Top 5 Least Expensive Pickups for 2016

  • Chris Smith

If you're looking for affordable trucks, well it depends on your definition of affordable. Trucks are hot and when an item is hot the price of that item usually heads north.

Surprisingly however, you can still get into a midsize pickup for a tad over $20,000. To put that in the proper context, some of these 4x4 Cowboy Cadillacs tricked out with every luxury item available can run $80,000 or more. But if you're just looking for affordable trucks and your wallet can stand $20,000 to $27,000 then we have some great suggestions for you.

We offer up one caveat; all the prices mentioned here are MSRP for base models excluding transportation charges, taxes, license and dealer prep so you can anticipate paying a couple of grand more.

If you're wondering, "should I get a truck?" This pickups may help you answer that question.

5. The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

[imageSource url="http://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/2016-Chevrolet-Silverado-1500.jpg" id="2476"]

We talk about affordable trucks but the full size Chevrolet Silverado 1500 might be the best value despite the fact it's the most expensive ride on our list. Newly refreshed for 2016 with an aggressive grille, the Silverado retains its base 285 horsepower 4.3L V6 and six speed automatic transmission that delivers 305 lb-ft of torque to the axels.

Standard features include air conditioning, 17" steel wheels, cruise control, ABS and driveline traction control and StabiliTrak w/Proactive Roll Avoidance. For Apple fans you'll be glad to hear that the Silverado has jumped on the Apple CarPlay bandwagon.

A full size truck with plenty of power priced at $27,095.

4. The 2016 Ford F-150

[imageSource url="http://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/2016-Ford-F-150.jpg" id="2475"]

Not much is new in 2016 for the iconic Ford F-150 but then 2015 was a good year for major upgrades. Ford's biggest bragging point is its decision to manufacture the cab and box out of high strength, lightweight aluminum alloy. Don't get a parking lot ding because aluminum bodywork is expensive. The weight savings that the aluminum brings increases the performance and agility of the truck not to mention a boost in its EPA ratings.

The XL comes standard with a 3.5L V6 rated at 282 horsepower and a six speed automatic transmission.

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You can trick this ride out and spend nearly $60,000 for the top trim but the base XL model sells for $26,540.

3. The 2016 RAM 1500

[imageSource url="http://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/RAM-1500.jpg" id="2474"]

Also a full size pickup, the RAM 1500 is pretty much unchanged for 2016. Although the full center console connectivity center and mobile device storage, introduced last year as an option, is now standard equipment.

The most distinctive feature of the RAM 1500 is its incredibly civilized ride and handling. Thanks to a coil spring rear suspension the road and ruts are smoothed out for a far more comfortable ride than the typical leaf-spring setup found in the competition. The base engine is a 3.6L V6 that pours out 305 horsepower managed by an 8 speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, ABS, 17" steel wheels, driveline traction control, electronic stability and cruise control.

The RAM 1500 has a base price of $26,145. Definitely worthy of being included on our list of the most affordable trucks.

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Ford: 8
Chevrolet: 8
Silverado: 15
F-150: 15
Dodge: 8
Toyota: 8
Ram: 15
Colorado: 15
Tacoma: 15
Truck/SUV: 9

Points: 26.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%Colorado ZH2 FCV Is Hummer Of The Future
Truck/SUV
name: Chevrolet type: Make
name: Colorado type: Model

Points: 26.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%Diesel Driver: 2018 Ford F-150 Powerstroke Review
Truck/SUV
name: F-150 type: Model
name: Ford type: Make

Points: 26.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%2019 Chevrolet Silverado Winter Review: High Country in Cold Country
Truck/SUV
name: Chevrolet type: Make
name: Silverado type: Model

Points: 26.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%2017 Ram Power Wagon Coming This Fall
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name: Dodge type: Make
name: Ram type: Model

Top 20 Best-Selling Vehicles of 2015

  • Jason Unrau

The year 2015 was another record-setting month in car sales in the U.S. Overall, 13 car brands saw record-setting growth and more than 17 million vehicles were bought for the first time since 2001. It comes as no surprise which brands are in the top thirteen. You’ll recognize a few of the names, including the best-selling car in America 14 years running, the Toyota Camry.

