Thursday, August 30, 2012

2013 SUBARU 335 HP WRX STI 340R

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Subaru frequently prepares spicier, faster versions of its WRX and WRX STI performance cars for Japan and Europe — but not the U.S. — and the latest model is no different. The new WRX STI 340R goes on sale in the U.K. next month alongside the existing WRX STI 320R.

The new model joins Europe’s existing WRX STI 320R, which offers 315 hp and 332 lb-ft, as well as the standard European STI which is rated for 296 hp and 300 lb-ft. Sadly, the U.S. won’t receive this upgraded version of the Subaru performance car.

The new 2013 SUBARU WRX STI 340R is based on the standard WRX STI model, the 340R boasts a revised ECU tuning,intake improvements and a lower-restriction sports exhaust system, the turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four engine’s power bumping to 340 horsepower and 361 lb-ft of torque – improvements of 40 and 61, respectively.

Subaru says the WRX STI 340R can scoot from 0 to 60 in just 4.7 seconds.. The car also makes 361 pound-feet of torque, a gain of 71 pound-feet over U.S. models.

Current WRX STI owners will also be able to upgrade their cars to 340R-spec. Subaru says the upgrades can be applied retroactively without affecting a car’s warranty.

In the U.S., buying a Subaru WRX STI will set you back around $35,000 before you start adding options. In the U.K., the least expensive WRX STI starts at £26,995 ($42,690), while stepping up to the 340R will run you £28,594 ($45,219).

The WRX STI is an exciting car,with a improved power and torque!

Source: speedlux.com

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Today is your last chance to win a pair of tickets to see Rascall Flatts in concert!

Today is the last day to submit your entry for a chance to win a pair of tickets to see Rascal Flatts in concert! Hurry over and “Like” our page and you could find yourself jamming out to Gary, Jay and Joe Don at the 2012 Country Megaticket.

Get more info about this year’s event here: http://bit.ly/Tw780Z

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Subaru introduces 2013 XV Crosstrek

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Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) is pleased to announce that it will add the new 2013 XV Crosstrek to Subaru's line-up of award-winning utility vehicles. The versatile, fun-to-drive XV Crosstrek debuts as the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive crossover utility in North America, delivering fuel economy figures of 8.2 L/100 km city / 6.0 L/100 km highway / 7.2 L/100 km combined (with CVT) and making it comparable to many front-wheel-drive competitors. Combining efficiency with a bold five-door design and highly capable chassis, the sporty XV Crosstrek will target the fast-growing compact crossover segment with its best-in-class fuel economy, everyday comfort, exceptional safety standards and the most in-demand convenience and entertainment features.

The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek delivers a highly capable crossover package with standard Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive, 220 mm of ground clearance, 17-inch distinctive alloy wheels and ample room for passengers and cargo.

All 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek models are powered by a 148-horsepower 2.0-litre SUBARU BOXER engine, teamed to Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive via a five-speed manual transmission or an available second-generation Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Built for Everyday Driving and Rugged Action The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek incorporates numerous body and chassis enhancements for its extended capabilities. Black side- and wheel-arch cladding, rocker spoiler and roof rails provide a rugged contrast to the body colour. The higher ride height, body-colour roof spoiler and uniquely designed 17-inch wheels bolster the Subaru XV Crosstrek model's go-anywhere stance and attitude. Front and rear bumpers as well as the front grille are unique to the Subaru XV Crosstrek and dark-tint privacy glass is standard.

The rugged styling is backed up by function, as the four-wheel fully independent suspension features a raised configuration in the Subaru XV Crosstrek. The XV Crosstrek's 220 mm of ground clearance is higher than most other crossovers and even some dedicated SUVs. High-strength suspension components enhance agility, while liquid (hydraulic) engine mounts (with CVT) help to dampen vibration. The double-wishbone rear suspension features pillow ball bushings for an optimal blend of ride comfort, straight-line stability, handling agility and vehicle response.

