There are so many different types and brands of GPS systems out there but the makers of TomTom really out did themselves this time. How genius to have Darth Vader as the voice on your GPS system directing you to your next destination. I think this is awesome! So when you pick up your new or used truck from your Texas Chevy dealer make sure you pick up the navigation system that you either love or the one that doesn’t scare the crud out of you! Ha ha. What do you guys think? Would you like this? Or hate it?
Here’s the story from Consumer Reports:
TomTom portable navigation devices (PNDs) have been known for the ability to customize route guidance with downloadable voices, but this latest addition to the voice catalog takes the concept to a galaxy far, far away. TomTom has introduced the first of four scheduled officially licensed Star Wars voices: Darth Vader.
Available for $12.95, the authentic-sounding voice provides guidance as only a Sith Lord can, complete with references to the Dark Side. To complete the navigator upgrade, there are free Star Wars downloads with start-up screens, sound effects, and car icons.
The next character coming is C-3PO, with Yoda expected to follow in July and Han Solo in August. No word on offering Chewbacca. We imagine that the Yoda voice could be a challenge to interpret, given the big-eared Jedi’s tendency to transpose words.
Check out this hysterical video from TomTom of the recording session with Darth Vader….
Now all they need is to have a voice for Napoleon Dynamite and they will be on a roll. I can just hear it now.
A company called WaterCar builds what they say are the fastest Amphibious vehicles. I came across a video on YouTube of their amphibious vehicle called The Python and once I watched it I was not only laughing hysterically, I was truly amazed. How can this be, how is this even possible??? Well a gentlemen by the name of Dave March who is the founder of WaterCar, Inc. has obviously found a way cause these things are pretty awesome. Maybe I should start tinkering around in the garage and see what I can build!
Watch this video and let me know what you guys think about The Python! Looks like it may have a Corvette rear-end….
It seems like every other week I see a story on the news about a little kid getting ran over in their driveway cause they are playing behind mom and dads car. I could not imagine how horrible that would be to jump in my car in a hurry and not paying attention and hitting one of my children. I don’t know if I could ever recover from that. I saw a story on the local DFW news the other night about this happening and it got me thinking.
Statistics show that at least 50 children are backed over every week in the U.S. and at least two children die. Sadly, the majority of the drivers responsible for the deaths are direct family members of the children. I thought this was probably a good time to remind parents and family members of the dangers of not paying attention. It’s getting to be that time of year when the kids are out and about playing on the streets and in the yard. You must pay attention and keep a close eye out on everything going on around you.
Here is a video that CBS aired on the dangers of blind zones. Just watch because it will illustrate how bad blind zones are. This experiment will blow your mind away.
The main thing you need to do it walk around your car, make sure your kids are not playing behind the car, look at your neighbors yards and make sure their kids aren’t playing to close. PAY ATTENTION!! BE VIGILANT. Take your time and if you can afford it and have the abilities it’s a very smart idea to install a camera on your car for when you back up.
When we decided to do our Chevy and Friends photo contest in April we never thought we’d have a more gracious, generous, kind, caring winner than that of Donna Sowul. After a long week of voting she was the 2nd place finisher receiving over 2,500 votes for her submission of the picture to the left with her husband and her beloved Camaro. Because she was a top 3 finisher she received a $100 VISA gift card from Classic Chevrolet. To my amazement she emailed us when she received her gift card and told us of her plans for the $100.
I just wanted to let you know that I got my gift card today…I want to convey my sincerest thanks and appreciation for this most generous and thoughtful gift…I also wanted to let you and Classic Chevrolet know that I plan on donating it to the “Make a Wish Foundation” in loving memory of my Dad, who passed away right before I got my ‘dream car called Camaro’…His last wishes were that donations be made in his name to the “Make A Wish Foundation”, as he always felt so heartbroken to see little children with bald heads due to chemo…I plan on letting the foundation know of the generosity of Classic Chevrolet, and to also honor my late Dad who I miss so much every single day… May God Bless all of you at Classic Chevrolet the way he has also blessed me with this gift card from you…
Best regards,
Donna Sowul
(in loving memory of my Dad, Irvin W Smith…West Babylon, NY)
After receiving this letter we just knew we had to contribute somehow because we were so honored that she would do that.
