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Boulder County
SUMMER 2022 | ATHOMECOLORADO.COM/DRIVEWAY
Why You Should Buy An Electric Vehicle in 2022
SURVEY: 4 WAYS DRIVING COULD CHANGE IN 2022 SUMMER 2022
STOCK CAR RACING IN NORTHERN COLORADO MARKETING FEATURE
AUTO INSURANCE TIPS: FIRE DAMAGE COVERAGE DRIVEWAY 1
| TRAVEL
Survey: 4 Ways Driving Could Change in 2022 CONTINUOUSLY SHIFTING DRIVING PATTERNS With the continuation of remote or hybrid work, and various other factors, most people (78%) are driving less than 200 miles per week. But things could shift as we head into 2022. Just over half of Americans (51%) expect to drive the same amount. Of those who do expect a change in their driving habits, it’s fairly split on whether they expect to drive more often (23%) or less (26%). (For what it’s worth, younger generations seem to think they’ll hit the road more frequently.) (BPT) - Our driving habits and relationships with our cars have made many unexpected turns throughout the pandemic – from driving every day, to the closure of many public places, leading Americans to leave their car in park for quite a while. Since then, we’ve seen driving increase, but we are still not driving as much as we used to. Despite these changes, the Hankook Tire Gauge Index found that Americans appear content with their current driving habits, with only about 1 in 4 (23%) saying they want to change how much they currently drive. However, here are four ways we can expect driving to change (or not!) in the new year.
THE DAILY DRIVE REMAINS Nearly two years of remote work hasn’t made anyone nostalgic for the morning commute. Even with fewer drivers on the road, Americans still largely agree (69%) that they prefer to not drive during rush hour. And while it may still be less often than they were two years ago, 44% expect they’ll continue commuting the same amount in 2022. DRIVING PROVIDES FOR A BIT OF A BREAK Whether working or learning from home, or spending the day in the office, Americans like to
break up the day with a drive. Hankook found taking a drive continues to be a popular way to relax and visit with friends, and most people expect that the amount they drive for fun or leisure (53%) will stay the same in the new year. So, choose your favorite album and buckle up for a drive to nowhere in particular! CAR TRAVEL COULD CONTINUE TO INCREASE One thing is certain: people prefer to travel by car. Americans are 36% more comfortable traveling long distances by car, versus planes, compared to this time last year. This is fueled by an increasing number of travelers switching from public transportation and ride share services to driving their own vehicle to avoid close contact with others during the pandemic. And while it’s impossible to know what 2022 will bring for the road ahead, it’s safe to say we can expect our driving patterns to continue shifting gears. Did you know ... people are happy to jump in the car to socialize, attend an event, or see someone special: 54% expect to attend more social events come 2022.
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2 DRIVEWAY
Boulder Daily Camera / Longmont Times-Call
| BUYING GUIDE
Why You Should Buy An Electric Vehicle in 2022
The all-new Ariya EV crossover leverages Nissan’s years of EV experience to deliver the best of Nissan’s design technology and performance. (Photo courtesy: Nissan).
By Brittany Anas
T
he last time gas prices spiked in 2008, consumers were looking to trade in their gas-guzzling SUVs and switch to more efficient gas-fueled cars. But now as fuel prices are flirting with $5 a gallon, consumers have an even savvier option: Trading in their existing cars (there’s a huge demand for used vehicles right now) and making the switch to an electric vehicle, taking advantage of tax credits. In fact, Ed Olsen, general manager at Boulder Nissan, has been receiving a flurry of calls from those who are “feeling the pinch of gas prices,” which has piqued their interest in buying EVs. Even before the recent fuel price surge, a 2021 Consumer Reports report revealed that the typical EV owner who does most of their fueling at home can expect to save an average of $800 to $1,000 a year on fueling costs over an equivalent gasolinepowered car. But models like the Nissan Leaf are all-electric, meaning its motor doesn’t require any gas at all and it gets all the energy it needs to drive from a lithium-ion battery mounted along the floor of the car, which can help consumers save SUMMER 2022
big bucks by avoiding the pump. While some may balk at the higher upfront purchase cost of electric vehicles, there are plenty of lower-cost models than, say, the Tesla, and multiple credits and rebates are available that can bring down the overall price of an EV. Without credits, for example, the starting price of the Nissan Leaf – which is the automaker’s compact electric vehicle –is $28,895. But the price comes down significantly when you factor in a $7,500 federal credit, $2,500 state credit, and $1,000 Xcel customer credit, Olsen explains. Due to the ongoing shortage of chips that’s affecting car inventory shortage, the dealership has a demo Leaf model that consumers can test drive. Those who are interested in purchasing one of the vehicles can put down a $1,000 non-refundable deposit. Boulder Nissan is selling about 40 Leafs a month. Many of the employees at Boulder Nissan are Leaf owners, which allows them to answer customer questions by drawing from their own first-hand experiences. The car has some unique features, including instant acceleration and an e-pedal that allows the driver to launch, accelerate, decelerate, and stop the vehicle by using only the accelerator pedal – something that
The Nissan Leaf is available in two versions, Leaf and the extended-range Leaf S Plus. (Photo courtesy: Nissan).