The Subaru XV Crosstrek uses standard 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/55 R17 all-season tires to provide all-weather traction and performance. The 4-wheel disc brake system features large front rotors and the XV Crosstrek comes with a 60-litre fuel tank.

Both the standard 5-speed manual transmission and the CVT include the Subaru Hill Holder system, which will briefly hold the vehicle while the driver pulls away from a stop on a hill. The Subaru Lineartronic CVT provides infinite variability between the highest and lowest available ratios with no discernable steps or shifts. With either transmission choice, a standard ECO gauge helps the driver to operate the vehicle as economically as possible.

The CVT continuously and smoothly adapts to performance demand, helping to keep the engine in its most efficient operating range. A 6-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters allows the driver to control the transmission via six pre-set ratios. The transmission also allows "second gear" starts in order to limit the likelihood of wheel spin on slippery surfaces.

DOHC 2.0-litre SUBARU BOXER Engine The FB 2.0-litre SUBARU BOXER engine uses aluminum for the cylinder block and heads. A dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) configuration features Dual Active Valve Control System (DAVCS) - variable valve control for both intake and exhaust valves, optimizing torque delivery.

The Subaru 2.0-litre Boxer engine produces 148 hp at 6,200 rpm and 145 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,200 rpm. Improvements in combustion efficiency and reduced friction were made throughout the engine. For example, mounting the fuel injectors directly on the cylinder head, though not injecting directly into the cylinder, made it possible to limit the amount of vaporized fuel that adheres to cylinder head walls and to improve both fuel efficiency and emissions. Electric power steering reduces draw on engine power.

Practical Package A 2,635-mm wheelbase yields impressive interior roominess in the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek. Rear seat legroom of 900 mm is close to that of some mid-size cars. With the standard 60/40-split rear seatbacks folded, this versatile 5-door crossover provides a completely flat load floor with up to 1,470 L of carrying space (632 L with the seats up). Achieving a large trunk or cargo area is significant by itself, since the vehicle's AWD layout requires packaging a rear differential and drive axles yet the XV Crosstrek easily accommodates three golf bags or a large baby stroller.

The cargo area is equipped with a standard cover that can be pulled into place or removed, along with tie-down and grocery bag hooks. Subaru dealers will offer a number of accessories for the standard roof rails in order to carry items such as bicycles and kayaks. A 680-kilogram towing capacity not only enhances its versatility even further, but is a unique advantage over competitors in this segment.

Comfort and Convenience The sporty instrument panel and 3-spoke steering wheel are augmented in all XV Crosstrek models by a 4.3-inch colour multi-function display located in the centre of the dashboard. Rich-looking appointments and details abound, including soft-touch materials for the dashboard, door trim and centre console armrest.

Front seats are optimized for a rear-end collision and feature tilt-adjustable head restraints for comfort. Large door pockets can hold plastic drink bottles and maps. Numerous compartments located in and around the centre console hold all manner of today's personal items, such as phones, USB drives and MP3 players.

Three Trim Levels Subaru will offer the 2013 XV Crosstrek in three well-equipped trim levels: the XV Crosstrek Touring, Sport Package and Limited Package. Among the standard features in the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek Touring are a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth control switches, power windows, door locks and body coloured side mirrors, 4.3-inch colour multi-function display with fuel economy information, auto on/off headlights, outside temperature display and carpeted floor mats. The standard audio system in the well-equipped entry model features Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, Radio Data System, iPod control capability, USB port, 3.5 mm auxiliary input jack and six speakers. Additional standard creature comforts include heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer. The Sport Package adds a rear roofline spoiler, power tilting and sliding sunroof, leather- wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights.

The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek Limited Package adds leather-trimmed upholstery, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, chrome door handles and body-colour door mirrors with LED-integrated turn signals. Inside, a wide array of user-friendly technologies abound: the in-dash navigation system features a 6.1-inch touchscreen LCD display with back-up camera integration.

