All posts by Ozzie

Cars Built with Crossbows, Snakes and Headbutts

Just for Fun, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hands down, this has to be the most insane car commercial I’ve ever seen. Thanks to the good people at autoblog.net for educating me on the fact that there is definitely something strange in European water>

Skoda is busy pushing its new Fabia vRS on the unsuspecting public across the pond with a new ad for the pint-sized hatch. Far from the cuddly machines of the competition, the Fabia vRS is apparently hewn melted-down katana swords, razor wire, snake venom and burnt rubber. Even the windshield wipers are constructed from bits of a crossbow, at least in make-believe land. The spot features manly men doing manly things to build the little five-door. Sure does make you wonder what goes into putting the 2011 Sierra Denali together.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bE-jgcstqIg&feature=player_embedded

See what I mean? It’s gotta be in the water over there.

What can a Car Dealer do to feed the Hungry In DFW?

Insurance, New Cars, Tips and HInts, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

That’s actually a rhetorical question. The one great thing about running a car dealership is there are so many thing that I can do for my community because of my resources and outlets.

The North Texas Food Bank for example is 40% down in food reserves from last year. This is a considerable burden on North Texas Families this holiday season. It is certain difficult to know that so many in my area are in desperate need of food and clothing this year, so difficult that I’ve taken it upon myself to have start a friendly competition with Classic Chevrolet across the street to see who can gain the most fans and donate the most food.

For Every new fan we get I’ll donate $1 to the North Texas Food Bank. If you want too bring by cans of food to Freeman Grapevine, for every 5 cans you will get lottery ticket for a $1,000 Shopping spree. We ant to make it something everyone can be proud of and we know it takes a little effort on your part, so Freeman Grapevine is willing to throw some rewards your way too.

Think about it. All you have to do is fan our facebook page and that is a $1 donated to the NTFB. That $1 can buy 4 meals. Really! Just $1 dollar can feed an entire family! Even if you don’t live in the DFW area, your simple act of kindness can really help Americans who have been the hardest hit by our lowest economic down turn ever.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zr07K6ddsu4

I’m not begging for fans, this isn’t a sales pitch…in fact I using my blog to out reach to my readers to help out my community that is in dire need of assistance this holiday. So while you are grocery shopping for that 28 lb turkey with all of the fixins’, remember you probably have a neighbor who is lucky to eat just a peanut butter sandwich…and I’ll tell you what, I’ll bet they are as, if not more appreciative of that meal than a person who’s plate is loaded with food they probably won’t even finish.

If you’d like to fan the page so I can donate in your name, just follow the link and like us www.facebook.com/freemangrapevine

Thank you in advance for your selflessness. This holiday season, the homeless and hungry need you help and I can help you help give. just visit our FB page and like it.

Thank you for your giving from Freeman Grapevine, The North Texas Food Bank and the hungry North Texans.

Ozzie

Asleep Behind the Wheel in DFW

Safe Driving, , , , , , , , ,

This is a really simple post to write because I recently had a near miss with a drowsy driver. I could tell that it was fatigue because of his sporadic crossing into the left lane and then readjusting quickly. Remember folks, if you are sleepy or tired while driving, it is your responsibility to pull over and get rest. You are not only putting your life in danger, but also everyone you share the road with.

If you still think that you can get from point a to point b and that driving drowsy isn’t a big deal, then just take a look at the video below and maybe you will change your tune.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIcG2lnDmqk

There is no quick fix

You may get a temporary feeling of alertness from turning up the radio or lowering the window for fresh air. Stopping for a coffee and getting some physical activity is also a common precaution, but as soon as you sit down at the wheel again the drowsiness will return.

Pull over and rest

If you experience any of the symptoms of fatigue, find a safe place to pull over and rest. Next time, get adequate sleep before you take to the road.

Weekend Poll: DFW, what’s your favorite GMC SUV model?

GMC, Just for Fun, New Cars, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Before the weekend, I thought that it would be fun to take a poll on your favorite GMC Sport Utility models. There’s no doubt that GMC has a lot to offer in this category so if any of these models catch your eye, then place your vote below! I’d love to know your favorite!

If you’re interested any of these models, come see me, and I’ll take you for test-drive personally!

Children and Hot Cars are a Recipe for Disaster

Safe Driving, Tips and HInts, , , , , , , , , , ,

WHY WOULD YOU LEAVE YOUR CHILD IN A HOT CAR???