makes mountain driving a breeze. “It’s a fun car to drive,” Olsen says. “People are loving them.” The Nissan Leaf, 40 kWh battery, has a 149 mile EPA range and the Nissan Leaf S Plus, which has a 62 kWH battery, has a 226 mile EPA range. Next up, Nissan will be debuting the ARIYA electric crossover SUV, which Olsen expects will be the all-wheel drive vehicle will be a big hit in the Boulder county market. Some models are expected to get up to an extended range of 300 miles. The ARIYA models are expected to show up to the dealer in September 2022, and so far Boulder Nissan has more than 80 reservations for the vehicle and is expecting a model of the vehicle at the dealership this summer. Boulder Nissan, 2285 28th St., Boulder 303.443.8110, bouldernissan.com DRIVEWAY 3
| LOCAL PROFILE
Stock C ar
Ra c i n g in Northern Colorado
A Driver’s Story By Darren Thornberry
W
hen those stock cars blow past you at Colorado National Speedway, you feel it in your chest, your head, even your teeth. It’s an insane rush and one that more and more racing fans in Northern Colorado are falling for with a diehard passion. The drivers, of course, make it worth watching. Brett Yackey of Greeley drives #32 in the super late model division. “I first of all love the thrill of competition and the adrenaline rush of going fast side by side with the best race car drivers in the state,” he says. Brett started racing stock cars in 2013 at age 13 at the dirt track in Fort Morgan (I-76 Speedway). Following the winter of 2013-14, he moved to the asphalt at Colorado National Speedway in the pure stock division and recently moved up classifications to the super late model division (completely fabricated frame with a fiberglass body, similar to the Nascar cars you see on TV). “Besides the on-track portion of racing, I love the friendships and camaraderie that we build from people that share the same interests. I just enjoy working on the cars and having the opportunity to build a car with such great purpose.” Yackey sees the impact racing has on northern Colorado, not just as entertainment but as a community resource. “I believe that stock car racing and the people involved have a great impact on our community. A large group of fellow racers use their platform and race cars as a way to give back to the community. This generally consists of social media exposure as 4 DRIVEWAY
Brett Yackey of Greeley drives #32 in the super late model division. (Photo courtesy: To The Front Race Photos).
well as showing the car at local nonprofit events to help draw a crowd and gain interest in the organization.” Wade Keith, brand manager of Yackey’s sponsor, Breeze Thru Car Wash, credits the driver for tireless work with worthy local organizations. ”Brett participates in many fundraising events for local nonprofits and that is very appealing to us as we do the same. Last year, our fundraising efforts contributed to over $78,000 that went back to our communities. However, by sponsoring Brett, we can do more. He’s a very humble person and truly cares about more than just racing. He cares about the communities that he serves.” Yackey primarily races at Colorado National Speedway in Dacono, which he considers the best
local race track. “I encourage everyone to come check out a few races this season, starting the last Saturday in April until the second Saturday in October. I also would like to shout out and give thanks to my sponsors, *Breeze Thru Car Wash, Local Hive Honey, Inta Juice, Star precision Manufacturing, JW Skidloader, GAM Engines, VDISEC and TDR Concepts.” Breeze Thru is a local car wash company in Northern Colorado and Southern Wyoming. It is sometimes confused for a national car wash chain, but the folks at Breeze Thru are your neighbors! - breezethrucarwash.com. Boulder Daily Camera / Longmont Times-Call
SUMMER 2022
DRIVEWAY 5
| CAR CARE
Summer Car Cleaning Tips you need to know
By Katie Feindel
S
ummertime is perfect for road trips, fireworks, stargazing and tailgating. All these activities have one thing in common – your car. When we travel and use our cars a lot in the summertime, we run into problems while we drive that can affect the integrity of the vehicle. Things like unwanted bugs, bird droppings and pollen can damage our cars if we don’t get our vehicles properly treated and cleaned. The following simple tips will have your vehicle glimmering in the summer sun all season long. The first tip is to get your car washed in a timely fashion. At Washed Up Car Wash, you can get an unlimited car wash membership for a very affordable rate. Co-owner, Shelly Walker has a lot to say about how to keep your car in tip top condition, especially in the hot summer months: “Something that people may not know is that
