It’s way too early to be this dang hot, DFW. Don’t you agree? I can’t believe I’m already dreading getting into my Chevyafter work because it’s going to be so miserably hot in there. I decided to do a little web research to see just how hot it gets in our cars while there left out in the sun all day, and I found an interesting study by the Animal Protection Institute. The organization conducted an experiment showing that even moderately warm temperatures outside can quickly lead to deadly temperatures inside a closed car.
The study was conducted during a local heat wave and compared an outside temperature of a shaded area with the inside of an automobile in three states: fully closed, with four windows cracked, and with two windows cracked. Here’s what they found:
With an outside temperature of 91°F, the inside of an automobile with no cracked windows was measured at 115°F (a difference of 24°F).
With an outside temperature of 90°F, the inside of an automobile with four cracked windows was measured at 108°F (a difference of 18°F).
Even though there is only a six degree difference between cracking your windows and leaving them up, I’d say it’s worth it! Don’t forget, these temperatures were measured in a shaded area. Imagine what it’s like for a car sitting directly in the sun on a 100-degree day.
The Animal Protection Institute organization conducted the study in order to show people how dangerous leaving animals in a car can be. Leaving your dog for “just a minute” may be too long. Because they rely on panting and aren’t able to sweat, dogs can’t cool themselves like people can and their body temperature can rise quickly. Dogs can withstand high temperatures for a short time before suffering severe illness, organ damage — or even death.
Hey DFW Chevy owners, I’m sure we are all aware that we share the road with others. But I also know that we can sometimes overlook the motorcyclists on the road. I have several friends that actually own motorcycles and I cannot tell you how many horror stories I’ve heard from them about drivers who have almost hit them.
In light of Motorcycle Awareness Month, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) has given us a list of 10 things we should remember.
1. There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road, and some drivers don’t “recognize” a motorcycle; they ignore it (usually unintentionally). Look for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at an intersection.
2. Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is. It may also be difficult to judge a motorcycle’s speed. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into (or out of) a driveway, predict a motorcycle is closer than it looks.
3. Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots (door/roof pillars) or masked by objects or backgrounds outside a car (bushes, fences, bridges, etc). Take an extra moment to thoroughly check traffic, whether you’re changing lanes or turning at intersections.
4. Because of its small size a motorcycle may seem to be moving faster than it really is. Don’t assume all motorcyclists are speed demons.
5. Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light. Allow more following distance, say 3 or 4 seconds. At intersections, predict a motorcyclist may slow down without visual warning.
6. Turn signals on a motorcycle usually are not self-canceling, thus some riders, (especially beginners) sometimes forget to turn them off after a turn or lane change. Make sure a motorcycle’s signal is for real.
7. Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and wind. Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off or to allow you to share the lane with them.
8. Maneuverability is one of a motorcycle’s better characteristics, especially at slower speeds and with good road conditions, but don’t expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the way.
9. Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery pavement makes stopping quickly difficult. Allow more following distance behind a motorcycle because it can’t always stop “on a dime.”
10. When a motorcycle is in motion, don’t think of it as motorcycle; think of it as a person.
I don’t know about you, but that last one sure sticks in my mind. The next time you head out in your new or used Chevrolet, just remember: Focus on driving. Look for motorcycles. Give motorcycles enough room. Use your turn signals and keep trash and other objects inside the car.
So you’re thinking about getting a new Chevy Silverado 3500HD. Good choice. You’re about to get a boatload of power, performance and payload. Have you decided on the engine type yet? The Silverado 3500HD has two options: Vortec 6.0L V8/6-speed automatic and the Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V. Decisions, decisions.
If you’ve never owned a diesel-powered vehicle before, it’s important that you know all little bit of background info before you decide.
The Plus Side.
Fuel efficiency. This is top on the list for many. Diesel engines provide about 15% more mileage per gallon, about 15% more.
Torque. If you’re planning on doing a of towing, then a diesel-powered Silverado may be the best choice for you.
Cost. When it comes to maintenance and repair, diesel engines are far more cost-efficient than gasoline engines.
The Down Side.
Horsepower. What you’ll get in torque with a Silverado diesel, you’ll lack in horsepower. But honestly, you aren’t buying this truck for it’s get-up-and-go, are you?
Fuel Cost. Diesel is typically more expensive than gasoline. So upfront, it’ll seem like you’re spending more money on fuel. But in the end, you’ll save.
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.
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.
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.
I don’t know about you guys, but I love The Office. And as you know, I love Chevrolet. So naturally, I’m a big fan of Chevrolet’s latest advertising campaign ”Under the Blue Arch”. Since it’s directed by the same guy who directed The Office, Randall Einhorn, I had no doubt in my mind that I would love the commercials.
Back in February, GM issued a press release describing the ad campaign as a 30-second retail format featuring a consistent cast of characters – from the former radio host turned salesman to the top-selling single mom – set in a new Chevy dealership.
“The automotive retail advertising landscape is very crowded, so you have to find a way to break through,” said Joel Ewanick, GM vice president and Global Chief Marketing Officer. “Humor is a great educator and this campaign is designed to grab people’s attention, tweak their funny bone and get them to consider Chevrolet.”
“The dealership and each of its characters represents the Chevrolet brand, which are friendly people in a comfortable and inviting surrounding,” said Ralph Watson of Goodby, Silverstein & Partners. “Randall and the cast brought the store to life in a way only they can – by thorough preparation and thoughtful choices for improvisation. Over the course of rehearsing, they became their characters.”
So who is your favorite character, DFW? Let Classic Chevrolet know! In case you’ve missed any episodes, you can check them all out right now!
Hey DFW Chevrolet carenthusiasts, are you heading to the DFW Auto Show in Dallas this weekend? If you haven’t already set aside some time to check it out, you may want to clear your schedule. The DFW Auto Show in Dallas started back in 1982 and now hosts more than half a million square feet of new cars, trucks and SUVs at the Dallas Convention Center.
Besides checking out Chevrolet’s awesome 2013 line up up close, be sure to head over to the Ride & Drive event in Lot E (the old Reunion Arena Parking Lot) adjacent to the Dallas Convention Center and get behind the wheel of a new Chevrolet!Hours for the Ride & Drive event are: 10 am to 7 pm Friday and Saturday (March 23 and 24); and 11 am to 6 pm Sunday (March 25). Participants must be 18 years old, and have a valid driver’s license and insurance.
As if you needed anymore incentive to attend, the DFW Auto Show is also sponsoring a contest – Test Drive a Car to Win a Gas Card! Just by test driving a new car, you’ll be registering to win a gas card – $300 for first prize, $200 for second prize and $100 for third prize! With gasoline prices expected to rise to more than four dollars a gallon, why wouldn’t you want to enter in this contest?
The show starts this Wednesday and tickets are only $12 for adults and $5 for senior citizens 65 and older. Want to bring the kids along? No problem! Kids 12 and under are free! See you there!
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
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