Standard Subaru Symmetrical Full-time All-Wheel Drive Subaru offers two different symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive systems in the 2013 XV Crosstrek. With the 5-speed manual transmission, the AWD system uses a viscous- coupling limited-slip centre differential to distribute power 50/50 front to rear.

Models equipped with the Lineartronic CVT feature an electronically controlled multi-plate transfer clutch AWD system, which actively manages power distribution based on acceleration, deceleration, and available traction. This system can transfer more power to the rear wheels under acceleration, but power is distributed 60/40 front to rear under normal driving conditions.

Vehicle Dynamics Control Standard on every Subaru, the Vehicle Dynamics Control system monitors and analyzes if the vehicle is following the driver's intended course via an array of smart sensors. If the vehicle approaches the limits of stability, the AWD torque distribution, engine output and brakes at each wheel adjust automatically to assist in keeping the vehicle on course. A Vehicle Dynamics Control 'off' switch is useful for driving out of slushy roads, deep snow or very loose gravel. The 'off' position deactivates the system's torque-reduction control, while the ABS and traction control remain active.

Subaru Safety

Subaru projects that the 2013 XV Crosstrek models will achieve across-the-board 5-star safety ratings in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) frontal and side crash tests. Subaru also anticipates the highest rating ("Good") and "Top Safety Pick" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

For safety, the Subaru ring-shaped reinforcement frame body structure has been proven in more than a decade of use. The ring-shaped reinforcement frame forms a series of "rings" around the passenger compartment. This design provides excellent protection in a variety of collision types, with the structure increasing cabin rigidity and able to absorb impact energy from any direction. High-strength members are used on the front of the vehicle, where there are few crushable zones. This design helps to minimize deformation of the body in the event of a frontal collision, providing added protection for occupants.

A reinforcing member at the base of the A-pillar strengthens the joint between the pillar and the upper frame and helps to ensure that impact energy produced by a frontal collision is cleanly passed from the frame to the pillar. With high-strength members added to the critical front rails and the tops of the centre pillars, and a number of other reinforcements also made, the roof is strong enough to bear at least four times the vehicle's own weight.

Subaru engineered the rear of the vehicle structure so that the energy of an off-centre rear collision would be evenly distributed left and right by the rear bumper beams and diagonal members. This design helps to minimize chassis deformation, as the energy of such a collision does not now have to be absorbed only on the side of the impact. Front-end structural details help to bolster safety for pedestrians, in particular the impact absorbing structures at the cowling at the rear of the hood and the bottom of the windshield.

Inside, the Subaru XV Crosstrek fills out its safety roster with a driver's knee airbag, standard front side pelvis/torso airbags and side curtain airbags with rollover sensor that offer front and rear outboard seat coverage. The passenger-seat front airbag features a shell-type design with a centre groove, thus exposing the passenger to less impact force upon deployment.

Brake Assist and Brake Override The 4-channel / 4-sensor Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) incorporates Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). The EBD system enhances braking performance and stability by actively optimizing braking force between the front and rear wheels according to how the vehicle is loaded with passengers and cargo.

The Subaru Brake Assist safety system detects how quickly the driver has pressed the pedal, and if pedal velocity exceeds a certain threshold, Brake Assist immediately applies pressure up to the ABS limit to help increase braking effectiveness. In emergency or "panic" braking, drivers usually apply less pedal force than needed despite pressing the pedal quickly. The new Brake Override system ensures that the engine power will be cut when the brake pedal and accelerator are pressed simultaneously.

Advanced Airbags The 2013 XV Crosstrek features Subaru's Advanced Frontal Airbag System. This intelligent air bag system employs dual-stage-deployment driver and front passenger airbags.  A seat position sensor on the driver's seat track detects if the driver is sitting too close to the airbag, in which case the system would delay deployment of the airbag's second stage. The passenger side front seat incorporates an occupant detection module that detects seat occupancy and passenger weight to control airbag deployment.

