20 Years Helping You Live Richer
When retirees seek budget-friendly vehicles with excellent mileage, it's crucial to consider not only the purchase price but also the warranty package, annual maintenance costs, and included driver assistance safety features.2024 Nissan Versa S Manual
Starting at $17,820, this vehicle offers 122 maximum horsepower at 6000 RPM and achieves 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. It comes with standard front and rear automated emergency braking. The Versa's limited warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles, while the powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles. According to Car and Driver, Edmunds estimates first-year maintenance costs at $351. In addition to the standard driver assistance safety features, it also has available adaptive cruise control, Collision Mitigation-Frontlane, Collision Mitigation-Rear, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Electronic Stability Control, Driveline Traction Control, lane departure warning, rearview monitor backup camera, available blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash test rated the 2024 Versa "Good," the highest rating.2024 Nissan Sentra S CVT
With a starting price of $22,320 and 149 maximum horsepower at 6400 RPM, it gets 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. It has standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, as well as standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Sentra's limited warranty is three years or 36,000 miles, and the powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles. Edmunds estimates first-year maintenance costs at $437. Other driver assistance safety features include intelligent forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, forward collision mitigation system, rear collision mitigation system, lane departure warning, driver monitoring alert, rearview monitor backup camera, rear parking sensors, and a blind spot warning. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the 2024 Sentra a five-star rating.2024 Hyundai Elantra SE IVT
Starting at $22,775 and having 147 maximum horsepower at 6200 RPM, it achieves 32 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. It comes with standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection and standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist. Hyundai Elantra has a limited warranty of five years or 60,000 miles, and the powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles. Car and Driver reports, and Edmunds estimates first-year maintenance costs at $48. Its driver assistance safety features also include available adaptive cruise control with lane-centering feature, lane following assist, lane centering feature, blind spot collision warning, forward collision mitigation system, rear collision mitigation system, driver monitoring alert, and a backup camera. The IIHS gave the Elantra the 2024 Top Safety Pick.2024 Kia Soul LX IVT
Starting at $21,565 and with 147 maximum horsepower at 6200 RPM, it gets 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. It has standard forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking and standard lane-departure warning with lane keep assist. Kia Soul offers a limited warranty of five years or 60,000 miles, and the powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles. Edmunds estimates first-year maintenance costs at $536. Its driver assistance safety features also include available blind-spot monitoring and automatic high-beam headlamps, lane following assist, forward collision avoidance assist, lane departure warning, ABS and driveline traction control, vehicle stability management, electronic stability control, backup camera, driver monitoring alert, and a forward collision mitigation system. The NHTSA rated the 2024 Soul four out of five stars for safety.Get the latest news on investing, money, and more with our free newsletter. By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe at any time. Thanks! You're now subscribed to our newsletter. Check your inbox for more details.Custom-Built and Housing Details
The new pumper truck is set to be housed at Fire Station 2, located at 1997 Route 27, not far from the Edison Municipal Complex. It is expected to take up to three years to receive this custom-built vehicle. Councilman Richard Brescher had requested a list of all the fire apparatus along with their purchase dates and replacement schedules.Vehicle Replacement Recommendations and Chief's Goals
When Toth took over as chief and began vehicle maintenance, he discovered a 15-year vehicle replacement recommendation. His aim is to replace equipment within this time frame to avail the reimbursements and ensure five years of preventative maintenance along with bumper-to-bumper warranties. This approach ensures the fire department's equipment remains in optimal condition.Challenges and Space Constraints
Toth mentioned that some township fire stations have bays with limited space for backing up. He emphasized that finding such a vehicle sitting on a lot anywhere is not easy. His capital plan for the next five years includes identifying the vehicles in need of replacement. This shows the department's proactive approach in maintaining and upgrading their fleet.Fire Department's Operations and Response
The Edison Division of Fire is a combination department with 145 career and 40 volunteer firefighters and officers. Career personnel are assigned to six fire stations, with 32 on-duty personnel available around the clock. They utilize seven pumpers, two aerial trucks, two rescue trucks, and support vehicles. In 2022, the division responded to a variety of calls including 70 structure fires, 62 rescues, 280 vehicle accidents, and 1,152 first responder medical calls. This highlights the department's active role in serving the community.Email: srussell@gannettnj.comSuzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter with These Key Tips
Tire Pressure Matters
All tires should maintain a pressure of 30–35 psi. When the temperature drops, tire pressure is known to decrease. If it drops below 30 psi, it's essential to refill the tire to its operating pressure. For older model cars without tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), having a tire pressure gauge readily available at convenience stores is a great idea.
Imagine driving with underinflated tires in cold weather. It can lead to reduced fuel efficiency, uneven tire wear, and even affect the handling and safety of your vehicle. By regularly checking and maintaining the correct tire pressure, you can avoid these issues and ensure a smooth ride.
Essential Fluids to Check
During the colder months, there are four critical fluids that need to be monitored:
Antifreeze: This prevents the engine from overheating and warms the vehicle's interior. Before checking the antifreeze levels, make sure the engine temperature has dropped below 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Antifreeze is typically blue, orange, or green and is located in the radiator under the hood, usually behind the front grille. Open the radiator cap to inspect the fluid level. If you notice antifreeze leaking in your driveway, it's time to take your car to a mechanic.
Engine Oil: It's important to check engine oil year-round, but especially in cold months. First, ensure the car engine is off. Find the yellow or orange dipstick and pull it out to check the oil level against the markings. For accuracy, check the dipstick twice.
Brake Fluid: Found in the master cylinder on the driver's side near the firewall, the cylinder cap is labeled "Brake Fluid." Open the cap and check if the fluid level meets the marked requirement.
Windshield Wiper Fluid: Windshield wiper fluid reservoirs vary by vehicle but are marked with a blue cap with a windshield icon. Check the fluid level and refill as needed to ensure clear visibility during winter storms.
Inspect Your Serpentine Belts
Serpentine belts operate important components like the power steering, A/C, water pump, and alternator. There are two ways to check the belt:
Sound: A damaged belt makes a screeching noise when the engine runs. Listen closely near the belt to confirm the source of the sound. This can help you identify any potential issues before they lead to more serious problems.
Visual and Physical Inspection: Look for visible cracks and feel the belt for damage. Cold weather can cause rubber belts to crack, so it's important to regularly inspect them.
Emergency Items to Keep in Your Car
Here are some essential items to have in your car during the winter season in case of emergencies:
Jumper cables: In case your battery dies, jumper cables can come in handy to give it a jumpstart.
A gallon of antifreeze or water: This can help if you need to top up the radiator or deal with a coolant leak.
A mini air compressor: Useful for inflating tires or airing up a spare tire.
A blanket: Keeps you warm in case you get stranded in cold weather.
A fully stocked emergency wheel kit: Equipped with tools and spare parts to handle minor tire issues.
By staying proactive about your vehicle's maintenance during the colder months, you can save yourself from unexpected breakdowns. Keeping an eye on these key components will help you be better prepared to navigate winter roads and ensure your safety on the road.