Chapman Payson Auto Center Blog

Snow and icicles are beautiful in theory – but when driving, it’s the last threat drivers want to encounter. Brought to you by Chapman Payson, we’ve outlined the benefits of all-wheel and four-wheel drive, to ensure that the remainder of your winter in Northern Arizona is safe and pleasurable.

First, driving either a four-wheel drive or all-wheel vehicle drive in the snow definitely gives an advantage as far as traction is concerned. Therefore, both cars are suitable for rain, sleet and snow.

The main difference

One of the biggest differences between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive is whether the driver or the car decides when all four wheels get power. With all-wheel drives the inlaid system sends torque to the different axles. Four-wheel drive gives the driver freedom, through levers and controls, to control all four wheels.

What type suits what driver is dependent upon their habits. First, let’s explore the differences of both more thoroughly.

All-wheel drive

All-wheel drive (AWD) is always “on.” Electronic sensors send power to all four wheels dependent upon the surface the vehicle is driving on – whether it be rain, snow or unaffected pavement.

For individuals who live in snowy/icy conditions, AWD vehicles are advantageous because they provide a safe amount of traction and prevent wheelslip. This protection is guaranteed without dealing with the buttons or levers in four-wheel drive vehicles. However, they are less gas-friendly.

The invisibility and easy operation of an AWD system are attractive assets. They are also easier to maintain.

Four-wheel drive

Four-wheel drive (4WD) is engaged manually.

With true four-wheel drive, the operator decides when they need the extra traction of all four wheels and (either by inside switch or outside wheel lugs) turns on the four- wheel-drive. When all four wheels are engaged the vehicle should not be driven on dry pavement. It is designed for rain, icy conditions, snow and mud.

What suits you?

For Northern Arizona drivers, car dealers in Payson note either type of driving experience could be of benefit. Choose your vehicle by the way you drive. Off-roaders will have a better, and safer, experience with four-wheel drive. For those who drive daily on snowy roads, the convenience of AWD may be preferable as it takes away the stress of knowing when to switch into four-wheel drive.

The trick to operating either system in winter weather is being constantly aware of your tire’s health. Be sure to check their pressure and tread with regularity to protect yours and other’s safety.

As winter approaches and the weather cools, the topic of winter tires becomes more pressing for denizens of the more rugged areas of Arizona.  Whether you have driven in winter conditions for decades or have only just begun to face down the challenge, Chapman Payson can give you the advice you need to select winter tires.

According to Edmunds, the first essential step to selecting the right tires is to appreciate the distinction between “snow tires” and “winter tires.”  “Snow tires” is a bit of a misnomer, as contemporary winter tires are designed to handle all sorts of winter weather – rain, sleet, snow, ice, salt, and extreme low temperatures.  If you believe that winter tires are only necessary for driving in snow, you may find yourself unpleasantly surprised the next time that you drive in sub-freezing temperatures.

All-season tires, although much improved in recent years, are composed of rubber compounds which simply are not designed to perform in extreme low temperatures.  Winter tires, on the other hand, are built to remain soft and provide traction in the cold.  Even if you do not often drive in snow, winter tires may be necessary to ensure safe driving through the winter months.

Winter tires also offer more aggressive tread patterns than standard tires.  Because many areas with colder climates also experience high levels of winter precipitation – rain, sleet, snow, and resulting mud and ice – winter tires are designed to force moisture away from the treads to prevent hydroplaning.  Deeper treads also provide more traction in muddy conditions in addition to retaining more grip on ice.

Some winter tires even include built-in or installable studs for use on more precarious roadways and off-road tasks.  Studded tires are no longer as prevalent in the winter tire market as they once were, largely because of improvements in rubber compounds, but they may be the right choice if your winter driving includes steep inclines, off-road ventures, or the use of roads which are not always clear.

Winter tires provide safety and reliability that all-season tires and tire chains cannot match.  For your winter tire needs, your local Payson Auto Center’s knowledgeable staff can provide all the information required to make an informed decision.

According to its manufacturers, the 2013 RAM 1500 is “Engineered to Move Heaven and Earth.”  Although it certainly has the power and fortitude to do that and more, the 1500′s enhanced sophistication is what truly sets it apart from other full-size pickups, as many RAM 1500 Payson customers have learned in recent years.

In case you are worried that the RAM of your choice will no longer be available for the new model year, rest assured: all eleven packages of the 1500 are being carried over into the new model year.  Whether you prefer a regular, Quad, or Crew Cab with rear- or four-wheel drive, any combination is available with short, medium, or long bed options.  With all of these options, and additional new features like rain-sensing wipers and power-folding mirrors, the 1500 should satisfy every owner’s truck needs.

