All posts by Ozzie

Do You Have Driving Anxiety?

August 1, 2016Tips and HIntsOzzie

Driving associated fears aren’t uncommon. We all have had those moments where driving can make us anxious. In fact, Freeman Grapevine wants to let you know that driving anxiety is a lot more common than you may think. It happens to many drivers daily. Many of whom may not understand that driving related fears are indeed common and can be controlled, even eliminated.

Check out this video. It’s really interesting and not only explains what causes driving anxiety, but also how to deal with it.

Remember, there is a difference between taking action and simple reaction when you are driving. If you are an anxious driver, you are going to want to have a plan, or strategy in regards to conquering some of your irrational fears. That’s taking action in regards to a particular driving situation, and not reacting to an anxious driving scenario. Believe me, there are a lot of irrational fears out there such as driving next to a barrier, or going over a particularly high overpass, or bridge.

Do you have driving anxiety? If so, how do you deal with it? Do you have a special routine? Do you avoid driving all together? Freeman Grapevine is interested to hear your story and how you conquer your own driving fears. Leave a comment below and know that, when it comes to driving anxiety, you aren’t alone.

News Wire: Buick Avista Named Concept Car of the Year and Most Significant Concept of 2016

July 31, 2016BuickOzzie

(This article originally appeared on Buick.com)

General Motors Vice President Global Design Michael Simcoe accepts two 2016 North American Concept Vehicle Awards for the Buick Avista concept Sunday, July 31, 2016 at the Concours d’Elegance of America in Plymouth, Michigan. The IMAC awards are for the 2016 Most Significant Concept Vehicle of the Year and for the 2016 Concept Car of the Year. (Photo by Steve Fecht for Buick) © General Motors.

Judges praise intuitive design and futuristic interior

DETROIT — The Buick Avista received the 2016 Concept Car of the Year and the Most Significant Concept Vehicle of the Year at the 2016 North American Concept Vehicle Awards ceremony today at the Concours d’Elegance of America in Plymouth, Michigan.

The awards recognize the vehicle that makes the strongest impact in terms of automotive design, engineering and market responsiveness. The Avista is both an indicator of Buick’s future design direction and a celebration of its deep design heritage.

“The design process of the Avista brought the team together to unite around a future direction for the brand and the great teamwork and enthusiasm it generated,” said Bryan Nesbitt, executive director, Buick Global Design. “While looking to the future, we also wanted to honor the rich heritage of Buick by integrating timeless design cues in this beautifully progressive concept vehicle.”

Judges praised the Avista’s futuristic interior and intuitive design, with Detroit Free Press auto critic Mark Phelan saying the vehicle “cements Buick’s surprising status as one of the auto industry’s most intriguing brands.”

The Avista’s cabin is defined by gliding, seamless lines melded with leather and aluminum details. The latest connected technology is accessible through touchscreens on the instrument panel and the floating center console, which extends between the rear seats. The exterior also boasts titanium and carbon-fiber accents that make for optimal durability. The sleek design reinforces the balance of beauty and precision during the driving experience.

Read the entire article on Buick.com!

Changing Your Engine Oil Is Key To Your Car’s Health

July 30, 2016Maintenance and ServiceOzzie

Change your own oil If I’ve said it once, I’ve Said it 1,000 times. Oil keeps your car running at peak performance. Dirty oil can cause problems down the road, so developing a routine schedule will help prolong the life of your car immensely. Freeman Grapeveine want’s you to know that changing your new Buick or GMC’s oil is one of those things that you need to be sure to get done regularly to help maintain the operations of your car’s engine. The motor oil keeps your engine lubricated, and all the major components working smoothly. Over time, constant heat and pressure in your engine will start to turn your motor oil into a dirty sludge, which is why you need to change your oil every 3,000 miles or three months. Of course, a lot of drivers will go past this mark, or simply forget about changing their oil. 5,000….7,000 miles roll by and the next thing you know you are stuck with an engine that won’t crank.

If you have a new GMC or Buick, then you should get in the habit of getting regular and on time oil changes. Oil technology has changed a lot over the last few decades and there are more choices than ever to choose what goes into your car. From synthetic to conventional, high mileage to high performance, you can now choose a motor oil that will keep your car running longer and smoother. So what oil should you choose to put in your car? Your owner’s manual will have the listing for the correct viscosity for your car, so this is the place to start. A lot of people don’t know what the numbers mean for their oil. It has to do with the viscosity at certain temperatures. For instance, 5W-20 means that the thickness rating is 5 in cold weather, 20 in warm weather, and the “W” means it is specified to work in wintry conditions.

