Don't wait until it's too late to change your wiper blades http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20130220/BLOGS/302209980/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Wed, 20 Feb 2013 19:10:00 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20130220/BLOGS/302209980/-1/blogs01 Clear vision is essential to safe driving, especially in the wintertime. Neglect your wiper blades, and you may find yourself in hazardous weather situations with limited vision. If you change your blades regularly, you can avoid these problems and keep your eyes clearly on the road.

]]> Silvio Calabi: Ford Flex deserves more respect http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20130218/BLOGS/302189961/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Mon, 18 Feb 2013 17:11:24 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20130218/BLOGS/302189961/-1/blogs01 Wouldn’t you expect a cushy, eye-catching seven-passenger Ford family hauler to puff up our collective pantsuit and sell well? Me, too. But, except in California, the Flex has never achieved the success that it deserves.

]]> Five must-haves for your truck http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20130213/BLOGS/302139978/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Wed, 13 Feb 2013 12:10:00 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20130213/BLOGS/302139978/-1/blogs01 With a new truck decorating your driveway, you've probably got plenty of ideas of how you're going to use it for towing a boat, transporting large and heavy loads and conquering rugged terrain. Or maybe you just want to feel powerful while driving it down the road. But before you get too comfortable, think about what could make your truck even better. What can you add that will help your truck last longer, handle more tasks [...]]]> Tip of the Week: Save money by bundling insurance http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20130206/BLOGS/302069986/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Wed, 6 Feb 2013 11:17:10 +0000 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20130206/BLOGS/302069986/-1/blogs01 Bundling insurance products with one company - and scoring cheaper premiums as a reward - isn't a new concept. But according to a recent study by J.D. Power and Associates, not only is bundling still popular among consumers, it also results in higher customer satisfaction.

]]> Greg Zyla: Is my 1968 Mercury worth restoring? http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20130204/BLOGS/302049930/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Mon, 4 Feb 2013 3:14:06 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20130204/BLOGS/302049930/-1/blogs01 I have a 1968 Mercury Montego with a six cylinder engine and a "three on the tree" standard transmission. I believe Mercury only built 20 of these cars in 1968, so I am wondering if this car is worth restoring back to new condition? It is in pretty good shape. Please advise and thanks very much.

]]> How to quit texting and driving http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20130130/BLOGS/301309915/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Wed, 30 Jan 2013 17:25:41 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20130130/BLOGS/301309915/-1/blogs01 Most Americans know texting and driving is dangerous but it continues to be a problem, especially for young drivers. While 97 percent of teens agree that texting and driving is dangerous, 43 percent still admitted to continuing to do it, according to a recent survey.

]]> Silvio Calabi: F Sport transforms the Lexus RX 350 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20130128/BLOGS/301289901/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:25:40 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20130128/BLOGS/301289901/-1/blogs01 About 15 years ago, when the original Lexus RX appeared, I wrote in a huff, "If you think the Hamptons are ‘the country,’ then this is your 'off-road’ vehicle." That was during the dawn of the age of deluxe sport-utility vehicles as we know them now, and I was still fixated on 4x4s as ruff-tuff rock-crawlers. Silly me.

]]> Tips that can extend the life of your vehicle http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20130123/BLOGS/301239919/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Wed, 23 Jan 2013 22:07:00 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20130123/BLOGS/301239919/-1/blogs01 There is no truer saying than "Take care of your car and it will take care of you."

]]> Silvio Calabi: Bullish on the Taurus http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20130121/BLOGS/301219960/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Mon, 21 Jan 2013 20:16:57 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20130121/BLOGS/301219960/-1/blogs01 There are still herds of ancient Ford Tauri from the 1980s and ‘90s roaming the American hinterlands, their once-daring, worn-bar-of-soap styling looking more and more like the automotive Lava Lamp.

]]> Talking Cars: What's new with Fiat? http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20130118/BLOGS/301189996/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 18 Jan 2013 17:07:00 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20130118/BLOGS/301189996/-1/blogs01 There has been a lot of talk at my office about the new Fiat 500C. I remember the old Fiats from many years ago and my memories were not all good. What about the new Fiats?

]]> Tip of the Week: Advice for families coping with an older driver's changing abilities http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20130116/BLOGS/301169979/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Wed, 16 Jan 2013 11:12:34 +0000 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20130116/BLOGS/301169979/-1/blogs01 As we age, and watch our loved ones grow older, it's important to think about - and plan for - a time when we may no longer be able to drive.

