According to AAA, Gas-Price Ascent Won’t Stop Anytime Soon

Cars.com – U.S. gas prices in recent months have been on a steady climb and this week has been no exception: The average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline jumped by more than 3 cents to $3.78, according to AAA. That’s more than 4 cents higher than the national average a month ago and more than 8 cents higher than a year ago when it was $3.70.

Recent weeks have seen some of the most dramatic gas-price increases in years, with a 33-day stretch measured earlier this month yielding a 14% spike; it was the longest such streak since the price increased 44 cents in as many days in spring 2011, according to AAA.

“This year’s run-up is not only larger and faster than recent years but is beginning earlier,” AAA said in a statement.

AAA said one reason for the earlier price increase is a trend of U.S. refineries performing seasonal maintenance and switching over to summer-blend gas production earlier in the year. As refineries go offline, regional supplies can dwindle, squeezing supply.

“While the peak price this spring may approach the 2011 and 2012 highs, AAA continues to expect the high to be lower than both years,” AAA said.

The largest increase on record was between Aug. 5 and Sept. 4, 2005, when prices jumped 75% in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Top Vehicles for Winter Driving

New to winter driving? Finding yourself getting stuck too often (despite having “good snow tires)?  You may need a different vehicle.

Yes, if you live where it snows half of the year like we do, having a good vehicle, equipped for winter driving, is important.  We checked out Kelly Blue Book for their top 5 recommendations:

1. 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
Smallest, lightest and most fuel-efficient model to ever grace the Land Rover lineup, the 2012 Range Rover Evoque also represents the most dramatic visual departure from its conventional kin. Based on the LRX concept vehicle, this super-styled 5-passenger SUV is available in 3- and 5-door body configurations plus three unique design-themed trims, all fitted with a 240-horsepower/2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission. To ensure it maintains Land Rover’s legendary all-access capability, the Evoque’s standard intelligent all-wheel drive system incorporates the marque’s signature Terrain Response feature as well a comprehensive suite of traction/stability assists and offers optional tri-mode Adaptive Dynamics suspension that uses MagneRide dampers to instantly optimize ride and handling characteristics under all driving situations.

2. 2012 Subaru Impreza
All-new, the fourth-generation 2012 Subaru Impreza has grown in size and desirability. Available in sedan or five-door form and offering multiple trim levels, all versions share the same outstanding all-season core competence that’s become a Subaru hallmark as well as a new 2.0-liter/148-horsepower flat-four engine that can be backed by either a five-speed manual transmission or Lineartonic CVT automatic, each matched with a dedicated version of  Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Those new powertrain combos deliver a huge 30-percent bump in highway mpg for 2012, making the Impreza the most fuel-efficient AWD model you can buy in the U.S. Well-appointed and now even more spacious, the Impreza’s cabin matches impressive standards with an optional voice-activated Navigation system that includes Bluetooth connectivity, AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio, iPod control capability and USB/AUX inputs.

3. 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
An iconic name in off-roading, the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee combines comfort and confidence in a handsomely styled, five-passenger luxury SUV that also excels in on-pavement maneuvers. Motivated by a standard 290-horsepower/3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and available with either a 360-horse/5.7-liter or 470-horse/6.4-liter Hemi V8, the Grand Cherokee offers three different four-wheel drive systems — two with high/low ranges — as well as its trick Selec-Terrain torque management system and Quadra-Lift Air suspension, all designed to keep it forging ahead under any conditions. Multiple trim lines step up the Grand Cherokee’s creature-comfort index while its impressive infotainment roster includes optional Uconnect Navigation/Phone and Internet features.

4. 2012 Chevrolet Traverse AWD
A popular choice anytime of the year for anyone needing a full-size crossover with style, space and a bounty of features, the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse with optional all-wheel drive really shines when the sun doesn’t. Fitted with a torquey 3.6-liter direct-injected V6 that makes 281-288 horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission, the Traverse integrates its torque-managing intelligent AWD with the standard StabiliTrak dynamic control system and anti-lock brakes plus hill-start assist to help reduce driver stress under less-than-ideal road conditions. Offering room for up to eight and a class-leading 116.4 cu ft of maximum cargo space, the Traverse also can be outfitted with an optional DVD-based rear entertainment system, Bose premium audio and a Navigation radio package that includes real-time XM NavTraffic.

