help you avoid the hassle and expense of a sudden breakdown.”

The Car Care Council’s free 80-page Car Care Guide features several pages of information on the functionality of belts and when to replace them. Available in English and Spanish, the popular guide fits easily in a glove box and can be ordered by visiting www.carcare.org/car-care-guide.

The non-profit Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org.


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NAPA Know How: 7 Winter Windshield Wiper Tips For Better VisibilityNAPA Know How Blog

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Windshield wipers are essential during the winter. They keep your windshield clear of precipitation and maintain proper visibility while you’re driving. If you want these frontline defenders to perform to their full potential, you need to take care of them.

Here are seven winter windshield wiper tips that will help keep you safe while driving through snow this winter.

1. Don’t Use Your Wipers as Ice Scrapers

If there’s frost on your windshield, using your wipers to clear it away may seem like an easy fix. However, this can damage your wipers. Cold weather makes wipers hard and brittle, so using them to scrape ice could cause the blades to crack and break. Protect your blades by using an ice scraper to remove frost from your vehicle’s front and rear windshields.

2. Inspect Your Wipers

If your wiper blades are cracked or damaged, they won’t be effective. This can be a huge safety hazard when driving in rain or snow — if you can’t see, you can’t drive. To avoid finding yourself in this situation, check the blades regularly for signs of damage or wear, especially in the winter. If there’s an issue, promptly replace the worn blades.

3. Clean Your Wipers and Windshield

Dirt and grime prohibit visibility on a wet or snowy day — if filth is caked on the windshield or wiper blades, moisture from falling rain or snow may spread it across the glass once the wipers are in motion, making it difficult to see beyond the windshield. Avoid this mess by cleaning the glass and wiper blades every couple of weeks.

4. Clear Snow From the Roof and Hood

When clearing snow from your vehicle, don’t stop with just the windshield; remove it from the car’s roof and hood as well. Any snow left in either place will likely blow onto the front or rear windshield once the car is in motion, hampering visibility. Take a thorough approach to snow removal, so you can maintain clear sightlines when driving, and your wipers won’t have to work harder than they should.

5. Check the Washer Nozzles

Your blades need wiper fluid to keep your windshield clear. Snow and ice can block the nozzles that release this fluid onto the glass. Regularly check the nozzles to make sure they aren’t frozen. If they’ve become clogged with ice, use a de-icer.

6. Apply Rubbing Alcohol to the Blades

Ice can cause your wiper blades to freeze to the windshield. Prevent this by applying rubbing alcohol to the blades, which will discourage freezing.

7. Upgrade to a Winter Windshield Wiper

When the temperature drops, switch to winter wipers for the best performance. These wipers are built with a heavy-duty frame crafted to resist twisting, warping and cracking in extreme cold. They’re sturdy enough to keep your windshield free of snow, even in the most severe storms.

Show your wipers a little love, and they’ll help keep you safe all winter long.

Check out all the wiper blades available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on winter windshield wipers, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

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AAA Newsroom: AAA:  Owning an Electric Vehicle is the Cure for Most Consumer Concerns  

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New study pulls back the curtain on the experience of going green and costs of ownership

ORLANDO, Fla. (Jan. 22, 2020) – New research from AAA finds that over five years and 75,000 miles of driving, the annual cost of owning a new compact electric vehicle is only slightly more expensive – about $600 annually – than its gas-powered counterpart. The study also revealed that the experience of owning an electric vehicle eases one of the biggest fears associated with these cars – range anxiety. 

According to AAA’s survey, prior to owning an electric vehicle, a majority of owners (91%) said that they had at least one concern – things like insufficient range, implications for long-distance travel and finding a place to charge. Post purchase, many of these worries disappeared. AAA believes that if consumers have a better understanding of the real cost and experience of owning an electric vehicle, then the gap between expressed interest and adoption will begin to close.

“Although 40 million Americans have shown interest in buying electric for their next car, actual adoption is happening at a much slower rate,” said Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of Automotive Engineering and Industry Relations. “AAA wanted to understand what kind of impact the experience of owning an electric vehicle has on perception of these cars and maybe more importantly, if given the chance would consumers choose to go green again.”

