WRAT 95.9 The RAT ROCKS @ Pine Belt Nissan of Toms River

Pine Belt Nissan in Toms River

WHERE: Pine Belt Nissan in Toms River Route 37

WHEN: Saturday, November 19, 2011

TIME: 12pm-2pm

Rockin’ Robyn and the Rat Pack will be on hand at Pine Belt Nissan on Route 37 East in Toms River this Saturday from 12pm till 2pm with your chance to win some Awesome Rat Prizes!!

Pine Belt Cars Automotive Service Tips

With the current economic recession, many budgets get tight, which means that many people are tempted to cut back on regular car maintenance. But that can lead to serious repair problems and even larger bills down the road. We’ve found that you can extend the life of your vehicle, get the most for your money on your next trade in, and save a lot of money on maintenance by following our 24 helpful tips:

1) Check the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual to see what services are recommended and how often. Follow this carefully for as long as you own the car. There are usually different schedules for normal and severe driving conditions; the normal one should be sufficient for most drivers. Mark your calendar with estimated dates for services such as oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid flushes.

2) Change your oil every 3,000-5,000 miles, depending on your owner’s manual. You may need to also factor in how much and how often you drive.

3) Every other oil change you should have your tires rotated. Check your tire pressure often and between rotations by using a tire gauge. This will help with your gas mileage, especially with constant temperature changes in the Midwest!

4) At least once a month, check the levels of the car’s fluids, such as oil, coolant, and brake fluid. The owner’s manual usually has instructions that are quite specific and easy to follow. When you get your oil changed, have the dealership or service station also check each of your fluids to make sure everything is running properly.

5) Change automatic transmission fluid and filter after the first 5,000 miles and after every 25,000 miles or two years thereafter, or as recommended in your owner’s manual.

6) Don’t forget the filters! There are several filters (the main filters are oil, fuel, transmission, and air) that are important in preserving your car engine, and they should be changed according to the schedule in your owner’s manual or as follows:

  • Change the oil filter at least at every other oil change.
  • Check the air filter every two months and replace if needed.
  • Change fuel filters once per year. A clogged fuel filter will cause poor engine performance.

7) Every 12 months, have the exhaust checked for any leaks or unusual noises.

8 ) Wash your engine at least every year or two. This will ensure that your engine will runner cooler and you’ll be able to perform other maintenance checks without the mess. Remember to protect sensitive engine components- including the air intake, distributor, and electrical parts, before cleaning.

9) To keep your car’s AC system fit for next spring, run it a few times throughout the winter. This will prevent moving parts in the compressor from stopping and circulating the refrigerant will keep the seals soft and pliant.

10) Check your battery regularly to extend its full life and avoid being stranded with a dead battery. Keep your battery clean , inspect for damages such as cracks or bulges, which are signs that the battery needs to be replaced.

11) Check underneath the car for any rust spots and if you find any of the areas treated immediately.

12) New noises are not normal. If you hear something odd when accelerating, braking, or turning, have it checked by a mechanic.

13) Did you know that when a tanker is filling the tanks at a gas station, the turbulence of the fuel being pumped in can stir up sediment?  So, if you happen to need gas and drive by a station where the tanker is filling the tanks, move on to the next station because sediment in your gas can clog fuel filters and fuel injectors, causing poor performance and possibly necessitating repairs.

INTERIOR

14) To keep the inside of your car clean, vacuum often. If after vacuuming floor interior carpeting, there are still some resistant stains, apply foam rug cleaner as directed by the maker. Work the foam into a few square feet at a time, using a wet sponge or brush. Vacuum again when dry.

15) Use floor mats to protect carpeting, especially in colder months. The best types of floor mats for eliminating salt, slush, and mud in winter months are rubber mats. These stay in place and don’t allow water to seep through. They are also each to clean. Shake, vacuum and wash as needed.

16) After a few years, wear and tear on leather may become apparent. The best thing to do is to use leather cleaner and apply a protecting sealant. Choose a protectant that includes conditioners to keep your leather supple.

17) If a garage is not an option, minimize interior damage and wearing from UV sunlight and heat by parking in the shade. If this isn’t an option, purchase and use a shade to help minimize the sun’s impact.

18) Did you know that having too many keys on your keychain can actually damage your ignition? The weight, combined with bouncing while you drive, can wear out the tumblers inside the ignition and eventually lead to ignition switch failure.  So instead, purchase a lightweight key chain that allows you to separate your ignition key from the others and drive only with the ignition key in your ignition.

EXTERIOR

19) The sunlight can also damage the exterior by causing the paint to fade. Make sure to park in the shade or in a garage whenever possible. If this is not possible, think about investing in a cover for your vehicle if you park outside for longer periods of time. It will not only help against UV rays, but also with any minor bumps and bruises to your exterior.