All new Subaru models incorporate electrically triggered pre-tensioners and force limiters in the front 3-point seatbelts. The seatbelt mechanism also absorbs energy through internal deformation. There is a LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) for securing specially equipped child seats in the rear seat.

Source: sacbee.com

Monday, August 27, 2012

Monday Maintenance Tip: Checking Your Drive Belts

What is this?

This is the inspection or replacement of the belt(s) in your engine compartment.

Every car has a water pump, a power-steering pump and various accessories — all of which are powered by rubber drive belts. On older cars, each of these components is driven by its own belt. On most modern cars, all of these components are driven by one belt, called a serpentine belt.

Should I do this service when it's recommended?

Definitely.

Why do I have to do this?

Belts in your car don't last forever. They wear out from use and eventually crack and decay from ozone that's in the air.

What happens if I don't do this?

If your car has individual belts and one of them breaks, then you'll lose the function of whatever part that belt was powering, such as the alternator, power-steering pump or water pump. If the serpentine belt breaks, all of these parts will stop functioning. Engine damage may result from overheating.

Is there any maintenance required between intervals?

Between service intervals, inspect your car's belts for cracks. If you hear a screeching noise coming from under the hood — especially when you start your car on a cold morning or when making a sharp turn — you might have a loose belt.

Car Talk Tip: If you're changing a serpentine belt, draw yourself a diagram of where the belt runs so you'll know exactly how to install the new one.

Courtesy: CarTalk.com

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

"Car Tip of the Week": Overcrowded Keychain

Happy Wednesday fans! This week’s “Car Tip of the Week” is for those drivers whose car key shares a chain with a dozen other keys.

Limit the number of keys you carry on a single chain because the added weight and bouncing while you drive can wear out the tumblers inside the ignition. Add years of service and prevent ignition switch failure by purchasing a lightweight key chain which allows you to separate your ignition key from the others so that it’s the only one in the ignition as you drive. Watch out, if your ignition key “sticks” when you try to turn on your car it’s a warning that your ignition switch is about to fail.

"Car Tip of the Week": Overcrowded Keychain

Happy Wednesday fans! This week’s “Weekly Car Tip” is for those drivers whose car key shares a chain with a dozen other keys.

Limit the number of keys you carry on a single chain because the added weight and bouncing while you drive can wear out the tumblers inside the ignition. Add years of service and prevent ignition switch failure by purchasing a lightweight key chain which allows you to separate your ignition key from the others so that it’s the only one in the ignition as you drive. Finally, if your ignition key “sticks” when you try to turn on your car it’s a warning that your ignition switch is about to fail.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Monday Maintenance Tip: Changing Your Brakes

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What is it?

Brake pads, linings and rotors are parts of your car's brake system and are housed next to each of the wheels. They push against one another to create friction, which stops the car.

There are two kinds of brake systems: disc brakes and drum brakes. Disc brakes are the most common system in use today, and they're very much like the hand brakes on a bicycle. When you step on your car's brake pedal, the brake pads squeeze a spinning disc rotor that's attached to the wheel. The resulting friction, when applied to each of the wheels, slows the car.

The second type, drum brakes, involve brake shoes that push out against a spinning brake drum, which is attached to the wheel. This friction slows the car.

Both systems work by creating friction, so brake parts are expected to wear out. The questions then are, how worn out are they? And are they worn out enough that they need to be replaced?

That's what this service is all about checking these components for wear and other potential problems.

Should I do this service when it's recommended?

Absolutely.

Why do I have to do this?

In short, you do this service so you don't crash into a cabbage truck.

What happens if I don't do this?

If you neglect your brake pads and shoes, your brakes will ultimately fail. Even before that happens, however, you can cause damage to other, more expensive brake parts, such as rotors, drums and calipers. In other words: a stitch in time ... saves you from helping your mechanic with a boat payment later on.

Is there any maintenance required between intervals?

If you notice any of the following signs and symptoms when you brake ...