]]> Greg Zyla: Reader recalls ‘Madman’ Muntz Jet automobile http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20130114/BLOGS/301149949/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Mon, 14 Jan 2013 17:16:31 +0000 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20130114/BLOGS/301149949/-1/blogs01 Q: Hi, Greg, and thanks for all the old-time car columns. I really enjoy them and they bring back great memories. I’m now 81 years old and remember a car called the Muntz Jet that was built in the USA. Can you give me some info on the Muntz Jet and how many years it was offered for sale? Charles K., retired and happy in Illinois.

]]> Auto Bits: Six steps to getting the best deal on a used car http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20130107/BLOGS/301079984/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Mon, 7 Jan 2013 11:30:31 +0000 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20130107/BLOGS/301079984/-1/blogs01 Weekly auto rail, with used-car buying tips, Car Q&A with Junior Damato and more.

]]> Auto Bits: Top technical accessories for your car http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121224/BLOGS/312249989/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Mon, 24 Dec 2012 11:25:38 +0000 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121224/BLOGS/312249989/-1/blogs01 Weekly auto rail, with tech tips for your car, Car Q&A with Junior Damato and more.

]]> Auto Bits: Older drivers and new cars: What you should know http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121217/BLOGS/312179986/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Mon, 17 Dec 2012 11:25:33 +0000 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121217/BLOGS/312179986/-1/blogs01  


Weekly auto rail, with tips for older drivers, Car Q&A with Junior Damato and more.



 
]]> Auto Bits: Know the facts about winter gas mileage http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121210/BLOGS/312109991/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Mon, 10 Dec 2012 11:31:06 +0000 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121210/BLOGS/312109991/-1/blogs01  


Weekly auto rail, with gas tips, Car Q&A with Junior Damato and more.



 
]]> Auto Bits: Four costly car mistakes to avoid http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121203/BLOGS/312039966/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Mon, 3 Dec 2012 16:36:58 +0000 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121203/BLOGS/312039966/-1/blogs01  


Weekly auto rail, with costly car mistakes to avoid, Car Q&A with Junior Damato and more.



 
]]> Auto Bits: 3 dangerous driving distractions that may surprise you http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121126/BLOGS/311269988/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Tue, 27 Nov 2012 8:44:05 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121126/BLOGS/311269988/-1/blogs01  


Weekly auto rail, with safe-driving tips, Car Q&A with Junior Damato and more.



 
]]> Auto Bits: Don't let winter weather catch you by surprise http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121119/BLOGS/311199989/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Mon, 19 Nov 2012 15:56:07 +0000 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121119/BLOGS/311199989/-1/blogs01 Weekly auto rail, with winter-driving tips, Car Q&A with Junior Damato and more.


 

]]> Auto Bits: Prepare your garage for winter http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121112/BLOGS/311129985/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Tue, 13 Nov 2012 17:37:04 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121112/BLOGS/311129985/-1/blogs01 Weekly auto rail, with garage tips, Car Q&A with Junior Damato and more.



 
]]> The jargon of used-car salesmen http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121112/BLOGS/311129986/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Tue, 13 Nov 2012 17:36:59 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121112/BLOGS/311129986/-1/blogs01 Of all the car columns I've written over the years, I receive more mail on columns written about used car salesmen than anything other subject. Additionally, in no way are we insinuating that used car salespeople are untrustworthy. Matter of fact, most are trustworthy.



 
]]> Greg Zyla: The jargon of used-car salesmen http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121112/NEWS/121119925/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Mon, 12 Nov 2012 14:18:44 By Greg Zyla, GHNS http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121112/NEWS/121119925/-1/blogs01 So with the best interests of readers at heart, here’s a lesson in slang that’s spoken on used car lots across the country, both good and bad.
“B.C.” - Customer with bad credit.
“Buried” or “Upside Down” - A customer who [...]]]> Auto Bits: Must-have gear to help you get back on the road fast http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121105/BLOGS/311059985/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Tue, 13 Nov 2012 17:52:59 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121105/BLOGS/311059985/-1/blogs01  



Weekly auto rail, with tips on car gear, Car Q&A with Junior Damato and more.



 
]]> Auto Bits: Must-have gear to help you get back on the road fast http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121105/BLOGS/311059986/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Tue, 13 Nov 2012 17:52:56 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121105/BLOGS/311059986/-1/blogs01  


Weekly auto rail, with tips on car gear, Car Q&A with Junior Damato and more.