2012 Audi A6 3.0T Quattro
Bigger, better and even more engaging than its highly-regarded predecessor, the all-new 2012 Audi A6 3.0T Quattro sedan brings its own special touch of Teutonic class to this contingent of AWD all-stars. A 310-horsepower supercharged V6 and legendary Quattro all-wheel drive system provide the grunt and the grip to keep to keep this luxury sedan pressing on regardless, with or without the benefit of the A6’s optional Cold Weather Package. The A6 3.0T Quattro is available in Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels that offer increasingly higher levels standard comfort and convenience touches, while the cool Audi Connect feature allows it to be transformed into a mobile WiFi hotspot that can support up to eight devices.

Click here to see KBB’s full Top 10 List.

 

5 Winter Car Care Tips

With the holidays over, winter is still in full swing in Steamboat Springs.  The holidays may likely have taken priority over car maintenance, but now is a good time to make sure your vehicle is ready (and safe) to take on the rest of winter.

Cold weather makes pliable material stiffer and more brittle and can make fluids thicker. Mountain driving becomes more dangerous when ice and snow are added.  All of this means that having a vehicle in top shape is even more important during these cold months.

Use our 5 Winter Car Care Tips to get started:

1.    Take your car in for a tune-up

If you haven’t taken your car to the shop for a while, now is the time to do so. A tune-up will help keep your car running longer and may save you money by detecting potential problems early.

2.    Check your Tires

On slippery or icy roads, your tires are extremely important to giving you stability and controlled handling. So before the weather takes a turn for the worse, make sure to check your tires’ pressure and wear. You can place a penny on its edge in a tread groove to test your tire’s tread. If you can see the top of his hair or any of the tires background, it is time to replace your tires. Do this in several spots because tires don’t wear evenly. You should also take your tires in to get rotated and properly balanced. If you’re in an area with particularly severe winter weather, you should consider purchasing a set of snow tires which are made specifically for snowy and icy surfaces.

3.    Check your Fluids Levels

Make sure you check that the transmission, brake, power steering and windshield washer fluids and coolants are filled to proper levels. You should use de-icer windshield washer fluid which will help clear light ice and frost while preventing re-freezing.

4.    Make a Winter Emergency Kit

In addition to the emergency road kit you should already have in your car, it is a good idea to have a special winter car kit. This kit should include things like cat litter or sand for tire traction on snow and ice, an ice scraper and de-icing liquid.

5.    Check your Air Filters

During the summer and fall, contaminants can get caught in your air filters and will eventually get caught inside your vehicle and cause problems. If you see any debris caught on the filter, it’s a good idea to get the filter replaced.

Tips for Starting your Car in Sub-Zero Conditions

Extremely cold temperatures can take your car hostage, according to the AAA. Winter’s frigid grip, at worst, can drain the power from your battery, freeze the fluids in your engine, freeze your gas line and gel your engine oil.

Below are some tips to help you get your car started when it’s extremely cold:

Maximize power
As the temperature drops, so does your battery’s starting power. You can maximize starting power by turning off all accessories including the heater, radio and lights before you attempt to start the car. If the car engine doesn’t turnover, you may need a jump-start.

Start right
Each winter, the AAA is called to rescue many cars because they weren’t started in the proper manner.

The owner’s manual is the best source for guidance on how to start the car in cold weather. In general, motorists should ensure that all accessories are turned off before attempting to start the car. For carbureted cars, depress the accelerator once and release it. For fuel-injected vehicles, don’t touch the pedal. Turn the key and hold it for only about 20 seconds. Over grinding the starter can cause mechanical damage. If the engine fails to turn over, wait a couple of minutes and try again.

Freeze-proof the fluids
The coolant in your car’s radiator should test to 35 degrees below zero and should appear as a bright green, pink or blue color.

