Classic Garage DFW » Tips and Hints http://classicgaragedfw.com Your Texas Chevy Dealer Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:58:10 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 GM’s Window of Opportunity Project Gives Backseat Chevrolet Passengers a Whole New Experience http://classicgaragedfw.com/gms-window-of-opportunity-project-gives-backseat-chevrolet-passengers-a-whole-new-experience http://classicgaragedfw.com/gms-window-of-opportunity-project-gives-backseat-chevrolet-passengers-a-whole-new-experience#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:01:44 +0000 admin http://classicgaragedfw.com/?p=2594 Over the past decade, road trips have become much less painful for backseat passengers  due to all of the handheld technology (Gameboys, iPhones, DVD players, etc.) we now have, but according to GM, psychological studies have indicated that car passengers often feel disconnected from their environment.

In response to these studies, the GM Research and Development department . . . → Read More: GM’s Window of Opportunity Project Gives Backseat Chevrolet Passengers a Whole New Experience]]> Over the past decade, road trips have become much less painful for backseat passengers  due to all of the handheld technology (Gameboys, iPhones, DVD players, etc.) we now have, but according to GM, psychological studies have indicated that car passengers often feel disconnected from their environment.

In response to these studies, the GM Research and Development department challenged researchers and students from the FUTURE LAB at Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Israel to conceptualize new ways to help rear seat passengers, particularly children, have a richer experience on the road. Thus, the Windows of Opportunity (WOO) Project was born. And believe me, Texas Chevrolet owners, you’re going to be blown away with what they came up with… interactive car window displays.

In a GM press release, Tom Seder, GM R&D lab group manager for human-machine interface said, “Traditionally, the use of interactive displays in cars has been limited to the driver and front passenger, but we see an opportunity to provide a technology interface designed specifically for rear seat passengers. Advanced windows that are capable of responding to vehicle speed and location could augment real world views with interactive enhancements to provide entertainment and educational value.”chevrolet dealership texas

Before you get too excited, I must tell you that GM currently doesn’t have any plans to put this into production. The Bezalel students were given free reign to create applications for this interactive window without having to worry about whether it could be mass produced or not. So it’s uncertain whether this idea will ever come to light. Still, the design and idea is pretty incredible.

The apps the Bezalel students developed include:

  • Otto, an animated character projected over passing scenery that responds to real-time car performance, weather and landscape. With Otto, passengers can learn about their environment in fun, playful ways.
  • Foofu, an app that allows passengers to create, explore and discover through finger drawing on window steam.
  • Spindow, an app that provides its users a peek into other users’ windows around the globe in real time.
  • Pond, an app that allows passengers to stream and share music with other cars on the road, download favorite tracks, and share messages with other passengers on the road.

GM released this awesome video detailing the project and showing us how the students simulated a vehicle environment. Check it out, Dallas Ft Worth Chevy lovers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dIia553wVU

[Source: General Motors]

Thanks to Cassidy Schafer for contributing.

]]> http://classicgaragedfw.com/gms-window-of-opportunity-project-gives-backseat-chevrolet-passengers-a-whole-new-experience/feed 0 Avoid Driving Your New or Used Chevrolet Through Flooded Dallas Ft Worth Highways and Roads http://classicgaragedfw.com/avoid-driving-your-new-or-used-chevrolet-through-flooded-dallas-ft-worth-highways-and-roads http://classicgaragedfw.com/avoid-driving-your-new-or-used-chevrolet-through-flooded-dallas-ft-worth-highways-and-roads#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:49:36 +0000 admin http://classicgaragedfw.com/?p=2589

There’s no denying that this rain was much needed in the Dallas Ft Worth metroplex, but man oh man. When it rains in Texas, it pours. Driving in the rain can be stressful enough, but driving to work after it’s been raining non stop since the night before is just plain miserable. Especially when . . . → Read More: Avoid Driving Your New or Used Chevrolet Through Flooded Dallas Ft Worth Highways and Roads]]> chevrolet dealership texas

There’s no denying that this rain was much needed in the Dallas Ft Worth metroplex, but man oh man. When it rains in Texas, it pours. Driving in the rain can be stressful enough, but driving to work after it’s been raining non stop since the night before is just plain miserable. Especially when you’re carefully driving along in your new or used Chevy and the vehicle next to you happens to fly by, hitting a huge patch of water that engulfs your entire vehicle causing you to lose visibility for a few seconds. Anyone out there know what I’m talking about?

