Best Labor Day deals on cars

As summer winds down and nation prepares for a long weekend to celebrate the American worker, the airwaves are thick with promotions for Labor Day deals on cars. Many seem too good to be true, promising low monthly payments, often offset by significant upfront costs on leases and long terms on loans. As smart shoppers know, the real savings start with choosing a good all-around car, then negotiating a great deal.
To size up the buying opportunities for these Labor Day deals, our analysts have studied recent nationwide transactions, then layered in current available incentives to predict the average savings for this holiday shopping weekend. This is labeled as "Market average." Among the many discounted models, we narrowed our focus to those that meet Consumer Reports’ stringent criteria to be recommended, meaning they scored well in our testing, have average or better reliability in our latest subscriber survey, and performed well in government or insurance-industry safety tests, if evaluated.

The transaction prices on average for these models is 9 percent below MSRP, saving about $2,700 or more. (Of course, some greater deals can be found on non-recommended vehicles, including full-sized pickup trucks.) For this grouping, we ranked the models based on predicted dollar savings, with the GMC Acadia example showing that buyers are expected to save $5,300 off MSRP on average. Typically, the best Labor Day deals are found on the largest, priciest vehicles and often those that are late in their model cycle or due for imminent replacement.

GMC Acadia

Make & model: GMC Acadia AWD SLT1
MSRP: $43,745
Invoice: $42,460
Market average: $38,450

The Acadia is still competitive among three-row SUVs. Like its twins, the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave, it has a spacious and quiet interior, with a third-row seat that's roomy enough for adults. Seating for eight is available. Handling is relatively agile and secure, with responsive steering, and the ride is comfortable and steady. Its 3.6-liter V6 is smooth and refined, but it has to work hard and it gets mediocre gas mileage. Upgraded touch-screen infotainment systems bring more capability. Rear visibility isn't great. Denali versions have more features but no better functionality or performance.

Cadillac CTS

Make & model: Cadillac CTS Sedan 3.6L AWD Luxury
MSRP:  $55,965
 Invoice:  $53,766 
Market average: $51,310

The CTS is a luxury sedan with agile handling and a firm, absorbent ride that crowns it as one of the sportiest cars in the class. But as satisfying as it is to drive, the CTS can also be frustrating. Much of the blame goes to the overly complex Cue infotainment-system. The cabin is super-luxurious, with impressive material quality. But rear-seat room is snug and the trunk is relatively small. Neither the four-cylinder turbo nor the 3.6-liter V6 is as refined as the best in class. The high-end Vsport version is better, with effortless thrust. And 2015 marks the return of the CTS-V, which gets its engine from the Corvette Z06.

Kia Cadenza

Make & model: Kia Cadenza Limited
MSRP: $44,625
Invoice: $41,718 
Market average: $39,777

The Cadenza is a competent and credible competitor among large sedans. There's a lot here for the money, including a luxurious and quiet interior, a roomy backseat, responsive handling, and a comfortable ride. The 293-hp, 3.3-liter V6 engine and standard six-speed automatic combine to make a slick powertrain that delivers a competitive 22-mpg overall. Controls are refreshingly easy to use. A host of electronic safety aids are available, but some of the most useful ones are bundled into expensive options packages.

Buick Enclave

Make & model: Buick Enclave Leather AWD
MSRP:  $46,375
Invoice:  $45,012
Market average:  $42,476

Even after six years on the market, the large Enclave remains a competitive three-row SUV. We liked its firm, comfortable, and quiet ride and its agile, secure handling. But like its corporate cousins, the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia, it's beginning to show its age. The 3.6-liter V6 engine and six-speed automatic are smooth and powerful enough, but at times they work hard in this large SUV, and its 15-mpg overall is paltry. A big plus is the ability to fit adults in the roomy third row. Fit and finish is impressive, and advanced safety systems including forward-collision and lane-departure warning are available.

Chevrolet Traverse

Make & model: Chevrolet Traverse 1LT AWD
MSRP: $36,670
Invoice: $35,596
Market average: $33,198

Although it dates back to 2008, the large Traverse is among the most competitive three-row SUVs. We liked its firm, comfortable, and quiet ride, and its relatively agile, secure handling. But like its corporate cousins, the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia, it's beginning to show its age. The 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed automatic powertrain is smooth and powerful enough, but it works hard in this large SUV, and its 16-mpg overall is uncompetitive. A big plus is the ability to fit adults in the roomy third row. Fit and finish has improved, and for 2015 forward-collision and lane-departure warning systems are available.