1. Ford F-series

[imageSource url="http://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Ford-F-series.jpg" id="2424"]

Widely known as the best-selling truck series for nine years straight, the Ford F-150, F-250, and the heavy-duty remainder of the F-Series lineup tops the list yet again. It’s not just the best-selling truck but the best-selling vehicle overall. With leaps in development including stop-start technology and a 10-speed automatic transmission coming down the pipe, it’s no wonder this innovator sells so many vehicles.

Number of F-Series vehicles sold in 2015: 780,354

2. Chevrolet Silverado

[imageSource url="http://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Chevrolet-Silverado.jpg" id="2422"]

The Chevrolet Silverado is quickly climbing the sales ladder. With a year-over-year increase in sales of 13.5 percent, it won’t be long until the Silverado gets to par with its Ford rival. Chevy trucks really gained in popularity since the redesign in 2014 with a focus on comfort and convenience that matches the rugged abilities of the truck.

Number of Silverado trucks sold in 2015: 600,544

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Ford: 10
Nissan: 10
Dodge: 10
Honda: 10
Toyota: 10
Camry: 10
Civic: 10
Escape: 10
Ram: 10
CR-V: 10
Corolla: 10
Altima: 10
Accord: 10
Rav4: 10
Commuter: 5

Points: 22.0000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%Why Is the RAV4 Such a Hot Seller?
Commuter
name: Rav4 type: Model
name: Toyota type: Make

Points: 22.0000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%Big Comfort, Great Mileage: 2019 Toyota Camry Review
Commuter
name: Camry type: Model
name: Toyota type: Make

Points: 22.0000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%Is the All New 2018 Honda Accord Still the Midsize Sedan Gold Standard
Commuter
name: Accord type: Model
name: Honda type: Make

Points: 22.0000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%2017 Toyota Corolla: It’s Got Style, Features and Value
Commuter
name: Corolla type: Model
name: Toyota type: Make

5 New Pickup Trucks for 2017

  • Chris Smith

It's really not surprising that new pickup trucks in 2017 will be bigger, more powerful and more luxurious than existing models.

If you are going to be looking at new pickup trucks this September, you are going to have a mind-boggling selection of upgrades, new designs and even new models to choose from.

Ford Super Duty Trucks

Let's start with Ford's redesign of their serious work trucks. F-250s, 350s and 450s that come badged as Super Duty trucks have always been marketed to commercial customers or to consumers who have serious toys they want to tow. The differences in the 2017 models will not be so much in what you see although they will have a new quad beam headlight set up and clever storage space in the crew cab. It will be in what you feel when you drive one.

Why buy a truck? The 2017 Super Duty is a good reason. It will be the strongest truck Ford has ever built for the general public. It will have a box frame made of high strength steel with up to 10 through welded cross members. The frame will be 24 times stiffer than any previous frame making this ride incredibly stable despite road conditions, load or terrain. A choice of two gas engines and a 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel coupled with a six speed automatic that generates massive torque provide the muscle to haul and tow the largest loads.

Fiat Toro

[imageSource url="https://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/FiatToro.jpg" id="7893" class="right"]
Unfortunately, after announcing the new pickup, Fiat announced this year the Toro will not be available in the U.S. But we still like it, and here's to hoping.

The Brazilian made Toro is a compact truck that comes in three trims: Urban, Adrenalin (you've got to wonder where that came from) and Country.

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Size wise the Toro is 123.5 inches long, which makes it 26 inches longer than a Jeep Renegade and 20 inches shorter than a Chevy Colorado. It will come with a choice of front wheel drive or 4x4 (Country trim only) and will be powered by a 1.8-liter with a six-speed auto or a 2.0-liter diesel with either a six-speed manual, six-speed auto or nine-speed automatic. It's a compact but it's rated to pull 2,200 pounds.

What does it look like? The Toro sort of looks like a Fiat with a truck bed added. That's not to be derogatory, it's just that it looks rather cute for a truck. It has a long list of options that Fiat claims will turn the little mule into a luxury compact truck.