The Make A Wish Foundation is an organization that since 1980 has been granting wishes to children with life threatening medical conditions. According to their website they have made over 191,000 wishes come true for children all over the world. It is an amazing organization that gives hope and happiness to children. For more information on how you can help you can visit their website.
So in honor of Donna and her gracious donation today April 23, 2010 between 10:30 am and 9:00 pm – Classic Chevrolet will donate $2 for every “Like” we receive from our Facebook Fan Page from this post to the Make A Wish Foundation!
Thanks Donna for being so great! It’s fans like you that make us love what we do!
So it’s time to start thinking about your car or truck. Time for some maintenance right? Well there are a few misconceptions out there. I found a great article from Consumer Reports on the myths of car care. Even if you have no ill intentions it’s true that you could do stuff which will lead to spending more money, causing damage to your car or truck and even putting your safety at risk. Below are the myth’s from Consumer Reports and a link to a nice video that helps spell it all out while adding some additional myths as well. When taking your car or truck to a Dallas Chevy dealer for some maintenance at least now you’ll know if you caused the damage yourself or not. Right?
Myth: If regular-grade fuel is good, premium must be better. Reality: Most vehicles run just fine on regular-grade (87 octane) fuel. Using premium in these cars won’t hurt, but it won’t improve performance, either. A higher-octane number simply means that the fuel is less prone to pre-ignition problems, so it’s often specified for hotter running, high-compression engines. So if your car is designed for 87-octane fuel, don’t waste money on premium. Only use premium if your car’s owner’s manual says “required.”
Myth: Let your engine warm up for several minutes before driving. Reality: That might have been good advice for yesteryear’s cars but is less so today. Modern engines warm up more quickly when they’re driven. And the sooner they warm up, the sooner they reach maximum efficiency and deliver the best fuel economy and performance. But don’t rev the engine high over the first few miles while it’s warming up.
Myth: A dealership must perform regular maintenance to keep your car’s factory warranty valid. Reality: As long as the maintenance items specified in the vehicle owner’s manual are performed on schedule, the work can be done at any auto-repair shop. If you’re knowledgeable, you can even do the work yourself. Just keep accurate records and receipts to back you up in case of a warranty dispute on a future repair.
See Consumer Reports for the cool video and additional information on car or truck care myths.
When you are in the market for a new car or truck whether it be used or not, you know that a good test drive is important to finding the best value in a used car. You want a safe, reliable car right? Here are a few tips on how to test drive that used car or truck. Thanks to Edmunds.com for putting such a great article together. The article is long. So I just found bits and pieces for you guys. If you want to read the full article just see Edmunds.com.
1) Always have an open mind - You must be able to walk in there unbiased and unprejudiced. Keep your analysis as objective as possible so you can leave there with a good feeling of what that car has to offer you and your family. Forget that your dad was a Ford lover and you’re test driving a Chevy. The main thing is what’s best for you.
2)Set a benchmark. You need to set your own benchmarks. So maybe you aren’t sure which car or truck you’re interested in or what type you need. But that’s not a big deal at all. It’s more than ok to be torn between a car or a truck or an SUV. Just start by test driving as many cars or trucks as you can. Get a feel for what you like and what’s gonna be good for you and your family. You may find that you wanted a small coupe but you really like the way a truck handles better.
3) A pre-test inspection is key. Go ahead and look under the hood. You have the right to take a look. If you smell any kind of overpowering odor that could mean big trouble. checks for any poor maintenance signs. Don’t hesitate to check the oil and transmission fluid dip sticks and look for dirty or low fluid levels. Don’t be embarrassed to get on your back and look under the car. Check those hoses and belts for any cracks. You want to be sure you’re getting a good car right? Check the tires! The point is that looking at all that stuff is important and you can do it. If you don’t know what to look for ask the Dallas Chevy dealer if you can take the car to your mechanic and have it checked out. The only reason they may say no is because there is something wrong with it. Keep that in mind.
4) Notes notes notes. Taking notes is important. Make sure you take notes about the ride, note any noises, get a feel for the steering, comfort of the cab, how do the brakes work, what do the tires look like, or anything else that you think is important. This will help you get a sense of what the vehicle has to offer.
5) Take your time. I know i’ve talked about this before but I think it’s worth mentioning again. Don’t get pushed into anything you’re not ready for. Don’t settle for a short test. If you want to drive the car or truck for an extra 10 miles just say so and don’t be afraid.