It’s been said that flash floods are the number one weather-related killer in the U.S. because people think they can drive through deep water or don’t pay enough attention. As I mentioned above, hitting a huge patch of water at any speed over 15mph will not only throw water onto the vehicle next to you, it’ll also jerk your Chevrolet and splash water onto your windshield skewing your visibility. If that’s ever happened to you, you know it’s beyond stomach-dropping. Especially if it happens on one our crowded DFW highways.

Since the weather man tells me that we are aren’t expecting any clear skies until at least tomorrow, I thought it might be a good idea to share some tips on how to drive in these conditions. Hopefully, this will make your drive home this evening and tomorrow morning a little less nerve-racking.

First and foremost, if you see a barricade, DO NOT drive through it. This may seem like a no-brainier, but watch the news tonight and see how many people thought they could make it through. Second, avoid driving through standing water on the road and in parking lots if at all possible. According to Progressive.com, the average automobile can be swept off the road in 12 inches of moving water, and roads covered by water are prone to collapse. Not to mention that driving through deep water can potentially stall your engine and even cause irreparable damage.

Last year, a friend and I were driving to Lubbock, Texas, during a horrible storm. The brunt of the storm hit in a small town name Seymour which only has one road out. Thinking that it would be better to get out before the flooding got worse, we decided to drive through. Horrible, horrible mistake. Before we knew it, water was up over her headlights and her engine began acting funny. After we finally pulled through, she had a difficult time accelerating. Three months later, she needed a new transmission. Moral of the story? Don’t guess at the depth of a flooded road or parking lot. Take another route if you can. Replacing the transmission on a Chevrolet or any other vehicle is not cheap.

In the event that an alternate route does not exist and you have no other reasonable alternative but to drive through standing water, Progressive.com suggests the following:

  • Do your best to estimate the depth of the water (if other cars are driving through, take note of how deep the water is).
  • Drive slowly and steadily through the water.
  • Avoid driving in water that downed electrical or power lines have fallen in — electric current passes through water easily.
  • Watch for items traveling downstream — they can trap or crush you if you’re in their path.
  • If you have driven through water up to the wheel rims or higher, test your brakes on a clear patch of road at low speed. If they are wet and not stopping the vehicle as they should, dry them by pressing gently on the brake pedal with your left foot while maintaining speed with your right foot.
  • Stay off the telephone unless you must report severe injuries.
  • If your vehicle stalls in the deep water, you may need to restart the engine to make it to safety. Keep in mind that restarting may cause irreparable damage to the engine.
  • If you can’t restart your vehicle and you become trapped in rising water, immediately abandon it for higher ground. Try to open the door or roll down the window to get out of the vehicle. If you are unable to get out safely, call 911 or get the attention of a passerby or someone standing on higher ground so that they may call for help.

Don’t become a victim of these dangerous flash floods, Dallas Ft Worth Chevrolet owners. Following these precautions and save your beloved Chevrolet and your life from injury.

Thanks to Cassidy Schafer for contributing.