we offer a ceramic sealant included in our top Gold Wash that gives your car a protective coat. One of the benefits is that it protects your vehicle from oxidation and UV damage. It also makes it easier to remove insects and bird droppings off of your vehicle. You’ll still need to get your car
washed, but the ceramic sealant makes it easier to keep it deep cleaned and enhances the shine. Bird droppings and bugs should be washed off soon and not left on your car to bake in the sun. These acidic contaminants will start to etch your clearcoat if left on too long.” Another added value at Washed Up Car Wash is the self-serve mat washers. Additionally, be aware that pre-existing rock chips on windshields in combination with higher temperatures during the summer months could result in windshield cracks when cold water hits the hot windshield. Shelly also mentioned they recommend a product called Nevr-Dull that helps clean off stubborn brake dust and road grime from your wheels. Keeping your car clean is important and especially in the summertime when unwanted things can “bake” on your paint job. Show your car some appreciation with a world-class cleaning today! Washed Up Car Wash, 1876 Hover Street, Longmont, 303.532.4365, washedupcarwash.com
| TEST DRIVE |
2022 Toyota Corolla LE Hybrid: Eye-catching style that achieves at least 50 mpg combined fuel economy By Stu Wright
T
he Toyota Corolla LE Hybrid that I was recently able to test came in a pleasing Celestite gray metallic paint scheme and featured black SofTex seating surfaces. The Toyota Corolla, one of the best-selling nameplates of all time, has moved more than 50 million cars to driveways around the world (well, mostly driveways), and the car is in its twelfth generation configuration, having been around since 1966. The 2022 front wheel drive Corolla Hybrid sits on a 106.3” wheelbase, is 70.1” wide, 56.5” high, weighs 2,960 lbs and has a nice 13.1 cubic foot trunk. The way that Greeley and Ft. Collins have grown, 6 DRIVEWAY
2022 Toyota Corolla LE Hybrid. (Photo: Stu Wright).
it seems you are always poking around looking for parking space, so with a car that’s 15 feet long, it is not too difficult with Toyota’s Corolla Hybrid. Acceleration, handling, visibility and guidance were all acceptable for the Corolla. The power was supplied by a 1.8 liter, 4 cylinder hybrid engine, putting out 139 horsepower
through a continuously variable (CVT) transmission. Silver and gray 15” alloy wheels were fitted with P195/65R15 all-season radials on the car. The five passenger interior of the Corolla was comfortable and the seating was supportive and looked good. The car had a backup camera, 8” touchscreen, cruise control, blind
spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, power windows/locks/mirrors, tilt/ telescope steering column, and keyless entry. M.S.R.P for my test Corolla came in at $27,191.00, including freight. The biggest item added to its $23,650.00 base price was a premium interior package ($1,525.00) consisting of the SofTex seating with power and heating upgrades. The Corolla did a super job for me during the test in Northern Colorado along with a trip to Denver and back. The slick styling caught a lot of eyes, the car kept pace at the stoplights. With the 52 mpg highway mileage rating (592 miles of range!), I spent a minimal amount of money on gas despite the recent price spikes. I’d say it is a good value.
Boulder Daily Camera / Longmont Times-Call
| INSURANCE
AUTO INSURANCE
Does Auto Insurance Cover Fire Damage? and fire departments and their contact information. You should also provide copies of receipts for any recent repairs or engine work if applicable. While comprehensive insurance will cover engine fires, it tends not to cover engine problems or breakdowns. For that, you may want to check your vehicle’s service warranty. Having a solid insurance company agent behind you can be an invaluable resource when you have questions about liability and comprehensive car insurance.