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Ford: 8
Chevrolet: 8
Fiat: 8
Dodge: 8
Honda: 8
Ram: 15
Colorado: 15
Ridgeline: 15
Super Duty: 15
Toro: 15
Powerwagon: 15
2017: 4
Truck/SUV: 9

Points: 30.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%2017 Ram Power Wagon Coming This Fall
Truck/SUV
name: 2017 type: Year
name: Dodge type: Make
name: Ram type: Model

Points: 30.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%The 2017 Ford Super Duty
Truck/SUV
name: 2017 type: Year
name: Ford type: Make
name: Super Duty type: Model

Points: 26.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%Colorado ZH2 FCV Is Hummer Of The Future
Truck/SUV
name: Chevrolet type: Make
name: Colorado type: Model

Points: 26.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%Top Truck: 2020 Ford Super Duty Gets Highest Towing, Payload
Truck/SUV
name: Ford type: Make
name: Super Duty type: Model

9 Fun, Cheap Modern Cars

  • Steven Symes

You might say that cars are no longer any fun, thanks to the deluge of crossovers. While that might be partially true, the fact is automakers are still putting out some vehicles for those who crave great driving on a daily basis. If you want to see these kinds of models on the market, support the effort and seriously consider buying one of the following excellent options.

Toyota GT86/Scion FR-S

[imageSource url="http://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Toyota-GT86-Scion-FR-S.jpg" id="2279"]

The Scion brand is on its way out, but the FR-S will live on as a Toyota like it has been everywhere else in the world. That's great, because Toyota has actually become fun again with this little sports coupe. While some people have called the engine anemic, what they don't get is that the FR-S isn't about brutish ability. The chassis is incredibly well-balanced, making it a blast to throw around turns in rapid succession.

If you still don't like the low peak horsepower and torque, there's always the option of throwing on forced induction. Both supercharger and turbocharger kits are available for the car, with tuners achieving some pretty amazing results with them.

Subaru BRZ

[imageSource url="http://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Subaru-BRZ.jpg" id="2278"]

This car was actually developed with Toyota, making the BRZ the close cousin of the Scion/Toyota FR-S. That means it's a blast to drive through tight turns. Its boxer engine also takes to modifications well, making it a great option for those who love to tinker.

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While the differences between the BRZ and FR-S are few, the Subaru is actually slightly better equipped, making it the better choice. Still, you can't go wrong with either car.

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Camaro: 5
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Subaru: 10
Nissan: 10
370Z: 5
Mustang: 5
Mazda: 10
Miata: 5
Scion: 5
Dodge: 10
Toyota: 10
124 Spider: 5
Challenger: 5
GT86: 5
FR-S: 5
BRZ: 5
Performance: 6

Points: 16.0000 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%Ponies in the Pictures: Top 5 Mustang Movies
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name: Mustang type: Model

Points: 16.0000 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%Ford Mustang Gets a 10-Speed Transmission
Performance
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Points: 16.0000 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%Miata RF Launch Edition Is The Show Car
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name: Mazda type: Make
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Points: 16.0000 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%Challenger GT AWD & Hellcat Widebody Coming
Performance
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80s American Muscle Cars Destined to Become Classics

  • Steven Symes

For some reason, '80s muscle cars don't get the same street cred as the American hot rods from the '60s and '70s. But as time passes, more and more vehicles from the '80s will become classics.

And then, some of them may fade into obscurity like these vintage muscle cars.

If you're enterprising or just really love any of the following options, now is a great time to snatch up '80s muscle cars, before prices skyrocket.

Remember that you're always taking at least a little bit of a chance when guessing which cars will become classics. There are cultural factors that can change public perception in a hurry. Just look at what "The Fast and the Furious" did to prices for used fourth-gen Toyota Supras or third-gen Mazda RX-7s.

So grab your Walkman, pop in a Van Halen cassette, pull on some white Pony shoes and let's take a walk down memory lane.

Buick Grand National/GNX

[imageSource url="http://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Buick-Grand-National.jpg" id="2240"]

There's a hardcore following for these '80s muscle cars, and the public is becoming increasingly aware that they're actually wolves in sheep's clothing (thanks in large part to "The Fast and Furious" franchise). They look like a funky, unfortunate Buick from the 1980s, like something a boring grandpa would drive, only murdered out. So what?

While they weren't and aren't much to look at, it's the innards that count. With emissions regulations emasculating so many muscle cars at the time, Buick did something genius. It took the G-Body Regal Coupe and shoved a monstrous turbocharged engine into it. The result was a true sleeper that could in stock form run a 13-second quarter mile and go 0 to 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds.