  • flashing brake warning light
  • squealing, chirping or grinding noises
  • pulsations in the brake pedal
  • shaky steering wheel
  • increased stopping distance
  • car pulls to one side when you stop

... your brakes may require servicing. Make an appointment with your mechanic right away.

Car Talk Tip: Most cars have disc brakes in the front and back. A few economy vehicles and many light trucks have disc brakes in the front and drum brakes on the rear wheels.

Courtesy: CarTalk.com

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Check out this quick tip to keep your vehicle's tires safe AND legal!

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Since almost every state mandates a minimum tire tread depth of 2/32" for passenger car tires as measured from the top of the tread wear indicator to the top of the tread, this little trick can really come in handy.

The indicator appears in the tread grooves as a small bump. Coincidentally, the lettering over Abe Lincoln's head on a penny is exactly 2/32" meaning it's bad news if these letters can be seen over the tread wear indicator.

If your tires have insufficient tread don't put yourself and others in danger. Find the perfect replacements by visiting us here!

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

2013 Subaru WRX makes Popular Mechanic's "12 More New Cars Worth Waiting For"

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Recently the blogosphere has been alive with chatter that the next-gen Subaru WRX will get the FA motor developed for the Subaru BRZ, and this is one instance when there's logic behind the rumor. The FA engine can sit a lot lower in the car because it's more compact. A lower engine has many advantages, chief among them the ability to shove the mass farther rearward in the car for better balance. Better still, Subaru engineered the FA for higher compression from the start, so it should tolerate the amount of forced induction required to take it from 200 hp in the BRZ to the expected benchmark of 265 hp. And let's just say here that we'd bet Subaru designed its latest Impreza chassis with the WRX (not to mention the STi) in mind, and we'd bet the newest WRX will be lighter and more nimble as a result. A bonus: Fuel economy should jump a good 15 percent.

Courtesy: popularmechanics.com

Monday, August 13, 2012

Monday Maintenance Tip: Cleaning Your Air Filter

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What is it?

The air filter stops airborne contaminants from getting sucked into your car's engine. It's a paper filter that stops debris such as dust, leaves and wayward pelicans before they get inside the engine and do damage.

Should I do this service when it's recommended?

Yes.

Why do I have to do this?

Because, eventually, your air filter will get plugged up.

What happens if I don't do this?

If your air filter gets too dirty or clogged, your engine won't be able to suck enough air into the combustion chambers. The engine will then run rich (i.e., too much gas and not enough air). When this happens, your car will lose power and run roughly. Your Check Engine light also may come on.

If you really neglect the air filter for a long time, your car may stop running altogether. While permanent damage is unlikely, it is possible. If an air filter were sufficiently dirty and damaged, it could allow harmful, abrasive contaminants into the combustion chamber.

Can I Do This Myself?

It depends on where you rank on the Car Talk do-it-yourself scale:

There are two kinds of screwdrivers?
I've successfully hung pictures around the house.
I've changed my own oil.
I've fixed things on my car that involve removing more than five bolts.
I've built a working nuclear reactor out of wood.

Is there any maintenance required between intervals?

If you operate your car under severe duty, such as frequent driving on dirt roads or a lot of stop-and-go driving around town, then you should halve the recommended service intervals for the inspection and replacement of the air filter.

Car Talk Tip: Inspecting and replacing your air filter is an easy task. Almost anyone can do it ... with the possible exception of Jerry Springer. By purchasing the filter directly from an auto parts store, you can sometimes save $10 or more, in addition to the labor costs.

Courtesy: CarTalk.com

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

2013 Subaru BRZ Limited Long-Term Test

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We knew what we wanted to do with the Toyobaru twins (the 2013 Subaru BRZ and 2013 Scion FR-S) the second they were announced. And now, with the arrival of our new 2013 Subaru BRZ Limited, our plan is finally taking shape.

Our Scion FR-S is destined for endless weekends of wrenching, dyno testing and still more wrenching in a quest to extract every last drop of performance from its rear-wheel-drive chassis.

