Summer is approaching quickly. Some might even argue that it’s already here given the fact that we are seeing temps in the 90s already in Dallas Ft Worth. I can’t believe I’m already having to find ways to keep cool, and it’s only May!

Keeping ourselves cool is not the only thing we have to . . . → Read More: Keep Your New or Used Chevy Cool During the Hot DFW Summer]]>

Summer is approaching quickly. Some might even argue that it’s already here given the fact that we are seeing temps in the 90s already in Dallas Ft Worth. I can’t believe I’m already having to find ways to keep cool, and it’s only May!

Keeping ourselves cool is not the only thing we have to worry about when it comes to the summer months, though. There are also several things we can do to help protect our cars in this heat. Gastorf-Schrumpf Motors suggests the following:

1. Check the coolant.  Obviously the level of the coolant is important, but so is the strength of the coolant.  Before you check the coolant, make sure that the radiator is cool.  Water and antifreeze are both needed in the summer – antifreeze raises the boiling temperature of the coolant and protects against corrosion.

2. Tire Pressure.  Tire can create heat and can expand and create air pressure.  This can cause tires to become hard and more likely to blow out.  Remember to check tire pressure when the tires are cool.

3. Clean Filters.  It is important to make sure that the air filter is clean.  Also check the filter in the air conditioner and cabin to keep air flowing properly.

4. Belts and Hoses.  Keep an eye on belts and hoses on older cars.  Check your records to see just how old they are, but also visually inspect them too.  Refer to your owner’s manual or contact your mechanic if you are not sure if they should be replaced.

5. Wax your car or truck.  Waxing provides a shield for the paint from the ultraviolet rays from the sun, and summer smog in urban areas.

Hopefully these tips will help keep your new or used Chevrolet in tip-top shape this summer.

Thanks to Cassidy Schafer for contributing.

ConsumerReports.org says that every year children are injured and killed because drivers (in 70% of cases, parents and relatives) don’t see them while backing up. We’ve all heard those heart-breaking stories of parents who have accidentally backed over their children. I’ll bet you’d be surprised to know that at least 50 children are . . . → Read More: Consumer Reports Measures the Blind Zones of Various Vehicles]]>

Photo Courtesy of ConsumerReports.org

ConsumerReports.org says that every year children are injured and killed because drivers (in 70% of cases, parents and relatives) don’t see them while backing up. We’ve all heard those heart-breaking stories of parents who have accidentally backed over their children. I’ll bet you’d be surprised to know that at least 50 children are backed over every week in the U.S. Forty-eight are treated in hospital emergency rooms and at least 2 children die according to Kids and Cars, a nonprofit group that works to improve child safety around cars.

I’m sure you’re all familiar with blind zones/spots. However, most people only think of blind spots on the sides of their cars, but the real danger lies behind our new car, SUV or truck. One of the reasons we’ve seen an increase in the amount of back-up injuries is that larger vehicles (which have become increasingly popular through the last ten years) have much larger blind spots than your average passenger car.  A contributing factor is that larger vehicles (SUVs, pickups, and minivans), which have become increasingly popular, have larger blind zones than passenger cars. For a 5’8″ man, the average blind zone is 12 feet in a small, four-door sedan while the average blind zone for a pickup truck is 24 feet.

In an attempt to help consumers understand how large some blind zones are, ConsumerReports.org measured the blind zones of a number of popular models. To measure the blind zones, a 28-inch traffic cone was positioned behind the vehicle at the point where the driver could just see its top. Their results showed that longer and taller vehicles tend to have significantly larger blind zones. On the bright side, three Chevrolet models were listed as having the smallest blind zones.

In the Small, Four-Door Sedans category, the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze took first place with a blind zone of nine feet. The average for this category was 12 feet. The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox LT ranked number one with a blind zone of only seven feet in the Small SUV category where the average came out to 13. Lastly, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro tied for first place in the Two-Door Coupes and Sports Cars category with a blind zone of nine feet compared to an average of 13. Way to go, Chevrolet!