]]> http://classicgaragedfw.com/avoid-driving-your-new-or-used-chevrolet-through-flooded-dallas-ft-worth-highways-and-roads/feed 0 Try and Avoid Potholes in Your Chevrolet Dallas Ft Worth http://classicgaragedfw.com/try-and-avoid-potholes-in-your-chevrolet-dallas-ft-worth http://classicgaragedfw.com/try-and-avoid-potholes-in-your-chevrolet-dallas-ft-worth#comments Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:29:41 +0000 admin http://classicgaragedfw.com/?p=2542 When I was younger, my grandfather would pick me up from Grapevine and drive me back to Dallas to stay with him and grandma for the weekend. Every time he picked me up, he would ask if I wanted to go the “pothole way” or the “skunk way”. Now that I’m older and driving . . . → Read More: Try and Avoid Potholes in Your Chevrolet Dallas Ft Worth]]> chevrolet car dallasWhen I was younger, my grandfather would pick me up from Grapevine and drive me back to Dallas to stay with him and grandma for the weekend. Every time he picked me up, he would ask if I wanted to go the “pothole way” or the “skunk way”. Now that I’m older and driving myself, I realized that the “pothole” way was actually highway 183. I also realize how much he probably hated when I chose that route because potholes can actually damage your Chevy‘s tires, chassis, suspension and wheels/rims.

When it comes to advice on potholes, the first thing I’ll tell you is to flat out avoid them at all costs. That doesn’t mean you should violently swerve to try and miss them though. What I mean is that if you see one far enough away and have enough time to change lanes. But let’s face it, that’s not always the case.  You could either be traveling at too high of speeds to get out of the way in time or be stuck in between other vehicles.

A friend of mine once told me that he always sped up when he saw a pothole because he thought that high speeds would make your Chevrolet “fly” over the gap in the concrete. This is a very common misconception, though. The higher your speeds, the greater the damage you could cause. So if you’re going to hit a pothole, try and  slow down as much as possible. But don’t forget to look in your rear view mirror. You don’t want to break hard enough to cause the car behind you to panic or worse, rear-end you.

When you’re about to hit a pothole, get a tight grip on your Chevrolet‘s steering wheel. If you don’t, you may find yourself losing control and swerving left or right. Weather.com says that a pothole can send enough of a shock through your steering system to send your car into the next lane, potentially causing an accident… even if you don’t lose control.

Something else to keep in mind… DON’T BRAKE INTO A POTHOLE. I know I said you should slow down above, but I did not mean that you should hit the brakes the second before you hit the pothole. In fact, this is one of the worst things you can do to your Chevy. So slow down as much as possible, but be sure to let off the brakes in enough time for your car to come out of the “nosedive” position it’s in from hard braking.

We’re going to be seeing a LOT of rain this week in Dallas Ft Worth, Chevy owners. And guess what? Rain hides potholes! So be extra cautious. As I mentioned before, potholes can seriously mess up your Chevrolet in Dallas and Ft Worth. So if you’ve hit a lot recently, or even a really large one, you should probably bring your car in to the Classic Chevrolet service department and have your alignment checked. Moral of the story? Do your best to avoid hitting potholes in your new or used Chevrolet, DFW.

Thanks to Cassidy Schafer for contributing.

]]> http://classicgaragedfw.com/try-and-avoid-potholes-in-your-chevrolet-dallas-ft-worth/feed 0 Corroded Terminals May Be the Reason Your Used Chevrolet Won’t Start http://classicgaragedfw.com/corroded-terminals-may-be-the-reason-your-used-chevrolet-wont-start http://classicgaragedfw.com/corroded-terminals-may-be-the-reason-your-used-chevrolet-wont-start#comments Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:20:28 +0000 admin http://classicgaragedfw.com/?p=2537 One of the most common things used Chevrolet car owners have to deal with is an issue with the battery. The average life span of a battery is between three and six years. However, a battery’s life is unique to the owner and their driving habits and also the quality of the battery.

When you find yourself . . . → Read More: Corroded Terminals May Be the Reason Your Used Chevrolet Won’t Start]]> One of the most common things used Chevrolet car owners have to deal with is an issue with the battery. The average life span of a battery is between three and six years. However, a battery’s life is unique to the owner and their driving habits and also the quality of the battery.

When you find yourself with a dead battery, odds are you’ve either left your headlights on by accident or you’ve had the key on the ACC setting listening to the radio for too long. In this case, all it will take is a simple jump start and then some recharging.

However, there is another reason you’re battery may be malfunctioning. When you go to look under the hood, the first thing you need to check are your battery terminals. If you see grimy deposits (usually white) on the battery terminals, they are corroded. Corrosion can also be the reason your battery has been performing poorly (slow rolling windows, dim interior lights, etc.)