By John Teehan
E
very car on the road needs insurance. State law requires it, as do many car lease and loan agreements. It also simply makes good sense. You never know when an accident or other situation will arise when you need coverage, and being without coverage can mean being without a vehicle for an extended period. With that in mind, most people are aware of the need for coverage for liability, accidents, theft and vandalism. What many don’t consider is what happens if your car catches fire. Hopefully, that’s not an event you’ll ever have to face. But situations arise whether we want them to or not. With the recent catastrophic fires experienced in Boulder County, Northern Colorado and other areas, it is worth your while to know if you’re covered for fire damage and what to do in case it happens to you. AM I COVERED? It all comes down to the kind of insurance you carry. Some drivers only seek the minimum requirements for their car insurance. In Colorado, that means having liability insurance. This covers bodily injuries to other people or property damage to other people’s vehicles or property when the insured is found to be at fault for an accident. If all you have is Colorado’s minimum requirements or liabilityonly insurance, your vehicle will not be covered for fire damage. Because liability is about paying for other people’s injuries and property damage costs, it does not protect the policyholder’s own vehicle. The difference is having comprehensive coverage, which will usually include fire damage. The SUMMER 2022
provide as much information as you can when filing your claim for fire damage. This should include copies of any reports from police
For quality insurance for a variety of needs, contact Tammy Sandoval of State Farm Insurance at 303.494.4700 or visit tammysandoval.com.
Tammy Sandoval State Farm Insurance purpose of comprehensive coverage is to pay to repair or replace vehicles damaged by non-accident events. This includes engine fires, arson, garage fires, and even wildfires. If your vehicle has caught fire due to a car accident, that would typically be covered by collision insurance. Every state, including Colorado, includes comprehensive insurance as an optional form of coverage. That said, it’s essential to have purchased it before any damage has occurred – even fire damage. WHAT TO DO WHEN FIRE DAMAGE OCCURS As with any other type of insurance claim, you’re going to want to DRIVEWAY 7
| AUTO REVIEW | TEST DRIVE |
2022 Infiniti QX-80 Sensory 4WD Luxury SUV: A design and engineering masterpiece that exudes luxury from every angle By Stu Wright
I
t was with quite a lot of anticipation recently when I was scheduled to test drive the 2022 Infiniti QX80 luxury SUV for a week. The QX represents the third generation of QX80’s, and is the biggest Infiniti that is offered and first to be built in America (Los Angeles) It’s Q lettering comes from the original Q sedans that Infiniti pioneered in this country with the “X” emblematic of the all-mode four-wheel drive system. The “80” has no significance in the model designation, and these vehicles were through 2013 named QX56’s. The 56 formerly addressed the liter displacement of the big 32 valve, 400hp V-8 that was and still is installed in the Infiniti. It is coupled to
COMING SOON!
2022 Infinity QX-80. (Photo: Stu Wright).
a silky-smooth seven speed automatic transmission with adaptive shift control. Fuel economy ratings are 13/ city mpg and 19/highway mpg. I observed a little over 14 mpg during my tryout, and the tank holds 26 gallons of fuel. The 7 passenger QX’s inside has a number of standard and optional luxury features including aniline leather seats, quad-zone climate control, a Bose 17-speaker premium
surround sound stereo system, harddrive based navigation with voice recognition, a power tailgate, Infiniti Intuitive Park Assist, climate-controlled front and rear seats, streaming audio via Bluetooth wireless, a center console beverage cooler, power sliding rear seats and power third row seats. A new Around View Monitor system uses a camera mounted on the grill, giving a 180-degree view in front, and another camera mounted on the passenger side of the vehicle’s side mirror helps eliminate blind spots on the side at low speeds. Base M.S.R.P. for the QX was $84,850.00, and with freight the total came to $87,985.00. As a Sensory QX80, this vehicle provides the driver with the lane change warning, the blind spot monitor, the adaptive cruise control system, remote engine starter, power moonroof, and the forward
collision warning device. Wheelbase is 121.1”, length is 210.2” and the vehicle weighs 5,888 lbs. The QX is quite beautiful – it sits prominently on those 22”, dark chrome finished alloys that are fitted with Bridgestone Dueler 275/50R22 H/T 684II radials, has ornamentation on the fenders and an integrated step down the side that including lighting for after-dark approaches. This car came in Anthracite gray metallic paint with saddle brown leather interior. No complaints came to mind when traveling in the big Infiniti - highway manners are as to be expected, visibility is similar to Yukon or Range Rover, and the drive-train, as mentioned earlier, is pleasing. The QX80 is a terrific choice for the prospective luxury SUV shopper, and it was satisfactory for my test in all respects.
2023 Nissan Ariya!
www.bouldernissan.com 2285 28th Street, Boulder, CO 80301
303-443-8110
8 DRIVEWAY
Boulder Daily Camera / Longmont Times-Call