There are many of the advantages of selecting a 4×4 truck such as; wheel balancing, better engine efficiencies, equal transmission on all the wheels that enhance the performances of trucks. The benefits of handling on any type of terrain such as mountains, rivers, muddy areas and even on snowy roads, are irreplaceable, these trucks have a better track record overall.  The safety factor is much higher in a 4×4 truck, even with heavy loads as trucks usually have very high standard safety features.

Many consumers these days select 4×4 trucks over other types of vehicles for their advantages, such as providing good safe transportation with the ability to pull a boat, RV, or even a utility trailer for work purposes.  There are literally thousands of small businesses that would not be able to operate without heavy duty 4×4 trucks.

We are seeing a rise in the popularity of 4×4 trucks in the U.S. today for many uses from recreational to personal transportation vehicles.  Trucks are built strong and usually have a history of very high reliability and safety ratings, with the 4×4 trucks rating highest for safety particularly for areas with inclement weather and treacherous roads.

If you are in the market for a great used or certified pre-owned 4×4 truck, see your local St. Louis Cross Keys Auto Used Truck Sales dealer today.

The affordable price starting at $23,680. It comes with a 4.0 liter V-6 engine, a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission, and in either 2wd or 4wd. The 2wd FJ Cruiser comes with only the automatic transmission. Fuel economy speaking, the FJ is rated at 17/22 mpg.

Some of the many interesting standard features available for the Exterior are; Black bumpers with metallic silver trim, 17 inch black steel rims, Silver painted mirrors, Spare tire cover, and Rear-hatch glass window with release lever

Special interior features include; Instrument panel trim matched to exterior color, Analog instruments with backlit white surface area, Flat dash panels with silver trim, and 6 speaker AM/FM/MP3 CD Player (Upgradeable to 6-disk CD changer with 8 external speakers)

Safety Features include; Dual stage front airbags, driver and passenger front seat-mounted side airbags, and front and second-row roll sensing side curtain airbags, Side impact door beams, Daytime running lights, Rear intuitive parking assist and Tire pressure monitoring system.

The 4.0 liter V-6 engine puts out 260 horsepower at 5600 rpm. The FJ cruiser comes with power-assisted variable gear rack-and-pinion steering. It also has traction control and a vehicle stability control feature. The rear suspension is 4 link with lateral rod and coil springs and stabilizer bar. In the front you will find high-mounted double-wishbone suspension with stabilizer bar.

But according to one expert in the field, Dennis Desrosiers, Canadian expert automotive analyst; “The demise of the automotive industry is largely exaggerated.”

Desrosiers stated that although the industry is not as battered as one may think, what has changed is that consumers are buying more used cars and that the general consensus on used cars has shifted from past thinking that a used car meant inheriting someone else’s mechanical issues, now the impression of a pre-owned vehicle has shifted 360 degrees. “The traditional knock against used cars was that it was seen as buying someone else’s problems.”

According to DesRosiers, since the 70’s cars have been drastically revamped after the automaker spent billions of dollars on building cars and trucks that are much more reliable and dependable, with life expectancies that are twice what they were back then. “The average vehicle built today will still be on the road 20 years from now with 400,000-plus kilometers,” he said- that’s equal to approximately 248,000 miles.

Used car sales are projected to continue to soar, while factory and parts jobs will be diminishing as new car prices go up and the demand goes down.

DesRosiers states; “The consumer is more powerful than any auto company executive,” DesRosiers said. “Never, ever take your eyes off the consumer. If you do, you’re bankrupt.”

To see a great line-up of used vehicles, visit Cross Keys Auto Used Car and Used Truck Sales in Hazelwood today.

When considering new 4×4 tires, be aware that not every tire is best for all 4×4 automobiles.  Below are some factors to consider when shopping for truck tires.

1. How often you go off-road
2. The climate and road conditions where you live
3. The size of the tire including the side wall, tread design, and price

The most popular tires for 4×4 vehicles are all terrain tires. These tires do fine on the highway, but are noisier and bumpier than other tires (due to the open, wide tread design that enables them to have optimal traction).  All terrain tires can grip well in rough, rocky, sandy and muddy terrain, which makes them great for on-road and off-road. If you drive mostly on the highway and city roads, then all purpose tires (also called street tires) would be best for you.

