Category Archives: Parts and Accessories

Have you considered upgrading your car stereo?

April 8, 2016Parts and AccessoriesOzzie

One thing is certain, we all spend a lot of time in our cars, 540 hours a year to be exact. That’s right 540 hours of traffic, of red lights of sitting for hours on end. What do you do with all of that time wasted? With the crack down on cell phone usage, you’d better have a pretty killer stereo to stay entertained.

Now, for the most part, most people are totally content with their factory installed systems. However, there are some people…self-proclaimed “audiophiles” who demand only the clearest most efficient and, at times, the loudest audio systems available.

If you think you want to venture into the world of custom audio for your vehicle, there are some things you should know. First let’s start with the basics…the 3 components of your audio entertainment.

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sf3LJYMrdSo

When looking for an after market system, you really need know what you are looking for: what type of sound, what features, what brand, are you going to need an amplifier…these are just a few of the questions you should ask before you make any purchase. There are any number of places you can go to research and get expert advice, including my dealership.

I guess the bottom line is, if we are going to be spending 541 hours in our cars every year, I for one am going to want the best possible audio system in my vehicle to keep my mind off the fact that I could be playing a lot Golf with those wasted hours.

Diagnose the 9 Most Common New Car Electrical Problems

February 13, 2016Maintenance and Service, Parts and Accessories, Tips and HIntsOzzie

I know, “It’s a new car, how can it have electrical problems?” Well, either that new car probably really isn’t as new as you think, or you have a valid issue. So, how can you tell the difference and what do you do about it?

The electrical systems in new cars have definitely made driving a lot easier over the decades. The seemingly endless innovations in electrical systems have helped us enjoy a more comfortable and easier drive. However, for every Yin, there’s a Yang.

Let’s say, you have problems starting your car and notice other problems with the electrical system. Let’s cover some of the issues that you could face with your new vehicle’s electrical system:

Common Automobile Electrical System Problems Are : Car’s Battery Is Dead – This is the most common problem…and most obvious. Check your battery by engaging your headlights and judge by the illumination.

No Power Stored in the Battery – When you turn the key, what do you hear? A little click? Does it sound like it want’s to turn over? It is possible that your car’s battery does not have ample power to crank the starter. You need a new battery.

Alternator is Not Working – A damaged or broken alternator could be the culprit. No alternator? No battery recharge. If your car suddenly start to lose “juice” while drive, you’ll know it could be your new car’s alternator.

Problem with Starter or Solenoid – Good parts gone bad parts. If it’s the starter, it won’t turn over. If you have Solenoid issues, you might find it harder to brake.

Battery Cables Might Be The Problem – A loose cable might be the root of the problem…give them a wiggle before you run out and buy a replacement.

Electrical Fuses – Check for any blown fuses in your fuse box. Also, feel around for any loose wires.

Cracks In Alternator Belt – Too much or too little tension, as well as cracks in the alternator belt cause trouble.

Ignition System Has Problems – You have a busted ignition switch. Give your mechanic a call.

Loose Spark Plugs – Loose or old plugs will certainly affect the operation of your vehicle. Are you loosing power as gears change? Does it lurch as if the gears aren’t engaging? It might be the internal combustion and the culprit is usually the plugs and cables.

Now these are just guidelines you can crosscheck any issue you might have experienced. I you can talk with your mechanic about your new car logically by doing a little research, you help him help you even faster. If you have any questions, or you might think that you might need a great mechanic, I know where to find one.

Improve Your Windshield’s Visibility

December 6, 2015Maintenance and Service, Parts and Accessories, Safe DrivingOzzie

So….When was the last time you changed your wiper blades? 2 years? Then you’ll want to watch this. If you don’t know where your Wiper blades…get a bus pass.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJN7NqkUd1k

…or, you can always go the Red Green way of getting the most out of your windshield wiper components.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlS-hN6EmIA

If you can’t bring yourself to stop at an auto parts store to buy new blades, then the next time you are in for service, make sure you get you wiper blades changed. In all seriousness, this will really improve your visibility, especially at night as poor blades tend to leave streaks and make the headlights from on coming traffic even more of an annoyance than they already are.

Need help? Swing by my place!

Essential Accessories for your New Car

November 12, 2015Parts and AccessoriesOzzie

At what point does the driver ACTUALLY look at the road…during the commercials?

There are so many accessories out there for your new car, it’s mind boggling. If you want it, you can probably find it. I’ve put together what I think is the most OBVIOUS list of accessories. So, before you go out and give your car a major face-lift, check out some of these simple options for both visual and practical purposes.

Here are several add-ons for your new car, whether it is a convertible, sedan, pickup, SUV or even an RV:

Bike racks – oftentimes, it is necessary for people to bring or transport their bikes to trails or low traffic areas. As much as they may want to, they cannot really ride anywhere they like. Before, most people have to load up their bikes inside their vehicles in order to transport it, but recently, having a car bike rack or truck bike rack is a great help to transport their bikes much more easily for exercise and fun trips.