Here in DFW, you’d think we’d be more aware of the heat, especially during the 100+ degree summers. I’m going to tell you right now, this topic is probably one of the most serious I’ve written about to date. Did you know that in the time it takes to purchase a gallon of milk or loaf of bread, a hot car could turn into a death trap for a small child. Even as summer comes to an end, experts say that within the first 10 minutes, the temperature in an enclosed vehicle will rise an average of 19 degrees. Even when the outside air temperature is only 70 degrees, the interior of a car can reach 120 degrees, and a baby cannot handle the heat.  They have a very immature respiratory system and they don’t have the ability to repel heat.

Consequently, their organs shut down fast. It’s a recipe for disaster. In fact, there is no safe length of time to leave a child alone in a car.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMYn9d9sEHU

The hints from the video for reminding you that your child is in the back seat are good ones. I wonder when the automobile industry will address this by engineering sensors to alert you that your baby may still be in its car seat?

On a side note concerning the car seat, if you are in the DFW area, swing by and we’ll show you how to install and anchor the car seat properly. Improperly secured car seats are also a leading cause of injury among children.

Would You ever want GMC to Build this, Dallas?

Just for Fun, New Cars, , , , , , , , , , ,

I’ll have to be honest. I’ve heard about this, and I may have even see a picture or two, but below is the first video of it I’ve seen in action. Yes, I know, the video is 3 years old and I may have come to the party late here, but I want your honest opinions.

If this multi-hybrid were to go into production, do you think you’d own it? Check it out.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Hp4CXDfSEI

So Dallas…and the rest of my readers, of course…What’s your verdict? Cool concept or revenge of a previously bad idea. Let me know!

Dallas: The Buick Regal is a Top Safety Pick and It’s Fun to Drive

Buick, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

According to Consumer Reports, The Buick Regal has earned IIHS Top Safety pick.

The Buick Regal is the latest in a fast-growing group of cars to earn a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). (Read the full results.)

Earning that designation means a car has performed well in all of the Institute’s tests, including a front crash test, side-impact test, head-restraint design, and its stringent new roof-crush test. IIHS rates cars in all these tests on a scale of Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor. The Regal earned a Good in all these tests.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnAfNh3d_T4

The Regal is the smallest model from Buick, brought over from GM’s German Opel subsidiary. Look for a full test in our October issue and even sooner online.


So, while sporty may not be a word you’d use to describe any Buick of recent memory it certainly comes close with the Buick Regal. Of course, If you’re interested in formulating your own opinion about the Buick Regal and are in the Dallas area, you can swing by and check it out.

Choose Replacement Lights for your New Car Wisely

Buick, GMC, Parts and Accessories, Pontiac, Tips and HInts, , , , , , , , ,

We all know that our cars and trucks have become more than just transportation. People who own high-end luxury vehicles and even low-budget cars are inclined to accessorize their new car with the hottest custom lights. The rear lights and headlights have a lot of importance to the look of your new car. You can either go for the simple Euro lights or choose HOT L.E.D. custom tail lights for your car or truck. A set of custom rear lights can aid in the safety of you and your passengers by illuminating brighter than OEM lenses. Also, brighter taillights during the day provide a higher visibility for braking purposes.

You can make choices easily and order a set back lights for your Pontiac, Buick or GMC (there are many more manufacturers on line too). The newest fascination with many car owners is L.E.D. tail lights. LED’s are used as back lights replacing OEM lenses and standard incandescent bulbs. Many late-model high end cars and SUV’s have these LED rear lights from the factory. You too can get them for your car or truck. Custom L.E.D. tail lights are far brighter than OEM lenses with incandescent bulbs. And, you can install these aftermarket tail light lenses in your new car easily to give it a stylish and sporty look. Plus, L.E.D. Tail light lenses consume much less power and will last for many years.

When purchasing Euro style back light lenses or LED back lights for your car, truck or SUV, keep in mind these taillight lenses are complete sets/pairs and contain the entire housing and outer lenses. Most of them are a simple plug-n-play configuration and will require the removal of the entire OEM tail light lenses in replacement of the new aftermarket tail light lenses. The new custom LED tail light lenses will have plugs that simply connect to the existing socket. Many aftermarket LED back lights are a snap to install and often take less than 30 minutes to complete the entire process.