People have been tuning the Grand Nationals and GNXs to make them even faster. They're great fun to play with, and they're incredibly unique for a muscle car, so their prices will only continue to climb.

Ford Mustang SVO

[imageSource url="http://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Ford-Mustang-SVO.jpg" id="2243"]

Way back in 1984 and 1985 Ford turned to turbocharging as a way to make the Mustang faster, while still complying with emissions regulations. The funny thing is Ford's doing a pretty similar thing now with the new Mustang EcoBoost, which only makes the old SVO that much more relevant and interesting.

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Among the unique looks was a completely different front fascia than the other Mustang models at the time. The off-center hood scoop and dual rear spoiler only add to the unique features of the car.

Plenty of people consider the 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine a big positive. They think the SVO was a more sophisticated version of the Mustang, instead of a muscle car that handled like garbage and did nose dives with the best of them. As an added bonus, it was one of the first American cars to ride on 16-inch alloy wheels, which for the time were massive.

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Mustang: 5
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Pontiac: 10
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Grand Prix: 5
IROC-Z: 5
Fiero: 5
Performance: 6

Points: 16.0000 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%Ponies in the Pictures: Top 5 Mustang Movies
Performance
name: Ford type: Make
name: Mustang type: Model

Points: 16.0000 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%Ford Mustang Gets a 10-Speed Transmission
Performance
name: Ford type: Make
name: Mustang type: Model

Points: 16.0000 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%First Camaro Built On Display At Dream Cruise
Performance
name: Chevrolet type: Make
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Points: 12.7143 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%Cheap, Worthwhile Muscle Cars
Performance
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name: Ford type: Make
name: Muscle Car type: Type
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Top 10 2016 SUVs to Take Off-Roading

  • Steven Symes

Sadly, a dwindling amount of modern SUVs can actually take on real trails. Instead of sifting through the sea of soft crossovers to find the real off-road champions, check out our list of top 10 SUVs to take off-roading.

Jeep Wrangler

[imageSource url="http://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Jeep-Wrangler.jpg" id="2185"]

This shouldn't surprise anyone. The Wrangler is perhaps the most beloved off-road vehicle today. It boasts tremendous followings all over the world, and only seems to be getting more popular.

Not only can a properly-outfitted Wrangler take on all sorts of rugged trails, there's a humungous aftermarket for them. That means owners can customize them in all sorts of ways that just aren't possible with other vehicles. Throw in the fact that there are active Jeep clubs all over the place, and you have plenty of reasons to go get a new Wrangler so you can get in on the trail action.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

[imageSource url="http://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Jeep-Grand-Cherokee.jpg" id="2183"]

Wrangler people call these mall cruisers, and there's a certain truth to that name. Most Grand Cherokee owners don't take their beloved SUV off the pavement, but those who do, and know what they're doing, should be pretty impressed with its abilities. It's not quite as good at trails as the Wrangler, but it still surpasses plenty of other vehicles.

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Of course, you get way more comfort with the Grand Cherokee, so if that's your thing this could be the SUV for you.

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Off-Road: 8
Jeep: 8
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Mercedes-Benz: 8
Toyota: 8
Cherokee: 15
4Runner: 15
Land Rover: 8
Discovery: 15
Renegade: 15
G Class: 15
Land Cruiser: 15
Range Rover: 15
Truck/SUV: 9

Points: 34.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%Test Driving the Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited
Truck/SUV
name: Jeep type: Make
name: Off-Road type: Driving
name: Wrangler type: Model

Points: 34.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%Should You Take the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Off Road?
Truck/SUV
name: Grand Cherokee type: Model
name: Jeep type: Make
name: Off-Road type: Driving

Points: 34.0000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%5 Timeless Off-Road Vehicles that Top the New Kids
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name: G Class type: Model
name: Jeep type: Make
name: Land Cruiser type: Model
name: Land Rover type: Make
name: Mercedes-Benz type: Make
name: Off-Road type: Driving
name: Toyota type: Make
name: Wrangler type: Model

Points: 26.5000 Recency: -6.0 -1.0%AWD vs 4×4: What Makes Sense for You?
Truck/SUV
name: Jeep type: Make
name: Off-Road type: Driving
name: Wrangler type: Model

Driving Topless: Top 7 Convertibles for 2016

  • Chris Smith

Who can resist cruising down the road with the wind in your hair and the sun on your skin? There is something absolutely liberating about convertibles that appeals to every age group and manufacturers across all model segments are rolling out convertibles in hopes of big sales in 2016.

