The Auto Club

The dreaded “3” in front of regular unleaded gas prices began appearing on a few more Southland gas pumps this week, as average prices moved closer to $3 a gallon, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Weekend Gas Watch.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $2.938 per gallon, which is 11.3 cents more than last week, 52 cents higher than last month, and $1.55 less than last year. In San Diego, the price is $2.955, which is 11.6 cents more than last week’s price, 52 cents above last month, and $1.57 lower than last year. On the Central Coast, the average price is $2.98, up 10.3 cents from last week, 47 cents above last month, and $1.40 below last year. In the Inland Empire, the average per gallon price is $2.929, which is 11.9 cents more than last week, 52 cents more than last month, and $1.55 less than last year.

“As prices have continued increasing for the sixth straight week, it’s interesting to note that all of the major metropolitan areas in Southern California have price averages within a nickel of each other, so consumers are paying almost the same price at the pump in Santa Barbara as in Los Angeles,” said Auto Club spokesperson Jeffrey Spring. “This is a rare instance that is probably caused by retailers’ reluctance to raise prices over $3. This phenomenon also sometimes happens when prices are nearing a peak.” CONTINUED »

Summer vacationers can do their part beginning this week to help the environment, save gas and be safe with one simple action: checking their vehicle’s tire pressure, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California. Properly inflated tires improve vehicle safety while reducing emissions and gas usage, says the Auto Club.

The Auto Club and Rubber Manufacturer’s Assoc. are distributing “Be Tire Smart” brochures in Auto Club offices this week in recognition of National Tire Safety Week, June 7-13, to educate motorists of the importance of proper tire care. On an average day, the Auto Club’s roadside assistance providers will respond to more than 400 tire-related member calls for help or about 144,000 tire-related calls annually.

“When tire pressure decreases, rolling resistance increases. This drags on the engine and wears the tires out faster, said Mazor. By maintaining correct pressure, you’ll replace tires less often, and burn less gasoline, which results in big savings to the motorist,” said Steve Mazor, manager of the Auto Club’s Automotive Research Center based in Diamond Bar. “Also, by extending their life, tires won’t be sent to a landfill any sooner than necessary." CONTINUED »

The Auto Club

In the aftermath of the Chrysler and GM bankruptcies and pending dealership closures, drivers who own a Chrysler or GM vehicle – or are considering buying one – may be concerned as to where to take their vehicles for maintenance, repairs and warranty work. The Auto Club offers these questions and answers to help clarify this aspect of the manufacturers’ bankruptcies:

Q. Why are GM and Chrysler closing so many dealers?

A. The reduction of 2,600 GM dealers is part of a restructuring plan that the manufacturer was required to complete by June 1 prior to going to bankruptcy court. GM filed for bankruptcy on June 1. The deadline was set by the Obama administration in order for GM operations to be eligible for additional funding to keep GM open.

Q. What is Chrysler’s status?

A. Chrysler filed for bankruptcy on April 30. It also is reducing the number of dealership franchises as well. Chrysler told the court on May 14 that it will break its contracts with 789 dealerships nationwide, including 32 in California. CONTINUED »

The Auto Club

As of Monday, June 1, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is enforcing rules requiring U.S. citizens to carry passports or passport cards when traveling by car or cruise ship to Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean. The Automobile Club of Southern California can assist members and non-members with renewing passports and obtaining International Driving Permits that are required in some countries in order for U.S. residents to drive there on vacation.

U.S. citizens are already required to carry passports on all plane trips outside the U.S., but on June 1 that requirement will extend to cruise and car trips as well. However, those traveling by cruise or car outside the U.S. will also have the less expensive option of using a “passport card” rather than a full passport. A passport card is about the size of a driver’s license and can be a more convenient way to quickly present identification.

“The passport-cards are a budget-friendly option because they cost $45 while a first-time passport costs $100,” said Kim Wilde, manager of Auto Club travel product management. “However, since the passport card may only be used for cruise or drive trips outside the U.S., a full passport may be a better option for many people.”

The Auto Club offers the following information for travelers interested in renewing or applying for passports, or those interested in a passport card: CONTINUED »

The Auto Club

(LOS ANGELES, May 18, 2009) – Economic doldrums are expected to push down Memorial Day travel among Southern Californians by 2.3 percent compared to last year’s holiday, with just over 2.5 million Southland residents expected to take trips this holiday, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.

More than 80 percent of local travelers, or just over two million people, are expected to travel by car to their holiday destinations – a 2.1 percent decrease from last year. Air travel is expected to decrease by nearly 6 percent to 213,000 Southern Californians, and 264,000 will travel by bus, train or ship – a decrease of 1 percent.

The dip in Southern California travel is also reflected statewide, where just over 4 million holiday travelers are projected. Of those, 3.3 million will travel by car and 343,000 are expected to take plane trips.