Chevrolet Malibu

Make & model: Chevrolet Malibu 2LTZ
MSRP: $31,305
Invoice: $30,238
Market average: $28,522

More than a humdrum midsized sedan, the Malibu has a comfortable ride and a well-finished and exceptionally quiet interior that set it apart. Handling is sound, if a little soggy at its limits. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an unobtrusive start/stop system, paired with a six-speed automatic, is standard. The uplevel 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder delivers plentiful power and gets 24-mpg. Controls are straightforward to use. The wide, soft front seats lack support on long trips, and the backseat is cramped. But trunk room is sufficient, even in the hybrid. Changes for 2015 include a standard built-in Wi-Fi hot spot with three months of complimentary data. A redesigned version goes on sale in the fall.

Kia Optima

Make & model: Kia Optima SX
MSRP: $26,615
Invoice: $25,199
Market average: $23,554

The Kia version of the older Hyundai Sonata falls a bit short of its cousin in ride comfort, braking, and fuel economy. It handles well, but the ride is borderline stiff and road noise is noticeable. The standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder performs well. Top-level trims get a turbo four-cylinder that's economical and powerful, yet it trails competitors' V6 engines in terms of refinement. A hybrid is also available, but we weren't impressed in our tests of the similar Sonata Hybrid. The front seats are comfortable, but the rear seat is low. Reliability has been average. A redesigned 2016 model, coming out late in 2015, is longer and wider, and will have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Optima will be among the first vehicles on the market to feature both of these systems.

Ford Fusion

Make & model: Ford Fusion Titanium AWD
MSRP:  $33,115
Invoice:  $31,326
Market average:  $29,721

The Fusion is a delight to drive, with a supple ride and agile handling rivaling that of a European sports sedan. All trim levels and powertrains feel solid and upscale, with a quiet and well-finished cabin. But the rear seat is somewhat snug, and the MyFord Touch interface is an annoyance. Most Fusions get either a 1.5- or 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder matched with a six-speed automatic. The 1.5-liter does the job, but the 2.0-liter packs more punch and better suits the car. We recorded 24- and 22-mpg overall, respectively, which is among the lower performers in the category. The Hybrid turned in an excellent 39-mpg overall.

Chevrolet Impala

Make & model: Chevrolet Impala 2LTZ
MSRP: $36,265
Invoice: $35,025
Market average: $33,173

One of our top-rated sedans, the Impala is roomy, comfortable, quiet, and enjoyable to drive. It even rides like a luxury sedan, feeling cushy and controlled. Engine choices include a punchy 3.6-liter V6 and an adequate 2.5-liter four-cylinder, both paired with a six-speed automatic. The V6 accelerates and brakes capably, with secure and responsive handling. The full-featured cabin stays very quiet, with a sumptuous backseat and a huge trunk. Controls are intuitive and easy to use, but rear visibility is restricted. Advanced electronic safety features are readily available.

Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

Make & model: Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD 2.0T
MSRP: $33,895
Invoice: $32,501
Market average: $30,975

Hyundai's five-passenger midsized SUV is roomy and comfortable, with a good ride and quiet interior. Power comes from a responsive 190-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder mated to a smooth and responsive six-speed automatic. We got a very good 23-mpg overall with this drivetrain. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is also available. Handling is sound but not exceptional, and the steering feels numb. The well-finished cabin is packed with a lot of standard features. Thankfully, the price of the optional backup camera has come down, because rear visibility leaves a lot to be desired.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems...and what they mean & do!

When driving a car, drivers have to compe with a multitude of complex traffic situations. First of all, they have to control the vehicle dynamics. Secondly, they have to keep an eye on the direct environment of their vehicle. Thirdly, there is a navigation task to route the car from the starting point to the destination. In addition, driver’s may be using infotainment solutions or talking to passengers. By helping the driver to detect and process information on these three levels - stabilisation, guidance and navigation - the driver’s workload can be reduced, resulting in more convenient and safer driving.