So how do terminals become corroded anyway? The main cause is an overflow of sulfuric acid from the battery, but moisture build-ups can also cause it. Not to worry, cleaning terminals is actually very simple, and I’m speaking from personal experience. Once you’ve finished, you’re battery will most likely restore to its proper performance level.

What you’ll need:

  • a flat-head screw driver
  • a can of Coca-Cola (you can also use baking soda and water)
  • water
  • a metal bristle brush ( a toothbrush will also suffice) and Vaseline

What to do:

  1. Make sure the car is off and pop the hood. Remove the negative battery cable by loosening it with a flat-head screwdriver and then lifting it off the terminal. Set it aside, and remove the positive battery cable the same way. Make sure you set the positive and negative cables away from each other. It’s very important that they don’t have contact.
  1. Pour the Coca Cola or baking soda and water on the battery terminals and the battery cable ends.  Scrub with the toothbrush or metal bristle brush until all of the corrosion is gone.
  2. Use the water to wash off the Coca Cola or baking soda and water.
  3. After the terminals and battery have dried, apply a thin coat of Vaseline to the terminals and slide the terminals back on and tighten (first the positive, then the negative cable)
Battey Terminals Texas Chevrolet

Corroded Terminals

corroded terminals texas chevrolet

Cleaned Terminals

When you finish, test out your handy work. You should be able to get the car started. You might have to try and jump your Chevrolet again. If you're still unable to get the engine to turnover, you may want to give Classic Chevrolet's service department a call.

Thanks to Cassidy Schafer for contributing.

]]> http://classicgaragedfw.com/corroded-terminals-may-be-the-reason-your-used-chevrolet-wont-start/feed 0 Start Out the New Year by Carpooling in Your Chevrolet http://classicgaragedfw.com/start-out-the-new-year-by-carpooling-in-your-chevrolet http://classicgaragedfw.com/start-out-the-new-year-by-carpooling-in-your-chevrolet#comments Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:41:07 +0000 Hagen Durant http://classicgaragedfw.com/?p=2501 Before you start thinking to yourself how carpooling is not the “cool” thing to do, let me ask you one question, Dallas Ft Worth Chevrolet owners: Do you know how much gas the US could save per day if the average commuter carried one more person? 33 million gallons!

According to RideShare.com, our average passenger car consumes . . . → Read More: Start Out the New Year by Carpooling in Your Chevrolet]]> Chevrolet carpool DFWBefore you start thinking to yourself how carpooling is not the “cool” thing to do, let me ask you one question, Dallas Ft Worth Chevrolet owners: Do you know how much gas the US could save per day if the average commuter carried one more person? 33 million gallons!

According to RideShare.com, our average passenger car consumes 550 gallons of gas a year and an SUV consumes 915. Using Texas’ average gas price of 3.08, that comes to $1,694 for cars and $2,818 for SUVs. That’s only if gas prices were to say at three dollars for the entire year… and let’s be honest, we know they’ll rise again. Just think of how much you’d save by carpooling! Not to mention, carpooling helps decongest the roads, reduce pollution and can even relieve stress for those not driving. Let’s not forget about the benefits of designated carpooling lanes (HOVs).  I know I wish I had a carpool every morning on my drive to work as I sit in traffic and see the carpoolers flying by in the HOV.

CarpoolConnect points out some other beneficial reasons to carpool including:

  • Higher occupancy rates also can reduce consumption of oil thereby reducing corresponding political and economic risks, emissions of greenhouse gasses, common pollution.
  • Carpools save considerable expenses from gasoline, oil, tires, car depreciation, tolls, parking, and in some cases insurance.
  • Carpools may provide social connections in an increasingly disconnected society. New online carpooling services are offering new ways to make social connections through discussion sites and custom ride-sharing services.

Still think carpooling isn’t the “cool” thing to do? If you’ve recently purchased a new or pre-owned Chevrolet, wouldn’t you love to show it off and save money at the same time? I know I would!