6) Try to be consistent. Just remember you are the test instrument. So try to drive like you normally would. 35 on the surface streets and 60 on the highway is a good way to start with out sending shocks to the seller. Just drive like you normally would. If you normally drive like a maniac then don’t do that!! ha ha.
7) Turn the radio off. Unless you’re scoping out the sound system, leave the radio off. This is so you can hear any unusual noises. Maybe even turn the A/C off and on and check for noises there as well.
8) Get a second opinion. Like I said before it’s probably a good idea to take the used car or truck to a mechanic for a thorough inspection and a test-drive. You’ve already looked over the car and have made your own opinions. It’s a wise investment to get a second opinion. – Edmunds.com
Can you think of any other good tips to take with you when test driving a used car or truck?
So you’re buying a new or used car or truck? You need to fill out a car loan application? Well let me just tell you it is critical that you provide accurate, honest information no matter if you complete the form online, at a bank, or at a local Dallas Chevy dealership. If you don’t it could result in your application not being processed correctly and it may prevent you from getting a car or truck loan.
It is imperative that you give the correct information. Some people mess this up. Below are the most common mistakes made when filling out a car or truck loan application. Thanks to Car Loan Pal for the great information!
1) Social Security Number - If you do not put the correct social security number down your application can’t be processed because your information will not be found.
2) Income Information - You must report all of your income like salary, alimony, social security benefits, money earned from other jobs, etc. If you mistakenly under report this could cause your application to be deemed possibly less desirable by the potential lenders.
3) Email Addresses – Make sure that you put down a valid email address if you are filling out your application online. Failure to do so could result in your missing important information regarding your loan status.
4) Phone Numbers – It’s a common mistake to fill out the wrong phone number for home or work. If you don’t have a work or home phone make sure you give a cell phone number etc. It’s important that you give them a valid phone number so the loan company can get ahold of you.
5) Credit Score – Before applying for a car or truck loan you should know your credit score. You need to be prepared to discuss your situation with the dealership and/or potential lender. If you do not know your credit score you can get your free report once a year.
If you can think of anything that was missed send it on over to me. I’ll add it to the list or for more information see Car Loan Pal.
So you are going to buy a used car or truck huh? Well here are a few negotiating tips for buying used that will save you money!
Although it may seem a little trickier than finding buried treasure there are good negotiating tips for used car or truck buying. Salespeople spend everyday selling, while the rest of us might have to try and get a good deal every few years. Because of this, most of us don’t really have a clue on how to negotiate. Hopefully these tips below will help you on your way to buying a used car or truck successfully.
1) You Need To Be Prepared – This may be the most important negotiating tips when buying a used car or truck. Obviously do your research. You’ve heard me say that a time or two. You must know how much the used car or truck you are looking at usually costs. Check out Kelley Blue Book and you can get a good estimate of that. The more you know the more of an advantage you will have when you walk into that Dallas Chevy dealership.
2) Know What You Can Afford – Know exactly how much money you have and how much you are prepared to pay. Just don’t share that information with the salespeople right off the bat. Salespeople know what the car is worth and they try to get the most money that they can from the car. Doesn’t mean they are trying to screw you over they just want to make a good deal too. Keep the amount of money you have a secret and get ready to play let’s make a deal.
3) Never Act Intimidated – Just know that you do have the power to deal. Walking onto a car or truck lot can be intimidating but don’t be nervous! You can do it. Don’t let anyone rush you and make sure you take your time and you really love what the car or truck you are about to purchase before taking the leap.
4) By All Means Take Your Time – Again, don’t feel rushed. A good rule of thumb is to walk away and think about it over night and come back the next day when you are 100% positive you are ready to purchase. You must take the time to process everything and discuss it with friends or family. If the car is gone the next day then it wasn’t meant to be and there is a better car or truck out there for you. No sweat.
5) Check Out Several Dealerships - You need to go to as many car and truck used car lots as you can. Make sure that you do that! It’s imperative to know what’s going on at other dealerships. You may find a better deal. You may not but you need to shop. The more used car and truck lots you visit, the more information you will have to negotiate with. Showing the salespeople that you know exactly how much another lot will charge for a similar car will give you the leverage you need to get a great deal.