20) Replace your wiper blades every 4-6 months to ensure that you have clear visibility with any weather conditions such as rain and snow.

21) Touch up any chips that are on your vehicle to prevent your vehicle from rusting.

22) Car wax preserves paint by slowing oxidation and forming a barrier against bird droppings, sap, and pollution. There’s still no beating paste wax for the hardest, longest-lasting finish. Look for paste with a high carnauba wax content. Apply a thin, even coat of wax to the car’s surfaces with a damp sponge. Avoid applying too much, or it will be difficult to remove and some residue will inevitably mar your finish. To avoid fine scratches, use a clean, soft cotton or microfiber cloth to remove wax once it has dried. Apply an extra coat of wax to the nose and hood. The wax film in these areas wears away quickly.

DRIVING

23) Avoid driving at high speeds or accelerating quickly, especially in very cold or hot weather. This could result in more frequent repairs.

24) Avoid holding the steering wheel in an extreme right or left angles for more than a few seconds when turning, as this may damage the power-steering pump.

Pine Belt Nissan Versa: At A Glance

Small on the outside, big on the inside. Smart technology with next-generation efficiency. A $10,990 starting M.S.R.P. New dual injector system and sub-planetary CVT design. Combined city/highway fuel economy of 33 miles per gallon. New global “V” (for Versatile) platform. Refined styling, high quality interior. 

There are myriad ways the all-new 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan breaks new ground for entry-level compact sedans. And many ways to sum them all up. But perhaps a simple statement is best: Innovation Within Reach.

“Compact cars are getting a lot of attention lately due to rising fuel costs and concerns about the environment. Yet many buyers are disappointed in what they find – vehicles rife with
compromise,” says Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. “This new Versa Sedan, a ‘clean sheet’ ground-up design, takes small cars in a new direction – proving that you don’t have to sacrifice style for affordability, interior roominess for a smaller footprint, or drivability for high mpg.”
Small When You Need It, Big Where You Want It
Knowing that entry-level vehicles are used as “workhorses” – for commuting on weekdays, errand running on weekends and transporting family and friends all week long – the designers of the new Versa Sedan sought to combine five-passenger practicality with a high degree of comfort and refinement. It also offers an unexpected level of available entertainment and connectivity features, such as Bluetooth®, navigation system with 5-inch touch-screen display, Satellite Radio and an iPod®/USB interface.

“We see buyers in this segment as people who are always busy, even while relaxing,” explains Castignetti. “With the amount of time they typically spend in their vehicles, we want to make sure they feel good about their purchase long after the new car smell has worn off. So we invested in areas that they see and touch most – like available Fine Vision instrumentation, quality fabrics, bright trim work and comfortable seating for front and rear seat passengers.”

The new Versa Sedan’s interior volume of 90.0 cubic feet and trunk volume of 14.8 cubic feet (104.8 cubic feet total) are intended to not only look great on a specifications sheet – the passenger and cargo spaces have been configured for real-world use. Versa Sedan has, for example, more rear legroom than some mid-size sedans – trumping even luxury cars such as the Lexus LS460, BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. And the trunk design focuses on useable space, taking into consideration everything from the size of the hinges to the shape of the sidewalls. A 60/40-split fold-down rear seat is offered on SL models for even greater versatility.

Other available interior features include trip computer, power windows with driver’s one-touch down, speed-sensing auto door locks, remote trunk release lever and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Two interior colors are available, Sandstone and Charcoal.

“Since introduction of the original, Versa has been a segment leader in sales and share – something we expect to continue with this new generation design,” said Castignetti. “Its look, quality feel, performance and standard equipment present an exceptionally high standard for a vehicle with a $10,990 starting M.S.R.P.”

The Versa Sedan’s new exterior design is also a departure from most current compact sedans, offering a refreshing design character that is both sophisticated and highly aerodynamic. The designers gave the exterior shape a strong sense of volume, with a wide shoulder width and a smooth silhouette. In front, Versa Sedan features Nissan’s new signature sedan grille design and jewel-like headlights. The front end blends smoothly into the cabin, which offers flowing curves, while design elements such as the shape of the trunklid help give the new Versa Sedan excellent aerodynamics, including a low coefficient of drag of just 0.31.

In addition, to help ensure superb functionality, fresh ideas were addressed in the initial stage between the designers and the engineering team. For example, the indented line in the middle of the Versa Sedan’s sweeping roofline is not just a design feature, but a functional innovation that helps reduce the amplitude of the roof panel vibrations in order to create a quieter cabin interior without the use of reinforcement devices called “mass bumpers.”