 
]]> Don't let return charges on your leased car put a dent in your wallet http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121031/BLOGS/310319991/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Tue, 13 Nov 2012 17:52:54 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121031/BLOGS/310319991/-1/blogs01  



The allure of a new car and low monthly payment options draw many people to lease a car, even though they could face serious fines and extra charges when they return the vehicle at the end of the lease term. If you're leasing a car, however, you can take steps to avoid getting dinged by lease return charges.



 
]]> Greg Zyla: Jeep, American Bantam and Willys-Overland http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121029/NEWS/121029098/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Wed, 31 Oct 2012 16:24:36 By Greg Zyla, GateHouse News Service http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121029/NEWS/121029098/-1/blogs01 A: Albert, the first commercial Jeep available to the public came in 1945, under the ownership of Willys-Overland and called the Willys Quad. The vehicle was an American Bantam design copy, and similar to its GP (general purpose) military version that found Willys winning a huge military contract in 1941. [...]]]> Oil changes and oil use http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121029/BLOGS/310299985/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Tue, 30 Oct 2012 8:46:06 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121029/BLOGS/310299985/-1/blogs01
Q: Hi, Greg, I have a Buick with 42,000 miles and GMC truck with 82,000 miles. I have recently gone to full synthetic oil for both vehicles in 5W-30 and 10W-30, respectively.



 
]]> How older drivers can cut vehicle costs http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121024/BLOGS/310249978/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 26 Oct 2012 11:30:42 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121024/BLOGS/310249978/-1/blogs01
Many tactics can help you minimize vehicle costs, from doing basic maintenance tasks yourself to taking a driver safety course that could qualify you for insurance discounts. The driving experts at AARP recommend drivers 50 and older focus on three key areas of opportunity for cost-reduction:



 
]]> What to do with '72 Cougar http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121022/BLOGS/310229987/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 26 Oct 2012 11:30:42 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121022/BLOGS/310229987/-1/blogs01  



Q: Hello, Greg. I read your columns in the newspapers and on the Internet, so I want to take advantage of you welcoming reader questions. I purchased a brand-new 1972 Cougar convertible in 1971 in Spokane, Wash. For the last 15 years, the car has been in Rancho Mirage, Calif., near Palm Springs. The Cougar has always been garaged and just turned over 100,000 miles. It also has the renowned Cleveland 351 engine and [...]]]> How to get consistent savings at the pump http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121017/BLOGS/310179982/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:48:56 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121017/BLOGS/310179982/-1/blogs01  



By making a few adjustments like changing driving habits and shopping smart, you can make the most out of each gallon you pump into your tank. Here are five tips for getting real and consistent savings at the pump.



 
]]> Graham Automobile history in a capsule http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121015/BLOGS/310159991/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:48:55 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121015/BLOGS/310159991/-1/blogs01  



Q:  Greg, I recently discovered there was a car called the Graham, and since I share that name and have always been a "car guy," I was wondering if you could give any information on the Graham.



 


 

]]> Avoid winter woes with these fall auto fix-up tips http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121010/BLOGS/310109992/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:48:53 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121010/BLOGS/310109992/-1/blogs01
As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, it's time to prepare your vehicle for the unfavorable road conditions to come. Addressing a few key issues before winter arrives can save you significant hassle and cost. To protect one of your most valuable investments, follow these tips to shield your vehicle from the elements and avoid winter-related damages.



 
]]> Those famous ’56 Rambler Cross Country wagons http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121008/BLOGS/310089989/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:48:52 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121008/BLOGS/310089989/-1/blogs01  



Q: Hi, Greg! You mention in your column in The News Ledger Press that in the 1950s and early 1960s, there many six- to nine-passenger cars and wagons available to the public. Well, our family’s first-ever new car from a dealer was a 1965 Rambler Cross Country Station Wagon, which we all loved. 



 
]]> Car winterization secrets from a celebrity auto rebuilder http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121003/BLOGS/310039993/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:48:55 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121003/BLOGS/310039993/-1/blogs01  



AccuWeather.com has predicted the winter months at the end of 2012 and beginning of 2013 could be comparable to the extreme cold much of the country experienced in the late 1970s. Humans aren't the only ones who suffer in extreme cold. Your vehicle could struggle, too, unless you take steps to winterize it before cold weather arrives.



 
]]> Five collector-car questions http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121001/BLOGS/310019988/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:48:55 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20121001/BLOGS/310019988/-1/blogs01 Q: Hello, Greg, I enjoy your columns and see you welcome questions. I have five questions for you I'd like your opinion on.