AAA’s survey of electric vehicle owners, 71% of whom had not previously owned an electric car, revealed some interesting results:

  • The majority (96%) say they would buy or lease another electric vehicle the next time they were in the market for a new car.
  • Two in five (43%) say they drive more now than when they owned a gas-powered car. On average, electric vehicle owners drive 39 miles per day.
  • Three quarters (78%) also have a gas-powered car in the household, yet they report doing a majority of their driving (87%) in their electric vehicle.

Perhaps the most surprising result of the survey was the impact ownership has on commonly-held fears about electric vehicles, particularly those that have deterred consumers from making the leap to green. Previous AAA research has found that the top two reasons why Americans shy away from electric vehicles are not enough places to charge (58%) and the fear that they will run out of charge while driving (57%). Almost all owners surveyed (95%) report never having run out of a charge while driving and on average, they do three fourths (75%) of their charging at home. Likely as a result, those who were originally concerned about insufficient range said they became less or no longer concerned post-purchase (77%).

“Range anxiety has been synonymous with electric vehicles from the beginning,” said Brannon. “Hearing firsthand from owners that this is no longer a worry may change the mind of those who have otherwise been skeptical to the idea of owning an electric vehicle.”

Employing the same methodology used for its annual Your Driving Costs study, AAA calculated the costs for owning a new compact electric vehicle as compared to that of its gas-powered counterpart. Although the study found that overall cost of electric vehicle ownership is 8% more per year, individual categories such as fuel and maintenance/repair are lower.

  • Fuel – the electricity required to drive 15,000 miles per year in a compact electric vehicle costs an average of  $546, while the amount of gas required to drive the same distance costs $1,255 (or 130%) more.
  • Maintenance/Repair/Tires – electric vehicles do not require as much maintenance as gas-powered ones since they don’t need oil changes or air-filter replacements. If maintained according to the automakers’ recommendations, electric vehicles cost $330 less than a gas-powered car, a total of $949/annually.

Vehicle ownership, whether electric or gas-powered, is a personal choice that should take many factors into consideration. For consumers who are interested in electric vehicles, AAA recommends visiting a dealership, test driving one and asking as many questions as possible to make an informed decision.

Methodology

The electric vehicle and internal combustion engine driving costs in this study were established using the proprietary methodology employed for AAA’s Your Driving Costs (YDC) project. The 2019 electric vehicle models selected for this study were:  Chevrolet Bolt (LT), Hyundai Ionic Electric (Base), Kia Soul EV (+), Nissan Leaf (SV) and Volkswagen eGolf (SE). The 2019 internal combustion engine vehicles selected for the comparison were:  Chevrolet Cruze (LS), Honda Civic (LX), Hyundai Elantra (SE), Nissan Sentra (SV) and Toyota Corolla (SE). This methodology models the purchase of a new vehicle for personal use over a period of five years and 75,000 miles. A copy of the 2019 AAA Your Driving Costs brochure with the latest study results is available at https://bit.ly/35I5GG8.

The survey of electric vehicle owners was conducted using a consumer panel maintained by a third-party electric vehicle research firm. The online panel consists of more than 40,000 electric vehicles owners, weighted to balance drivers by vehicle type, make and model. In total, 1,090 surveys with plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) owners were completed during a 24 hour period on October 1, 2019.

About AAA

AAA provides more than 60 million members with automotive, travel, insurance and financial services through its federation of 34 motor clubs and nearly 1,100 branch offices across North America. Since 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for safe mobility. Drivers can request roadside assistance, identify nearby gas prices, locate discounts, book a hotel or map a route via the AAA Mobile app. To join, visit AAA.com.

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NAPA Know How: What Is a Throttle Position Sensor?NAPA Know How Blog

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What is a throttle position sensor, and why is it important for it to work correctly? The throttle position sensor (TPS) is an essential part of your vehicle’s fuel management system, tasked with ensuring that a precise blend of air and fuel is routed to your engine. This sensor works in tandem with others sensors to optimize acceleration, cruising speed and fuel economy. Replacing a defective TPS is critical for keeping your vehicle running smoothly. But, exactly what is a throttle position sensor, and how can you recognize when one might be faulty?

TPS Trouble

Manufacturers typically place the throttle position sensor on the throttle valve spindle to monitor its position. The engine control unit (ECU) collects TPS data to optimize vehicle performance.