If it tests to a higher temperature, it may freeze as the outside temperature matches the tested temperature. You can purchase a turkey-baster style tester (hydrometer) at an auto parts store or have a qualified technician test the coolant for you.

If the coolant level is low, add a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water. For better protection in the extreme cold, you may go as high as a 70/30 mixture of antifreeze and water, but don’t exceed more than 70 percent antifreeze.

If the fluid is anything other than the green, pink or blue color, the system should be flushed and replaced with a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water.

You also can freeze-proof your windshield washer fluid by using a 100 percent solution of washer fluid. Don’t add any water to the fluid because you increase the chance of it freezing.

Prevent freezing
You can prevent your gas line from freezing by keeping the tank as full as possible. Also, avoid using alcohol-blended gasoline during the extremely cold temperatures. The alcohol in the fuel attracts and retains moisture which can freeze in your gas line.

Use a thinner oil
In the extreme cold, oil thickens and doesn’t flow quickly to vital engine parts that need lubrication. A lightweight, winter-grade oil flows easier in cold weather and increases fuel economy. A heavier oil, combined with low battery output, slows the movement of engine parts and in some cases, makes it impossible for the engine to crank fast enough to start.

Oil containers have a rating label that includes information about oil viscosity. For example, SAE 10W-30 oil, with an API rating of SH, is thicker at lower temperatures than SAE 5W-30 oil with the same API rating. The “W” means the oil is suitable for winter use. AAA recommends using a lightweight winter oil for winter driving, but check your owner’s manual for the proper weight for your car and change the oil every three months or 3,000 miles.

Start out slowly
Once your engine is running for at least a minute, you may start driving, but don’t accelerate too quickly during the first mile or two. Because of the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning, don’t let your car warm up in the garage for a long period of time, especially if you have an attached garage. The fumes easily can seep into the house and overcome those inside, even with an open garage door.

Snow Tires 101

Fall in Steamboat.  Time to enjoy the colors, dig out your sweaters, and…check your tires.

Yes, winter driving in the mountains is no joke, and having good snow tires is the first step in improving your safety. If you have some questions about your tires this winter, our Q&A may help:

Q: My car has all-season tires. Aren’t those good enough?

Short answer: Not really, no.

Long answer: All-season tires are designed to cope with all sorts of conditions, including dry roads and rain, but are not optimized for any one condition. They are generally made from harder materials that don’t conform to the road surface as well in low temperatures, like snow tires do.

Q: Can I put snow tires on just the drive wheels of my car?

A: No! Putting just two snow tires on your car is a bad idea. If you have a front-wheel-drive car and put snow tires on the front only, the back wheels won’t have anywhere near as much grip as the front wheels. This will make the car much more likely to spin out while braking or cornering. Likewise, if you put snow tires on the just back wheels of a rear-wheel-drive car, the wheels that do the steering won’t grip as well as those that provide the power, so the car may not respond when the steering wheel is turned — it will simply plow straight ahead. Always install snow tires as a full set of four.

Q: Can I leave my snow tires on all year?

A: Sure, but you’ll be wasting money. Snow tires are made from softer compounds, which means they will wear out faster, particularly in warm weather.  Don’t wear down your expensive snow tires when you don’t have to.  Also, snow tires tend to be much noisier, bothersome when driving on dry roads.

Q: Unmounting one set of tires and mounting another at the beginning and end of winter is a pain. Is there an easier way?

A: Yes! Buy an extra set of wheels from a salvage yard and use those for your snow tires. The wheels don’t have to be the exact same design, so long as they are the same diameter and have the same bolt pattern as your car’s original wheels. If you’ve purchased aftermarket wheels, keep the stock wheels and use those for your snow tires. That way, when it comes time to change from summer tires to snow tires, all you have to do is have the wheels changed — a quick and inexpensive job.

Q: How do I know if I need to replace my snow tires?

