It doesn’t take your car repairman to tell you that, if you’ve hit your 60,000 mile mark and haven’t had your fuel injectors cleaned, it’s probably time to do so. I don’t need to tell you that the cleaner your fuel injectors are, the more efficient your engine will be, whereby resulting in better gas mileage. With fuel prices seemingly stuck at well over $3 a gallon, this just means more money in your pocket. What happens when fuel injectors are dirty or clogged is that they don’t spray in an even pattern. This will produce poor fuel ignition and is a huge waste of fuel. Check out the video below. This is a great report on fuel injectors.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkKnLbIQSug
Replacing fuel injectors can cost several hundred dollars so you don’t want to neglect them, as they are the feeding tube for your engine and you are going to want as much efficiency as possible. It’s a good idea to get them serviced at least once a year. Remember, following your regular maintenance schedule will prove to greatly benefit the life of your car’s engine.
And the hits just keep on coming! Here we are feeling like we’re getting all our entire year’s worth of rainfall in just a couple months. A friend of mine texted me this morning and said, “My pool is about to crest so we got 4″ overnight”.
But on a serious note here folks, it’s been heavy rains all spring long, with the worst coming in this last month and a half. First responders are over-taxed with their regular work servicing car accidents and the usual problems associated with bad weather without having to add water rescues, or even worse, recoveries to their pile. You’ve seen the signs, billboards, and TV spots: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” and “Arrive Alive”.
There’s a reason they have to tell you that bit of obvious information. It wasn’t so obvious to quite a few people before you. Moving water is a powerful force, that’s how hydroelectric dams work. Heck it’s how flour mills worked back in your great-great’s days. If flowing water can turn massive stone wheels to grind your great-great’s corn, or turn massive electric generators to create power…why would you think it couldn’t shove your car or truck around just a little bit?
So to beat this bit of obvious into your head a little bit, if there is flowing water over the road, find another way to your destination or just wait it out. There is nothing so important on the other side of the road.
Yeah, but…
But nothing. Even if your kids are in school on the other side of that low water crossing, the school KNOWS it’s raining and will plan accordingly. In these days of cell phones, there is almost nothing you cannot organize while you wait for the waters to recede. Don’t be selfish and put yourself, your property, or a first responder at risk by being in a hurry!
It can be one of the most annoying noises your car, or truck can produce. That CLUNK when you turn the wheel of your vehicle. The issue here could actually be a number of things. There can be 5 things that can cause a front end clunk.
ball joints
tie rod
sway-bar links
shocks
shock mounts
Take a look at the video below for a quick explanation how each of these components can be the culprit of causing that front end clunk.
If you’ve exhausted the entire list of potential problems above, remember it could be your control arm bushings. As was said in the video, these are pretty heavy duty bushings, so you probably have put a LOT of miles on your vehicles.
If you aren’t really sure how to check your GM vehicle’s suspension system for the noise that you know is coming from “somewhere up there”, go ahead and bring in your car at anytime. We’ll be able to diagnose and fix your front end clunking quickly and efficiently. Front end suspension is always taking some extreme abuse from pot holes and poorly maintained road, so it will probably require some adjustment at times. Letting it go may only create problems in the future.
Security and safety are things we think about everyday whether we know it or not. That’s not just security and safety while driving, but also while you are at home in the evenings. I want to share a tip to enhance your home security and honestly, this is something I hadn’t really thought of until now, but it’s so simple and easy to do, you should make it a habit.
My advice is to keep your car keys nearby, “especially when you are home asleep in your bed.” Of course, you have an alarm system on your vehicle and most do these days. It doesn’t have to be on of the systems that tells you to step away from the car or sounds like a storm-warning siren… just an alarm system with a panic button that makes the horn sound and the lights flash.
For example, if you hear a noise outside your home or someone is trying to get into your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will go off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery goes dead. It doesn’t even matter if the car is in the garage. I heard this bit of advice from a from a neighborhood watch coordinator. It was like a light bulb was turned on in my head. So, the next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys on the counter or a key rack, think of this: It’s a security alarm system that requires no installation and no outside monitoring. Try it for yourself. The alarm can be set off from most everywhere inside your house and it will continue to go off until you reset it with the button on the key fob.
Just a friendly tip. Has anyone ever had to use their panic button in a an emergency?
There’s a reason they call it the ‘new car’ smell. Once it’s not new anymore, your car begins to emit a distinctive smell that mostly the contents of the car. Some cars fare better than others, depending on their owner’s cleaning habits. If you don’t take the time to clean out your car, yes, it will probably be an olfactory nightmare. Here are few tips to keep your car smelling just as good as it did the day it came off the lot.