Thanks to Cassidy Schafer for contributing.

]]> http://classicgaragedfw.com/start-out-the-new-year-by-carpooling-in-your-chevrolet/feed 0 5 New Year’s Resolutions for the Dallas Ft Worth Chevrolet Driver http://classicgaragedfw.com/5-new-years-resolutions-for-the-dallas-ft-worth-chevrolet-driver http://classicgaragedfw.com/5-new-years-resolutions-for-the-dallas-ft-worth-chevrolet-driver#comments Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:08:55 +0000 Hagen Durant http://classicgaragedfw.com/?p=2494 It’s that time of year again, DFW. Time to make those New Year’s resolutions. Instead of telling ourselves we will work out every day or eat better, why not make a resolution that we’ll actually keep longer than a few weeks. That’s right, I’m talking about some resolutions for our driving habits and our Chevrolets! Here . . . → Read More: 5 New Year’s Resolutions for the Dallas Ft Worth Chevrolet Driver]]> chevrolet dealership dfwIt’s that time of year again, DFW. Time to make those New Year’s resolutions. Instead of telling ourselves we will work out every day or eat better, why not make a resolution that we’ll actually keep longer than a few weeks. That’s right, I’m talking about some resolutions for our driving habits and our Chevrolets! Here are my top five resolutions to make you a safer driver.

  1. I will drive the speed limit. Ok, ok… maybe not the exact speed limit. But let’s try to stop the excessive speeding and make the roads a safer place for all of us.
  2. I will always wear my seat belt. This resolution are for those of you who don’t have a Chevrolet that beeps at you until you put your seat belt on. Did you know that seat belts save more than 12,000 lives a year by protecting passengers from hitting hard vehicle surfaces or being ejected from the vehicle in a crash? Buckle up, Dallas Ft Worth!
  3. I will maintain my Chevrolet better. I know I hammer on the importance of proper auto maintenance like tire pressure, so what better time to take my advice and make it a resolution?
  4. I will not drink and drive or drive drowsy.During the National Sleep Foundation’s Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, we talked about the dangers of drowsy driving and I gave you some staggering statistics. And we all know the dangers of drinking and driving, but just to refresh your memory… more than 10,000 people die in drunk driving car crashes each. So why not resolve to calling a cab or always having a designated driver for 2012?
  5. I will not text and drive. The last, and best resolution in my opinion? Stop using our cell phones behind the wheel. In 2012, more than 3,000 people died in crashes related to using a cell phone or texting while driving. Come on DFW, let’s work on putting the phone down or pulling over to use it this year.

So there you have it. Five resolutions that you might actually be able to keep. Let’s make 2012 a safer driving year for Chevrolet car and truck drivers alike. Happy New Year!

Thanks to Cassidy Schafer for contributing!

 

]]> http://classicgaragedfw.com/5-new-years-resolutions-for-the-dallas-ft-worth-chevrolet-driver/feed 0 What Does the Color of Your New or Used Chevrolet Say About You? http://classicgaragedfw.com/what-does-the-color-of-your-new-or-used-chevrolet-say-about-you http://classicgaragedfw.com/what-does-the-color-of-your-new-or-used-chevrolet-say-about-you#comments Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:11:59 +0000 Hagen Durant http://classicgaragedfw.com/?p=2506 When it comes to picking out a new car, color ranks high on the list for a lot of people. I’ve driven three cars in my life, and they have all been black by choice. I never really thought there was more to it beside the fact that I just love the color, but believe it . . . → Read More: What Does the Color of Your New or Used Chevrolet Say About You?]]> When it comes to picking out a new car, color ranks high on the list for a lot of people. I’ve driven three cars in my life, and they have all been black by choice. I never really thought there was more to it beside the fact that I just love the color, but believe it or not, the color of your car actually says a lot about you. Have you ever wondered why you were dead set on your next Chevrolet being blue? Or perhaps you’ve only bought cars in one color your whole life like I have.

After doing a little research, I found that a lot of psychologists said the same thing about what the different colors mean. Here’s what I found.