And our BRZ? It will get nothing and like it. Well, we'll add some oil here and there and whatever other maintenance it requires over the course of a year. Apart from that, however, it will remain bone stock.

We'll concentrate on whether its 200-horsepower flat-4 makes the grade in day-in and day-out driving. Unlike much of our testing, which requires extensive exploration of the local mountains, this BRZ will likely spend much of its life commuting, shopping and otherwise being used like a typical Subaru. In the end, it might have a rougher life than the FR-S. We'll see.

What We Got
Mechanically, our new 2013 Subaru BRZ is nearly identical to our 2013 Scion FR-S. This means our Subaru has the same 2.0-liter flat-4 with port and direct fuel injection that's good for 200 hp and 151 pound-feet of torque. While a six-speed automatic transmission is available, as with our FR-S we opted for the six-speed manual. Our BRZ also has a Torsen limited-slip differential, sport-tuned suspension and Michelin Primacy HP tires sized 215/45R17 at each corner just like our Scion.

Unlike our FR-S, which is available only in "Base" trim, we got the top-of-the-line BRZ. Subaru calls this the "Limited" and it costs $2,000 more than the "Premium" model which already includes Bluetooth, USB inputs, HD radio and navigation. For your 2 Gs you get keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, faux suede and leather interior trim, heated front seats and heated mirrors. It still doesn't include steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. In these cars, the wheel is for steering; it's not simply a place to hang your hands until you get to work.

Our 2013 Scion FR-S is a stripper and carries a sticker price of $24,930, while this loaded Subaru BRZ carries a heavier $28,265 price. While we paid for our Scion, Subaru provided this BRZ for the purpose of this test.

Why We Got It
The 2013 Subaru BRZ (and its mechanical twin, the Scion FR-S) represent a new era in small, light, rear-drive performance, and this means different things to different groups of people. On the one hand you've got the tuner crowd. The minute it hits their driveway, they're thinking about upgrading the wheels, tires, suspension and engine as soon as they can. We're down with this mentally and so, back in June, we bought a 2013 Scion FR-S with the intention of modifying it to see exactly what this little car was capable of.

Tuning, however, isn't everybody's bag, and the twins represent a return to simple, easy-to-drive cars that are rewarding beyond their numbers. That's why some owners aren't going to touch a thing. They're not going to ruin the ride in the hopes of more Gs. They're not going to ruin the in-cabin noise levels in hopes of gaining a tenth here or there. They just want a basic sports car that does extraordinary things when called upon.

This test is for them. We'll be leaving our BRZ alone for the duration of this test. If it needs tires, we're likely to replace them with similar ones and not super-sticky rubber — that's what the FR-S is for.

When we first tested the 2013 Subaru BRZ, illuminated by the experience we said, "Perhaps there's a lesson here. If this is all that's required to make a sports car with elegant control, engaging feedback and enlightening limits, we have only one question: Why isn't every manufacturer doing it?"

Will we still feel this way after a year without real power, without adjustable suspension, without the creature comforts that dominate the automotive landscape today? Without the current mantra of "more, more, more!"?

We've been impressed with the Subaru BRZ each time we've driven it. Now we've got 12 months and 20,000 miles to see if that feeling holds up when the BRZ is put to the test of being a daily driver. Follow along with our Long-Term Road Test blog for more on our 2013 Subaru BRZ.

Current Odometer: 1,679
Best Fuel Economy: 32.5
Worst Fuel Economy: 22.6
Average Fuel Economy (over the life of the vehicle): 28.1

Courtesy: insideline.com

Monday, August 6, 2012

Monday Maintenance Tip: Checking Your Spark Plugs

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What is this?

Spark plugs are little devices inside the cylinder that take in high voltage electricity at one end and create a spark at the other end. There, the spark ignites the gas and air mixture, and the resulting combustion is what ultimately powers the car. This service involves removing the old spark plugs and replacing them with new ones.

Should I do this service when it's recommended?

