A lot of us tote our furry loved ones around. I know I do at least twice a month. Apparently I’m not alone. AAA and Kurgo reported that nearly six in 10 people admitted to driving with their dog in the car at least once in the last six months. But is your vehicle pet-friendly and safe? I have two small dogs and they just love sitting up front with me and sometimes in my lap. Until recently, I never stopped to think about how dangerous this is for me and my dogs. So if you are like me, and are in the market for a new vehicle, let’s make sure that vehicle is pet-friendly. It shouldn’t be surprising that Chevrolet has just that vehicle… the Chevrolet Traverse.
According to Charlotte Reed, a pet lifestyle expert and First for Women pet solutions columnist, said “From subcompact hatchbacks to full-size SUVs, Chevrolet vehicles today provide plenty of choices to meet the needs of owners and pets of all shapes and sizes,” said Charlotte Reed, a pet lifestyle expert and First for Women pet solutions columnist.
Reed said in order to avoid stress, you should do your homework in advance and make note of your specific pet’s needs and review safety features. Here are a few things to keep in mind when thinking about a new vehicle that will accommodate both you and your pets.
Safety features. According to the 2011 AAA/Kurgo study, three out of 10 pet owners admit to being distracted while driving. One in five admits to driving with a pet in their lap. The Chevrolet Equinox, for example, has lane-departure warning systems, stability and traction control and forward-collision alerts that help heighten driver alertness to possible danger. Owners can reduce distractions by keeping pets restrained in the back seat or in a pet carrier.
Exterior and interior features. Look for vehicles that are wide, tall and slightly square at the back. This will make it easier to get pets and pet equipment into and out of vehicles. Cargo room and additional cup holders are useful to stow pet food, water and accessories.
In my opinion, an SUV is the way to go and the Chevrolet Traverse offers best-in-class roominess and class-leading cargo space with it’s flexible and fold-flat seating. Another important feature is the rear cooling system. You have no idea how much of a difference that will make on the upcoming hot summer days the Dallas Ft Worth metroplex will be seeing.
Other important features include power lift-gates. This makes it easier for pets to access the vehicle and is available on the Chevrolet Equinox, Traverse and Tahoe. Additional safety and security technology such as remote unlock, vehicle location and crash-detection services from OnStar can provide live help at a touch of a button during pet-emergency situations. Imagine you have a pet emergency in the middle of the night, and you have no idea where to find a 24-hour emergency vet. Well, all Chevrolet vehicles come equipped with OnStar that uses GPS and cellular technology to provide help during emergency situations like this.
There are a lot of factors that come into play when buying a new or used vehicle. If you have pets, make sure you don’t forget to add their needs to your list of buying decisions. Head down to Classic Chevroletand check out the Chevrolet Traverse for yourself. They’ll gladly walk you through the vehicles numerous safety features and amenities.
Hey Grapevine, Dallas and Ft Worth Chevrolet enthusiasts, say hello to the 2014 Chevrolet Impala. Unveiled at this year’s New York Auto Show, the 2014 Impala comes with standard and available new safety firsts for Chevrolet, including special radar to help avoid crashes, visual and audible alerts help drivers identify potential crash situations and even intervene when a crash threat appears more imminent.
In a GM press release, these new, first-time safety features were described in more detail. I can’t wait to see what rating the IIHS give the Impala.
Full-speed-range adaptive cruise control – Using radar technology, this feature senses traffic in front of the Impala to adjust the vehicle speed, including stopping the vehicle in heavy traffic and accelerating again. It is the first application in a Chevrolet.
Collision mitigation braking – Another Chevy first: Radar technology detects a possible crash threat and alerts the driver. If the driver does not appear to react quickly enough or doesn’t react at all, this feature intervenes and applies the brakes in an effort to avoid the crash.
Forward collision alert – Camera technology detects a possible crash threat and alerts the driver, giving him or her time to stop and/or change course.
Lane departure warning – A camera-based lane detection system that warns the driver of impending lane changes. The camera, mounted near the inside rearview mirror, identifies traffic lane markings and provides audible alerts.
Side blind zone alert – Using radar sensors on both sides of the vehicle, the system “looks” for other vehicles in the blind zone areas of the Impala and indicates their presence with LED-lit symbols in the outside mirrors.
Rear cross traffic alert – Based on the radar sensors of side blind zone alert, it warns the driver of vehicles in traffic when backing out of a parking spot – including angled parking. Visual and audible alerts are triggered if moving vehicles are detected.