A: With snow tires, tread matters.  Do the penny test: Place a penny head first into several tread grooves across the tire. If you always see the top of Lincoln’s head, your treads are shallow and worn. If this is the case, your tires need to be replaced. If part of Lincoln’s head is always covered by the tread, you have more than 2/32 of an inch of tread depth remaining. For summer, that would be fine, but for winter you want a good 1/8-1/4″ tread on your tires.

Your Pre-Winter Auto Maintenance Checklist

Fall in Steamboat is practically here, which means that winter is not too far off (Hey, by Steamboat standards, we could have our first snow any day now).

But is your vehicle ready?  Winter driving can be hard on a vehicle no matter where you live, but particularly in the mountains.  Below is a basic checklist to get you and your vehicle ready for the long winter ahead:

1. Check your antifreeze. Antifreeze is an essential part of your car’s winter protection. Your car contains a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze. Make sure the level is full and the mixture is close to 50/50. Many service stations and repair centers will check this mixture free, or you can buy a tester for around $5. (You did remember to perform a radiator flush last spring, didn’t you?)

2. Get the right tires. Where we live, you need snow tires or, at minimum, a good all-weather tire if you don’t drive much out of town.  And don’t assume last year’s tires are okay.  Snow tires will only last you a few seasons, depending on your use.  Check the tread and make sure you have at least 1/4″ tread left. And check the pressure; it often goes down in cold temperatures, so pump them up.

3.  Replace windshield wipers. You’ll need a good set to through a Steamboat winter. To clear off the snow, hail, slush, etc., that falls in abundance for 6+ months, you’ll want a new, high-performing set.

4. Top off your washer fluid. You’ll also be using lots of washer fluid as you try to keep your windshield clean for safe driving. A mile stuck behind an 18-wheeler will have your windshield looking like a Desert Humvee if you’re low on washer fluid. *Tip: Don’t fill your washer fluid reservoir with anything except washer fluid, it won’t freeze!

5. Check your battery. Can’t recall when you bought a new battery? A weak one is likely to fail in the winter. Have its charge checked at a good repair shop to be sure.

6. Inspect your oil. You should have oil changes done regularly no matter the season, but it’s worth giving a reminder here.

7. See your auto repair shop.  Make an appointment for an overall inspection of your brakes, engine, battery, spark plugs, etc.

8.  Be prepared for emergencies. Carry enough of the following for driver and passengers: gloves, boots, blankets, a winter coat, flares, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter, tire chains, a flashlight, a cell phone, and some non-perishable snacks.

Bring on the Mud!

The drought in Steamboat (for now) is over!  If you’re a fan of off-roading, now’s the time to get out and enjoy some mud-driving while you can.

You may be new to “mudding,” or perhaps it’s just been awhile. While every situation and driver is different, below are some general tips to get you through your next mud adventure:

First, Shallow Mud: 2″ deep or less

1. Tire Pressure. You want the full weight of your vehicle pushing your tires through the mud, so be sure to have your tires filled to the correct pressure.  Too low, and they will spread out your vehicle’s weight, not offering maximum traction.

2. Speed.  Avoid high speeds and quick acceleration.  With a thin layer of mud covering firm ground, the scenario is akin to driving on ice.  Therefore, if you do find yourself spinning, avoid braking.  Allow your car to decelerate and start over, more slowly, allowing the wheels to gain traction.

3. Prep and Planning. Measure the mud BEFORE you drive in it. Engage your 4WD (4L if you have it) and start slow.  Increase speed gradually, until the point you feel yourself skidding or sliding.  At this point, back down to the the lower speed.

4. Mountains. If you will be climbing and descending, here are some additional tips:  When ascending you may need to add a little accelerator to help the vehicle climb, but not too much so as that the wheels spin out. When descending you may find that the vehicle starts to slide even when you’ve got yourself into the correct gear to allow sufficient engine braking to control the descent without touching the brakes. In this case gravity is pushing the vehicle down the slippery slope at a faster rate than the wheels are turning.  The only way to get the wheels turning faster is to, yes, press the accelerator. Strange, but it does work.

Second, Deeper Mud

1. Preparation. Again, check the mud’s depth. Be sure the mud isn’t TOO deep for your vehicle’s capacity!  This will save you time, and likely money, later when faced with recovering your stuck vehicle.

