Drive Whatcom

The Lynden Tribune and Ferndale Record present

Ford celebrates 50 years of Mustang See C4 inside

Spring 2014

Drive

WHATCOM Wednesday, March 19, 2014

A supplement of the

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, March 19, 2014 | Ferndale Record

DRIVE WHATCOM

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, March 19, 2014 | Ferndale Record

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Traffic counting tubes have rhyme and reason Placement of tubes informs about traffic counts and even vehicle size and speed

By Tim Newcomb tim@lyndentribune.com

WHATCOM — Those rubberized strips draped across county roads — and most recently on Lynden’s Front Street and in various locations on Guide Meridian Road — have more diversified capabilities than their rudimentary look implies.

Each “traffic counting tube,” as Mark Sandal, Lynden’s Public Works programs coordinator, calls them, is computerized, often collecting more than just actual traffic counts on roadways.

The rubberized tubes are capped on one end. Each time a vehicle drives across the tube, an air pulse sets it off. The pulse, which is measured accurately not by direct pressure applied, but the rolling pressure of a vehicle’s tire, is recorded in the box on the side of the road. For straight trafficcount data, the device can break out the data hourly.

Most recently, in Lynden, traffic tubes were placed at three different Front Street locations, as per a request by the Lynden Chamber of Commerce to track volumes traveling into the downtown core. The tubes near the Front and Seventh street intersection will also help the city as it does preliminary design work on an upgrade to Seventh Street south of Front Street.

Sandal said that with the 12 counters the city now owns, crews usually set them out for a full week, grabbing weekday and weekend traffic counts. The tubes are left out longer so that crews can verify the data downloaded properly. After recharging batteries, the units are then ready for another location.

Lynden uses the counters in spring, summer and fall. The threat of snow plows in the winter could ruin the tubes.

Traffic tubes currently in place on Front Street in Lynden transmit their data to a recording box at the sidewalk. (Tim Newcomb/Lynden Tribune)

When placing the tubes, special attention is paid to school zones. To get accurate readings near a school zone, the counters must be placed while school is in session. Sandal said to get realistic counts near a high school, the counters are best placed later in the school year after some sophomores have earned their driver’s li-

cense and before the seniors graduate.

But these tubes do more than just register the sheer volume of traffic. By spacing them 10 to 12 feet apart, the tubes can accurately report truck traffic. “You can time the wheels hitting the first tube versus the second,” Sandal said. “When they are set out closer together, it is just for total

volume.”

By using the wider spacing set-up and the timing technique, the tubes can also record average vehicle speed based on the time lapse between hits, something recently requested on Aaron Drive in the Greenfield neighborhood.

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, March 19, 2014 | Ferndale Record

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Dodge celebrating centennial

Ford Mustang turns 50

Both the 2014 Dodge Challenger and Charger have anniversary models.

(Courtesy photo/Dodge)

Rairdon’s in Bellingham carrying 100th-anniversary Challenger, Charger models

WHATCOM — The Dodge Brothers Company, founded by Horace and John Dodge all the way back in 1900, produced its first vehicle in 1914: the Dodge Model 30.

Now, 100 years later, the company is celebrating its 100-year anniversary with several commemorative lines, both of which are offered at Rairdon’s Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Bellingham.

Under the hood, the 2014 Dodge Challenger R/T Coupe features a variety of options, including HEMI V8 and 3.6L

Pentastar V6 engines, delivering up to 375 and 305 horsepower, respectively.

The Challenger’s exterior features sculpted twin hood scoops, a 100th anniversary grille with granite crystal grille surround, a heritage R/T grille badge, a 100th anniversary badge and 20-inch polished wheels with granite crystal pockets and 100th anniversary chrome center caps. Not to mention the stylish, roomy interior.

The 2014 Charger features options including the Pentastar V6 and HEMI V8 engines as well, delivering 370 and 395 horsepower, respectively. Outside, the car features a distinctive 164-LED tail lamp, along with anniversary wheels, grille accents and 100th anniversary badging.

Rairdon’s carries a number of other 2014 Dodge vehicles, including the Avenger, Dart, Durango, Grand Caravan and Journey. Call 888-526-0461.

The sixth-generation 2015 Ford Mustang sits on display at the North American International Auto Show on Jan. 14 in Detroit. (Courtesy photo/Darren Brode)

Durable brand, wide appeal still hallmarks after five decades

By Mark Reimers news@ferndalerecord.com

WHATCOM — The look and feel of the Ford Mustang may have changed a

bit over the years. The loyalty of its fans hasn’t.