BLIND-SPOT MONITORING
Blind-spot monitoring is starting to become available on a wide variety of non-luxury vehicles. With blind-spot monitoring, virtually all systems show a warning light on the exterior mirror or pillar when an object is detected in your blind spot. Most systems will also beep at you if you try to signal into that lane. Honda has even taken the blind-spot monitoring up a notch with its Lane Watch system, which decreases the passenger-side
 blind spot by displaying the view on the touchscreen when the driver signals into the right lane.

LANE DEPARTURE WARNING
Lane departure warning systems use cameras to “see” the yellow and white lines on the highway and will chime at you when you start wandering outside those lines. Most systems will beep and flash some lights in the instrument cluster, but some vehicles will go the extra mile to grab your attention by vibrating your seat. The warnings are only triggered if you start to cross over the lines without signaling, and most systems can be deactivated.

LANE KEEP ASSIST
Lane keep assist is different than lane departure warning in that it utilizes intervention. Instead of just beeping at you, the system will gently nudge the car back into its lane if it senses you are drifting into another lane that has a car in it. Some cars have more aggressive systems in which the car will steer itself into the correct lane, while some Infiniti and Mercedes models gently apply the brakes to bring you back in your lane.
chime at you when you start wandering outside those lines. Most systems will beep and flash some lights in the instrument cluster, but some vehicles will go the extra mile to grab your attention by vibrating your seat. The warnings are only triggered if you start to cross over the lines without signaling, and most systems can be deactivated.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
This safety feature is exactly what it sounds like. Using radar, sensors, lasers, and cameras, this system lets drivers know when they’re approaching an object too fast with audible and visual warnings, vibration of the seat or steering wheel, or a combination of the three. Some vehicles will even try to minimize the impact of a crash by priming the brake system’s hydraulic lines in preparation for a hard stop. The seat-belt pretensioners will even lock up to better prepare passengers for a crash. Some vehicles try to avoid an accident altogether by using automatic emergency braking in which the car gently applies the brakes to avoid a crash if it senses the driver hasn’t done so in a timely manner.

REAR CROSS-TRAFFIC ALERT
A rearview camera usually shows drivers what’s directly behind them, but rear cross-traffic alerts offer extra protection by combining the camera with radar to alert the driver of potential hazards when backing out of a spot. Some systems issue audible-only warnings, while others also issue a visible warning on the backup screen. Infiniti’s Backup Collision Intervention even depresses the brakes if the driver doesn’t do it in time to avoid a collision

ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Self-driving cars won’t hit the market for a while, but cars on public roads are already demonstrating a type of autonomous driving with adaptive cruise control. This feature works just like cruise control, except it’s much smarter since it measures traffic in front of the car using radar or laser sensors. If your car starts approaching a slower-moving car, adaptive cruise control will slow it down and maintain a safe distance between both cars. If the other car moves out of the way, it will bring your car back up to speed again.

ADAPTIVE HEADLIGHTS
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has found that adaptive headlights are one of the more effective safety features available on cars. That’s because they increase visibility in dark areas, with the headlights moving in the same direction the steering wheel is turned. This allows the headlights to bend around dark curves, which can make driving through dark canyons safer and much more fun. Automakers such as BMW continue to improve this feature with laser light technology, while Carnegie Mellon University has worked on “smart” headlights that virtually make rain drops disappear by predicting where raindrops will fall and then deactivating light beams that would normally bounce off drops. Active high beams could also supplement adaptive headlights, as they automatically turn on when it’s really dark and turn off when they detect lights from oncoming traffic.

AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Automatic emergency braking usually comes as part of an advanced safety suite that also features some type of collision avoidance. If the system senses a crash is imminent, it will engage the brakes and issue a loud beep or visual warning to alert the driver to intervene. The systems in certain vehicles can even bring the car to a complete stop without the help of a driver. Like rearview cameras, it’s possible this tech could start being offered as standard equipment on mass-volume cars rather than just premium cars. The IIHS found that automatic emergency braking in collision avoidance systems reduced the frequency of collisions, which explains why Nissan is offering the feature as standard equipment on all its cars in its domestic market in Japan.

ATTENTION ASSIST
It’s hard not to imagine that your car has a mind of its own, especially when it can sense that you’re falling asleep. In this case, a driver alert system will flash lights at you and sound a chime to help you remain alert. Mercedes-Benz’s system gets to know your driving style and is tipped off by steering wheel movements that suggest you’re drowsy.