If you live in an area where it gets really muddy or snowy, having 4×4 truck tires can help you prevent you from getting stuck. If you live in rainy, wet states, then you will find that wet-weather tires best fit your needs.

Cross Keys Auto Dealer, used truck sales professionals recommend that you make sure that your tires are the appropriate size for your vehicle and that the tread design is of good quality in order to give you optimal grip and traction on road, and off.

Your local St. Louis auto dealer: Cross Keys Auto used truck sales department recommends changing your air filter at least every year/12,000 miles.  If you are unsure of exactly what type of fuel filter to purchase for a replacement, read your owner’s manual.  The fuel filter performs a similar function, but it keeps debris out of the gas line.  The fuel filter should be changed at least every 2 years/24, 0000 miles.  Changing a car filter is relatively simple.

You can save money by learning to do some simple maintenance and repair jobs to your automobile, particularly if you own more than one. A simple task such as replacing an oil filter does not have to cost you a lot of money and not only will you save on repair expenses by changing it yourself, you will also get better fuel efficiency in your car or truck by performing regular maintenance. Here are the simple steps to change an air filter:

1. Park your auto under the shade and open the hood. Allow the engine to cooling for a short time and get your tools together- two screwdrivers, and a butter knife
2. The biggest black plastic case, approximately the size of a breadbox situated at the center and top part of the engine is the air filter which has metal clips on the side
3. Using a flat head screwdriver or knife force the clip away. You should slide it between the case and the clip
4. Proceed to the next clips around the case loosening them so you can open the case
5. Next, proceed to the filter shield, this sensitive element may be hidden-check your owners manual if you have trouble finding it
6. Remove all the screws to remove the shield, next remove the air filter and replace it

Air filters come in different sizes and shapes, when it needs to be replaced, you will see clogged dirt on it. Clean it out and then take it to the auto store (or check online) to find a replacement.

According to Toyota, over 9,000 vehicles will be included in the 2010 Lexus GX 460 recall, and some models of the Land Cruiser Prado will also be included to reduce the risk of rollover accidents. The safety issue is related to the rear tires losing traction when the vehicle is driven through a sharp turn at high speeds, the problem only manifests under specific road and driving conditions.  After being fined over 16.3 million for not disclosing information to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Toyota is evidently playing it safe.

Lexus will voluntarily recall 2010 GX 460s with plans to update software in the vehicle’s Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, which helps control a loss of traction when the vehicle turns.

According to Toyota Lexus dealers will have the software update by the end of April. No other Toyota, Lexus, or Scion vehicles are involved in the recall.

There have been no reports of accidents resulting from the roll over risk in the Lexus SUV’s. Toyota announced that if a customer is concerned about safely driving their GX 460, a loaner vehicle will be provided until the recall work is complete.  Lexus owners are advised to reduce vehicle speed when turning, and to make sure to slow down as a safety precaution, particularly when taking any sharp turn.

Toyota stated the problem results from “heavy components, such as the fuel tank, located on the left side, and in left-hand drive versions the left side is made even heavier because of the presence of the driver.”

Analyst Mizuno said the latest recall was damaging because “the Lexus are very important models for Toyota.”  Mizuno also stated that “The output volume is not very large compared to other models like the Corolla or Camry.  But it is a strong brand, representing Toyota’s technologies in the luxury vehicles.”

If you are in the market for a used truck or SUV with high safety ratings, see your local St. Louis Cross Keys Auto used truck sales department located in Hazelwood.

Some people complain that they are overweight and seatbelts don’t properly fit.  There is a device called a seatbelt extender that will solve the problem.

Recent research has shown that motorists who are obese tend to not wear their seatbelts compared to those who are average weight. One of the main reasons is simply because these larger individuals find it restricting and uncomfortable. Automobile manufacturers do not account for the need for longer safety belts for those people who need them.