The classic muscle car, first introduced in 1964, carved out a place in the American car universe as an accessible, stylish car with a healthy complement of horsepower.

Every classic car has its dedicated entourage of loyalists. In that way, Mustang fans are similar to other car lovers, said local car aficionado Blake Starken-

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, March 19, 2014 | Ferndale Record

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“Mustang people are just like others,” he said. “All classic car people are dedicated to their roll.”

But unlike many muscle car fans, Mustang people are lucky enough to be rooting for a team that has been winning for generations.

“I’m a Pontiac guy,” Starkenberg said, noting that developing a loyalty usually starts with a first-car experience and then a continuous build-up of knowledge and history that fuels the hobby.

“Mustang has been one of those cars that has proven itself. It’s an established muscle car,” Starkenberg said. “Many have come and gone. Many of our fa-

vorites have disappeared. Mustang and (Chevrolet) Camaro are still battling it out. My hat is off to that.”

Based originally on the Falcon chassis, Ford aimed the new Mustang directly at the youth market. However, the car captured much more than youthful customers and became a hit by the time the 1965 model was released.

Five style generations of have been produced with the fifth, introduced in 2005, harkening closely back to the original 60s models.

Ford Motor Company has already indicated that a sixth-generation Mustang will be introduced for the 2015 model year.

An original 1964 Ford Mustang still catches admiring eyes 50 years later.

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, March 19, 2014 | Ferndale Record

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New laws emerge as technology impacts driving Several states allow vehicles to be driven essentially on auto-pilot

The day may not be far off when you tell your car, by computer instructions, where to take you. (Courtesy photo/Brandpoint Content)

Have you ever felt that new technologies, from smartphones to Internet apps, are moving so fast that it’s hard to keep up?

You’re not alone. Many Americans feel overwhelmed by new technology.

In a 2011 study conducted by the University of Cambridge, one-third of adults in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and China said they felt overwhelmed by technology.

As it relates to public policy, lawmakers may also be feeling overwhelmed as they try to keep up with researching, writing and passing legislation to regulate new technologies to maintain public safety or prevent the invasion of privacy.

According to the WestlawNext, the leading online legal research service, more than 100,000 new or changed statutes, 160,000 new or modified regulations and 285,000 new judicial opinions were incorporated into the U.S. legal system in 2013.

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DRIVE WHATCOM “New technology can create a debate,” said Rachel Utter, manager of Legal Editorial Operations at Thomson Reuters.

“As regulators come to understand the impact of a new technology on our dayto-day lives, they may be challenged with balancing the benefits of a new technology with public safety concerns. In some cases, such as fuel mileage mandates, government regulation can force the development of new technology, such as hybrid engines and electric cars.”

Among the new wave of enacted or proposed legislation involving technology and cars conducted via WestlawNext through Jan. 30, these are some of the most prominent: • Texting and driving. Forty-one states and the District of Columbia ban texting with smartphones and cellphones for all drivers — and all but four of those have primary enforcement, meaning the texting-while-driving can be the only offense the driver is stopped for in the majority of cases.

• Wearable technology. With the recent introduction of Google Glass and other evolving wearable technology such as smart watches and smart contact lenses, lawmakers may need to develop new laws about the use of these technologies while a person operates a motor vehicle.

Ten states — Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, West Virginia and Wyo-

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, March 19, 2014 | Ferndale Record ming — have enacted or have proposed legislation prohibiting the use of wearable computers with a head-mounted display while driving. In October 2013, a California woman may have been the first person in the United States to receive a citation for operating a motor vehicle while wearing Google Glass. The citation was later thrown out of court.

• Black boxes. Nearly all recently manufactured U.S. cars and trucks are equipped with an Event Data Recorder (EDR), also known as a black box. In September 2014, this piece of computing technology will become mandatory in all new U.S. vehicles.

The EDR monitors a vehicle’s electrical systems, which include speed, braking, driving patterns and even location at any given time.

A number of legal questions have emerged about black boxes, such as: “Who owns the data that a vehicle’s black box is gathering? If a car owner is involved in a crash, do police and insurance companies have the right to review the data in the vehicle’s EDR? Can marketers buy the data to deliver ads through the vehicle’s entertainment system?

These questions are at the heart of a recent bill introduced by U.S. senators John Hoeven (R-ND) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).

• Driverless cars. Imagine a day when people travel by car, but don’t actually

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drive the car.

They simply type in their destination and go.