2. Deep Ruts. Watch out for deep ruts left by larger vehicles, in which your vehicle can get “hung up” – i.e., the ruts are too deep and the center portion catches on the axles.

3. Stop and think.  If you cannot move forward, put your vehicle in reverse.  90% of the time, if you select reverse you will be able to get out the way you came in. Keep your wheels straight. Wheels at an angle to the direction of travel will add resistance to you going forward. Keep a good sense of where your wheels are pointing.

4. Consistency.  Thick, dense mud is much more difficult, as it causes the mud to clog up the tires.  Unless you have a set of tires that have a self-cleaning tread pattern, you may not even have a chance. Mud that is less-dense (more liquid) is a little bit easier as the water helps “clean” the tire as you go through.

Beat the Heat!

Beat the heat this summer!

It’s early June in Steamboat Springs, and it’s already heating up to record-high levels. Beating the heat will be the challenge this season, because, living in Colorado, most homeowners do not have air conditioning.

So what to do?  Here are some tips to keep you and your family cool this summer:

1. Add Shade. If possible, add shade to any east or west windows (trees, awnings, etc.) .  Keep window shades drawn during the day to minimize heat entry.

2. Keep a tight ship. Minimize the opening and closing of doors and windows during the day to keep hot air fr0m coming inside the home.

3.  Open it up at night. When the sun goes down, open up the windows.  Add a fan if possible to facilitate the drawing-in of cool air. (Don’t forget to turn off and close up in the morning!)

4. Consider window air conditioners.  Central A/C is of course an expensive option, and one not easily justified in our Northwest Colorado climate.  But for the months when it does heat up, investing in less-expensive window air conditioners for the bedrooms can make for a more comfortable night’s rest. Be sure to look for and energy-efficient unit, with an energy efficiency ratio (EER) rating above 10.

5. Use your ceiling fan.  Keep your air circulating; even mild air movement of 1 mph can make you feel three or four degrees cooler. Also make sure your ceiling fan is turned for summer – you should feel the air blown downward.

6. Check your thermostat. This one may seem obvious, but make sure your thermostat is turned down or off.  You don’t want your heat kicking on in the middle of the night when the house cools down!

Summer Car Care Tips

Make sure your car is summer-driving ready.

Keeping your car in shape is important any season; a “healthy” car means optimum gas mileage, longer vehicle lie, not to mention better overall performance.  But in the heat of the summer, making sure your car is in its best shape is even more important. Here are 5 basic tips to ensure your car is ready for summer driving:

1. Air Conditioning. If you have an older car or are question the system’s performance, have it examined by a qualified technician.  A marginally operating system will fail in hot weather. If you have a newer vehicle, your system likely has cabin air filters that clean the air entering the heating and air conditioning system. Check your owner’s manual for location and replacement interval.

2. Cooling System. The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating. Every 24 months, the cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically (a 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended).  *Attention Do-It-Yourself-ers: never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled! And leave it to a pro to check the tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses.

3. Oil. “Duh,” right? Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual-more often (every 3,000 miles) if you make frequent short jaunts, extended trips with lots of luggage, or tow a trailer.

4. Engine Performance. In dusty conditions like dry Steamboat summers, replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) more often than recommended. Get any engine driveability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good shop.

5. Windshield Wipers. Invest in good wipers and replace worn blades when needed.  Have plenty of windshield wiper solvent.  A dirty windshield (mud, dust, bugs) causes eye fatigue and can pose a safety hazard.

 

Get outta’ town!