Give it a good clean
I can’t stress this enough. Clean out your car! If you’re a smoker and you use the ashtray, there’s a high probability that it’s causing your passengers to hold their noses when they ride with you. Clean every part of the car. The seats that house all of the crumbs from you eating while driving, the floor mats that absorb whatever it is you stepped in, the steering wheel that gets covered in sweaty palms, all of it needs a good vacuuming or spray of cleaning solution. Check under the seats. I, personally, always find French fries under my seats and there’s really no telling how long they’ve been there.
Invest in a good smell neutralizer
Those trees you see hanging from the mirrors? The clip-on fragrances that you can put right on the air conditioner’s vent? Those just cover up the problem. For about $10 you can get a bag of odor absorbing materials that suck up whatever the smell is, be it cigarette smoke, mildew or month old French fries. I keep one under my seat at all times and I have yet to smell anything that makes me pinch my nose.
Check your in-cabin air conditioning filter
Those things are notorious for housing some of the worst smells of all mankind. If it’s been a few years since you’ve had it checked, bring it in to us and let us scope it out and see what’s causing that awful smell in your car.
What do you do to get rid of bad odors in your car?
There’s a right time for just about everything, right? Like the right time to get married. The right time to buy a house. The right time to plant a garden. You get my point. And right now it’s the right time to buy a used car at Freeman Grapevine and here’s why:
you have an old car that costs more to repair than it’s worth
it would make the best present ever
you’ve had a lifestyle change
there are tons of vehicles available
you can get a smokin’ deal
These are truly some things to really think about. If your car has become unreliable and you seem to always be taking it in to get fixed then now is a great time to buy a used car. Not only is your car taking up a lot of your time being fixed every other week, but it can also be unsafe. You should also take a look at the amount of money you’re spending on fixing it compared to the amount it’s currently worth today. You don’t want to be throwing money down the drain. Sure you may have an attachment to your current car, but believe me, when you find the perfect used car you won’t even look back.
With the holiday seasons coming up, you may want to consider getting one of our great used cars as a gift. This is the ultimate present. Imagine how excited the person receiving the gift will be! The look on their face will be priceless. So if you are getting a used car as a gift, we would love for you to capture the moment and send us a picture!!
It may be time to consider buying a used vehicle if you have had a recent lifestyle change. This can be anything from getting a new job that now takes you on a commute to a new teenager that’s ready to drive.
Remember, it might be a used car, but it’s still new to you!
Ok, how do you know when you may require replacement shocks and why are shocks so essential? These are excellent questions. This is certainly an frequently overlooked but crucial piece to your automobile in regards to safety. make no mistake, recognizing when it is time to switch your shocks is extremely important.
First, let’s evaluate the shocks as well as the suspension system:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsm2rhJ4B4k
Examining your shocks is often a very simple thing to perform. The truth is, it is something you can do yourself fairly easily.
The very first thing that can be done is pay attention if you are driving. For example, upon hitting the bump does your car or truck continue to bounce up and down? If the answer is yes then you definitely will almost undoubtedly require fresh shocks. Start taking note now, as this will likely start slowly and get worse over time until they are really bad. In reality, if you delay too long you may break other components and parts of of you vehicle.
Another approach to test your shock’s life would be to physically peek underneath your car or truck. For a truck or van you might not be able to see them. In this instance you need to push on the bumper and follow the measures the same as you are physically taking a look at them. They may bounce. Two or three bounces they are fine. If they continue to oscillate, then they need replacing.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qycP-LZKX10
As stated before, the main reason it is so important to change worn out shocks is because they’re critical to keeping your tires connected with the highway. If you are driving down a bumpy road and the wheels are bouncing up and down, worn shocks will in fact permit the wheels to entirely lose contact with the highway. Considering your tires are the only thing separating you from the highway, this can be particularly unsafe when you run into a dip or a bump during a high speed curve. Superior shocks will help to minimize body roll, also essential during cornering.
IF you think that your shock may be worn and really can’t figure it out by yourself, swing by and we’ll take a look at them. Then we can recommend the right types for your Buick or GMC.
2018 Enclave builds on the success of its first-generation predecessor
NEW YORK — New and versatile functionality, spaciousness and intuitive technologies mark the next evolution of the Buick Enclave. More third-row space, improved towing capability and a thoughtful combination of safety technologies, useful interior features and premium materials are a few highlights included on Buick’s all-new seven-passenger midsize luxury SUV.
Within a visually lower and slimmer body, the Enclave boasts more interior space. The third row alone offers 5.6 more inches of standard legroom than an Acura MDX, 4.5 inches more than an Audi Q7 and nearly three inches more than an Infiniti QX60. The new Enclave also features a longer wheelbase than the previous generation, yet its turning circle is 1.4 feet tighter than before, pairing the space customers need with added maneuverability.