While California and other Western states are projected to see a dip in Memorial Day travel compared to last year, AAA predicts that overall, U.S. travel will increase slightly compared to last year’s holiday. AAA attributes the national uptick in travel to much lower gas prices. Last year, many would-be travelers cancelled their plans because of looming economic worries and gas prices near $4 a gallon. CONTINUED »

The Auto Club

The lull is over. Southern California gas prices shot up over the past week, but not because of a sudden surge in demand or drop in supply, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Weekend Gas Watch.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $2.454 per gallon, which is 8.8 cents more than last week, 12.5 cents higher than last month, and $1.45 less than last year. In San Diego, the price is $2.479, which is 8.9 cents more than last week’s price, 12 cents above last month, and $1.48 lower than last year. On the Central Coast, the average price is $2.524, up 4.4 cents from last week, nine cents above last month, and $1.50 below last year. In the Inland Empire, the average per gallon price is $2.45, which is 8.9 cents more than last week, 12 cents more than last month, and $1.48 less than last year.

“Oil industry analysts say this spike is mostly driven by investor anticipation that demand will increase this summer and the fact that China has been purchasing additional crude oil,” said Auto Club spokesperson Jeffrey Spring. “But the analysts are seeing that demand from consumers locally and throughout the U.S. has remained flat, and supply continues to be good, so this could be an unsustainable price surge.”

The Auto Club

Travelers concerned about the swine flu outbreak and general health risks in crowded areas can help protect themselves from airborne illnesses, bacteria and germs by exercising some extra precautions in the airport and on airplanes, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.

The Auto Club offers the following health tips for travelers:
Wash your hands frequently. Use soap and warm water to scrub thoroughly, or hand sanitizer gel. Sanitizer gel can be carried onto an airplane provided it is in a three-ounce or smaller container inside a clear, zip-top quart-sized plastic bag.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, which can spread germs from your hands into your body.
Clean areas around your airline seat, such as your tray table and plastic arm rests, with anti-bacterial wipes. Cold and flu viruses can survive up to three hours on these types of surfaces, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Stay well-hydrated. The low humidity on airplanes can cause health problems for many travelers. Purchasing a large bottle of water inside the airport gate for the flight is a good idea. Health experts recommend sipping water regularly throughout the flight to keep your throat and mouth from drying out. Soda, alcohol and drinks with caffeine may cause dehydration, so it’s best to limit intake of those fluids and drink water as well. Hot beverages also can be a helpful hydrator while traveling; the heat will stimulate your natural defense mechanisms against bacteria and germs. CONTINUED »

The last month brought gas price increases of about half a penny a day to most areas of Southern California, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California monthly Fuel Gauge Report.

The Southern California April average price for regular self-serve gasoline is $2.348, about 14 cents higher than the March average price of $2.212. In April 2008, the monthly Fuel Gauge Report average for Southern California was $3.718 – $1.37 higher than the current monthly average.

The statewide average price of $2.341 is also 14 cents higher than the March average of $2.204. The state’s lowest average price is in La Habra, where regular sells for $2.264. Tahoe City has the highest price average in the state at $2.753.

Nationally, the average price of $2.05 is 11 cents higher than the March average of $1.941. Alaska has the highest state average price at $2.539, and New Jersey has the lowest state average price, at $1.877. More than half of the U.S. states have price averages higher than $2 a gallon.

“Oil industry analysts are saying that once again, the stock market and the value of the dollar are playing a role in propping up crude oil prices despite continued lower demand and a large stockpile of crude oil,” said Auto Club spokesperson Jeffrey Spring. “Fortunately for motorists, though, the effect on gas prices is minimal compared to last year.”

The Auto Club

The Automobile Club of Southern California will host another of its popular regional AAA Teen Driver Safety Resource Fairs from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale. The fair will feature a teen driver “car fit” to ensure that new drivers are “correctly fitted” to a vehicle for driving safety and road visibility.

The fair, which is free, will be held at Toyota Speedway, 500 Speedway Drive, Irwindale, 91706. The event is focused on helping families learn about community organizations that provide information and education for young drivers and parents.

The first 300 visitors will receive free tickets to the 7 p.m. Auto Club Member Night including the NASCAR Auto Club Late Model series race. NASCAR Late Model racers Cassie Gannis and Tim Huddleston of High Point Racing will be speaking on teen driver safety during the fair. CONTINUED »

The Auto Club

Does picturing a new Chevrolet, Ford, Kia, Nissan, Toyota, or Scion for yourself or your family make you wistful yet uneasy about making such a large purchase during a challenging economy? Uncle Sam wants you to re-think the idea. The federal economic stimulus bill signed into law last month offers car buyers a tax incentive to purchase a new vehicle this year.

By passing the auto sales tax break for new vehicle buyers, Congress hopes to increase the number of consumers visiting dealership showrooms and boost car sales.

