It’s finally beginning to look like Fall in the DFW metroplex. After such an insanely hot summer, I bet a lot of you are thinking that these 50-degree temperatures feel more like the 30s. This morning was the first time that I’ve actually used the heater in my new car. My previous vehicle was an older model, and I remember idling the vehicle anywhere from 5-15 minutes on cold mornings to “warm up the engine”. Though I hate to admit it, there were even times that I would rev the engine in park to try and get the engine warm.
If only I knew now what I didn’t know then about what idling can actually do to your vehicle. There are three common notions people have about idling, and guess what? They are all wrong.
You should warm up your engine before driving. WRONG. This used to be true decades ago, but it’s simply not necessary in today’s modern engines. The only time it’s really okay to do this is in extremely cold weather. But even then, all you need is 30 seconds.
Idling is good for your engine. WRONG. In fact, it’s the compete opposite. Idling in excessive amounts is damaging your engine components including your cylinders, spark plugs and exhaust systems. While idling, fuel is only partially combusted because the engine is not operating at it’s peak temperature. This can lead to a build up of fuel residue on cylinder walls, which can inevitably increase your fuel consumption.
Shutting off the engine uses more gas than idling. WRONG. According to the Consumer Energy Center, two minutes of idling your engine uses equals driving one mile in terms of gasoline. Once you go past 10 seconds of idling, you’re using more fuel than it takes to start your engine. So it actually takes more gasoline to idle your vehicle than it does to shut it off and restart.
Bottom line, DFW? Avoid idling whenever possible. This is especially true with your brand new Chevrolet during its break-in period. If you’re going to be stopped for more than 10 seconds, your gas tank and engine will be much happier if you turn them off.
Electric cars are still pretty new to the states and so it’s only natural that people have questions and may be confused. The new, two-part 2012 Chevy Volt ad addresses this very issue in a brilliant way. Check out part one.
What makes the Chevy Volt so unique is it’s ability to switch between running on electricity and gasoline. In fact, it’s the first automobile with this ability. Not only does the Volt have an on-board electric source allowing you to drive gas-free, it also has an onboard gas generator that produces electricity giving you an additional 375 miles on a full tank of gas!
With all of these options comes choices. Do I drive on electric, gas or both? The answer is simple, let the Volt decide for you! That’s right, the car is actually programmed to give a choice of the three driving modes for the most efficient trip. You can also download an app that will give you real-time data on your battery level!
I’m telling you guys, the Volt brings an entire new meaning to term hybrid. Here’s the second part of Chevy’s gas station commercials. Enjoy!
For the past few years, fuel economy has been a smoking hot topic in the auto industry. Automakers have constantly tried to outdo each other in mpg numbers and we’ve definitely started to see a stronger presence of hybrids and electric cars. So it’s only fitting that the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) would make one of the biggest changes to fuel economy labels since they were created back in the seventies.
Not only will you now find an estimate of how much you will spend or save on fuel for the next five years (4), you’ll also get an estimate of how much it will cost you to drive 100 miles (5). But wait! There’s still more. You can compare vehicles by how much it will cost you in gasoline annually (6) and how other vehicles in it’s class measure up (3).
One of my favorite new editions though is the SmartPhone integration. Each label has a unique QR Code® (quick response) that you can scan into your phone. Of course, you’ll have to download the free app first, but after that you’ll be able to make even more comparisons and do personal calculations. See what else you can do in the video below.
If fuel economy weighs heavy on your buying decision list, then I’d definitely recommend downloaded this app. After all, most of you are going to be driving that new Chevy in DFW for quite some time and it’s cool to see the potential savings before they even happen.
Are you struggling with mileage in your new or used Chevy? Fuel efficiency and mileage are very important to many Americans. When I came across this video from AAA I knew I had to share it with you. They will point out to you a few things that I have already mentioned in previous blogs but they will also share with you some new ideas. I know that no one likes to be told how to drive, but trust me if you take some time and consider these tips and hints, and actually implement them I think you will find that you are saving more and more each day. Check it out and let me know are these tips that you already use? Tips that you will share with others? Tips that you will use?