A faulty throttle position sensor doesn’t happen without warning. Some of the telltale signs include:

  • The panel light activates. Once a TPS goes rogue, the ECU displays a warning on the instrument panel. A diagnostic tool will help you determine what the check engine light is signaling.
  • Your car shakes and quakes. A faulty TPS can cause your car to shake like it has engine knock.
  • The acceleration is unresponsive. Press the pedal to the metal and you should receive an instantaneous response. But not so when the TPS is bad or failing. This doesn’t mean your vehicle won’t move forward, however. Indeed, the ECU may activate a “limp home” mode, which makes it possible to get the vehicle out of traffic and over to the side of the road.
  • The engine stalls or surges. Instead of outright failure, the TPS may cause the engine to stall or surge as the sensor attempts to send the right mixture of fuel and air.
  • The fuel economy nosedives. Sometimes, before the TPS exhibits other signs of trouble, you’ll notice that your car’s fuel economy has taken a direct hit. Specifically, your vehicle will consume more fuel as the engine works harder to compensate for a faulty TPS.

TPS Solution

Once you diagnose the problem, the solution is straightforward: Replace the throttle position sensor. Luckily, this is a job you can handle on your own.

After locating the TPS, disconnect the negative battery terminal before you remove the sensor electrical connector. Next, use a screwdriver to remove the sensor mounting screws, then lift the sensor. Swap out the old sensor with a new one, then reverse the earlier steps. You may need to adjust the sensor screws using a voltmeter to achieve an optimal reading.

TPS Takeaway

When the throttle position sensor is doing its job, your vehicle should accelerate smoothly and maintain its optimal fuel economy. But when it fails, it becomes a safety issue — a problem you must address at once.

Check out all the fuel and emissions products available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on throttle position sensors, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

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Carcare.org Blog: Car Care Council Urges Commuters to Maintain a Healthy Work-Drive Balance

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Car Care Council Urges Commuters to Maintain a Healthy Work-Drive Balance

Commutes to work are longer than ever, according to the most recent U.S. Census, with the average commute time up 20 percent since the Census began tracking this data in 1980. The more time we spend in our cars, the more important it becomes to make sure our vehicles are comfortable and safe places to be, says the non-profit Car Care Council.

The Car Care Council has a number of tips for commuters to help ensure their trips to and from work are as enjoyable and worry-free as possible.

  • Change your cabin air filter. The cabin air filter is responsible for cleaning the air entering the passenger compartment. A functioning cabin air filter will help keep dirt, pollen, dust and exhaust fumes from entering your vehicle’s interior. Changing the cabin air filter at recommended intervals will allow you and your passengers to breathe clean air free from allergens and pollutants while commuting to and from work.
  • Maintain vehicle safety systems. A vehicle’s wipers, mirrors, lights and brakes are key safety features that require routine maintenance. To ensure that you can see and be seen while on the road, make sure all lights are properly functioning, mirrors are clean, and both are properly aligned. Replace wiper blades that are cracked, chattering or streaking in order to maintain a clean windshield. Because driving in stop-and-go traffic is hard on a vehicle’s braking system, have your brakes inspected regularly as brakes are your car’s most important safety feature.
  • A clean car makes a happy driver. The more time spent in the cars, the more likely dirt and clutter will collect inside. Maintaining a clean vehicle not only makes for a more comfortable drive, but it also contributes to a vehicle’s safety and longevity. Remember to keep the floors free of debris that may obstruct the foot pedals, and wash your car regularly to protect the paint, minimize rust and corrosion, and keep your windows clean for improved visibility.

The non-profit Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org.


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Receive $20 OFF Your Next Purchase or Service

Is It Time For A New Start? Receive $20 Off Your next purchase or service with a NAPA Comeback Coupon Code

 Receive $20 OFF Your Next Purchase or Service

Receive $20 OFF Your Next Purchase or Service!

Customers will receive a $20 NAPA Comeback Coupon Code for any qualifying NAPA Legend or NAPA Legend Premium Battery installed and redeemed.