Aftermarket Custom back lights are very popular and being used by many people to modify the whole look of their car or truck. Custom tail light lenses come in many colors to choose from and will dramatically change the look of your RIDE! You can choose from red lenses, chrome housings, smoked lenses and black housings for your new tail light lenses.

Just like the back lights, your headlights too have great importance. As a car or truck owner, you should choose the perfect headlamps for your car. Take a look at the HOT new custom aftermarket angel eye projector headlights.

Many late-model cars, trucks and SUV’s now come with projector headlights with H.I.D. systems. Projector headlights focus the light directly in front of the vehicle to aid in visibility at night. Projector headlights also keep the light away from oncoming traffic to avoid night blindness from other drivers. A new set of stylish angel eye projector headlights will greatly improve the functionality of your RIDE.

Another type of headlights that is available as an economical option to your car or truck is the euro clear headlights. Euro Headlights are a clean, fast replacement to your OEM headlights and have better lightning ability. Many OEM headlight lenses tend to become cloudy over time. Having cloudy headlight lenses will hinder the headlight’s ability to light up the road ahead. Euro clear headlights will use the same bulbs as your OEM headlights but will have a better light emission. This translates into more light on the road. Having dull headlight lenses will make your car or truck look weathered and old. New Euro clear headlights will TIGHTEN the look of your new car.

If you have any questions or want to see what we can do, me a comment or swing by your Dallas Ft. Worth car dealer.

How Do You Lower New Car Insurance Costs?

Insurance

There’s no way around it, if you own a car you have to have Insurance. That’s just the way it is. So, instead of brooding over your insurance payments, let’s talk about ways to lower those costs.

Every day it seems the cost to maintain and operate your car gets more expensive. With the cost of most new cars in the range of $30,000, monthly payments can be high. The cost of gas is almost $3.00 a gallon for regular. Plus, living in the Dallas Fort Worth area many people have to drive farther to get to work. Take all that and then throw the cost of automobile insurance coverage and you’ll left no longer wondering where a lot of your money is going.

There is a bright side living in DFW, the market for new car insurance is extremely competitive and by doing your homework, you quickly find affordable automobile insurance.

The fastest and most effective way to get multiple automobile insurance quotes from insurers in your state is to go online. Websites like Automobile-Insurance provide simple no hassle automobile insurance quotes from a local automobile insurance company. Most automobile insurance companies have sites where you can enter your vehicle information and driving record, and receive an instant quote.

Further, if you can afford to increase your deductible from $300 to $500 or even $1000, you can save a considerable amount on your collision and comprehensive coverage premiums. Paying more out of your pocket in the event of a car accident may seem to defeat the purpose of buying insurance; however when you add up the savings over the years that you are accident free the savings could be considerable.

There are several other things that may help you to obtain low cost automobile insurance. Does your car have an alarm system? A GPS Locator system? Anti lock brakes? Driver and passenger Air bags? Daytime running lights? All of these things can easy the cost, don’t be afraid to ask your potential providers.

Other things that you can do to reduce your automobile insurance premium include keeping your annual mileage low. Also, if you have a student driver, let the insurer know what types of grades is he or she getting? Students with higher grades generally pay less, so study hard kids and you might get to drive more!

Of course, if you haven’t had ticket or accident in more than three years this can be very good news for you. Most insurance companies will reward you for this with lower premiums.

So, you see that there is some light at the end of the insurance tunnel. It might take a little leg work and a couple of phone calls, but you could save a significant amount of money if you put in even a little effort in finding new car insurance in DFW…or anywhere in the US for that matter.

Comments? Questions? I’d love to hear from you!

New Car GPS tracking Systems: Why you need one

Parts and Accessories, , , , , , , , , , ,

ATTENTION GUYS: I’m dubbing the GPS navigation system “The Relationship Saver” That’s right, it’s probably the most valuable addition to any relationship or marriage. Why? Because when you have one, you’ll never argue with your significant other about stopping to get directions again.

Sound familiar guys?

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsC-iGj2Lrk

Ok, in all seriousness, here’s a video that reviews what you should look for in your GPS from Consumer Reports.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX-er8sSbG8&feature=related

Now while not every GPS is perfect, you will win a lot more arguments in regards to getting from Point A to Point B. Do your research and look for the features that you think will be important to you. If you have any questions or want a professional opinion give these guys a call.