Per Car and Driver’s review, the real changes for the 2013 iteration of the RAM 1500 line of pickups have little to do with the way the truck looks.  RAM engineers have issued a long-overdue replacement for the 1500 SLT’s base V8 engine of years past, now favoring the Chrysler Pentastar V6 (with 90 more horsepower and 34 lb-ft more torque).  The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 remains available as an optional upgrade and has even received an increase in horsepower over last year’s version.

Although it may seem contradictory, all this power comes with improved fuel economy across the 1500 line.  The RAM 1500′s best-in-class 25 miles per gallon highway efficiency is made possible by numerous new features, including automatically adjusting suspension, a speed/temperature triggered front grille shutter, and more.  The engine even stops itself when the truck stops, potentially saving a great deal of fuel while waiting at stop lights, stepping out to open and close gates, or accessing the Rambox to find a needed hand tool.  RAM’s “TorqueFlite8″ 8-speed automatic transmission rounds out the package, ensuring that the 1500 feels just as smooth as it does powerful.

Interested shoppers should contact Chapman Payson to learn more about the many improvements coming for the 2013 1500, as well as RAM’s many other dependable pickup trucks.

People buy cars for many reasons; to transport themselves, to transport their families, to buy a collector car, to drive a cool new car, to transport things for work, etc. Add in the needs of comfort and price and the decision becomes even more difficult. With more than 400 cars to choose from, how do you pick the right one for your specific needs and wants?

Take a look at this break down of types of cars available at Arizona Chevrolet dealerships and determine which car most fulfills your personal preferences and needs.

Coupe/Convertible: This type of car usually has the most expressive designs that will make a statement but their practicality is limited.

Sedan: Sedans are a perfect option for those who have kids or are planning on having children in the future, since four doors are almost a requirement. It also provides an alternative to a large vehicle while offering everyday usability.

Hatchback: when a fifth door is added to a car it usually a hatchback or station wagon, these cars offer additional space while not having so much weight. Hatchbacks have recently picked up a little in popularity among the U.S with manufacturers creating stylish designs; they’ve been extremely popular in Europe for years.

Station Wagons: Similar to hatchbacks, station wagons also usually have five doors and offer attributes of larger cars while remaining smaller. Also similar to hatchbacks this style has been less popular in the past but seems to be drawing appeal with more environmentally conscious consumers.

SUV/Crossover: SUV and crossovers tend to be heavier, taller, and slightly bigger versions of a hatchback or station wagon. They offer power for those who tow regularly or need to get through snow or rough roads. The downside is their fuel-economy, getting very low miles per gallon is almost inevitable with most SUVs and crossovers. They also do have a higher seat position which is a plus for some people, offering increased visibility and an ease of entry and exit.

Minivan: those with large families, or plans of becoming a large family, may turn to the easiness of the van. With room for five or more people, usually easily able to accompany eight passengers, the van is like a jumbo SUV. More cargo space and passenger room offered by vans equates to more comfort but offer little visual aesthetic or driving fun.

After determining which style of vehicle fits your needs head to Chevrolet Payson to check out the large selection of new Chevrolet models and see which one works best for your lifestyle and needs.

The program, which has already began at participating U.S retailers, includes two portions: “Love it or Return it” and “Total Confidence Pricing”.

Love it or Return it ensures customers that every new 2012 or 2013 model vehicle purchased can be returned with less than 4,000 miles driven and no damage, 30 to 60 days from the purchase date. So basically stated if you don’t love your purchase you can just return it.

The Total Confidence Pricing part of the program states that all 2012 model year Chevrolets will be offered at special preferred prices in addition to all current vehicle-specific incentives. Meaning the price you see is the price you pay, no questions asked.

“There is no better time than now to be a new Chevrolet customer” says General Manager of Freeway Chevrolet, Mike Cook. “Consumers who have been driving other brands or even older Chevrolet makes will not only find the Love It or Return It guarantee very attractive but they will also be pleased with the new design, technology and safety of Chevrolet”

With a solid new lineup of vehicles out, Chevrolets U.S dealerships are constantly working to enhance Arizona Chevy customers overall experience, which results in upgraded service, products and customer focused staff. By starting at the dealership level Chevrolet is clearly installing the image of quality to motorists around the world.

Last year Chevrolet sold 4.76 million vehicles around the world, which is a global sales record. In addition to that they are on track to have the best-ever first quarter sales in 2012. In the past two years, Chevrolet has grown faster than any other high-volume global brand and is the leading U.S brand for both passenger car and performance car sales.

Specifically the Malibu was recognized as the highest-performance midsize car according to the 2012 J.D Power and Associates initial Quality Study. The Silverado HD, Avalanche and Tahoe were all also ranked in the top three of their divisions. The Cruze Eco and Sonic were voted two of the Best Family Cars by Edmunds.com and Parents magazine. Finally Chevrolet as a brand had an improvement of 8 percent in its overall performance study.

So if any customer is on the fence about Chevrolet now is the time to take a 30-day test drive at the best Payson Chevrolet dealer, Chapman Payson.