Feeling drained? Is it time for a new start? If your battery isn’t running at peak performance, it might leave you stranded this winter! Long drives can take the life out of your battery. Now, through February 29th, visit your participating NAPA AutoCare Center, Advanced Auto Clinic in Delavan, for a battery check up. Purchase and install a Legend or Legend Premium battery and receive $20 OFF your next purchase or service with a NAPA Comeback coupon code, valid at both NAPA Auto Parts Stores and participating NAPA AutoCare Centers. Recharge now and come back for more savings!

Stop by or call Advanced Auto Clinic in Delavan today for full details or schedule on appointment online.

How to receive your $20 NAPA Comeback Coupon Code on qualifying NAPA Batteries:

  • Purchase and install one (1) NAPA Legend Battery or one (1) NAPA Legend Premium Battery between January 1 – February 29, 2020 to claim a $20 NAPA Comeback Coupon Code delivered to your email. $20 Comeback Coupon Code must be redeemed at any participating NAPA AutoCare Center or NAPA AUTO PARTS Store by 06/30/2020.
  • Submit Online by March 15, 2020
  • Go to NAPARebates.com and click REBATE OFFERS & STATUS
  • Click FIND/SUBMIT A REBATE
  • Enter Special Promo Code: NAPAAUTOCARE
  • Be sure your account has a valid email address to receive your Comeback Coupon Code.
  • Be prepared to upload a digital picture or scan of your COMPLETE installation receipt with qualifying battery part numbers circled (credit card receipts do not qualify as proof of purchase)
  • Please allow up to 2 weeks for rebate processing

Offer good for most passenger cars, light trucks or SUVs.

Qualifying NAPA Batteries:
• NAPA Legend Battery
• NAPA Legend Premium Battery


Terms of Offer: Submit your rebate ONLINE ONLY at NAPARebates.com and enter code: NAPAAUTOCARE. Submit with the installation receipt, showing the qualifying NAPA® Batteries part numbers circled. Must claim online by 03/15/20. Receipt must be dated during promotion period of 01/01/20 through 02/29/20 to be eligible for this offer. Offer may not be combined with any other offer or applied toward warranty service or replacement parts. Group or organization request will not be honored. Dealers, distributors and other resellers are not eligible for this offer. Use of multiple addresses or PO Boxes to obtain additional reward is fraud and may result in persecution. Employees of participating stores and dealers, and their immediate families are not eligible for this offer. This offer is only valid to US residents. Limit two (2) rewards per customer account, household, family or address. NAPA Comeback Coupon Code can be redeemed at any participating NAPA AUTO PARTS Store or NAPA AutoCare Center. NAPA Comeback Coupon Code expires 06/30/20 and can only be used one time. Comeback Coupon Code has no cash value and must be presented to redeem.

AAC & NAPA Auto Parts of Delavan Donates $1,120 to the VetsRoll, Inc. Charitable Services

NAPA Know How: Are You Just Blowing Smoke? [NAPA Know How Blog]

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All combustion engines produce dangerous exhaust gasses as a result of burning fuel at high temperatures. So, when manufacturers design an exhaust system, the two important goals are to route fumes away from the passenger compartment and convert as many toxins as possible into less dangerous chemicals released into the environment. With a bit of ingenuity, it’s possible to use the exhaust for better performance and mileage. How much do you know about the inner workings, components and benefits of your exhaust? Let’s find out.

1. The exhaust system as a whole has multiple functions, but the primary purpose of a muffler is to reduce ______.

  1. Harmful emissions

  2. Noise

  3. Backpressure

2. The catalytic converter uses ______ to reduce toxic gasses in the exhaust system.

  1. Chemical reactions

  2. Bicarbonate filters

  3. Hydraulic pressure

3. Oxygen sensors play a major role in the exhaust functioning, but they don’t last forever. A faulty oxygen sensor may:

  1. Trigger a check engine light

  2. Affect gas mileage

  3. Both

4. The exhaust manifold is located between the ______ and the ______.

  1. Engine block, exhaust pipe

  2. Exhaust pipe, muffler

  3. Catalytic converter, tailpipe

5. There are a few clues that your catalytic converter might be in need of replacement. One is that a bad catalytic converter may begin to smell like:

  1. Maple syrup

  2. Rotten eggs

  3. Fish

6. The smoke coming out of your tailpipe can be a diagnostic tool. Blue smoke out of the exhaust indicates the engine is burning:

  1. Coolant

  2. Too much fuel

  3. Oil

7. Exhaust gasses can be more than just combustion waste. On some engines, a(n) _____ may take and use exhaust gasses to improve performance.