Big sales of convertibles would be quite a switch. Soft tops took a major hit when the global economy went south. Never a huge segment in the auto industry, sales of convertibles plummeted by 50 % as did other "frivolous" big ticket items.

But the times they are a changing and people are feeling better about spending some of that discretionary income on fun rather than being conservative and the car builders are hoping that converts in a rush for ragtops.

Here's a list of some of 2016's best:

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata

What's not to like about this little package of pure driving fun? This is the two seat convertible that you always wanted as your second car but could never quite justify because only half the family could fit in it. Forget that thinking; you already have a family hauler. What you need is a sporty little ragtop with a six speed manual transmission whose 2.0L four banger cranks out 155 hp and goes 0-60 in 5.8 seconds. You were born to carve curves and look cool and that's what the MX-5 delivers. Impressive handling, a surprising array of standard features and a base price of a little over $25,000 make the Mazda MX-5 one of the best convertible picks for 2016.

2016 Ford Mustang GT Convertible

[imageSource url="http://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Ford-Mustang-GT-Convertible.jpg" id="2127"]

Can you think of a better way to get a tan than driving this pony to the track, dropping the roof, unleashing the 435 hp, dual overhead cam, 5.0L V8 engine and soaking up rays while going 0 – 60 in 4.2 seconds? Admittedly you are likely to get more windburn than sunburn but it will be worth it just to hear the engine rumble and roar and the power you feel snicking through the six speed manual transmission. Of course you could just take this muscular looking ride to the beach, park in the lot and see who comes by to say hi…and somebody definitely will say hi. Attention getting looks comes with a price and in this case it's about $47,000.

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Corvette: 5
Ford: 10
Chevrolet: 10
Jeep: 10
Wrangler: 5
Convertible: 5
Mercedes-Benz: 10
Mustang: 5
Mazda: 10
Miata: 5
BMW: 10
Jaguar: 10
F-type: 5
435I: 5
Cabriolet: 5
2016: 4
Luxury: 6

Points: 16.0000 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%Mazda MX-5 to Come with Optional Retractable Hardtop for 2017
Luxury
name: Convertible type: Type
name: Mazda type: Make

Points: 15.0000 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%Ponies in the Pictures: Top 5 Mustang Movies
name: Convertible type: Type
name: Ford type: Make
name: Mustang type: Model

Points: 13.5000 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabrio: AMG Lite, Full Flavour
Luxury
name: Cabriolet type: Model
name: Mercedes-Benz type: Make

Points: 12.6668 Recency: -5.0 -1.0%9 Best Convertibles for Summer Cruising
Luxury
name: Convertible type: Type
name: F-type type: Model
name: Ford type: Make
name: Jaguar type: Make
name: Mazda type: Make
name: Mercedes-Benz type: Make
name: Miata type: Model
name: Mustang type: Model

10 Facts About Route 66

  • Steven Symes

Everyone has heard of Route 66. It's an automotive icon, not just in the United States, but for people spread all around the world. Although Route 66 is now closed, these Route 66 facts will help to peak your interest.

How well do you know the iconic stretch of roadway? Read through the following ten Route 66 facts and see which ones you already knew and which you didn't.

John Steinbeck

Back when the famous American author took a trip from Chicago to the West Coast, inspiration struck. He drove on Route 66, the road he lovingly called "the long concrete path" and began to formulate a story that eventually took shape as The Grapes of Wrath.

In his iconic American novel, the path west was called "Mother Road." Many who lived in the Dust Bowl used it to find greener pastures in California, making it a symbol of the American dream. Today, some people still use that term for Route 66.

Length

[imageSource url="http://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/route66-02.jpg" id="2027"]

The exact length of Route 66 changed quite a few times during its time, but at its longest it stretched about 2,200 miles. The road started in Chicago, Illinois and ended in Santa Monica, California, traveling through eight different states.

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One of the reasons why it was established was to divert some traffic from the bustling cities of Denver and Kansas City. Many rural communities were directly in the pathway or nearby, breathing some much-needed life into them.