So what do you think, DFW? Do the Impala’s safety features sound appealing to you? Let’s not forget that the Impala is also extremely easy on the eyes. The 2014 model looks more like the Camaro in my opinion. Check out this video GM also released, and stick around for more news on the newest Chevrolet models.
Well Dallas Ft. Worth, the time has finally come. Classic Chevrolet has its first 2012 Camaro ZL1, and this is one beauty you are going to want to see in person. Trust me.
Seems like we’ve been talking about the new ZL1 for ages, doesn’t it? It all started back in October 2011 when GM told the world about the ZL1’s 7:41.27-minute lap time at the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife. For an in-depth look at the ZL1′s German trip, check out the video below.
The world really shouldn’t have been too surprised with that lap time given that the ZL1 is powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 and puts out 580 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 556 pound-feet of torque at 4,200 rpm. In case you’ve forgotten or are unfamiliar with Nordschleife, all you need to know is that the Porsche 911 Turbo S, Lamborghini Murcielago LP640, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and the Ferrari 430 Scuderia have all been timed at around seven minutes and forty seconds at this German track.
To put it plainly, the ZL1 is fast. Not to mention it has more than 100 development hours in the wind tunnel under its belt. Whatever you had planned this weekend, make sure you pencil in some time to swing by the Classic Chevrolet dealership and see this beautifully engineered masterpiece for yourself. In the meantime, check out the fifth installment video from the engineers of the Camaro ZL1.
On March 22nd, General Motors announced some good news for those of you who live for speed but prefer an automatic transmission instead of the classic stick-shift. That’s right Dallas Ft Worth, the Chevrolet Sonic’sfuel-efficient Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine will now be available in either manual or automatic transmission. Excited yet?
“Providing the option of a turbocharged engine to our non-stick driving Chevy customers allows us to offer everyone the thrill and power of a fuel-efficient Ecotec 1.4L powerplant,” said Jim Danahy, vehicle line director and vehicle chief engineer for North American small cars. “Both in the Sonic and Cruze, the engine enables better fuel economy without sacrificing power or performance. It’s really a winning combination.”
According to AMCI Testing, the Sonic’s Ecotec 1.4L turbocharged engine and six-speed manual transmission hit zero to 60 in 7.8 seconds which is faster than both it’s competitors – the Honda Fit and the Hyundai Accent. With the six-speed automatic, you won’t lose too much time. The Sonic with the turbo-automatic combination hit zero to 60 in about eight seconds.
“Traditionally, turbocharging was used to enhance the performance of engines, but today it is as much about fuel economy as a 0-to-60 time,” said Bob Benedict, assistant chief engineer for the Ecotec 1.4L engine. “The turbocharger provides high-pressure airflow for high torque to boost the vehicle and give the driver a fun driving experience with improved fuel efficiency.”
As if that wasn’t enough, we’re looking at EPA-estimated 37 mpg highway and 27 mpg around the metroplex. I told you this was good news. Stay tuned and check in with Classic Chevroletto find out when you can get behind the wheel of one. In the meantime, check out this video from GM.
With buying a new car in Dallas or Ft Worth comes a long list of decision-making. Do you want the black Tahoe or the blue Tahoe? Is 2WD, 4WD or AWD right for you? These among others are what you’ll need to ask yourself when the time comes. Some of these may be easy for you to decide while others may take a little research. One of the most common dilemmas I hear from new car shoppers is whether or not they want to spring for leather seats.
While most think of this as purely a “status” option, there are actually a lot of other factors you need to consider before making your decision. Let’s take a look at the PROs and CONs or having leather seats in your new or used Chevrolet in Grapevine, Dallas or Ft Worth.
PROs:
Right off the bat, I have to say that leather is considered by many as luxurious and can sometimes boost your ego and/or status among your family and friends. This alone is sometimes reason enough for people. Not to mention that wonderful smell…
Leather is soft and also easy to maintain in terms of cleaning. Spills are also easier to get rid of in leather vs. cloth seats. And oh, that smell. That delicious smell that wafts from the car the moment you open the door: the looks and aroma alone of a leather interior might have you reaching for your wallet!
CONs:
It’s expensive. Leather seats will definitely hike up the price of that new or used Chevrolet you’ve got your eye on.
Summers are brutal, especially in Dallas/Ft Worth. Unless you’re going to be parking your vehicle in the shade the majority of the time, you can expect a few burns throughout the summer months and even during some of the others.
Maintenance. Now I know I mentioned the ease of maintaining leather seats above as a pro, but the down side is that you have to do it often. Failure to keep up with the maintenance can result in hardening and cracking and will look worn quickly.