Just because Chevy has some smaller blind zones doesn’t mean we safe from a backover accident. Back-up cameras play a huge part in lowering the number of injuries. So the next time your in the market for a new or used car or truck, head down to Classic Chevrolet and drive one of our vehicles equipped with a backup camera. I’m telling you… once you have one, you’ll never go back.

[Source: ConsumerReports.org]

Thanks to Cassidy Schafer for contributing.

Since we’ve had such a short winter in the DFW, Spring has come on fast. As with any changing season, it’s important to give your new or used Chevrolet a thorough inspection. We’ve already discussed the tires on your car or truck, so now let’s talk about a few other things we’ll need to inspect starting . . . → Read More: Spring Car Tips for Your New or Used Chevrolet: Maintenance Checks]]>

Since we’ve had such a short winter in the DFW, Spring has come on fast. As with any changing season, it’s important to give your new or used Chevrolet a thorough inspection. We’ve already discussed the tires on your car or truck, so now let’s talk about a few other things we’ll need to inspect starting with the windshield wipers.

While we didn’t experience much snow this winter, we are definitely getting our fill of rain this Spring. That being said, it’s extremely important to have windshield wipers in good, working condition. If they’re leaving streaks or missing parts of the windshield, it’s probably time for new blades. According to ConsmerReports.org, most blades are ready for replacement after just six months, so  be sure to check on them before the next batch of rain hits us.

While we’re looking at the wiper blades, lets go ahead and pop that hood. Is it looking a little dirty? Whether you answer was yes or no, a quick and easy clean can only do your engine good. ConsmerReports.org suggests cleaning engine parts with plain soap and water or with a commercial degreasing product like Gunk. Remember though, there are several things you need to avoid getting wet. Click here to check out our post on the proper way to clean your Chevrolet.

You should also take this time to check on the battery terminals. Look for corrosion on the battery and on the terminals. Just like the rest of the engine, it’s a good idea to clean the terminals even if you don’t see corrosion. If you need help with this, check out our post on Corroded Battery Terminals.

As always, you can give Classic Chevrolet dealership a call if you need help with any of this maintenance checks.

Thanks to Cassidy Schafer for contributing.  

Well, it’s safe to say that we had a short winter here in the Dallas Ft Worth Metroplex. Now, while we’re in the midst of Spring, is a perfect time to do some maintenance on your new or used Chevrolet. Let’s start with the tires. Even though I know you all have been checking your tire . . . → Read More: Spring Car Tips for Your New or Used Chevrolet: Tires]]>

Well, it’s safe to say that we had a short winter here in the Dallas Ft Worth Metroplex. Now, while we’re in the midst of Spring, is a perfect time to do some maintenance on your new or used Chevrolet. Let’s start with the tires. Even though I know you all have been checking your tire pressure on a regular basis, it’s still important to inspect your tires and wheels after any season.

For starters, go ahead and check that tire pressure. Under-inflated tires can cause heat build-up and with the dreaded, steamy summer on the way, you’ll want to keep your tires properly inflated to be able to handle the inevitable heat.

If you haven’t already inspected your tires for wear and tear, reach in your pocket and perform the penny or quarter test. As you know, we’ve already had a lot of rain this season and I’m sure there’s more to come. With rain, comes hydroplaning. So make sure your tires have the tread to take on those flooded Dallas Ft Worth roads and highways.

According to ConsumerReports.org, if your tires have less than 4/32-inch of tread left, then it’s time to go shopping. You can easily check tread depth by inserting a quarter into a tire’s deepest grooves, head pointing down. If you can see the top of George Washington’s head, that means you have 1/8 of tread or less, and it’s time to start shopping for new rubber. If you’re not sure, or need any help at all, you can always head down to the Classic Chevrolet service department. They’ll be more than happy to help.