  1. MAF sensor

  2. Exhaust idler valve

  3. Turbocharger

8. An engine that is “running rich” may produce:

  1. Black smoke

  2. White smoke

  3. Blue smoke

9. The combustion process creates toxic gasses that are bad for people and the environment. Harmful emissions include:

  1. Carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides

  2. Nitrogen and carbon dioxide

  3. Monosodium glutamate and sulfides

10. A blocked exhaust system may cause:

  1. Limited braking abilities

  2. Overheating

  3. Premature tire wear

Answer key: 1b, 2a, 3c, 4a, 5b, 6c, 7c, 8a, 9a, 10b

How’d you do? The exhaust system is an important part of the combustion process with components that drivers should understand and even change from time to time. If this quiz raised any questions for you, search around the NAPA Know How blog for more detailed information.

Check out all the exterior products available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on the exhaust system, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

Photos courtesy of Blair Lampe.

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AAA Newsroom: Record Number of Holiday Motorists Expected Across the Country this Week

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More than 100 million Americans are taking to the roadways to travel for the holidays, but that hasn’t had a large impact on gas prices. At the start of the work week, only about a dozen states are seeing more expensive gas prices with increases of less than a dime.

“AAA forecasts that 104 million Americans will travel by car – the most on record – for a year-end holiday,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “The substantial number of motorists has caused some state averages to increase heading into the holiday week, but these jumps aren’t big and won’t last long or linger past the holiday season.”

Today’s national average is $2.54, which is a penny less than last week and a nickel cheaper than last month. While the national gas price average continues to slowly edge cheaper, it is noticeably more expensive as compared to last year’s holidays – by nearly 20 cents. However, this isn’t deterring people from taking their holiday road trips and some states are seeing lower averages than last year.

Quick Stats

• The nation’s top 10 least expensive markets are: Missouri ($2.19), Mississippi ($2.21), Texas ($2.22), Oklahoma ($2.22), Louisiana ($2.23), Arkansas ($2.25), Kansas ($2.26), Alabama ($2.26), South Carolina ($2.28) and Tennessee ($2.31). 

• The nation’s top 10 largest weekly changes are: Kentucky (+9 cents), Idaho (-9 cents), Nevada (-8 cents), North Carolina (+5 cents), Illinois (-5 cents), Utah (-5 cents), Nebraska (+4 cents), Indiana (+4 cents), Colorado (-4 cents) and California (-3 cents).

Great Lakes and Central States

Four Great Lakes and Central States land on the top 10 list for largest weekly changes, but for increases and decreases alike: Kentucky (+9 cents), Illinois (-5 cents), Nebraska (+4 cents) and Indiana (+4 cents). The three states with large jumps are exceptions for  the region. Filling up continues to be less expensive for the majority of motorists in the region thanks to mostly increasing stock levels since the beginning of November. 

While regional prices are mostly cheaper on the week, they range from 18 cents to 47 cents more expensive compared to this time last year. This is likely due to higher winter crude oil prices. 

The Energy Information Admiration’s (EIA) latest data shows that stocks built by 1.4 million bbl to total 51.6 million bbl. Currently, regional stocks sit at their highest level since early September, which is helping the majority of the region see cheaper weekly gas prices. 

Mid-Atlantic and Northeast

Motorists across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast states are seeing mostly more expensive gas prices at the start of the holiday week: North Carolina (+5 cents), Maryland (+2 cents), New Jersey (+2 cents), Virginia (+2 cents), Delaware (+2 cents), West Virginia (+2 cents), New York (+1 cent), New Hampshire (+1 cent), Maine (+1 cent) and Connecticut (+1 cent). Increases are incremental and likely due to the substantial amount of holiday motorists – 16 million in the Northeast – expected to travel this week.

In the region, Pennsylvania ($2.75) carries the most expensive state gas price average and lands on the top 10 list of most expensive averages in the country. 