The 2011 Chevrolet Volt is one award winning vehicle. How exciting that the 2011 Chevrolet Volt scored a five-star overall safety rating. Did you know that is the highest-possible score in NHTSA’s new and more strict safety tests for 2011 model year vehicles?
General Motors says that a comprehensive system of safety features – specifically the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system and a bunch of air bags – helped the Volt become the first electric vehicle to get five stars. – AutoBlog
Have you had the opportunity to test drive the new Chevrolet Volt yet? Now is your chance because Classic Chevrolet has a 2011 Chevy Volt on the ground just waiting for you to come and test drive it. We’ll have it for 6 months but then we have to sell it. So, take some time and stop by the dealership and take it for a spin. You won’t be disappointed.
Have you had to opportunity to test drive the new Chevy Volt yet? Well, you are in luck if you haven’t because for the next six months you can stop by Classic Chevrolet in Grapevine and test drive the all new Chevy Volt. We have exactly 6 months to let you take it for a spin before we have to sell it. Now, is the opportunity you have been waiting for to take this baby for a spin!
It’s just one of the many good things Motor Trend magazine had to say about the all-new Chevrolet Volt as it named the car the “2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year®.” The annual award is one of the most prestigious honors bestowed in the auto industry and further proof that it’s a new day for Chevrolet, not to mention the entire auto industry. Powered by electricity without being tethered to electrical outlets, the Volt does everything a great car does and, according to Motor Trend, better than any other. It’s further proof that today, tomorrow and on into the future, Chevy Runs Deep.
[Source: Chevrolet.com]
EXTERIOR:
Thoughtful efficiencyBy its very nature, the all-new Volt is engineered to change the face of transportation as we know it. Nearly every component of the Volt has been selected to get the most out of every charge, including:
Aerodynamics that maximize the distance per charge and miles per gallon of fuel
A closed grille and aerodynamic back edges contribute to its fuel efficiency(9)
Energy-efficient Bose® Sound System
Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires
INTERIOR:
The dashboard re-imagined. Volt has two LCD screens that display speed, battery power, range to recharge or re-fill as well as an efficiency gauge that gives you real-time feedback. On the center console you’ll find a seven-inch diagonal high-resolution screen with touch-sensitive control that helps you get the most out of your Volt.
PERFORMANCE:
More power from a superior battery
The Volt battery has gone through numerous environment-specific tests, including corrosion and hot- and cold-weather testing and the results were so promising that the 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack is backed by an 100,000 mile/8-year warranty(3).
Here are a few more notes on the battery:
Just plug it in to charge the battery, and most people can commute gas-free and tailpipe emissions-free for about $1.50 of electricity per day.
A small, quiet on-board gas generator creates electricity that powers your Volt as you drive for hundreds of miles on battery and gas power.
Lithium-ion cells outperform nickel metal hydride cells (found in today’s hybrids) in terms of life cycle
A liquid thermal cooling and heating system keeps the battery at a comfortable temperature as it’s being charged and discharged
Here are a few more advantages
Commute gas-free on electric for an average of $1.50 a day
Can be set to charge during off-peak hours for greater savings
Your Volt will be fully charged in about 10 hours, depending on climate, with standard 120-volt line, or as little as 4 hours using a dedicated 240-volt line
Some Volt owners may qualify for tax rebates on aSPX Service Solutions – installed charging unit
Innovation everywhere
Volt offers the performance and forward-thinking you’ve come to expect from Chevrolet. Take a look:
Instant, smooth and seamless torque right at the wheels
Regenerative braking captures the energy from forward motion that would otherwise be lost when the car slows or stops and then converts it into electricity, helping to make the Volt even more efficient to drive
When running on electricity, the Volt can reach a top speed of 100 mph in near silence. Free of the typical noise of the internal combustion engine, the Volt offers a quieter, more relaxing ride at any speed
SAFETY:
Making the future safer. Volt drivers and passengers will be wrapped in a cocoon of standard safety. With eight air bags(7) ready to deploy in an emergency, it’s obvious safety is of the highest priority. Joining this built-in safety is an unprecedented five-year subscription to OnStar’s®(12) Directions and Connections® Plan including Automatic Crash Response. In the event of a collision, built-in sensors can automatically alert an OnStar Advisor, who is immediately connected into your vehicle to see if you need help sent to your exact location — even if you can’t respond.