If you can handle the hot summers and the maintenance and have the means, then I’d spring for the leather seats in that new Chevrolet. If you’re still unsure, swing by the Grapevine dealership and get a feel for what leather seats are like in one of Classic Chevrolet’s new car or trucks.
Well DFW, it’s March. You know what that means, don’t you? Truck Month! I’ve got to hand it to whoever decided that March would be the month of trucks. Seeing how spring is right around the corner, what better time than now to get that new Chevy Silveradofor all of your upcoming outdoor activities? For those of you who already own a truck, or have owned a truck in the past, I’m sure you can agree when I say that nothing compares to owning a pick-up. The possibilities seem endless.
If you’re contemplating joining the pick-up truck world, think about the following three things.
Towing. Trucks can tow just about anything from boats and SEA-DOOs to other vehicles.
Hauling. Quit relying on that friend of yours with a truck to pick up your supplies from Home Depot for that next home project or your supplies for this year’s garden. If you have your own truck, you can throw just about anything in the back of that bed. Need a way to get that new furniture home? Problem solved. Be the one whose friend’s call for help for a change. I promise, you’ll love it.
Safety. Worried about your safety on the road? Try driving a vehicle that was built to plow through just about anything instead of a passenger car that was built to deform to protect you in the case of an accident. We all remember Chevy’s end-of-the-world Super Bowl ad, don’t we? Chevy trucks are the longest-lasting, most dependable truck on the road. Hands down.
What more of a reason do you need for finally stepping up into a Chevrolet Truck or even trading up your current pick-up? Oh, wait. I know! It’s TRUCK MONTH! Check out a few of Classic Chevrolet’s deals below. Looking for more? Click here. Happy Truck Month!
View Classic Chevrolet 2012 Silverado Inventory
2012 Silverado
Get 0% financing for 72 months on all 2012 Silverado models.
If you trade in an eligible vehicle, get an additional $2,000 trade-in allowance
View Classic Chevrolet 2012 Silverado HD Inventory!
2012 Silverado HD
Get 0% financing for 72 months on all 2012 Silverado models.
If you trade in an eligible vehicle, get an additional $2,000 trade-in allowance
If I could pick one thing that I thought every car owner should know how to do, it’d be how to change a tire on their new or used vehicle in Dallas/Ft Worth,hands down. I know that some of you may be saying, ‘That’s what AAA is for’, but come on now. Knowing how to do this is not only extremely handy, but also something to boast about given the fact that most people (especially in my generation) couldn’t even tell you what lug nuts are! Let alone where they are.
One of my favorite things about Chevrolet car and trucks is that they have all the tools you’ll need to change a tire already on board the vehicle. Just by knowing where these tools are, puts you ahead of the game. Even if you don’t know exactly how to change you tire, hopefully you’ll at least be able to identify what is what and where your tools are. Oh! And let me also tell you that “Fix-A-Flat” is absolutely not acceptable! But that’s a whole different story…
Okay, back to the task at hand. If you don’t already know, almost all new Chevrolet models should have the materials you’ll need to change a tire somewhere in the vehicle. In fact, I recommend locating these tools the next time you head out in your Chevrolet. If you’re unable to find them, give Classic Chevrolet’s service department a call. They’ll be able to tell you where the tools should be. If for some reason you are missing anything, you can always pick up any one of these tools at your local hardware store or the Classic Chevrolet service parts department.
There are three things you need to always have on board when you head out in your Chevrolet car or truck: a jack, a lug wrench and a spare tire. Again, if you’re driving around Grapevine in a newer Chevy these three things should already be on board. Once you find them, you’re halfway there to being back on the road after a flat. If you yourself don’t know how to change a tire, odds are you know someone who does. And once they arrive to assist you, you can already have them set up and ready to go.
Hey Grapevine, Arlington, Dallas and Ft Worth Chevrolet fans, are you ready for the new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco? General Motors recently loaned the Malibu to the folks over at Consumer Reports and their reviews are in. Their initial impression is good. But did we honestly expect anything less from Chevrolet? Consumer Reports’ summed up their review by saying that the Malibu’s redesign represents a major step forward in ride, handling, refinement, and interior quality. Here’s a snippet of what else they had to say.
The “Eco” designation indicates a mild hybrid with a small electric motor augmenting the gasoline-fueled engine. It works well, with smooth transmission shifts and decent acceleration. As in full hybrids, the engine shuts off when you stop and then instantly restarts when you let go of the brake pedal. The stop/start is so unobtrusive that most people won’t even notice it. Following the Malibu Eco, the base Malibu will debut with a new 190-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. A range-topping version will be introduced even later in the year, with a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine instead of a traditional V6.