Car shoppers will receive an “above-the-line” deduction for state and local sales taxes or excise taxes paid on most new car purchases and obtain a credit on 2009’s tax filing next spring. This particular deduction can be used by all taxpayers, whether they itemize or not. CONTINUED »

The Auto Club

Gas prices under $2 a gallon are cropping up here and there around Southern California after a third straight week of gas price decreases, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Weekend Gas Watch.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $2.175 per gallon, which is 3.6 cents less than last week, four cents lower than last month, and $1.33 less than last year. In San Diego, the price is $2.197, which is 3.7 cents less than last week’s price, six cents below last month, and $1.40 lower than last year. On the Central Coast, the average price is $2.267, down three cents from last week, five cents below last month, and $1.43 below last year. In the Inland Empire, the average per gallon price is $2.166, which is 3.6 cents under last week, five cents less than last month, and $1.41 less than last year.

“Granada Hills, Fullerton, Whittier, San Diego and Ontario are among the cities with at least one gas station priced at $1.99 or less this week,” said Auto Club spokesperson Jeffrey Spring. “It’s possible that several more cities will see prices under $2 in the next few days.”

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline as of 3:07 a.m. on March 13.

Gas prices posted mixed increases and decreases in different areas of Southern California over the past month, but mainly stayed within a nickel of their February levels, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California monthly Fuel Gauge Report.

The Southern California March average price for regular self-serve gasoline is almost identical to February, dropping by half a penny from $2.217 to $2.212. In March 2008, the monthly Fuel Gauge Report average for Southern California was $3.58 – $1.37 higher than the current monthly average.

The statewide average price of $2.204 is two cents lower than the February average of $2.226. The state’s lowest average price is in La Habra, where regular sells for $2.11. Tahoe City has the highest price average in the state at $2.599. CONTINUED »

The Auto Club

Daylight-saving time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 8. Parents are encouraged by the Automobile Club of Southern California to make sure children who are playing outside later in the day are wearing helmets while biking and skateboarding. They also should caution children of all ages to watch out for motorists. Drivers are advised to use extra caution, and to be aware of more children and others who are outdoors in the lighter evening hours especially in the first weeks of the time change.

Many more pedestrians, joggers, children, walkers and bicyclists will be outside running, riding and playing because of the longer daylight hours during the evening commute, according to the Auto Club. Motorists should drive slower and be extra alert, particularly in residential neighborhoods and school zones, according to the Auto Club. This is especially important with bicyclist and pedestrian fatalities numbering 790 and bike and pedestrian injuries reaching 24,253 statewide in 2007. CONTINUED »

The Auto Club

While graduated driver licensing laws nationwide are estimated to have saved hundreds of lives by reducing the number of teen driver crashes, a new analysis of teen crash data by the Automobile Club of Southern California and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that teen drivers continue to pose significant risks, particularly to others on the road.

The new report, "Teen Crashes-Everyone is at Risk," looks at the change in teen driver deaths over the past 10 years - the period when most states were enacting graduated driver licensing (GDL) laws. From 1998 through 2007, young drivers, ages 15-17, killed in teen driver crashes dropped by 27 percent (from 1,134 to 823).

"The drop suggests the effectiveness of the GDL laws over that time period and underscores the positive link between teen driver safety and everyone's safety on the road. This should be a clear signal to parents to reinforce and follow GDL along with their teen," said Steven A. Bloch, Ph.D., the Auto Club's senior research associate. "That's especially significant because crashes of older drivers weren't declining nearly as quickly as those of younger drivers." CONTINUED »

The Auto Club

Prices began increasing more rapidly at gas pumps in the past week, reportedly because of local refinery maintenance issues, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Weekend Gas Watch.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $2.216 per gallon, which is 9.1 cents more than last week, 27 cents higher than last month, and 86 cents less than last year. In San Diego, the price is $2.257, which is 10 cents more than last week’s price, 26 cents above last month, and 85 cents lower than last year. On the Central Coast, the average price is $2.318, up 10 cents from last week, 29 cents up from last month, and 93 cents below last year. In the Inland Empire, the average per gallon price is $2.219, which is 8.9 cents over last week, 27 cents more than last month, and 85 cents less than last year.

“At least one oil industry analyst this week has reported diminished output at California refineries because of unanticipated maintenance issues,” said Auto Club spokesperson Jeffrey Spring. “These supply reductions may be playing a role in pushing up prices.”

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline as of 3:07 a.m. on Feb. 13.

Car owners may be tempted to balance their household budgets by delaying or ignoring regular vehicle maintenance in tough economic times. This could lead to more expensive breakdowns in the future, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.

“There is vehicle maintenance that motorists can’t afford to ignore,” said Dave Skaien of the Auto Club’s Approved Auto Repair Program. “As consumers look for ways to cut their budgets, it may seem easy to delay maintaining your vehicle. However, keeping a vehicle regularly maintained is the best way to avoid major repairs down the road that are far more costly,” Skaien said.