EIA data shows that regional gasoline stocks built, but by a marginal 600,000 bbl, to total 62.9 million bbl. In the same timeframe, regional refinery rates increased, though only by 1%. Gas prices are likely to see some fluctuation in the week ahead, but any increases are not expected to be large spikes or to linger for very long.

South and Southeast

Motorists traveling through the South and Southeast during the holidays will find some of the cheapest state gas prices in the country, ranging from $2.19 – $2.41. Drivers in the region are starting the work week with gas prices slightly more or less expensive, but only by a few pennies. Florida (-4 cents) and New Mexico (-3 cents) saw the largest declines while Tennessee (+2 cents) saw the largest increase. 

Pump prices saw mostly minimal movement as did gasoline stocks and regional refinery rates. EIA data shows stock levels maintained at a healthy 83.4 million bbl, which includes a marginal 24,000 bbl weekly build. Regional refinery rates dipped slightly, down 2%, to 91%. Despite these small jumps, motorists can expect gas prices to edge cheaper following the holidays. 

West Coast

Pump prices in the region continue to decline, with allstates seeing their averages less expensive this winter compared to last year. On the week, Nevada (-8 cents) saw the largest decreases in the region. Hawaii ($3.65) and California ($3.59) remain the most expensive markets in the country. Washington ($3.18), Nevada ($3.06), Oregon ($3.05), Alaska ($3.03) and Arizona ($2.85) follow.

Increased gasoline stocks continue to help put downward pressure on pump prices, even as demand remains robust. According to EIA’s report for the week ending on December 13, total gas stocks in the region grew by approximately 500,000 bbl, bringing the total to 31.63million bbl. The current supply level is 4.08 million bblhigher than last year’s level at this time, which will likely continue to help prices in the region decline throughout the week.

Rockies

Rockies states are seeing some of the largest weekly decreases in the country with Idaho (-9 cents), Utah (-5cents), and Colorado (-4 cents) landing this week’s top 10 list. Pump prices in Montana and Wyoming also edged cheaper during the last seven days.

In the region, state averages range from $2.61 – $2.75, which are very similar to prices last year at this time. This is true for all Rockies states with the exception of Colorado whose average is 36 cents more expensive than this time last year. In Colorado, this year-over-year difference is likely related to more expensive year-end crude oil prices. 

The EIA’s latest report shows gasoline stocks higher on the week, jumping to 7.6 million bbl as refinery utilization increased by 4%, to 96%. This winning combination means motorists in the region will see gas prices push even cheaper through the year-end. 

Oil Market Dynamics 

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session on the NYMEX, WTI decreased by 74 cents to settle at $60.44. Crude prices ended the week up slightly over the previous week amid increased optimism that trade tensions are continuing to decline between the U.S and China — the world’s two largest crude oil consumers. This hope has reduced market concerns that global crude demand will decrease next year, helping to raise price expectations for early 2020.

Crude prices also increased this week after EIA’s recent petroleum status report revealed that total domestic crude stocks decreased by 1.1 million bbl to 446.8 million bbl last week. Total domestic stocks are 5.4 million bbl higher than where they were at this time in 2018.

Motorists can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.

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Congratulations to Our 2019 Deserving Rides Winner Todd Harder!

“We are rebuilding rides to rebuild lives!”

We just completed our 4th Annual Deserving Rides Vehicle Giveaway event!

Our 2019 winner this year is Pastor Todd Harder from Faith Baptist Church in Delavan who was nominated by several local members of the community. Todd is a devoted husband and father and serves our community in many ways including assisting the local food pantry, delivering meals on Thanksgiving, helps with counseling people and setting up marriage classes and other programs, volunteers his time to the county police department as a chaplain and serves our nation as an Air Force Reserve Chaplain. He is the type of person who is always willing to help people when they ask!

Thank you to everyone who made this years event a success! We look forward to giving another reliable vehicle away to a deserving person again next year!

Listen to the audio clip below to hear from Todd after he won the vehicle!


104.5 WSLD’s Santa Sleigh Winner

We would also like to congratulation the winner of the $3000 104.5 WSLD’s Santa Sleigh Package – Hannah Peterson from Walworth. Listen to the audio clip below to hear Hanna’s reaction when she won!


From our family to your family, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!