With its quiet, nicely appointed cabin and absorbent, steady ride, the new Malibu feels almost like a luxury car. Handling is fairly agile with precise and responsive steering. Such driving dynamics are not entirely surprising given the car’s European donor, the sophisticated Opel Insignia from Germany. The Malibu is not as Euro-centric as the Regal, though: It has a more relaxed demeanor that may have broader appeal.
I don’t know about you guys, but I can’t wait to jump in a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco and take it on my own test drive. Keep your eyes open for this beauty to hit your Dallas Ft Worth Chevrolet dealership this March. Until then, check out this video from Consumer Reports and get a first-hand look.
When it comes to getting a Texas car, the first thing you need to decide is whether you want to buy new or pre-owned. If this is your first time getting a car on your own, there are a few things you should know. As with all things, there are advantages and disadvantages.
Let’s start with the positive. Obviously, you’re going to pay less money up front. This just so happens to be the biggest appeal to buying a pre-owned car for most. The reason your car is going to cost a significant amount less than a new car, is because someone else has already depreciated the car. While the car will continue to depreciate, it won’t depreciate as fast as a new car from year to year.
With a used car, you’ll also be saving a fair amount of money on taxes and insurance. Because property taxes are based on retail value, that lower vehicle amount will result in a lower tax.
On the flip slide, you don’t really know what kind of life the car has lived. Of course you can always check CarFax (which I strongly recommend), but you can never be too sure. Keep in mind that CarFax won’t tell you much about the interior of the vehicle.
Another thing about used cars… options. If you’re looking for a specific color, make, model and mileage, it can not only be hard to find, it can also restrict your options once you find one. Let’s say you find the exact car you are looking for, but you’re not so sure about the price. It may be hard to walk away and find another one with your exact requirements.
Lastly, a pre-owned car is well, pre-owned. The vehicle may already be halfway through it’s life which means there’s only that much left. It may also have some visible damage on the interior and exterior. Fact of the matter, a used car will not last as long as a brand-new car. It’ll also likely need more maintenance than a new car.
Regardless, there isn’t a right or wrong choice. It’s all up to you and what you’re willing to spend and what you’re hoping to get out it. If you’re still on the fence, you can always head down to Classic Chevrolet and take a look at both new Chevrolets and used Chevrolets. Any of our expert salesmen would be happy to help you decide.
Hey Dallas Ft Worth Chevrolet enthusiasts, have you heard about Chevy’s latest in-car technology yet? At the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show (CES) earlier this month, we learned that the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS and the higher-end model of the2013 Chevrolet Spark will host the MyLink infotainment system that allows your iPhone, Android and other smartphones’ capabilities into the vehicles.
So what exactly is the MyLink? A seven-inch, touch screen display (produced by LG Electronics) that incorporates your audio, phone, telephone and more. As you know, these type of systems are generally considered expensive. Autoblog summed it up pretty well by saying that buyers that spend that kind of money usually don’t care about deep smartphone integration, but young people do. This is exactly why the MyLink is coming to the Chevy Sonic and Chevy Spark.
In a GM press release, GM Global Infotainment Program Manager, Sara LeBlanc, said “The whole philosophy of MyLink is about letting our customers personalize how they bring information and music into their vehicles. Customers all over the world told us they’ve set up their smartphones exactly how they want them, and the ideal car radio should extend the capabilities of their smartphone rather than try to duplicate them.
According to Sara, Chevrolet listened to their customers and created a safe, simple and connected system. This is exactly why I love the Chevrolet brand.
Those who attended CES were able to test drive the MyLink system for Sonic RS and Spark at a special display. One of these days I’m actually going to make it to this show, I swear. But for now, I’ll just have to rely on the videos and coverage from those fortunate enough to attend. And of course, I’ll continue to share these videos with all of you in Dallas and Ft Worth! Up first, is Chevy’s official video that played during the show followed by a more detailed video showing the functionality of the MyLink. Enjoy Chevy lovers and stay tuned to Classic Chevroletfor updates on the MyLink and all things Chevrolet.
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
A lot of us tote our furry loved ones around. I know I do at least twice a month. Apparently I’m not alone. AAA and Kurgo reported that nearly six in 10 people admitted to driving with their dog in the car at least once in the last six months. But is your vehicle pet-friendly and safe? I have two small dogs and they just love sitting up front with me and sometimes in my lap. Until recently, I never stopped to think about how dangerous this is for me and my dogs. So if you are like me, and are in the market for a new vehicle, let’s make sure that vehicle is pet-friendly. It shouldn’t be surprising that Chevrolet has just that vehicle… the Chevrolet Traverse. 
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