Several states have passed laws allowing automated cars. California, Florida, Nevada and the District of Columbia allow autonomous vehicles to be driven on public roads. Washington, D.C., may have the least r e s t r i c t i v e With technology becoming so pervasive, it’s still necessary for provisions: drivers to keep eyes on the road. (Courtesy photo) the vehicle into how automobiles are designed or opmust have a manual override feature, a driver must erated, has made significant contributions be in the control seat with the ability to in making vehicles safer,” said Utter. “And take over operation of the vehicle, and the as new technology is integrated, there will vehicle must be capable of operating in be questions, concerns and debate drivcompliance with the district’s traffic and ing new regulation and legislation.”

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, March 19, 2014 | Ferndale Record

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, March 19, 2014 | Ferndale Record

DRIVE WHATCOM plug is to ignite fuel in the cylinders.

Spark plugs that aren’t working to their full capacity can reduce gas mileage or cause damage to other parts of the vehicle that can result in expensive repairs.

If you choose to replace your own spark plugs instead of having the shop do it, the cost is less than $10 per spark plug.

Fuel injectors — Similar to spark plugs, fuel injectors are an important component to the life of your engine and car, particularly if you make a lot of short trips or have many miles on your vehicle. Fuel injector openings are half the size of a pinhole and can become blocked from sediment that gets into your vehicle via the gasoline.

Why keep your fuel injectors clean?

Driving with dirty fuel injectors can lead to poor acceleration, lower power, reduced fuel economy, rough idling and high carbon monoxide emissions.

An easy way to maintain your fuel injectors is to use a fuel injector cleaner and stabilizer like Royal Purple’s MaxClean. Use a bottle of Max-Clean by simply pouring it into your gas tank before your fill up at the gas station. Good for both gasoline and diesel vehicles, it can restore fuel economy and clean injectors.

Air filter — How often you change your air filter depends on where you drive. Regular travel in rural areas will require you to change your air filter more often than you would if the majority of your driving is on the highway.

Driving with a dirty air filter can cause a pressure drop that restricts airflow, reducing fuel economy, performance and emissions.

A good way to determine if your air filter is dirty is to remove it and hold it up to the light. If it is caked with dirt, you should replace it. Shaking or blowing it out will not clean it, but only embed the dirt further into the fibers.

In addition to following a regular maintenance schedule for your vehicle, checking items less thought of can result in better fuel economy, and therefore result in money savings and longer life of your vehicle.

Five insider tips for saving money buying a car Do all your due diligence before visiting a car lot As the weather warms, the car buying season gets into full swing. Even though interest rates are still at or near record lows, there are additional ways smart buyers are saving even more cash on their next vehicle and staying within their budgets.

“Purchasing power is crucial when it comes to buying a vehicle and it’s important to make sure you’re spending within your financial means,” said Joe Pendergast, assistant vice president of Consumer Lending at Navy Federal Credit Union. “Along with conducting research before choosing a make and model, there are steps you can take to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal.”

Here are five tips from Pendergast to get the most car for your money with a payment you can live with: Step 1: Know what you can afford Your first step when making any large purchase should be to assess your current financial situation. Review your monthly income, subtract all anticipated expenses, and make sure there’s money left to not only afford a car payment, but also to contribute to your savings.

Adding a car payment to your monthly budget shouldn’t leave you without money remaining for things like groceries or unexpected expenses.

Step 2: Review your credit inventory Take a comprehensive look at your current debt. Are you in good standing on all prior loan commitments and credit cards?

If not, it may be difficult to obtain financing at a low interest rate, which will result in a higher monthly payment.

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Some smart moves with your calculator and balance sheet are needed to get to car-buying success. (Courtesy photo/Brandpoint Content) the steps now to get in good shape to purchase a car. Go back to step 1 if need be.

Once you’ve made sure all your debts are in good standing and that you’re financially able to take on a car payment, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 3: Check your credit report and score Getting a car loan at the best possible rate requires a good credit score. Before applying for an auto loan, it’s best to get a copy of your credit report.

Although financial institutions will check your credit when applying for a loan, having your report in advance gives you the chance to correct any discrepancies before applying. This leads to a quicker application process and prevents denial because of a credit report error unbeknownst to you.

Step 4: Shop around for the best rate Rates are low right now — as low as 1.49 percent at Navy Federal Credit Union.

Before walking into a dealership, check interest rates at different lenders and read the fine print for any hidden fees. The key to a good auto loan is striking the right balance

between the rate and how long to finance the loan.

New vehicles will have a lower interest rate, but the monthly payments will be larger. Look for the shortest term you can afford without breaking your budget.