Yes.

Why do I have to do this?

At the sparking end of the spark plug is a built-in gap between two or more little pieces of metal, called electrodes. When the plug fires, one or more sparks jump that gap and a tiny bit of the metal is burned off. This happens hundreds of times every minute. Over time, the gap between the metal tips gets too big.

Also, your spark plugs can get fouled, but that would indicate that you have a problem.

What happens if I don't do this?

Your engine will start to misfire and run poorly, performance will suffer, efficiency will decrease and emissions will dramatically increase. Your car may also be difficult to star

Is there any maintenance required between intervals?

We recommend removing the old spark plugs and reinstalling new ones at least every 30,000 miles.

Many manufacturers have long-life, 60,000- or 90,000-mile spark plugs. If you don't remove these spark plugs until they're due to be changed, you might find it extremely difficult or even impossible to remove them when the time comes. You'll also want to examine the plugs if your car is running poorly. A blackened plug, for example, can tell you that the engine is running too rich.

Courtesy: CarTalk.com

Thursday, August 2, 2012

« Back to the Newswire Subaru Gets Another A+ in TrueCar.com's June Performance Scorecards

Surbaru
In May, Subaru rode record sales for the month to surpass BMW as the top automaker in TrueCar.com's Performance Scorecards, receiving the highest grade of A+. Last month was no different, with best-ever June sales at Subaru dealerships resulting in the auto manufacturer again acing its scorecard and leaving BMW in second place.

TrueCar.com's June 2012 Performance Scorecards evaluated automakers on several factors, including sales, pricing, incentives, market share, customer loyalty and days in inventory. Below Subaru's A+ were BMW and Toyota, both finishing with A grades, while Jaguar Land Rover came in third among auto manufacturers with an A-.

"Subaru's rating in the Performance Scorecards is more revealing than a monthly sales report, because it measures how the company is stacking up against other automakers," said Mohamed Elesseily, general manager of Quirk Works Subaru, a Subaru dealership in Braintree, Mass. "TrueCar.com has also gone beyond just sales volume to find that Subaru is offering very competitive pricing and incentives, as well as moving inventory very quickly."

In fact, Subaru's new BRZ sports car was one of the fastest-moving vehicles in the United States last month, according to Edmunds.com. The 2013 Subaru BRZ and Cadillac XTS each took an average of seven days to move at dealerships in June, compared to an industry average of 55 days of turnaround time. Meanwhile, every other Subaru model saw a year-over-year sales increase last month, helping the automaker's overall sales jump 40 percent compared to June 2011, with 27,702 units sold.

Subaru could get an added boost in the July Performance Scorecards thanks to the recent arrivals of its refreshed 2013 Outback wagon and Legacy sedan. Both vehicles house a new standard 2.5-liter FB series Boxer engine that improves power and fuel efficiency compared to the prior models. Even more impactful is the powerplant's increased responsiveness, which is created with greater low-end torque across a wide speed range.

The 2013 Subaru Outback and Legacy have each received a number of tweaks to their bodies, suspensions and steering to improve the comfort and agility of their rides, reducing body roll by up to 40 percent in the process. Additionally, buyers of either vehicle can now opt for a new Lineartronic continuously variable transmission that features a six-speed manual mode with steering-wheel paddle shifters.

"The changes to the Outback and Legacy for the 2013 model year are really about taking the things that make each vehicle so popular and adjusting them for added performance and comfort," added Elesseily. "Those improvements are complemented by the bolder front styling on both models, including new grilles, headlights and bumpers."

 

**  Courtesy of Read Media

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

The Subaru A Lot To Love Sales Event is at Baierl Subaru!

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What's not to love about Subaru? Highest predicted resale value in the industry, best selling AWD cars in America, most fuel efficient AWD car, 2010 IIHS top safety picks for all models, the list could go on. Experience all this love by getting an unbelievable deal on the perfect Subaru.

Start shopping our amazing sales and lease specials by clicking here