“Design and engineering came together in an extraordinary collaboration to create a level of sophistication that you not only see but also feel,” adds Castignetti. “It helps provide a sense of ‘modern value’ that goes far beyond the mere purchase price, much like you expect from larger, more expensive sedans.”

Other exterior features include a fixed roof antenna, body-color front and rear fascias and available chrome-accented grille, blacked-out B-pillar, chrome door handles and front fog lights.

The 2012 Versa Sedan is offered in eight exterior colors, including Metallic Blue, Blue Onyx, Super Black, Brilliant Silver, Magnetic Gray, Red Brick, Fresh Powder and Titanium – which has previously been reserved for the Nissan GT-R among Nissan models.

Next-Generation Efficiency and an All-New V Platform
One of the biggest challenges in designing a compact sedan, of course, is where to put everything – people, cargo, engine, transmission and other mechanical components. Often the solution is to gather a fraction of an inch here, a fraction there and hope they add up to a usable benefit. For the new Versa Sedan, the approach was a little more radical – create a totally new global platform and drivetrain, reducing the size of engine and transmission, reducing the number of component parts and reducing platform weight.

“It’s unusual to develop a totally new platform for a vehicle in only its second generation, yet when driven by a culture of innovation, such investments are easy to make,” explains Castignetti.

The 2012 Versa Sedan’s all-new front-wheel drive global “V” platform, designated “V” for Versatile, utilizes nearly 20 percent fewer platform components and weighs around 150 pounds less than the previous “B” platform. While retaining the same 102.4-inch wheelbase and 66.7-inch width as the previous generation Versa Sedan, the new model is 1.2 inches lower in height (59.6 inches) and 0.6 inches shorter in overall length (175.4 inches). The biggest dimensional gain, however, is in the visible gain in trunk length – provided by a more compact engine/transmission design that allows for a 2.7-inch increase in rear overhang (the distance from the center of the rear tire to the rear bumper).

“The new Versa Sedan proves that when it comes to packaging and aerodynamic efficiency, not all small sedans are created equal,” says Castignetti. “The same can be said of the engine, which beautifully balances excellent environmental performance, responsive power and smooth, quiet operation.”

The second-generation 1.6-liter HR16DE 4-cylinder engine includes a range of cutting-edge technologies, making it one of the most advanced powerplants in class. For example, while the average engine uses only one injector per cylinder to inject fuel, the new Versa Sedan engine is equipped with two streamlined injectors mounted near the inlet valve for each cylinder. This dual injector system allows a wider injection of fuel, with the smaller nozzles delivering a finer spray (approximately 57 percent finer than the previous generation single injector design’s particle size) to help achieve stable combustion.

The new compact, lighter weight engine also utilizes a twin Continuously Variable Timing Control (CVTC) system mounted on both intake and exhaust ports (versus conventional CVTC systems which are mounted only on the intake port), similar to the system used on the flagship Nissan Maxima. Using a CVTC on the outlet port increases thermal efficiency, decreases inhalation resistance and offers an approximate four percent improvement in fuel efficiency. Other enhancements include the addition of a piston oiling jet, tuning of the piston top shape and expansion of the exhaust manifold diameter.

“To incorporate the new dual injector system into an entry-level vehicle is very fitting of Nissan’s corporate philosophy of ‘innovation for all’ – bring advanced technology to high volume segments rather than saving them only for high-end machines,” says Castignetti. “The new dual injector system also uses around half the amount of rare metals in the catalyzer by reducing the amount of unburned fuel and hydrocarbon emissions.”

The new 1.6-liter engine is rated at 109 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 107 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm.

The Versa Sedan is available with a 5-speed manual transmission (1.6 S model only) and with a next-generation Xtronic CVT™ transmission. The CVT allows continuous change of the transmission gear ratio by connecting the two pulleys with a metallic belt and changing their diameter by using hydraulic pressure. The new CVT design adds an auxiliary gearbox using planetary gearing, helping improve efficiency.

The CVT also features a transmission ratio of 7.3:1, which is broader than those of conventional CVTs and even typical 7-speed automatic transmissions. Friction is reduced by about 30 percent, weight by about 13 percent and overall size by about 10 percent versus the previous Versa Sedan CVT design.

Versa also offers P185/65R15 all-season tires with available 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

“The result of all these enhancements and advances is that the new Versa Sedan engine burns cleaner and uses less fuel, which combined with the improved CVT performance and better aerodynamics helps improve fuel economy by about five miles per gallon versus the 2011 Versa Sedan,” says Castignetti. “Better mileage means fewer stops at the pump – and more ‘room in the wallet’ for other activities.”

Fuel economy for the 2012 Versa Sedan is estimated at 30 mpg City, 38 mpg Highway and 33 mpg Combined with the CVT transmission (27/36/30 mpg with the 5-speed manual transmission).