Step 5: Get pre-approved Once you’ve shopped around, increase your buying power by visiting your chosen lender and getting a quick, pre-approved loan. A salesperson will be more willing to bargain if how much you’ve been approved for and what are willing to pay has already been determined.

Keep your payment threshold in mind and allow your pre-approval to lead discussions at the negotiating table. It will result in purchasing a car at a price that’s right for your budget.

If you’re looking to purchase a vehicle this spring, follow these five steps to ensure you’re buying within your means and getting the best possible deal. By doing your homework and talking with a lender, you’ll save as much as possible.

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, March 19, 2014 | Ferndale Record

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See clearly in any driving situation Beam wiper blade is newest design Is there really a difference between wiper blades? When is it necessary to change my wipers? It’s important to ask yourself these questions no matter the weather season.

As a matter of fact, the American Optometric Association reports that 90 percent of all driving decisions are based on visibility.

Having a properly installed set of wiper blades will enhance your vision during difficult driving conditions. Most drivers don’t even realize they need new wipers until that moment of truth, as a storm approaches or as road mud gets splashed up onto your windshield.

To avoid this, check your wipers once a month for worn or split rubber that can cause streaking or chattering.

Trico, an authority in the wiper blades industry, encourages consumers to “change your clocks, change your blades” and make replacing wipers part of your typical fall and spring routine maintenance.

Finding the right-sized blades can seem difficult. The “Find Your Wiper” feature on www.wiperblades.com offers a quick solution by letting drivers select their vehicle’s make, model and year to display a full selection of wiper blade options.

You may find that several different wiper blades fit your car, and then ask yourself, “Does it really matter which one I use?” The difference between a conventional style and the newer, premium beam design is important to keep in mind.

A conventional blade design features a steel superstructure with blade claws, a rubber wiping element and several con-

When the weather is challenging, you want your wiper blade to hold up. (Courtesy photo/Brandpoint Content) nection points. The beam blade design is the latest advancement in wiper technology that offers even pressure and enhanced clarity in all conditions.

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, March 19, 2014 | Ferndale Record

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Each year, automobile companies do their best to advertise new products being released. For Ford, the buzz this spring is all around the 2015 F-150 truck. When you click on the F-150’s page on the Ford website, the words jump out at you.

“The future of tough. All new F-150.”

Ford trucks may be known for power, but the 2015 model will take things to a whole new level.

“Our new, fully-boxed high-strength steel frame is stronger and more rigid than ever with eight cross sections,” Ford announces on its website. “Many steel components of the 2015 F-150 are designed to enable using a roll-forming process that minimizes weight and maintains strength.”

The new design of the truck also features twin independent variable camshaft

timing, which automatically adjusts intake and exhaust to add power when needed.

Ford states that the new F-150’s EcoBoost engine provides the kind power one might think would come from a V8, with the efficiency of a V6.

With all the power, towing has never been made easier.

“The available dynamic hitch assist helps you guide your ball right to the trailer’s receiver,” Ford states. “Our standard trailer sway control helps keep whatever you’re towing behind you where it belongs.

And our optional trailer brake controller helps ensure the truck’s brakes and the trailer’s brakes are working as a team.”

It’s not just strength that is a major feature of the new truck. The 2015 model also has a four-camera system that allows you to see from every angle. An image is created and displayed on a center-stack screen, which provides the driver a view surrounding his or her truck. Ford states it’s great for maneuvering in tight spaces.

In addition, there’s also electrical outlets in the cab, which allows for charging tools and battery chargers, among other things.

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Must finance w/Capital Chrysler at this price.

Looking to Trade Up or Just Sell Your Car? We will buy your trade even if you don’t buy one of ours.

You will receive a written offer for your trade, regardless of year, make, model or condition.^^

Call Our Used Vehicle Appraisers Today! ^^Vehicle condition, standard equipment, minus any repair and reconditioning. May affect purchase price of vehicle purchase. Deductions may be made for any repair or reconditioning. See dealer for details.

360-734-8810 1615 Iowa Street, Bellingham dodgechryslerjeepofbellingham.com

Disclaimer: A dealer documentary fee of up to $150 may be added to sale price or capitalized cost. Rebates subject to change. No dealer purchases. Dealership not liable for misprints or typographical errors. Credit card not accepted for payment on ad units. Advertised specials may not be combined with any other offers. Pictures are for illustration purposes only. Subject to prior sale. *Military discount. Must have documented proof of Active Military or Military Reserve service. ^Must finance with Chrysler Capital. **This program offers current lessees of competitive vehicles (non Chrysler) a Cash Allowance towards a purchase or lease.