]]> Green driving is easier than you think http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20120926/BLOGS/309269996/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:48:54 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20120926/BLOGS/309269996/-1/blogs01
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, highway vehicles account for 28 percent (1.5 billion tons) of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions each year. The good news is that you don't have to buy a new car or dramatically change your lifestyle to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. Just follow these easy steps:



 
]]> 1954 Ford Skyliner beauty http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20120924/BLOGS/309249993/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:48:54 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20120924/BLOGS/309249993/-1/blogs01  



Q: Greg, I own a 1954 Ford Skyliner and enjoyed your column very much.  I have read somewhere (sorry I don’t have a link to or the article in printed form) that Ford actually tested a Skyliner with the Plexiglas and one with a steel top in 1954 in Arizona with all the windows up. The result was the Skyliner only got 5 to 7 degrees hotter than the steel roof. 



 
]]> Slowing the gas price roller coaster http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20120919/BLOGS/309199994/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:48:54 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20120919/BLOGS/309199994/-1/blogs01 Gas prices are on a roller coaster ride again. A bargain these days is anything under $4 a gallon, and fall's "back-to-school" drive cycle is almost upon us. In short, there is a lot of driving ahead and higher gas prices are now the norm, so it's time to look at ways to alleviate the pain at the pumps. Dan King, Yokohama Tire Corporation's senior vice president of sales and marketing, offers these gas-saving tips:

]]> Ford receives credit for the ‘moonroof’ http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20120917/BLOGS/309179993/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:48:56 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20120917/BLOGS/309179993/-1/blogs01 Q: Hi, Greg, and thanks for your interesting columns for us auto lovers. Who do you feel gets the credit for introducing the initial "moonroof" on a production car? I know lots of cars have them these days, but when did Detroit first come up with the idea? Cal H., Pennsylvania.

]]> How your smartphone can help you care for your car http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20120912/BLOGS/309129996/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:48:53 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20120912/BLOGS/309129996/-1/blogs01 If you can resist the temptation to reach for it while you're behind the wheel, your smartphone can be a great asset as you care for your vehicle. A smartphone can give you instructions for maintenance procedures while you are under the hood, help you find a part that needs fixing and get you to a trusted mechanic quicker and easier than ever before.

]]> Greg Zyla: To clone or not to clone http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20120910/BLOGS/309109996/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:48:53 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20120910/BLOGS/309109996/-1/blogs01 Q: Greg, please give your opinion on cloning a car versus keeping it a numbers matching vehicle. I have a ’67 Chevelle two-door that has a 283 with a two-barrel carb and a powerglide transmission. I would like to do an engine upgrade to a new muscle car crate motor and put some SS badges on it, but some of my friends say it is worth more as a number-matching original. What do you think? Steve P., email from Massachusetts.

]]> Squeeze more savings out of the gas pump this summer http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20120808/BLOGS/308089975/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:48:52 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20120808/BLOGS/308089975/-1/blogs01 With the summer driving season in full force, drivers are looking for ways to alleviate the pain at the pump. Some simple steps can make a big difference in your fuel economy so you can save money and get the most out of every gallon.

]]> Emmy-winning journalist loves his Roadmaster Wagon http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20120806/BLOGS/308069987/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:48:51 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20120806/BLOGS/308069987/-1/blogs01 Greg, loved your report on the 1990s Roadmasters. Great stuff! My wife and I own one, and it has become something of a celebrity in Connecticut. It’s been shown on television, and I blog about it now and then. All the best, Dennis House.

]]> Tips for making the best of nighttime driving http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20120801/BLOGS/308019974/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:48:52 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20120801/BLOGS/308019974/-1/blogs01 Summer is a great time for a road trip. With kids out of school and longer hours of daylight, many families will head out on the highway to a variety of summer vacation destinations. For many, nighttime driving will be an unavoidable necessity if they want to make the most of their vacation time. If you'll be driving at night during this summer's vacation, here are some tips to help ensure you enjoy good travels:

]]> 1960 Dodge Polara fan http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20120730/BLOGS/307309973/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:48:52 http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20120730/BLOGS/307309973/-1/blogs01 Q: Greg, I remember the 1960 Dodge Polara as one fine car for its day. My uncle had a two-door hardtop that he bought brand new, and it came with a big V-8. (But I don't remember how big.) Can you give me some background on this car and the engines available that year? George C., Illinois.

]]>