Bug shields – do you want to protect your vehicle from damages that would be caused by road debris? Do you want to shield your car’s hood from bug splatters? Installing bug shields or hood shields on your car is the answer! Having custom fitted hood or bug shields is going to make sure that your vehicle will be not become marred or destroyed with pock marks, scratches and splatters caused by small, rough stones, bug juice and garbage that your car would usually encounter on any on or off road drives.

Fender flares – to further enhance the protection on your vehicle, installing fender flares would do the job. Such customization on a pickup truck will also give it an extra striking appearance. You must make sure that the fender flare to be installed must match perfectly with your truck’s appearance and follow its contours and lines as sleekly as possible so that it would look like it had been factory installed.

Uh, ok? Does it double as a plane too?

Not only do fender flares enhance the styling of your vehicle, it also makes sure that your vehicle’s front and rear wheels are protected from road debris like water, mud, snow, rock chips, and other elements.

Gas cans – do you want to save up on gasoline? Given the sporadic rise of gasoline prices nowadays, many people now practice buying gasoline at discount prices and store them up for later use. For you to do such practice, make sure that you securely transport your fuel from the gas station to your home’s storage area.

First, you need a gas can that is approved by OSHA – those types which have features that would prevent spills and spews of gas fumes. Furthermore, make sure not to store the gasoline for too long especially if your storage area is not in optimal condition. Fuel stabilizers can be a great help.

This is an initial list of the essential auto accessories that you may want to have in your vehicle. Make sure that you look up a worthy and well-known manufacturer of these accessories before purchasing. Of course, if you have any questions you can always leave me a comment or contact me here.

Does your New Car Need to Be Handicapped Accessible?

October 28, 2015New Cars, Parts and Accessories, Tips and HIntsOzzie

Now this post is specific in nature, but we all know someone where the simple act of getting in and out of the car isn’t as easy as opening the door, jumping in and speeding away. The modifications to new cars, trucks and vans vary depending on the nature of the disability. For users of wheelchairs and scooters, a method of loading necessary equipment is an essential feature. Smaller minivans tend to have ramps, while full size and conversion vans usually have lifts. These can be located at either the side or rear of the vehicle. Unoccupied lifts raise the chair or scooter by itself for easy stowing. Occupied lifts accommodate those who unable to lift themselves into the vehicle. They allow the passenger to remain in his or her wheelchair and to fit comfortably inside while still leaving room to accommodate additional ambulatory passengers.

Alternatively, provisions can also be made for those wheelchair users who are able to drive themselves. Vans designed with this in mind enable the disabled to navigate his or her wheelchair right up to the driver’s seat and lock it in place. Hand controls can be used operate the gas and brake pedals.

For individuals who retain partial mobility but still may need a little extra help entering and exiting the vehicle, another option is a seat assist. With the pull of a lever the seat spins to face the van door and then extends and tilts for ease of boarding. Similarly, assist steps can be mounted underneath the door to extend and retract as needed.

Additional modifications can include:
• raised ceiling
• lowered floor
• widened entry
• steering wheel hand grips

Just as no two humans are exactly alike, no two disabilities require identical assistance. It is important to consult an experienced and knowledgeable disabled dealer who can help determine your unique needs and guide you through proper installation. In addition, it may be helpful to seek advice and wisdom from fellow disabled persons and experts in related industries.

The necessity for handicapped accessible vehicles is growing and at the same time becoming more advanced. If you have any questions or suggestions, or need help finding the right vehicle for you, please leave a comment or come by and see me.

Get your Car a New Suit

October 7, 2015Just for Fun, New Cars, Parts and Accessories, Tips and HInts, Used CarsOzzie

Accessorize..accessorize…accessorize. Just because everyone drives a car or truck doesn’t mean they all have to look the same. Take wheels for example. Many custom design and body shops provide the car enthusiast a wide collection of car wheel products. All types, looks, sizes and flair. Generally, wheels convey diverse concepts to different people around the globe. However, they remain one of the most significant discoveries of human civilization; wheels have helped activate dynamic force that is necessary for convenient travel and transport in today’s world. Just imagine what cavemen would think of spinners today?

Choosing the perfect wheels, rims, lights and other parts for your car is very important. Cardinal Rule Number 1: While purchasing these parts for your car, make sure that you do not end up with goods that are stolen, lost, overused or faulty. Usually, wheels easily turn around at ten times per second or 600 times a minute. If you purchase low quality wheels for your car, they will have adverse effects on the overall performance of your vehicles. This decision of yours will most probably destroy the tire of your car at any moment or can cause sever wear and tear on bearing and other vital parts of the vehicle. Therefore, wheel design and construction are important factors to be considered while choosing car tires. Try to better understand the function, design and quality of a wheel before purchasing it.

What about lights? Automobile lights are also available in different types such as headlights, tail-lights, neo undercarriage lights, interior lights that change color…if you want it they make it. These lights can make your vehicle more attractive and also to increase its exterior styling. Many suppliers that provide vehicle wheels, rims, lights, and other parts are also equipped with different types of new car and truck lights, car lighting, headlights and taillights, turn signals, fog lights and replacement lights.

