Category Archives: Parts and Accessories

Not just another Texting and Driving Article

texting and driving apps, grapevine cars, gmc fort worth, dealerships dfw, buick dealer, GMC dealer, used cars dfw, used cars fort worthI’ve written at least 3 articles in regards to texting and driving, so there’s no need to rehash everything I’ve already said. This post is actually about apps available for your smart phone device. I found this list while doing my research for this blog, so if you find something you can add here, please leave me a comment below.

Anyway, these are the apps I found that I hope you will look into to curb your phone use while driving:

DriveSafe.ly (Free)

This BlackBerry app called DriveSafe.ly reads your incoming text messages and emails to you thanks to its text to speech functionality. You can even create customizable auto-responses for your outgoing messages.

On the Move (Free)

This Android app, called On the Move, was developed to deter avid texters from checking their screens while driving. Acting as an auto-reply tool when you receive a message, On the Move tells the texter that you’re driving with a customized alert.

Otter ($4)

Not only does the Android-based Otter send auto replies to texters when you’re on the road, but you can also build custom quick responses, so you don’t waste time fumbling to text back on your small virtual or QWERTY keyboard.

ShoutOut ($1)

Called ShoutOut, this iPhone app dictates your speech to a text message, then sends it along to your chosen recipient. This app comes with a per-text cost though, with 50 voice-to-text messages costing $2, and 250 voice texts setting you back $5.

Type n Walk ($1)

Meant more for walkers than drivers, the Type n Walk app works with other apps and programs on your iPhone to give you a view of where you’re going so you can stare at your phone all the time. This way, you won’t run into telephone poles, mailboxes, and you know, other people.

Sprint’s Drive First App

Available for $2 a month in the third half of 2011, the Sprint Drive First App will lock up your phone while driving and route all calls to voicemail. Additionally, it will block all text message alerts and send an auto response saying the driver is unavailable, but still give you access to three main contacts, three apps, and GPS.

Again, I don’t want to get on my soapbox again about distracted driving, but if that text is so important that you just can’t stop yourself from texting and driving, I suggest you look into getting one of the apps mentioned above.

Of course, when you get into that fender bender because you were texting and rear-ended the car that suddenly stopped in front of you, you can always bring it into Freeman Grapevine…we see a lot of these types of accidents.

GM Gadget Alert…Calling all Geeks!

I love gadgets, I love technology. I love stuff that makes our life easier. We’re surrounded by so many plugs, outlets, cables and other stuff that either just gets in the way, lost or broken. How easy would it be for you to lay down your smart phone or other device and have it charge seemingly by itself?

GM knows.

If you’re a gadget geek, you’ve probably heard of or seen the Powermat, the home and portable device that recharges your phone wirelessly. You put a case around your phone, and when it’s placed on the mat, the battery is recharged through magnetic induction.

Now these will probably first see their way in to some GM models first just before hitting the big boys at GMC. Until then, I’ll be counting down the time until I can get rid of the car charger and freeing up my powerpoints for other, more useful items…Like this ultimate tailgating boom box!

I think I could fill Cowboy's Stadium with this bad boy!

Come and check out all of the optional gadgets that your local GMC dealer can supply in your new GMC…Geek approved.

Choose Replacement Lights for your New Car Wisely

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.

New Car GPS tracking Systems: Why you need one

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.

Welcome!

I have some exciting things planned for this site, so make sure you check back soon! In the meantime, feel free to follow me on Twitter @OzzieDrives and come be a fan of my Facebook page.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueu4ze78TBs