Estes Park, Colorado

It’s “Mud Season” in Steamboat, so what better time to get out of town?  We just so happen to live in one of the most beautiful states in the country, so taking a road trip (or two) in our own backyard can make for one incredible journey.  From Rocky Mountain splendors to High Desert wonders, there’s something in Colorado for everyone!  Take a peek at some of our favorites below:

Boulder to Rocky Mountain National Park
75 miles
4-5 hours
Stay: In Estes Park, crash at the Georgian-style Stanley Hotel, which dates back to 1909. Be sure to take the $15 guided tour to learn about how the property played a critical role in Stephen King’s creation of “The Shining.”
Do: Start the journey in Boulder, arguably the quirkiest city in the West. There’s always some sort of cultural activity going on here, but highlights include the Aerial Dance Festival every August and the Boulder International Film Festival every February. For a more laid-back experience, grab afternoon tea at the Tajikistan-inspired Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse. On Day 2 in Estes, explore Rocky Mountain National Park. The most popular hike here is the 14-mile round-trip climb to the top of 14,259-foot Longs Peak, but hikers must leave at 3 a.m. to be off the mountain by the time thunderstorms move in later in the day. As an alternative, head out MacGregor Avenue toward McGraw Ranch for an easy 3-mile round-trip hike that follows Cow Creek to Bridal Veil Falls.
Eat: As far as greasy spoons go, the Big Horn Restaurant in Estes is, well, huge.

Trinidad to La Veta
110 miles
6-7 hours
Stay: Dating back to 1876, the 17-room La Veta Inn mixes history with comfort in kick-back, Old-West style.
Do: For a primer on local archaeology, visit the Louden-Henritze Archeology Museumin Trinidad. The museum has artifacts from nearby Trinchera Cave. For information about more modern times, check out the Santa Fe Trail Museum and some of the city’s historic homes. Later, on State Route 12 at Cucharas Pass, look for incredible views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Great Dikes, yellow-colored rock walls that were formed by volcanic forces inside the Earth more than 400 million years ago. In La Veta, check out the adobe buildings of Fort Francisco, which dates back to 1863 and today boasts a museum with artifacts from the 1700s.
Eat: Cap a day of learning with a homemade cinnamon roll at the Ryus Avenue Bakery, the best (and only!) bake shop in La Veta.

Mesa Verde to Hovenweep
480 miles
3-4 days
Stay: Saddle up and spend a while at the Circle K Ranch in Dolores. Here, comfortable accommodations and horseback-riding equal quintessential Old-West relaxation.
Do: Begin this archaeological adventure at Mesa Verde National Park, home to 5,000 known archaeological sites, including 600 dwellings carved into the cliffs. The best-known (and most frequently photographed) rock home is Cliff Palace, a 150-room site with an estimated community of more than 100 Anasazi residents. From here, head south on 160 toward the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reservation, where modern-day members of the tribe provide guided tours through ruins located inside Ute Mountain Tribal Park. Finally, just east of the Utah border, Hovenweep National Monument protects 6 Pueblo-era villages with stone towers that have stood for more than 1,000 years. Four of these villages are in Colorado, 2 are in Utah. For information on all of them, check out the Anasazi Heritage Center in downtown Dolores.
Eat: There aren’t many services in Southeastern Colorado, which makes the handcrafted porter at Main Street Brewery in Cortez even more refreshing.

Palisade to Eckert
200 miles
2-3 days
Stay: Vineyards surround the Wine Country Inn in Palisade a perfect introductory view to Colorado’s most popular winegrowing region.
Do: Start your trip along I-70 in Palisade and head west. Along the way, sample sweet wines from Carlson Vineyards, one of the oldest wineries in the state. The Gewurztraminer here is particularly delectable. Winemaker Parker Carlson also makes wine from local fruit such as peach and cherry. On Day 2, in Olathe, visit Cottonwood Cellars, then double-back to Delta to explore the Gunnison Valley. For a different kind of tasting, visit the Peak Spirits Distillery in Hotchkiss to try organic gin. Before heading home, stop in Eckert at Surface Creek Winery, which makes full-bodied merlot and features an impressive gallery of watercolor paintings from artist Dale Russell Smith.
Eat: The open-air patio at the Asian-inspired Inaris Bistro in Palisade provides a great setting for a romantic dinner under the stars.

Colorado road trip tips:  Bring plenty of water and snacks (in the event of car trouble) and a cell phone with car charger.  Colorado weather can vary tremendously; pack a variety of clothing!