Fortunately, there are universal extensions that can add about an extra foot to the seat belt in your vehicle. What makes these models most attractive is the fact that they are very easy to install and are relatively inexpensive. You can easily find seat belt extenders for sale online or by shopping at local stores that specialize in automotive accessories.

Extenders are not only beneficial for those who are overweight, but they can also be used for those who are expecting a child or to keep a child car seat safely in place.

Just imagine how many lives could have been saved each year if more individuals simply wore their seat belts, which is the reason that buckling up is required by law in most states. It is important that you get into the habit of immediately buckling up once you enter your vehicle. Even if you are overweight there are still alternatives that are readily available to you.

If you are in the market for a used truck, see your St. Louis used truck sales department, Cross Keys Auto in Hazelwood today, we have a great line-up of used and certified pre-owned trucks with high safety standards.

But what else can you do to dramatically impact your car’s fuel economy?

One of the most popular and simple methods to modify your truck’s engine and to really improve your fuel economy is the addition of cold air intake by replacing the factory air box with a less restrictive system so that more cool air is allowed in from the outside, the disadvantage is an increase in engine noise.  This alteration will not only give you better gas mileage, it will also improve the horse power to your engine.

Adding a performance exhaust system which is inexpensive and easy to install and will improve your current fuel economy in your truck.

Diesel drivers can see improvement of as much as 20% better fuel economy with the simple addition of a performance ECM programmer which changes the method that the fuel mixes with air in your engine. also the potential for tremendous power and torque increases; on the order of 100 – 200lb-ft of additional torque, the only drawback is the $1,000 set back.

See your local St. Louis Cross Keys Auto used truck sales dealer today to test drive a used or certified pre-owned truck or car.

There is an online Ford accessories store available for your convenience  You can select install accessories using the convenient Ford Accessories Store (see Resources below). Select your Ford vehicle model and year, view the online catalog pages of accessories.

To customize your Ford’s exterior, you can choose to do a total paint job or select decals and designs only. The small decals can be installed yourself after cleaning and wiping dry toe area you have selected.  If you want to do large decals like metallic racing stripes, you may want to contact the service center at your local Cross Keys Auto in St. Louis.

Upgrade and customize your Ford car’s rims and tires. Look through the options available at your local dealership, tire shops and online accessory stores. Find the wheel covers, hub caps or rims that match the total look you desire for your Ford car. Order the rims and tires. Then have them professionally installed and balanced.

To customize your Ford’s interior, order custom floor mats, or upgrade your car stereo to a navigation/stereo combination.  Another great option is to add custom seat covers or head rest covers.

Consider ordering a rear spoiler and having it professionally installed, bug guards and splash guards are another option you may consider.  No car is complete without an alarm system and if you live in an area of the country with severe weather, then at the top of your list for upgrading and customizing your Ford should be a remote starter.

 A vehicle that is newer has not been driven as much which reduces the wear and tear on the important parts of the vehicle. Essentially, it makes it so you can baby it and increase the life of your truck. Owner reviews, why does this make such a big difference? Owner reviews gives the future buyer information they need to know about the vehicle through previous and current owners’ eyes. This makes for a non-biased review of the vehicle you are going to purchase.

If a vehicle has negative quirks across the board this gives you, the consumer the opportunity to research and find what you are getting yourself into. However, when you buy a new car, rarely do you have the opportunity to indulge in this option. New vehicles tend to have few problems within the first six months of driving, so the new car buyer has access to fewer owner reviews. There are many companies that report used and new car reviews. This makes it possible for the consumer to find a review relatively easily. The future buyer can find many reviews online.

 So what does the used car review possess over the new car review? The used car reviews alert the potential buyer of any mass recalls, true drivability of the vehicle, and non-recall issues that current owners have experienced. This information along with the owners’ review gives the max amount of information to make an informed decision. What is honest pricing? New cars lose up to 20% of their value when they are driven off the lot. After that initial blow you get to the honest price of the vehicle. This is a perk the used car buyer gets over the new car buyer. Buying a vehicle between two and three years old will make it so you get the best bang for your buck.

After you finish your research, visit your local St. Louis used truck sales department at Cross Keys Auto Sales.