 

Black Equals Empowerment

According to research, black cars are preferred by empowered people who are drawn to elegance and can’t be easily manipulated. It also indicates a mysterious and two-sided personality. Drivers of black cars tend to be more aggressive on the road (guess that explains my road rage). Some researchers even claim that black cars have the highest accident rates.

2012 black camaro dallas ft worth

2012 Chevrolet Camaro

 

Dark Blue Equals Loyalty

Owners of dark blue cars are typically considered loyal, calm and practical. They are seen as dependable people with credibility. Research also shows that owners of dark blue cars drive more carefully and are much more cautious than owners of black cars.

2012 tahoe richmond

2012 Chevrolet Tahoe

 

Red Equals Energetic

This should be a no-brainer for car enthusiasts out there. Red has always been the go to color for sports cars and that’s probably because owners of red cars are energetic, drive fast and are considered showy people who want to get people’s attention. Drivers of these cars are also seen as outgoing, aggressive, sexy and dynamic and typically take more risks on the road.

red 2012 corvette Dallas Ft Worth

2012 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

 

White Equals Innocence

Drivers of white cars tend to be fastidious, refined and safe. White symbolizes innocence and purity, and also says a lot about the drivers’ need for perfection. Let’s face it, dirt has no where to hide on a white, and a clean white car shows that you pay attention to minute details and care a lot about upkeep.

 

2012 Cruze Richmond

2012 Chevrolet Cruze

 

Silver Equals Elegance

These drivers are generally calm, cool, elegant and love futuristic looks. It’s said that silver cars represent prestige, wealth and luxury and speak of a sophisticated driver who likes to show off the vehicle’s design.

2012 chevrolet impala richmond

2012 Chevrolet Impala

 

Grey Equals Pragmatic

Owners of silver or gray cars have calm and cool personalities. Some research says that they are practical and often corporate and they tend to be pragmatic and intelligent, but most likely boring. On the upside, they are very less likely to engage in car accidents.

 

2012 chevrolet traverse richmond

2012 Chevrolet Traverse

 

So what do you think Dallas Ft Worth Chevrolet owners, do these descriptions sound fitting to the color of car your driving? Let Classic Chevrolet know!

Thanks to Cassidy Schafer for contributing.

]]> http://classicgaragedfw.com/what-does-the-color-of-your-new-or-used-chevrolet-say-about-you/feed 0 How to Choose the Best GPS App for Your Dallas Ft Worth Chevrolet http://classicgaragedfw.com/how-to-choose-the-best-gps-app-for-your-dallas-ft-worth-chevrolet http://classicgaragedfw.com/how-to-choose-the-best-gps-app-for-your-dallas-ft-worth-chevrolet#comments Mon, 26 Dec 2011 17:01:46 +0000 admin http://classicgaragedfw.com/?p=2477 Though I hate to admit it, I am completely obsessed with the navigation system in my Chevrolet. It’s hard to believe that there was a time when I drove a car without one. This was also the before the iPhone era, so I had to solely rely on folding maps.  I’m not saying that I’ve completely . . . → Read More: How to Choose the Best GPS App for Your Dallas Ft Worth Chevrolet]]> chevrolet dealer arlingtonThough I hate to admit it, I am completely obsessed with the navigation system in my Chevrolet. It’s hard to believe that there was a time when I drove a car without one. This was also the before the iPhone era, so I had to solely rely on folding maps.  I’m not saying that I’ve completely forgotten how to use a map or that they are completely useless, but navigation systems and smart phone applications are by far superior in my opinion.

If you’re currently relying on your iPhone’s standard GPS application (the maps icon) or you’re still using folding maps, it might be time to jump on board with the latest advancements technology offers us. I know that going out and buying a new Chevrolet Cruze equipped with a navigation system may not be the most economical choice for some of you, but as I mentioned before, there is a wide array of apps available to smart phones users. The question is, how do you choose the right/best one?