15 Least-Expensive V8-Powered Vehicles

Although V-8 engines aren't as prevalent as they were in the 1960s to 1980s, a number of mainstream vehicles are still available with the classic American powerplant. And not all of those are from American brands. We put together this list of the 15 least expensive V-8-powered vehicles available in the U.S. Only two models crest the $40,000 mark, and five models are available for less than $30,000. Check out the most affordable base models with a V-8 engine in our list here.

2015 Toyota Sequoia SR5 2WD - $45,320


The rear-drive 2015 Toyota Sequoia SR5 is powered by a 5.7-liter V-8 rated at 381 hp and 401 lb-ft. A six-speed automatic sends power to the rear wheels. With three rows of seating, the Sequoia offers room for eight occupants. Standard features include cloth seats, three-zone climate control, underbody skidplates, and 18-inch alloy wheels (www.wheelertoyota.com).

2015 Dodge Durango R/T RWD - $40,790


If you want a Hemi in your SUV, the rear-drive 2015 Dodge Durango R/T is your least expensive option. The standard 5.7-liter V-8 makes 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic sends power to the rear wheels. Standard features included HID headlights with LED daytime running lights, Beats by Dre audio system, 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen, leather seating, and a lowered suspension. A Durango Limited with the optional Hemi is $95 more. The three-row Durango is also $295 less than the two-row 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x2 with the available Hemi engine.

2015 Nissan Armada SV 4x2 - $39,055


 For those who want a body-on-frame SUV with V-8 power, the 2015 Nissan Armada SV 4x2 is the least expensive offering. Mated to a five-speed automatic, the 5.6-liter V-8 is rated at 317 hp and 385 lb-ft. The Armada can tow up to 8,200 pounds. Standard features include rear backup sensors, heated mirrors, an eight-way power driver's seat, a four-way passenger seat, fold-flat second and third rows, running boards, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

2015 Chrysler 300S Hemi RWD - $38,890


Now that the high-performance Chrysler 300 SRT is no more, the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 is the most powerful engine offered in the premium sedan. The 2015 Chrysler 300S with the available ($3,000) Hemi is rated at 363 hp and 394 lb-ft. An eight-speed automatic with Sport mode sends power to the rear wheels. The 300S model features black exterior trim in place of other models' chrome bits and rides on Hyper Black-finished 20-inch alloy wheels. Other unique pieces include new lower side sills and a small decklid spoiler.

2015 Chevrolet Camaro 1SS - $34,500




(2015 Chevy Camaro 2SS #1719 shown, www.airportchevy.com)


Powered by a 426-hp, 6.2-liter LS3 V-8, the 2015 Chevrolet Camaro SS (with 1LE package) won our most recent muscle car comparison (a non-1LE Camaro SS is shown here). With 420 lb-ft, the big V-8 and six-speed manual helped that car hit 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. Standard features include a limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes, 20-inch alloy wheels, cloth seats, and a Chevrolet MyLink with a 7-inch diagonal color touchscreen. An all-new Chevrolet Camaro is expected for the 2016 model year. That car will be powered by the Corvette Stingray's 6.2-liter LT1 V-8. www.airportchevy.com

2015 Dodge Charger R/T RWD - $33,990


The 2015 Dodge Charger R/T is the least expensive V-8-powered sedan available. In the Charger R/T, the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 makes 370 hp and 395 lb-ft. That's 7 hp and 1 lb-ft more than the Chrysler 300S for nearly $5,000 less. The engine features a four-cylinder mode to save fuel. An eight-speed automatic sends power to the rear wheels. Standard equipment includes projector headlights and LED foglights, 20-inch by 8-inch alloy wheels, and a dual-climate zone system.

2015 Ford Mustang GT - $33,125


(#64194, 2015 Ford Mustang Coupe V6 Shown, MSRP: 38,163 www.butlerford.com)

Now in its sixth generation, the original ponycar is still one of the most affordable ways to get into a V-8 coupe. The 2015 Ford Mustang GT is powered by a 435-hp, 400-lb-ft, 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic. In our testing, the new Mustang GT with the available Performance pack reached 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Standard performance features on the Mustang GT with manual include launch control and an electronic line lock. www.butlerford.com

2015 Dodge Challenger R/T - $32,490


Not only is the 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T the most affordable muscle car available, but it's also the least expensive V-8-powered car currently on sale. In the Challenger R/T, the 5.7-liter Hemi makes 375 hp and 410 lb-ft, more power than its more expensive Mopar siblings. The Challenger is also the only Hemi car with a six-speed manual transmission. An extra cost eight-speed automatic is available, though the power drops to 372 hp and 400 lb-ft with the slushbox. The Challenger R/T comes standard with 20-inch alloy wheels.