“Proper maintenance is also critical to safe operation of a vehicle as well as the safety of the driver, and passengers,” Skaien added. CONTINUED »

The Auto Club

Seventeen vehicles in Costa Mesa were burglarized in a single evening in late January and numerous vehicles in Laguna Beach were also hit when thieves smashed car windows. In Los Angeles, a young couple’s car and iPod were stolen while the couple was in a local hospital maternity ward having a baby. Thieves are targeting in-car entertainment and GPS navigation systems, iPods, and briefcases and gym bags that may contain valuables, according to police reports.

Several older sedan models, including Toyota Camrys, Honda Accords, and Civics, in addition to Chevrolet trucks, and SUVs are targets for car thieves for small electronics, personal items and information, car parts, and wheels and rims, according to Womble.

The Automobile Club of Southern California recommends Southland drivers lock up their vehicles as well as their valuables to keep their car from being broken into or even stolen. “Simple precautions can keep electronics as well as vehicles from being taken,” said David Womble, one of the Auto Club’s group managers for claims. CONTINUED »

It wasn't another week of double-digit increases, but gas prices still went up by about a penny a day in many local markets over the last week, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California's Weekend Gas Watch.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $2.062 per gallon, which is 7.3 cents more than last week, 29 cents higher than last month, and $1.14 under last year. In San Diego, the price is $2.082, which is 4.5 cents more than last week's price, 29 cents above last month, and $1.12 lower than last year. On the Central Coast, the average price is $2.143, up 6.7 cents from last week, 27 cents up from last month, and $1.16 below last year. In the Inland Empire, the average per gallon price is $2.053, which is 6.4 cents over last week, 30 cents more than last month, and $1.13 less than last year.

"Southern California prices do normally rise at this time of year as refineries cut inventory, perform maintenance, and prepare to produce the 'summer blend' of gasoline that is required to improve the state's air quality," said Auto Club spokesperson Jeffrey Spring. "Since their low point nearly six weeks ago, gas price averages have risen by 34 to 38 cents in most local areas."

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline as of 2:56 a.m. on Jan. 23.

The Auto Club

Many Southern California areas broke through $2 gas price averages this week as price increases grew from about a penny a day to about 1.5 cents daily, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California's Weekend Gas Watch.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $1.989 per gallon, which is 10.9 cents more than last week, 26 cents higher than last month, and $1.29 under last year. In San Diego, the price is $2.037, which is 11 cents more than last week's price, 33 cents above last month, and $1.25 lower than last year. On the Central Coast, the average price is $2.076, up 8.2 cents from last week, 28 cents up from last month, and $1.31 below last year. In the Inland Empire, the average per gallon price is $1.989, which is 10.8 cents over last week, 29 cents more than last month, and $1.28 less than last year.

"Even with crude oil trading at very low prices, California gas prices continue to rise," said Auto Club spokesperson Jeffrey Spring. "Oil industry analysts say that is because California refineries have sharply cut production of the state's blend of unleaded gasoline in favor of fuel blends with higher profit margins."

The Auto Club

The use of hand-held cell phones by California motorists dropped by two-thirds in the first three months after the law went into effect last July, according to an Automobile Club of Southern California survey of drivers using cell phones and electronic devises on Southland roads.

An observational survey by the Auto Club was conducted at three time periods - prior to the law taking effect in July, in August and October, 2008. During the first period prior to the law, the Auto Club found that 9.3 percent of drivers were using hand-held cell phones. By August, hand held cell phone use declined to 3.3 percent, and by October, three months after the law took effect, hand-held cell phone use was at 3.4 percent -- a drop of 64 percent over the pre-law level.

"The findings demonstrate that the law had much of its intended effect of reducing the number of drivers using their hand-held cell phones," said Steven A. Bloch, Ph.D., the Auto Club's senior traffic safety researcher. "Our one-month survey showed a sharp drop in cell phone use. What's impressive about our findings is that it shows that drivers are continuing to pay attention to the new law several months later."

The 64 percent reduction in cell phone use in the Auto Club's surveys is somewhat greater than that found in other U.S. studies. In New York and Washington D.C., cell phone use declined about 50 percent over the first few months under their new laws. "It will be important to determine whether California can maintain its high level of reduction over the long-term," Bloch said. New York, for example, did not, he added. "The Auto Club will be monitoring this issue."

The Auto Club surveys also examined driver use of other electronic devices, such as text messaging and hands-free cell phones. Before the law, nearly 5 percent of drivers were using some type of electronic device while driving. Unexpectedly, use of other electronic devices also dropped from pre-law levels to 3.7 percent in August and falling slightly lower to 3.2 percent in October. CONTINUED »