I read a really great article from consumer reports this morning describing the two ways to turn your phone into a navigation device: server-based navigation or an all-inclusive app.  The server-based navigation is where the map data for your route is sent to your phone as needed. The all-inclusive apps  store entire maps on your device. As with all things, there are advantages and disadvantages to both and the best option will vary depending on your personal preferences, needs and budget. Let’s take a look at how Consumer Reports breaks down the two choices.

Server-Based Navigation

Some cell-phone service providers, including AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon, provide GPS navigation and traffic information that customers can access for a daily or monthly subscription fee. With this option, mapping data is not stored on the phone, and is instead accessed wirelessly over the cellular network as needed. Cost is typically either $10 a month or $3 a day. Another server-based solution, Google Maps, provides similar functionality for free, but only for users of Android devices. Compatibility limitations restrict iPhones to Google’s static maps only, without turn-by turn directions.

With the Google and iPhone exception, server-based navigation provides menus and features similar to those of navigation apps or portable systems, including spoken and onscreen turn-by-turn directions, traffic info, and a point-of-interest menu of destinations like restaurants, gas stations, and stores. Advantages of server-based navigation include automatically updated databases for map info, freeing up more phone memory without the need for storing map data on board. But the server-based option does consume bandwidth, something to consider depending on your data plan.

GPS-Capable Smart Phones and Apps

Smart phones have GPS receivers and mapping software, allowing users to download an app that gives them all the functions and features of a dedicated GPS unit.

Navigation apps are available from a variety of smart phone platforms through their online app stores, including Blackberry, Android, and iPhone. Prices vary from free or close to nothing to around $60 dollars. During the holiday season, apps can be found for a discount, making this a great time buy.

Bear in mind that with navigation apps, you tend to get what you pay for. Our testing has found the best apps come from known GPS device makers like Garmin, Magellan, Navigon, and TomTom, all of which provide reliable directions and easy-to-use menus that mimic the look and features of their portable GPS units.

So there are your options, Dallas Ft Worth Chevy owners. Which one seems right for you? Don’t forget, if you are in the market for a new vehicle and are thinking about a built-in navigation system, head down to Classic Chevrolet and check out the systems in the new 2012 Chevrolet models.

Thanks to Cassidy Schafer for contributing.

]]> http://classicgaragedfw.com/how-to-choose-the-best-gps-app-for-your-dallas-ft-worth-chevrolet/feed 0 Don’t Be That Guy During the Holidays in Your New Chevrolet http://classicgaragedfw.com/dont-be-that-guy-during-the-holidays-in-your-new-chevrolet http://classicgaragedfw.com/dont-be-that-guy-during-the-holidays-in-your-new-chevrolet#comments Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:15:35 +0000 Hagen Durant http://classicgaragedfw.com/?p=2466 I love almost everything about the holidays – the gift giving, the baking, the family reunion, etc. What do I hate about the holidays? The crowded Dallas Ft Worth highways and roads. Everyday on my drive home from work, I sit in traffic. I’ve tried to time it out to see if leaving earlier or later . . . → Read More: Don’t Be That Guy During the Holidays in Your New Chevrolet]]> new chevrolet dallasI love almost everything about the holidays – the gift giving, the baking, the family reunion, etc. What do I hate about the holidays? The crowded Dallas Ft Worth highways and roads. Everyday on my drive home from work, I sit in traffic. I’ve tried to time it out to see if leaving earlier or later helps, but the red lights are always inevitable. Traffic is irritating enough to Chevrolet owners in DFW, but when you throw in the terrible drivers and holiday clutter, it’s just plain miserable.

I’ve narrowed it down my top three types of drivers who drive me the most crazy and also slow traffic down. The next time you find yourself stuck in traffic, remember the following and don’t be that guy.

The Traffic Weaver - This is the category I see the most. People weaving in and out of the various lanes trying to get ahead. Sure they gain one or two car lengths in the process, but they’ve now also cut off six people and given another four anxiety that that car is eventually going to cause a wreck. I love when the guy behind me thinks he could get ahead of me and  gets stuck behind a car going twice as slow. Though it’s not very “high-roadish”, I tend to make sure that I don’t leave that guy any room at all to cut in, forcing him to lose two more car lengths. If I’m in the fast lane, I’m there because I want to go fast, and if I could, I would be going faster. But obviously you thought otherwise and decided to try and squeeze ahead of me. As far as I’m concerned, that guy can pass go and not collect $200.