All 2012 Versa Sedans are equipped with an independent MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension, with front and rear stabilizer bars. Other standard equipment includes Electric Power Steering and power-assisted front disc/rear drum brakes. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) is also standard on all Versa Sedan models.

In addition, the new Versa will be the first Nissan model in the United States branded with the PUREDRIVE™ designation. PUREDRIVE will be used on models utilizing Nissan’s most advanced technologies to promote eco-friendly driving and lower CO2 emissions*.

Standard safety features found on every 2012 Versa Sedan include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) (includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags and front seat side-impact supplemental air bags for chest protection), seat-mounted driver and front passenger side-impact supplemental air bags, and roof-mounted curtain side-impact air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection.

Additional safety features include standard LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system, child safety rear door locks, child seat upper tether anchors and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS).

“This all-new Versa Sedan is a total value proposition,” concludes Castignetti. “The Big Small Car is bringing Innovation Within Reach to an eagerly awaiting audience.”

Making Strides in October

Pine Belt Chevrolet Joins Chevrolet Dealers Nationwide to Fight Breast Cancer!

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Chevrolet Dealers nationwide are celebrating the brand’s 100th birthday by joining with the American Cancer Society to help create a world with Less Cancer, a world with More Birthdays.

Pine Belt Chevrolet of Eatontown is proud to join Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Pine Belt employees have joined the team and will participate in the Making Strides walk in Point Pleasant Beach on October 16th and will be asking their friends and family to help support this effort by making online donations to the American Cancer Society –  Donate Today

Breast Cancer is expected to take the lives of nearly 40,000 women in 2011 and nearly a quarter of a million new cases are estimated to be found.  Even men can get breast cancer. While far less common than for women, more than 2000 men are diagnosed each year with breast cancer. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer helps support the American Cancer Society and its efforts to find better treatments, earlier diagnoses, and programs to support Breast Cancer survivors and their families.

Chevrolet is joining the Society to help support Making Strides and the American Cancer Society. As part of its 100th Birthday Celebration Chevrolet will be offering special programs and discounts, including service rebates, which we will encourage customers to donate the American Cancer Society.

No one is untouched by cancer and Breast Cancer in particular. We all know someone who has lost a loved one to Breast Cancer. Early diagnosis and early treatment can help survival rates. Scientists and doctors continue to find new ways to fight these diseases and more and more women are surviving, but so much work remains.  We at Pine Belt wholeheartedly support the American Cancer Society and ask you to help too! Support the American Cancer Society and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. For 100 years Chevrolet has been part of life’s journeys – even the detours.  With your help we can all find a smoother road for those people who have heard the words “You Have Breast Cancer”.

For more information about Pine Belt Chevrolet’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer please contact Gene McFadden, Chevrolet Sales Consultant, 732-542-1000

Pine Belt Automotive: NJAYF Scholarship-Automobile Purchase Program 2011

Pine Belt Automotive and The Jersey Shore Conference are proud to announce the New Jersey AYF- Jersey Shore Conference Automobile Purchase Program with Pine belt Automotive, a family owned and operated, industry leader, that has been serving Monmouth and Ocean counties for over 26 years.

Through this exclusive program, all members and their families will be entitled to a no haggle AYF VIP price on any car that we sell. We have 4 different locations that stretch from Keyport all the way to Toms River. We offer new, Chevrolets, Nissans, and Cadillacs, and all makes and models of pre-owned vehicles. The program is very simple to use. All of your websites will have a link to access the purchase program. All your members or their families have to do is click on the link and they will be contacted to discuss what kind of car they need and which one of our 4 locations will best accommodate their needs. Upon entering the dealerships they will be treated like the VIP that they are and streamlined through the process. It’s that simple!!!

If that were not enough to entice your members to utilize the program, there is of course a benefit to the children of the jersey shore, after all they are the reason we all do this. For every purchase made thru the program, Pine belt Automotive will donate $100 dollars to the New Jersey AYF general scholarship fund. We have 30 franchises and over 10,000 kids. That means that we have 20,000 parents, and 40,000 grandparents, not to mention aunts, uncles, or friends, that all drive cars, and are all eligible for this exclusive program. This is one of those rare instances where we can help ourselves while benefitting our children. There is no limit to this program; if we sell 100 cars we will donate $10,000. If we sell 200 cars we will donate $20,000. You get the idea, so let’s make this program a success. Please get the word out to yourmembership via email, facebook, twitter, etc.

In order to receive the Employee discount, and register the sales for the Scholarship, you must click on the link below. If not you will not get the discount and the scholarship fund will not get credited.

Get the NJAYF – Jersey Shore Conference Scholarship – Automobile Purchase Program