Many suppliers will help you in this matter by giving you top class technical support & assistance, along with great product offerings and clarifications that are necessary to ensure a long life and consistence performance of your vehicle and it’s mods.

Grill Guards Aren’t Just For Looks

September 13, 2015Parts and AccessoriesOzzie

Isn’t it an appealing thought to make your Freeman Grapevine truck look better while still protecting it? You can actually accomplish this several ways. However, few ways are as dramatic as installing a grill guard on your truck.

Are you familiar with truck grill guards? You may say you are, on sight at least. However, are you aware that these devices offer tremendous advantages for your truck, especially if you are using it for off road riding and job sites? Probably not.

Most models of truck grill guards are formed by tubular steel. The front end of your beloved truck is very much protected by having this device installed there. Aside from the usual protection it offers to the grille, itself, grill guards also protect the radiator that is typically behind the grille. You can have truck grill guards based on your preferred finish. There are several kinds of finishes available, as most truck accessories usually do. You can match your grill guard to your other truck accessories to give it a certain complete look.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycBS7CjXpeA

When looking for a grill guard for your truck, you have to remember a few important things:

1. Remember that you have to purchase the grill guards designed to fit the specific make and brand of your vehicle. By doing this, the possibility of having to drill new holes in your truck’s underside in order to provide a perfect fit for your new grill guard is eliminated. Several companies actually offer custom designed truck grill guards for many truck makes or brand.

2. It is also important that you purchase an entire truck grill guard package, complete with skid plate and/or skid plate and other component pieces.

3. Lastly, make sure that you consider the gauge of steel that your choice of guard is constructed with. Thicker is better since it would guarantee more protection. However, your grill guard will be heavier and would involve more pounds of gasoline to load your truck.

If you have already decided on all these items, next thing you have to decide is the finish you prefer. Many companies offer stainless steel, chrome and powder coated black truck grill guards. As far as longevity and looks are concerned, each of these types of finish has something different to offer. Remember to check with your grill guard retailer and find out the length of warranty that they apply to each type of finish.

If you have any questions, suggestions or comments you can leave them here, or you can swing by Freeman Grapevine!

Aw Man! My New Car’s Windshield has a Ding in it!

August 26, 2015Maintenance and Service, New Cars, Parts and Accessories, Tips and HInts, Used CarsOzzie

Cracked Winshield — Don’t let it ruin your view!

Face it folks, it’s gonna happen. Your new car’s windshield is going to be smacked with something that will turn that pristine windshield into a blemished, annoying problem. Now before you blow a gasket, a ding…even a crack is something that can be fixed relatively easily. Two ways, you can run by your favorite auto parts store or you can call a professional

Even if your windshield cracks, it doesn’t mean that it is going to fall out as you drive. Windshields are really a high-strength mix of tempered safety glass and clear plastic. The plastic is sandwiched between two layers of glass. This means that your crack would need to break through three layers in order to have your windshield actually fall out—a very unlikely scenario…well, maybe not in Dallas.

Here’s a “Do it Yourself Video”:

If you need help with your windshield you can always give us a call…even better, leave me a comment!

Mastering Standard Transmission in Your New Car

August 25, 2015Just for Fun, New Cars, Parts and Accessories, Tips and HInts, Used CarsOzzie

Whether you are a new driver or an old pro, jumping behind the wheel of a new car with a standard transmission can be intimidating if you’re a first timer. All it takes is a little practice and before you know it you’ll be wanting to spin laps at the local track.

The video explains it all…Remember, practice makes perfect!

Want a personal lesson for people who know their stuff? Just swing by and have a hand behind the wheel of a GMC!

Can anyone share any tricks? How about slowing down without even touching your brake?

The Potential Danger of Rubber Mats in your New Car

August 22, 2015Maintenance and Service, New Cars, Parts and Accessories, Safe DrivingOzzie

This is a potentially dangerous problem.

Can All-Weather Rubber car mats be a danger in your new car? The simple answer is, “Yes.”

Even the most conscientious drivers could find that they are in danger as a result of something that should be protecting their car. All weather car mats are great for keeping dirt off of the carpets and they can still be used, a simple measure can ensure that you remain safe while your carpets remain clean.

The infamous, “sticky gas pedal” might not be as infamous as we thought. In many, many cases, new cars which were reported to have sticky pedals had in fact simply been trapped underneath all weather rubber car mats. The advice is, that if you intend to use rubber new car mats you must first remove the new car’s factory carpet mats, as stacking them can obstruct the pedals. This advice is relevant to any car make and model.

Pedal entrapment may also occur if the new car’s mats are not correctly fitted. Universal new car mats are prone to slipping and sliding and gathering which is a serious hazard. It is always advisable to buy tailored car mats from a reputable car mat manufacturer who can precisely cut the mats into the right shape for your car model.

If you have any questions about the safety of your new car’s floor mats, swing by and we’ll take a look at them.