Classic Garage DFW

Does Cracking the Windows Make a Difference in the Summer Months?

admin — Fri, 11 May 2012 20:39:10 +0000

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 Chevy after 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.

Thanks to Cassidy Schafer for contributing.

Remember That We Share the Road with Motorcycles, DFW Chevrolet Owners

admin — Mon, 07 May 2012 18:18:22 +0000

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.

[Source:Motorcycle Safety Foundation]

Thanks to Cassidy Schafer for contributing.

Should You Opt for the Diesel in the Chevy Silverado?

admin — Fri, 04 May 2012 18:18:51 +0000

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.

So there you have it, Dallas Ft Worth drivers. A quick breakdown of the pros and cons of owning a diesel-powered truck. For a further, more in-depth explanation, swing by the Classic Chevrolet dealership in Grapevine and speak with their experts.

Thanks to Cassidy Schafer for contributing.

Keep Your New or Used Chevy Cool During the Hot DFW Summer

admin — Wed, 02 May 2012 18:12:56 +0000

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.

Consumer Reports Measures the Blind Zones of Various Vehicles

admin — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:29:54 +0000

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.

The Chevy Traverse is the Perfect Pet-Friendly Vehicle

admin — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:25:28 +0000

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 Chevrolet and check out the Chevrolet Traverse for yourself. They’ll gladly walk you through the vehicles numerous safety features and amenities.

[Source: media.gm.com]

Thanks to Cassidy Schafer for contributing.

The GM Foundation and Safe Kids Launch 2012 Heat Stroke Prevention Campaign

admin — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 03:45:29 +0000

Since 1997, General Motors and the GM Foundation have served as Safe Kids Buckle Up’s exclusive funding source and helped build the program into a multifaceted national initiative, bringing motor vehicle safety messages to children and families through community and dealer partnerships. To date, more than 22 million people have been exposed to Safe Kids Buckle Up events and community outreach efforts. Certified child passenger safety technicians working through Safe Kids coalitions have examined over 1.4 million child safety seats at over 75,000 events and the program has donated over 520,000 seats to families in need.

This year, GM has teamed up with Safe Kids Worldwide again by launching a campaign to help prevent heat strokes due to being left in an unattended vehicle. According to a recent press release from Safe Kids Worldwide, dozens of children die of hyperthermia (or heat stroke) every year from being left in unattended vehicles. Safe Kids Worldwide and its state-based coalitions are mobilizing their network of partners – police and fire departments, hospitals and doctors’ offices, government agencies, childcare centers, businesses and others – to alert citizens to the grave dangers that hot vehicles pose to children and encourage people to Never Leave Your Child Alone In a Car.

President and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide, Kate Carr, said they are “urging everyone to ACT: Avoid hyperthermia-related deaths by never leaving your child alone in a car and always locking doors and trunks; Create reminders and habits for you and your child’s caregivers to serve as a safety net to ensure you don’t forget your child; and Take action if you see a child unattended in a vehicle by immediately calling 911.”

Odds are, the Dallas Ft Worth metroplex is in for an even hotter summer than last year. So Classic Chevrolet encourages everyone to remember to ACT.

AVOID stroke-related injury and death by:

Never leaving your child alone in the car, even for a minute.
Consistently locking unattended vehicle doors and trunks.

CREATE reminders and habits that give you and your child’s caregiver a safety net:

Establish a peace-of-mind plan. When you drop off your child, make a habit of calling or texting all other caregivers, so all of you know where your child is at all times.
Place a purse, briefcase, gym bag, cell phone or an item that is needed at your next stop in a back seat.
Set the alarm on your cell phone or computer calendar as a reminder to drop your child off at childcare.

TAKE ACTION if you see an unattended child in a vehicle:

Dial 911 immediately and follow the instructions that emergency personnel provide – they are trained to determine if a child is in danger.

Let’s all join in the campaign and help prevent future tragedies. Remind your friends and family to Never Leave Your Child Alone in a Car and to ACT.

[Source: Media.GM.com]

Thanks to Cassidy Schafer for contributing.

2014 Chevrolet Impala Debuts at the New York Auto Show

admin — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 03:18:57 +0000

Photo Courtesy of MotorTrend.com

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.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnFO9oSYFb8

[Source: Media.GM.com]

Thanks to Cassidy Schafer for contributing.

The 2012 Camaro ZL1 Has Finally Arrived in Grapevine

admin — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:45:52 +0000

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.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWFP6LM-_q8

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.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOFnMey1adA

Thanks to Cassidy Schafer for contributing.

Spring Car Tips for Your New or Used Chevrolet: Maintenance Checks

admin — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 22:12:57 +0000

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.