“Enclave was introduced as a game-changer for the Buick brand and has since become one of our most successful and important vehicles,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president, Global Buick and GMC. “It set the tone for a more progressive Buick, helping change perception for us and serving as the standard-bearer of what our products stand for: smart, stylish luxury.”
Enclave highlights
New proportions, bodylines and accents combine for an athletic stance that accentuates the redesigned front end and grille.
A comprehensive offering of standard and available safety technology includes customizable safety alerts.
The all-new body structure was built for safety, strength and mass efficiency, and there are 17 radar, camera and ultrasonic sensors when fully equipped.
There’s seating for seven and more cargo volume behind the first row than the Acura MDX, Audi Q7 and Infiniti QX60.
Buick-first Evonik Acrylite lighting technology provides a distinctive light signature.
Tow capacity of up to 5,000 pounds is more than enough to tow a typical 21-foot sport boat.
A standard 3.6L V-6 engine with stop/start technology, Buick-estimated 302 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
2017 Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Award is based on positive consumer perception
DETROIT — GMC won Kelley Blue Book’s 2017 Brand Image Award for Most Refined Brand today. It’s the fourth year in a row GMC has earned the award, as it continues to earn praise for its premium trucks and SUVs from new car buyers.
Brand Image Award winners are based on consumer automotive perception data from Kelley Blue Book Strategic Insights’ Brand Watch™ study. Brand Watch is an online brand and model perception tracking study tapping into more than 12,000 in-market new-vehicle shoppers annually on Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. The comprehensive study provides insight on how shoppers identify important factors influencing their purchase decision and captures brand/model familiarity and loyalty among new-vehicle shoppers.
“GMC’s ‘Professional Grade’ ideology has struck a resonant chord with consumers, and that’s reflected in car buyers visiting Kelley Blue Book’s website, KBB.com, naming GMC 2017’s Most Refined Brand,” says Jack Nerad, executive editorial director for Kelley Blue Book. “The extra attention to design and detail found across GMC’s lineup has clearly resonated with American consumers.”
In previous wins, Kelley Blue Book has acknowledged Denali, GMC’s highest expression of premium vehicles, for continuing to elevate the brand’s overall perception among consumers. Kelley Blue Book’s findings show that consumers recognize GMC trucks and SUVs pair professional grade capability with exceptional features and technology.
“Receiving the Most Refined Brand award for a fourth consecutive year reflects GMC’s commitment to our core brand pillars,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president, Global Buick and GMC. “Consumers appreciate GMC’s ability to deliver bold, capable and precisely crafted vehicles that fit their lifestyle.”
GMC began 2017 by selling its 1 millionth Denali vehicle since introducing the sub-brand on Yukon in 1999. Denali accounted for 25 percent of GMC retail sales in 2016, outselling the entire product lines of several premium automakers such as Land Rover, Jaguar and Porsche.
Enclave ushers in the arrival of Buick’s new luxury sub-brand
NEW YORK — Debuting with the 2018 Buick Enclave, the new Avenir sub-brand represents the highest expression of Buick luxury. Avenir offers unique styling cues and an extensive set of standard features and premium materials throughout the vehicle. New and versatile functionality, interior spaciousness, and intuitive technologies build on the Enclave’s established popularity.
Smart innovation and style come standard on the 2018 Buick Enclave Avenir. Buick-first Evonik Acrylite exterior lighting illuminates the road ahead with the power of more than 100 LEDs across the vehicle. A Rear Camera Mirror provides a clearer, broader view of what’s behind. And in-vehicle ionization leaves the air cleaner and fresher. It’s all packaged within an elegant design that combines concept car inspiration with improved interior luxury amenities and roominess for up to seven passengers.
“The Enclave has been a successful formula for the Buick brand, with sales results that have defied traditional product cycles, and 90 percent of customers purchasing in the top two trim levels,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global Buick and GMC. “It’s a beacon for the modern, attainable luxury Buick stands for and is a natural place to launch Avenir.”
Enclave Avenir highlights
Avenir model comes standard with extensive active safety, connectivity and luxury features for a simple and convenient buying experience.
It has an all-new body structure for safety, strength and mass efficiency, plus 17 radar, camera and ultrasonic sensors when fully equipped.
It accommodates seven passengers comfortably and offers more cargo volume behind the first row than the Acura MDX, Audi Q7 and Infiniti QX60.
Standard hands-free power-programmable liftgate with a Buick tri-shield logo illuminates the ground below the hidden sensor and power-folding third row.
Avenir-exclusive 3-dimensional mesh grille, badging, pearl nickel 20-inch aluminum wheels and luxurious interior materials are standard.
Buick-first Rear Camera Mirror is standard on Avenir.
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