Want to learn more about the VOLT? Visit Chevrolet.com for this and more information regarding the all new 2011 Chevy Volt!
Everyone loves driving fast right? If you aren’t from Texas you might be a little jealous of what just happened in our great state! Up until now the highest speed limit I have ever seen on a Texas highway was 75….. The Texas House just made my day by approving an 85 mph speed limit for my driving pleasure. Ok, it wasn’t just for me but it is great news! Check out what Inside Line had to say about it.
The Texas House has approved an 85 mph speed limit for Texas highways. Those who regularly drive through Texas knows this essentially means fewer pointless fines for keeping up with traffic. That makes this particularly notable as a government issue intended to appease people while at the same time reducing their own income. Brilliant. I think I just teared up a little.
But, with all good news comes some bad. News outlets have jumped all over this with the fear mongering you’d expect. Not only is there a slimmer chance of survival in an accident they say and that longer braking distances could mean more accidents (Going fast? Don’t follow so close!), but that this additional speed could cost Texas drivers up to 0.30 per day!
Texans don’t have to worry about those cataclysmic events just yet, though as this isn’t law yet and will have to conduct speed studies, engineering analysis and a new truck lane. Hope, however, is on the horizon so long as Texas stays brave — we have high hopes on this one.
What do you guys think? As drivers is 85 to fast or do you feel like you are already going 85 just to keep up with the traffic? I can understand in the city driving 60 but when you are headed west and there’s nothing but highways is it bad to go 85? I want to hear your opinions!
I’ll never forget the first time I got to see the 2011 Chevy Volt with my own eyes. Seeing it in person was an amazing site. All the photos that I have seen did not do that car justice. The Chevy Volt is more than a plug-in electric car with a backup gasoline engine that is so networked, you can use a smart phone app to lock and unlock its doors and check on its charge level. It is hands down the car of the future!
Check out the video below of 84-year-old James Brazell as he takes delivery of his 2011 Chevy Volt electric car and describes his driving experience with the electric vehicle. For more information check out http://www.chevroletvoltage.com
We all love watching the Super Bowl commercials. This year we saw monkey’s, Bieber, Ozzie Osbourne and more. I happen to think the Chevy commercials were my favorites. We saw a Chevy Silverado commerical, Volt, Cruze and of course the Camaro. Which Chevy commercial was your favorite? Check them all out below.
Designers of the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic talk about their approach to designing the brand’s latest subcompact vehicle, highlighting the motorcycle elements featured in both the sedan and hatchback. The Sonic is the only subcompact vehicle to be built in the U.S. by any manufacturer.
Hi, I'm Hagen Durant, General Manager of Classic Chevrolet in Grapevine, TX - I am a huge car and truck enthusiast and love talking cars. I'm a cyclist, health nut, father, geek, and drummer. I look forward to giving you great information about cars and trucks, driving tips, maintenance and so much more.
If you have any questions or would like to make suggestions feel free to email them to me at hagen@classicchevytexas.com
It’s finally beginning to look like Fall in the DFW metroplex. After such an insanely hot summer, I bet a lot of you are thinking that these 50-degree temperatures feel more like the 30s. This morning was the first time that I’ve actually used the heater in my new car. My previous vehicle was an older model, and I remember idling the vehicle anywhere from 5-15 minutes on cold mornings to “warm up the engine”. Though I hate to admit it, there were even times that I would rev the engine in park to try and get the engine warm.
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