2015 Nissan Titan King Cab S Short Box 5.6L 4X2 - $30,735


Although ponycars and muscle cars are affordable ways to own a V-8, there is an often-overlooked segment that undercuts their price by a noticeable amount. The rear-drive 2015 Nissan Titan King Cab S with 6.5-foot box is the first two-wheel-drive half-ton pickup on our list and comes standard with the same 317-hp, 385 lb-ft, 5.6-liter V-8 as the Armada SUV. Standard features include air-conditioning, 18-inch steel wheels, a removable tailgate, and four-wheel disc brakes (a higher trim is shown here).

2015 Chevrolet Express 2500 Cargo Regular Wheelbase WT RWD - $30,550


Another overlooked segment is the full-size van. In this category, cargo models undercut passenger models by a significant amount. The 2015 Express 2500 Cargo Regular Wheelbase WT RWD is powered by a 4.8-liter V-8 rated 285 hp and 295 lb-ft. A six-speed automatic sends power to the rear wheels. A less creepy passenger version starts at $33,185, and the mechanically identical GMC Savana Cargo and Savana Passenger start at $30,550 and $33,185, respectively. www.airportchevy.com

2015 Toyota Tundra SR Regular Cab 8-Foot Bed 5.7L 2WD - $29,460




(#066706 Access Cab Shown, MSRP: $24,935 www.wheelertoyota.com)


A two-wheel-drive 2015 Toyota Tundra SR Regular Cab pickup with the 8.1-foot bed and 5.7-liter V-8 is the most affordable configuration (a Double Cab model is shown). Mated to a six-speed automatic, the 5.7-liter V-8 is rated 381 hp and 401 lb-ft. Those needing more interior space and less power can opt for a Tundra SR Double Cab with the 6.5-foot bed and 4.7-liter V-8 for $29,610. The 4.7-liter is rated 310 hp and 327 lb-ft. www.wheelertoyota.com

2015 Nissan NV 2500 Cargo Van - $29,435



If cargo vans are your thing but the Chevrolet Express is down on style and power, then Nissan has your answer. The 2015 Nissan NV2500 Cargo Van with a 5.6-liter V-8 rated 317 hp and 385 lb-ft undercuts the Express by just over $1,000. A five-speed automatic sends power to the rear wheels. The NV has enough space inside to haul two 40-by-48-inch pallets in tandem, standard 8-by-4-foot sheets of drywall, 10-foot pipes, and plenty more. An NV Passenger Van with room for up to 12 occupants starts at $35,005.

2015 Ford F-150 XL Regular Cab 6.5-Foot Box 5.0L 4x2 - $28,590


(SuperCab Shown. Stk: 54326 $53,990 www.butlerford.com)

With the Ford F-Series being the best-selling vehicle in the U.S., it's no surprise it's also one of the three least expensive vehicles available with a V-8 engine. The available 5.0-liter V-8 in the 2015 Ford F-150 XL Regular Cab with a 6.5-foot box is rated 385 hp and 387 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic sends power to the rear wheels. Although the base F-150 undercuts the Mustang GT in price, it rides on 17-inch steel wheels and makes do without modern conveniences such as power windows, locks, and mirrors (an F-150 with more equipment is shown here). Those options plus many others are available at an extra cost. www.butlerford.com

2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT Regular Cab Short Box 5.3L 4x2 - $28,560



Bow Tie fans can get their hands on a V-8 powered Silverado 1500 for $30 less than a Ford F-150 5.0. The rear-drive 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT Regular Cab with 6.5-foot box is available with a 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V-8 rated at 355 hp and 383 lb-ft (a Rally Edition model is shown here). A six-speed automatic sends power to the rear wheels. Like the F-150, the base Silverado features 17-inch steel wheels and manual windows and mirrors. The Silverado WT does, however, come with power locks and a rear-step bumper standard. www.airportchevy.com