The Pointless Passer – In addition to the previous little rant about the guy who weaves through traffic, is the guy who pointlessly passes. If you are going to take the time to pass me, then you better not cause me to slow down.. Especially if you are in the fast lane. That’s all I have to say about that one. you If you’re going to pass me then you better not start driving slower than I am. What’s the point of that?

The Rubbernecker – If you’ve ever listened to a traffic report on the radio, I’m sure you’ve heard something along the lines of, “Stalled vehicle has 75 N backed up, as well as on-lookers backing up 75 South.  These “on-lookers” are what I like to call Rubberneckers. I know that we all do this, some subconsciously, and I’m not saying it’s a terrible idea to slow down a little bit. But anything over five miles per hour is going to seriously cause traffic. There’s almost nothing I can’t stand more than sitting in traffic for fifteen minutes only to find out the traffic was due to rubbernecking.

The next time you are sitting in traffic, remember to not be that guy. After all, it’s the holiday, folks. So let’s also try and keep the road rage to a minimum. Happy driving, Dallas Ft Worth Chevrolet owners!

Thanks to Cassidy Schafer for contributing.

]]> http://classicgaragedfw.com/dont-be-that-guy-during-the-holidays-in-your-new-chevrolet/feed 0 The Difference Between Horsepower and Torque http://classicgaragedfw.com/the-difference-between-horsepower-and-torque http://classicgaragedfw.com/the-difference-between-horsepower-and-torque#comments Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:37:33 +0000 Hagen Durant http://classicgaragedfw.com/?p=2440 Even if you aren’t an automobile guru, you’ve probably heard the terms “torque” and “horsepower” before. You may even have some sort of idea of which numbers are considered to be high and low for each. The question is… do you understand what they are? If not, don’t worry. You’re not alone. The next time you . . . → Read More: The Difference Between Horsepower and Torque]]> Chevrolet Dealer ArlingtonEven if you aren’t an automobile guru, you’ve probably heard the terms “torque” and “horsepower” before. You may even have some sort of idea of which numbers are considered to be high and low for each. The question is… do you understand what they are? If not, don’t worry. You’re not alone. The next time you hear someone talking about how much horsepower the 2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1 has, ask them to explain exactly what that means and you’ll probably have a 50/50 chance that they won’t know. And after reading this, you’ll even be able to call them out on it!

Horsepower is the amount of work done over a period of time, and torque on the other hand is a measure of force, rotational force, or how “hard” something twists. Think of it this way: horsepower is the actual speed potential of a vehicle and torque is how hard the car pushes you back into your seat when accelerating. Torque is also what allows a Chevrolet truck or car to tow.

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Different cars will have different balances of horsepower and torque. I found a great example from MindOverMotor.com comparing a 2012 BMW M3 and a VW Diesel Touareg . The Touareg makes 240 horsepower and 406 ft/lbs of torque. This means that you’ll feel a really good push into your seat when you hit the gas, but when you look down you will be going 40mph instead of the 60mph you thought it’d be. On the other hand, the M3 has 414 horsepower and 295ft/lbs of torque. It won’t seem to pull that hard when you gas it, but when you look at the speedometer it will read 120mph when you thought you were at 90mph.

Now let’s look at the 2012 Camaro ZL1. This muscle machine makes 580 horsepower and 556lb-ft of torque. So when you gas it, you’ll definitely going to feel the “get up and go” and when you look down at your speedometer, you’ll probably be significantly speeding.

In conclusion, it’s torque that makes a car feel fun when you hit the gas, but it’s the horsepower that makes a car fast. So what type of balance are you looking for, DFW? I’m betting the 2012 Camaro ZL1 (available in Spring 2012) is ranking pretty high right now in your list of fun and fast cars to drive.

Chevrolet Texas dealershipThanks to Cassidy Schafer for contributing.

 

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