The other day, we talked about what do to in the case of unintended acceleration and how to safely bring your new or used car or truck to a stop. Since most people probably don’t know how to do this, the Federal regulators have proposed a mandate to require all cars and trucks to be . . . → Read More: Brake-Throttle Override May Be the End to Runaway Cars]]>

ConsumerReports.org

The other day, we talked about what do to in the case of unintended acceleration and how to safely bring your new or used car or truck to a stop. Since most people probably don’t know how to do this, the Federal regulators have proposed a mandate to require all cars and trucks to be equipped with brake-throttle override technology.

Though it sounds really complex, brake-throttle override is just an electronic system that works with modern electronic throttle controls to reduce engine power whenever the brake pedal is depressed. Luckily, GM has already been using this technology for years and it seems that the Government is starting to see the real benefits and think it’s time to put this technology in all vehicles.

According to ConsumerReports.org, the new proposal was issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a branch of the Department of Transportation that monitors safety complaints.

“America’s drivers should feel confident that anytime they get behind the wheel they can easily maintain control of their vehicles—especially in the event of an emergency,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “By updating our safety standards, we’re helping give drivers peace of mind that their brakes will work, even if the gas pedal is stuck down while the driver is trying to brake.”

Of course, the public will have a chance to comment on the proposed regulation before it is published.

ConsumerReports.org says they are pleased that NHTSA took this step forward to make smart-throttle override technology mandatory in cars, as is everyone at Classic Chevrolet are.

“To us, one of the most important safety features is to ensure that a vehicle can stop within a reasonable and safe distance, especially in an emergency,” says Consumer Union’s Senior Director of Federal Policy Ellen Bloom. “This should help minimize the risks of accelerator pedal sticking or floor mat entrapment.” Consumers Union is the advocacy and public policy arm of Consumer Reports.

Amazing how much safer our new cars and trucks are becoming, isn’t it?

Have you ever been driving around in your new or used car or truck and all of the sudden you feel your car accelerating even though your foot isn’t anywhere near the gas pedal? Hopefully this hasn’t happened to many of you, because it is definitely scary and can potentially be fatal.

Luckily, you can watch for . . . → Read More: Sudden, Unintended Accelaration: What To Do If It Happens To You]]>

Have you ever been driving around in your new or used car or truck and all of the sudden you feel your car accelerating even though your foot isn’t anywhere near the gas pedal? Hopefully this hasn’t happened to many of you, because it is definitely scary and can potentially be fatal.

Luckily, you can watch for a few warning signs. If you’ve noticed that the accelerator pedal has been harder to depress, slower to return to it’s normal position or just not operating as normal, you could be on the verge of unintended acceleration. Of course, this can also happen out of the blue without any warning signs at all. For this reason, it’s important to be aware of several things you can do in the instance it does happen to you. ConsumerReports.org has studied this very situation and given us five steps that can help you bring your runaway vehicle safely to a halt.

1. Brake firmly. Do not pump the brakes. Do not turn off the engine yet—because doing so would disable the power assist for your steering and brakes.
2. Shift the transmission into Neutral. Don’t worry if the engine revs up alarmingly; most cars have rev-limiters to protect against damage.
3. Steer to a safe location and come to a full stop.
4. Shut off the engine with the transmission still in Neutral.
5. Finally, shift the transmission into Park or, with a manual transmission, set the emergency brake. Then breathe deep and call for help. Do not drive the car.

Memorize these steps, DFW! Classic Chevrolet also recommends you take your new or used car out to a vacant parking lot and practice these steps. If you have any questions, you can always give us a call.

[Source: ConsumerReports.org]

Thanks to Cassidy Schafer for contributing.