2015 Ram 1500 Tradesman Regular Cab Short Box 5.7L 4x2 - $25,915


The 2015 Ram 1500 Tradesman Regular Cab Short Box 4x2 with the available 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 is the least expensive V-8-powered vehicle available in the U.S. With 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, the Ram 1500 Hemi is not only the most affordable vehicle available with a V-8; it is also the most powerful truck engine here (the 1500 Tradesman Regular Cab is shown here in EcoDiesel form). In fact, only the Camaro's larger 6.2-liter V-8 makes more horsepower and torque than the Ram 1500's Hemi (+31 hp, +10 lb-ft). The Mustang's 5.0-liter engine makes 40 hp more but 10 lb-ft less. Although a six-speed auto sends power to the rear wheels in the most affordable variant, an eight-speed auto is available for $2,340. At $28,255, the Ram 1500 Hemi with eight-speed auto undercuts the second-place Chevrolet Silverado by $305.

WHAT TO DO If you find a Pet LOCKED in a Locked Car on a HOT SUMMER DAY!

Leaving pets locked in cars is never safe. But when the weather gets warmer, it can be deadly. High temperatures can cause irreparable organ damage and even death.

While our first inclination may be to break a window to save a dog, Lora Dunn, Staff Attorney at the Criminal Justice Program of the Animal Legal Defense Fund explains:  Breaking into a vehicle as a private citizen may not only put you in physical danger, but can also expose you to legal liability: Animals are property in every jurisdiction, so taking an animal from another’s vehicle could trigger theft, burglary, trespass to property, and/or conversion of property charges, among others.

HOW TO HELP A PET LEFT IN A HOT CAR

•Take down the car’s make, model and license-plate number.

•If there are businesses nearby, notify their managers or security guards and ask them to make an announcement to find the car’s owner.

•If the owner can’t be found, call the non-emergency number of the local police or animal control and wait by the car for them to arrive.

•If the authorities are unresponsive or too slow and the dog’s life appears to be in imminent danger, find a witness (or several) who will back up your assessment, take steps to remove the suffering animal from the car, and then wait for authorities to arrive.

•Watch for heatstroke symptoms such as restlessness, excessive thirst, thick saliva, heavy panting, lethargy, lack of appetite, dark tongue, rapid heartbeat, fever, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and lack of coordination. If a dog shows any of these symptoms, get him or her out of the heat, preferably into an air-conditioned vehicle, and then to a veterinarian immediately. If you are unable to transport the dog yourself, take him or her into an air-conditioned building if possible and call animal control: Tell them it is an emergency.
•Provide water to drink, and if possible spray the dog with a garden hose or immerse him or her in a tub of cool (but not iced) water for up to two minutes in order to lower the body temperature gradually. You can also place the dog in front of an electric fan. Applying cool, wet towels to the groin area, stomach, chest, and paws can also help. Be careful not to use ice or cold water, and don’t overcool the animal.

OTHER WAYS TO HELP

•Get informed: Learn your town’s laws about leaving pets in hot cars.

•Be ready to call for help: Gather essential telephone numbers and have them on hand. You’ll want to have your local animal control agency’s number and the police department’s non-emergency number so you can quickly report the situation. Keep these numbers in your purse, your car’s glove compartment or programmed into your phone.

•Spread the word: Distribute The Humane Society of the United States hot car flyer, which spells out the dangers of leaving pets in parked cars. Order flyers on animalsheltering.org. Y
•Get involved: Ask local store managers, shopping malls, restaurants and other businesses to post signs asking customers not to leave their pets in their cars while shopping or dining.

•Speak up: If your town doesn’t have a law prohibiting leaving pets in parked cars, contact your local representatives or attend a town hall meeting to start lobbying for one.

COOL OUTSIDE DOESN’T MEAN COOL IN THE CAR

It doesn’t have to be that warm outside for a car to become dangerously hot inside. Here are some facts:

•When it’s 72 degrees Fahrenheit outside, the temperature inside your car can heat up to 116 degrees Fahrenheit within an hour.

•When it’s 80 degrees Fahrenheit outside, the temperature inside your car can heat up to 99 degrees Fahrenheit within 10 minutes.

•Rolling down the windows has been shown to have little effect on the temperature inside a car.

~humanesociety.org, peta.org,
animalrights.about.com

Log onto
www.facebook.com/Auto.Emporium.Magazine
for our summer pet information

It’s HOT Out There! Some warnings and ways to protect your dog under our Summer Sun!