I hope that these tips will help you in finding a good deal on your next used car or truck. Send me any other tips you can think of.
Your new or used car or truck has a weak link…. It’s TRUE! Believe me when I tell you….YOUR TIMING BELT IS THE WEAKEST LINK IN YOUR ENGINE!
What is a timing belt?
A timing belt, timing chain or cam belt is part of an internal combustion engine. It connects the crankshaft to the camshaft(s), which control the opening and closing of the engine’s valves. Some cars only have one camshaft; others have more than one. Timing belts are used with engines that have overhead camshafts in place of the old timing chains because they’re easier and cheaper to manufacture. – EHow
If your car has less than 100,000 miles well maybe you don’t need to worry but if you have more miles than that on your new or used car or tuck then the mere mention of the timing belt should fill you with spine tingling fear. Why? A worn timing belt will quickly deteriorate into a BROKEN timing belt which could then result in catastrophic engine damage. You never want to be stranded right? I’m sure you like walking but not 20 miles to work… I wouldn’t.
Timing belt service is not inexpensive and trying to save money going for the lowest bidder can be a prelude to disaster. I suggest using top quality parts, done by a mechanic that knows your type of vehicle. A local Dallas Chevy dealer can help to. They will know if there are common faults that prevent the service from lasting through another full service cycle.
BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY - Typically, thousands of dollars or more in damage can be donw when a timing belt fails. A lot of times the engine is destroyed.
So your car or truck is new, that doesn’t matter, just remember that the weakest link is the one that takes the rest of the car or truck with it. That’s just one of the many many reasons you must follow the manufacturers recommended mileage intervals for timing belt replacement, so an experienced mechanic and or Dallas Chevy dealer can inspect the timing components to ensure they ALL can keep on driving with confidence. The basic timing belt service on most four cylinder vehicles starts at around $300.00. Be sure to read your owner’s manual for your actual mileage to have your timing belt looked at.
Does anyone have any timing belt horror stories? Send them over to me…. I’ve heard some pretty interesting ones in my time.
Brakes are one of the most important parts on your new or used car or truck. They will need to be replaced every now and then when they are going bad. Here are some symptoms to look for.
1) Ever heard that annoying high pitched squeal from your brakes when you apply pressure to stop? A majority of vehicles brake pads contain a thin hard metal tab within the brake pad that acts like a fingernail on a chalkboard when pads are worn down to the minimum thickness. This is the sound of warning. The sound that tells you it is time to replace your brakes.
2) You should never notice any grinding when listening to your brakes. No squealing, no dragging, no thumping either! If you hear any of this then you should take your car or truck into the shop and have your brakes checked. Any of these sounds could lead to further damage if left unchecked.
3) If your new or used car or truck has anti-lock brakes or ABS, then you will most definitely notice a pulse of the brake pedal in certain weather conditions like heavy rain, snow, ice, or if you have to slam on your brakes. If for some odd reason your brakes are pulsating and you are not currently dealing with these weather conditions then you better high tail it over to see your mechanic. Normal braking should be a smooth operation.
Why Good Brakes Go Bad
Obviously, certain driving conditions can accelerate brake wear. Stop and go traffic creates the most wear, but there are other types of driving that cause premature wear. Aggressive driving certainly will cause more wear, as will unnecessarily riding the brake pedal during driving. It follows, then, that the best way to maximize the life of brake pads is to avoid aggressive driving and avoid stop and go situations when possible.
It’s also good to coast as much as possible, and to not rest feet on the brake pedal in non-braking situations.
Brakes will wear out eventually, but there are ways to make them last as long as possible. That’s a good thing, since brake jobs are among the more costly of basic maintenance services, due mostly to labor involved. Keeping brakes in good shape may be costly, but it’s worth it. – Car Reviews
Check out this video on brake replacement if you think that you can handle the job. If you need help from a local dallas chevy dealer feel free to bring it down to us we’ll take a look!
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
There are so many different types and brands of GPS systems out there but the makers of TomTom really out did themselves this time. How genius to have Darth Vader as the voice on your GPS system directing you to your next destination. I think this is awesome! So when you pick up your new or used truck from your Texas Chevy dealer make sure you pick up the navigation system that you either love or the one that doesn’t scare the crud out of you! Ha ha. What do you guys think? Would you like this? Or hate it?
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