Speeding. We all do it… to some extent, at least. I, myself am guilty of this. I came across an interesting article with some findings from a study that I had to share with you, though, and the facts are clear. In a new study from the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA), it states that speeding-related . . . → Read More: Avoid the Temptation to Speed in Your New or Used Chevrolet]]>

Speeding. We all do it… to some extent, at least. I, myself am guilty of this. I came across an interesting article with some findings from a study that I had to share with you, though, and the facts are clear. In a new study from the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA), it states that speeding-related traffic fatalities have not been reduced in almost three decades. While it may be tempting to fly down the Dallas Ft Worth highways in our new 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, we have to resist. In 2010 alone, more than 10,000 people lost their lives in speeding-related accidents and it continues to be a factor in almost one-third of traffic deaths each year.

ConsumerReports.org stated that the GHSA report surveyed all 50 states and found that little has been done to improve state laws on speeding since 2005. In fact, the study shows that some are regressing; Seven states have increased speed limits during that time with some reaching up to 85 mph, with only two states having higher fines for speeders and three states having an excessive speed classification. I’m sure you know that the great state of Texas is one of the states mentioned above that has increased speed limits. But to the Lone Star State’s defense, the speed limit was only increased in rural areas where it was really needed. Regardless of whether or not I agree, there are studies that have long shown that higher traffic deaths are attributed to higher speed limits.

As if saving lives wasn’t enough of a reason for you to lighten the load on your Chevrolet’s pedal, you’ll also be saving yourself some precious green on gasoline. That’s right, ConsumerReports.org’s tests have shown that with a family sedan, an increase of 10 mph at highway speeds can drop fuel economy by five mpg.

So Dallas Ft Worth and Grapevine Chevrolet drivers, slow your roll. You’ll potentially save lives and definitely save on gasoline.

[Source: ConsumerReports.org]

Thanks to Cassidy Schafer for contributing.

Looks like the Dallas / Ft Worth metroplex is in for some severe weather this week! I guess it was to be expected seeing how the temperatures the past few months have been much higher than the average.  I was watching the news this morning, and the weatherman was mentioning the high probability for . . . → Read More: How to Handle Driving Your New or Used Chevrolet Through a Hailstorm]]>

Looks like the Dallas / Ft Worth metroplex is in for some severe weather this week! I guess it was to be expected seeing how the temperatures the past few months have been much higher than the average.  I was watching the news this morning, and the weatherman was mentioning the high probability for hail with these storms. And of course the first thing that came to my mind? My poor new car sitting helpless all day without any cover. Hail damage is no joke. It's also not the most pleasant thing to drive through. If you've ever been stuck in a hail storm while on the road, I'm sure you can relate.

I decided to do a little research before I left the house the morning to see if there were any tips on driving in a hailstorm. Since I know there are many of you who will also have to be driving through the storms, I thought I'd share my findings. I found the most helpful information on Progressive.com.

Tips for driving in a hailstorm:

• Stay inside the vehicle. Hail falls at fast speeds, and it can cause injury to those in its path.
• Stop driving and pull to a safe place so hail doesn't break the windshield or any windows — driving compounds hail's impact with your car. Stop under an overpass, and don't forget to pull out of traffic lanes and onto a shoulder. Avoid ditches due to possible high-rising water.
• Keep your car angled so the hail is hitting the front of your car. Windshields are reinforced to withstand forward driving and pelting objects. Side windows and back glass are not, so they're much more susceptible to breakage.
• Lie down, if possible, and keep your back to the windows. If you have a blanket, cover yourself with it to prevent possible debris from hitting you.

Another thing you want to be weary of when dealing with hail is the aftermath. If it has hailed a lot, the roads will now be covered with a bunch of ice pellets. This can make driving a little slippery. So take caution when driving after a hailstorm.

It's too bad that inclement weather isn't a reason to skip work or work from home, isn't it? Hopefully, the weathermen are wrong, and we won't see any hail. But if we do, at least you'll know now what to do to protect yourself and your new or used Chevrolet. Safe travels!

[Source: Progressive.com]

Thanks to Cassidy Schafer for contributing.