We’ve probably all seen it. We get out of our car in a store parking lot, and somebody has left his dog in the car with the windows rolled up.

Every year, hundreds of pets die from heat exhaustion because they are left in parked vehicles. We’ve heard the excuses: “Oh, it will just be a few minutes while I go into the store,” or “But I cracked the windows...” These excuses don’t amount to much if your pet becomes seriously ill or dies from being left in a vehicle.

The temperature inside your vehicle can rise almost 20º F in just 10 minutes. In 20 minutes, it can rise almost 30º F...and the longer you wait, the higher it goes. At 60 minutes, the temperature in your vehicle can be more than 40 degrees higher than the outside temperature. Even on a 70-degree day, that’s 110 degrees inside your vehicle!

Your vehicle can quickly reach a temperature that puts your pet at risk of serious illness and even death, even on a day that doesn’t seem hot to you. And cracking the windows makes no difference.

Want numbers? An independent study showed that the interior temperature of vehicles parked in outside temperatures ranging from 72 to 96º F rose steadily as time increased.

This study also found that cracking the windows had very little effect on the temperature rise inside the vehicle. This is definitely a situation where “love ‘em and leave ‘em” is a good thing. Please leave your pets at home at home when you can...they’ll be safe and happily waiting for you to come home

Estimated Vehicle Interior Air Temperature v. Elapsed Time

Elapsed time	Outside Air Temperature (F)
	70	75	80	85	90	95
0 minutes	70	75	80	85	90	95
10 minutes	89	94	99	104	109	114
20 minutes	99	104	109	114	119	124
30 minutes	104	109	114	119	124	129
40 minutes	108	113	118	123	128	133
50 minutes	111	116	121	126	131	136
60 minutes	113	118	123	128	133	138
> 1 hour	115	120	125	130	135	140

Courtesy Jan Null, CCM; Department of Geosciences, San Francisco State University

 

....but wait, there’s more!

The risks associated with pets in vehicles don’t end with heatstroke. Just as you should always wear your seatbelt to protect you in case of a collision, your pet should always be properly restrained while in the vehicle. That means a secure harness or a carrier.

A loose, small pet could crawl down in the footwell, interfering with use of the brake or accelerator pedal. A small pet sitting in your lap could be injured or killed by the airbag or could be crushed between your body and the airbag in a collision, and a large pet leaning across your lap can interfere with your view of the road and can be injured by the air bag in a collision. Unrestrained pets could be thrown out or through windows or windshields in a collision. And not only could your pet be injured in the collision, but it might also increase your risk of collision by distracting you and taking your attention away from where it should be – on the road.

Most of us smile when we see a dog’s face happily hanging out a window, digging the ride and the smells wafting on the breeze, but this is a very risky venture for the dog for three reasons. One, it means your dog isn’t properly restrained – and we’ve already told you why that’s so important. Two, your dog is at high risk of eye, ear, face and mouth injury from airborne objects when it’s got its face hanging out the window. Three, letting your dog hang any part of its body out of the window increases the risk that (s)he could be thrown out of the vehicle during a collision, lose its balance and fall out of the open window during an abrupt turn or maneuver, or jump out of the vehicle to threaten another dog or a person.

And let’s not forget the severe dangers of driving with your dog in the bed of a pickup truck. Dogs can fall or jump from the truck bed and be injured or killed on impact, or be struck by other traffic. And just as letting your dog hang its head out of the window puts it at risk of injury from debris, a dog in a truck bed is even more exposed to airborne hazards. Using a appropriate-length tether may reduce the risk that your dog will exit the truck bed, but the tether could tangle, injure, or even choke your dog. If you must transport your dog in the bed of a pickup truck, use a secured and appropriately sized and ventilated dog kennel.

Before you put your pet in the vehicle, ask yourself if you really need to take your pet with you – and if the answer is no, leave your pet safely at home. If you must take your pet with you, make sure (s)he is properly restrained so the trip is as safe as possible for both of you.
Log onto www.facebook.com/Auto.Emporium.Magazine for our summer pet information

How To Travel the Farthest on a Single Charge!!!