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9 Tips to Get Your Car Ready for Spring

  • Jason Unrau

This time of year is so refreshing. The days are getting longer, the sun feels extra warm, and the weather is turning from chilly and wet to warm and invigorating. As much as you appreciate the change of seasons your car welcomes the change as well.

Winter is hard on your vehicle. That’s why we put so much effort into preparing for the cold and bracing for the challenges that winter driving holds. There is nothing on your car’s exterior, interior, or under the hood that isn’t affected by the winter.

So, let’s put Old Man Winter behind us by getting our vehicle’s out of winter mode and ready for spring. Here are 9 tips for getting your car ready for spring.

1. Wash Your Car

[imageSource url="http://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/wash-car.jpg" id="1968"]

There is nothing more important at the end of a cold, harsh winter than cleaning your car’s exterior. Salt and sand accumulate on your paint, making it look cloudy white even if your car is black. The worst problem is the salt, to be sure.

Salt is the biggest offender on damaging your paint and causing premature corrosion on your vehicle. It eats into your paint job’s protective clear coat finish and attacks the bare metal on your vehicle’s undercarriage, your brakes, your suspension, and under your hood. Any areas that salt can accumulate and sit are the areas you need to look out for the most.

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The solution is to wash your car and wash it well. You’ll want to use a wand wash instead of a drive-thru car wash because there are areas that can be missed with a drive-thru wash. Places like under the hood and in the door jambs, or the undercarriage and all those nooks and crannies around the fuel tank and behind the bumpers. Get deep in there with the pressure washer and soap as best as you can to clean off that corrosive salt. You can extend your car’s use by years if you clean out all that salt.

2. Change out Your Tires

[imageSource url="http://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/change-tire.jpg" id="1962"]

Winter tires have been increasingly popular across the snow belt, and even in areas where the temperature consistently drops below 45F. The rubber compound of summer, all-season, and even all-weather tires hardens when the temperature drops below 45 degrees. That means that, even if it hasn’t snowed, you have less pliable tires than when the temperature is warm out. That rings true whether the roads are dry, rainy, or snowy.

If you’ve got winter tires on your car, change them off for your summer or all-season tires once the temperature consistently stays over 45 degrees. Have your tires re-balanced and adjust the air pressures, including checking the pressure in your spare tire.

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Points: 7.0000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%Winter Tires vs. All Season: Where the Rubber Meets the Road
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Points: 7.0000 Recency: -3.0 -1.0%How To Prevent Dry Rot on Tires
name: Maintenance type: Work
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7 Best Cars in Horror Films

  • Steven Symes

When most people think about horror movies, they focus on the villains like Jason, Leatherface, and Freddy Krueger. When a car nut thinks about horror movies, the great vehicles are what come to mind. For most viewers, the machines are mostly set pieces, but that's actually not really accurate.

Read on and you'll see that a number of vehicles are key plot points in horror films, and sometimes even characters. Here are our 7 best cars in horror films:

1. Jeep Gladiator – Tremors

[imageSource url="http://media.wheelscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Jeep-Gladiator-Tremors.jpg" id="1884"]

Everyone loves to play that Seven Degrees of Kevin Bacon game. If you were to do that with cars, this awesome Jeep has a direct connection to the actor. It saved Val, played by Bacon, several times in this movie.

Giant subterranean worms were no match for this mighty Jeep pickup. It had already won the hearts of numerous owners for being able to tackle notoriously tough terrain and haul just about anything. In Tremors it was a real hero and even took one for the team as the worms finally targeted its only weak point: the tires.

If you've seen the second Tremors, you know that the Gladiator was back for a second round. What you might not know is that the producers were hard-pressed to find a working version of the truck, so they had to actually piece together three different Gladiators to make a single one for filming.

2. 1955 Peterbilt 281 – Duel

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This movie will make you think twice about cutting off semi-trucks on the freeway, so the trucking community would thank you for watching it. The machine makes David Mann's life a living hell, trying to kill him over and over in a single nightmarish day. With no driver behind the steering wheel, it's plainly obvious that the truck itself is the main villain.

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Filmmakers actually used three trucks, something that astute viewers have picked out. One was a 1955 Peterbilt 281, which is featured in most promotional photos and big scenes. The second was a 1960 281 and was the backup truck. It only appeared briefly in the film, mostly in the background. The third was a 1964 351 for the additional scenes that were added two years after the original film was released (the school bus and railroad scenes).

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