Electric vehicles have been around for a while, but many drivers continue to stay away from them because of range anxiety. Some models, however, are clearly better than others. Electric vehicles on the market today come with an estimated range starting as low as 62 miles on the Mitsubishi i-MIEV and exceeding more than 250 miles on some Tesla models. Here are the electric vehicles available today with the highest EPA-rated range.

The BMW i3 BEV, starting at around $43,000, isn’t cheap, but this urban hatch but will take you a reasonable distance on a single charge. Drivers can plug the i3 into a standard 240-volt outlet to recharge the battery in just 3.5 hours. According to the EPA, the model also has the best fuel economy of any new car on the market at 124 mpg-e in combined city and highway driving. Look for plenty of sustainable materials inside the cabin, including recycled plastics, responsibly forested eucalyptus, and plant fibers covering the instrument panel and door trim.

The Chevrolet Spark EV was only available in California and Oregon before this year, but now the tiny hatch is rolling out at dealerships in Maryland. Standard features on this model include height-adjustable driver’s seat, keyless ignition and entry, heated front seats, a 7-inch touchscreen, and 10 airbags. For 2015, General Motors made the car quicker with some tweaking to the drivetrain.

The 2015 e-Golf is Volkswagen’s first all-electric car to be sold in the U.S. Although at just over $36,000 it’s not the cheapest EV on the market, it comes with plenty of standard features, including full navigation, push-button start, heated front seats, leatherette upholstery, parking sensors, and back-up camera. Because the battery pack is located below the trunk on the e-Golf, cargo capacity doesn’t suffer.

 The Leaf is the world’s best-selling electric car. Now priced at less than $30,000 before federal tax credits, the Nissan Leaf is one of the more affordable options on the market, and even the base model offers heated front and rear seats and a rearview camera. We expect a second-generation model to feature a battery with increased energy density so drivers can travel much farther on a single charge.

The B-Class comes with a Tesla-sourced battery inside, but it feels like a Mercedes in every other way. It shares much of its front-drive architecture with the A-, CLA-, and GLA-Class models but offers the most accommodating interior with room for plenty of gear. The cabin is nice and quiet so as not to mar the driving experience. Leather seats, a wood dashboard, and other surfaces embody luxury, and unique shift paddles on the steering wheel allow drivers to control the amount of regenerative braking produced at a given moment.

The Fiat 500e differs in many ways from the rest of the 500 lineup. Its torque-happy electric motor makes it particularly nimble and responsive, and it also offers a stiffer suspension to accommodate for its extra weight. The model starts at a little more than $32,000 before tax credits.

2015 Kia Soul Ev Front Three Quarter View 43 Given its unusual styling, the Kia Soul EV might not look like a serious EV. But once you drive this hatch, there’s no doubting its ability to hold a steady range. It’s surprisingly quick both in the city and on the highway, and drivers will feel comfortable thanks to the car’s low motor whine and comfortable interior.

As the base trim in the Model S lineup, the 60 version (with a 60-kW-hr battery) offers plenty of range for long-distance driving. But even the base model costs a pretty penny at more than $71,000 before incentives. Standard features include heated power front seats with lumbar, Wi-Fi connectivity, Internet radio, vinyl upholstery, and a 17-inch touchscreen.

The P85D, the most powerful car in the Model S lineup, features an upgraded 691-hp dual-motor system that takes just 3.2 seconds to zip to 60 mph. But even though the P85D is the top-of-the-line version, it doesn’t take the cake in terms of range. Prices for this upgraded model start more than $104,000.

Instead of a standard 60-kW-hr battery, buyers can upgrade to the 85-kW-hr model that offers increased range and a higher top speed than the base model. But fuel economy decreases slightly at 88/90 mpge city/highway. Supercharging capability becomes standard on this model, allowing drivers to replenish half the car’s charge in just 20 minutes.

Just like the P85D, the regular 85D features all-wheel drive and an additional motor. Along with its incredible range, this model also features top-of-the-charts fuel economy at 95/106 mpge city/highway. The annual cost to power the vehicle is estimated at just $600, or $4,750 less than a typical new vehicle on the market today.
 

In just the next few years, a number of new players will make the EV game more interesting. General Motors is bringing out the Chevrolet Bolt electric small car, which promises a range of about 200 miles on one charge. Reports say Nissan is looking to double its range on the next-generation of the Leaf hatchback. Meanwhile, Audi is boasting a 280-mile range for its upcoming R8 E-Tron supercar.