Now that you know what rating of oil to use, it is up to you to decide what to put in your engine. If you are a high volume driver, then you should probably look into oils that are made to go longer between oil changes. If your car has over 75,000 miles, then you should look at high mileage oils that help keep your engine clean. When it comes to synthetic versus conventional, it is entirely up to you. Synthetic oil will not damage your car, even if you are replacing conventional oil.

Remember to start getting into a routine an bring your car, truck or SUV by Freeman Grapevine for it’s oil change, and don’t be afraid to talk to whoever is performing the change about the best oil for you. Changing your oil on a regular basis will prolong engine wear and curb any other potential oil/lubrication problems that can arise from poorly maintained engine.

News Wire: Buick Growth Outpacing All Major International Brands

July 28, 2016BuickOzzie

(This article originally appeared on Buick.com)

The all-new 2017 LaCrosse arrives this year as Buick’s design and technology flagship. © General Motors.

Momentum speeds after three years of record global sales

DETROIT — Among the top automotive brands — those selling more than 200,000 units internationally so far this year — Buick is growing at an unmatched pace. With 675,964 sales through June, Buick ended 2016’s first half up 20.1 percent over the same period in 2015.

In this year of rapid growth, Buick has risen to the fifth-largest passenger vehicle brand in China and is outselling key competitors including Acura, Infiniti and Lincoln in North America.

The growth has been fueled by core international products including the Encore small SUV, which this year surpassed a half-million sales since it was introduced 3.5 years ago. Encore has been a success story in every market, though North America has led the way thus far in 2016 with 36,365 sales through June.

Buick’s award-winning Envision compact crossover concluded its first full month of U.S. sales with 1,436 customer deliveries amid limited availability. A full model range starting at $34,990 launches for the 2017 model year this fall. The Envision has quickly become Buick’s best-selling model sold internationally, followed by Encore and LaCrosse.

Buick’s all-new LaCrosse flagship sedan is launching now. Beautifully crafted and thoughtfully innovative, the 2017 LaCrosse launches globally in the second half of the year as a showcase of design and technology for the brand. More than 950,000 customers worldwide have chosen the LaCrosse since the current model was introduced in 2009.

“2016 has been a year of optimism and excitement for Buick as we’ve outpaced our top competitors,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick Sales, Service and Marketing. “As new products continue to arrive to our stores, there’s never been a better time to take a fresh look at Buick’s range of premium SUVs and cars.”

Read the entire article on Buick.com!

This Is Your Car Accident Checklist

July 25, 2016Safe DrivingOzzie

The Freeman Grapevine Service Department has seen a lot of vehicles come through our shop that have been in accidents. I always wonder how it happened, and hope those involved are OK. Then I got to thinking, and felt it was time for a refresher course on what do you do after being in a car accident? You may have been in an accident before, so you know how stressful it can be. Even in minor fender benders, there is important information that you’ll need to gather after you’ve obviously collected yourself.

*Before you do anything, make sure everyone is OK. Once all parties have ascertained that there are is no need for emergency medical assistance you can continue to obtain the information that you will need*

I pulled the following information below from Edmunds.com

1. Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Glove Compartment. Drivers should carry a cell phone, as well as pen and paper for taking notes, a disposable camera to take photos of the vehicles at the scene, and a card with information about medical allergies or conditions that may require special attention if there are serious injuries. Also, keep a list of contact numbers for law enforcement agencies handy. Drivers can keep this free fill-in-the-blanks accident information form in their glove compartment. The DocuDent™ Auto Accident Kit ($19.95), supported by AAA and insurance companies, offers a comprehensive kit that includes a flashlight, reusable camera and accident documentation instructions. A set of cones, warning triangles or emergency flares should be kept in the trunk.

2. Keep Safety First. Drivers involved in minor accidents with no serious injuries should move cars to the side of the road and out of the way of oncoming traffic. Leaving cars parked in the middle of the road or busy intersection can result in additional accidents and injuries. If a car cannot be moved, drivers and passengers should remain in the cars with seatbelts fastened for everyone’s safety until help arrives. Make sure to turn on hazard lights and set out cones, flares or warning triangles if possible.

3. Exchange Information. After the accident, exchange the following information: name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver license number and license plate number for the driver and the owner of each vehicle. If the driver’s name is different from the name of the insured, establish what the relationship is and take down the name and address for each individual. Also make a written description of each car, including year, make, model and color — and the exact location of the collision and how it happened. Finally, be polite but don’t tell the other drivers or the police that the accident was your fault, even if you think it was.

4. Photograph and Document the Accident. Use your camera to document the damage to all the vehicles. Keep in mind that you want your photos to show the overall context of the accident so that you can make your case to a claims adjuster. If there were witnesses, try to get their contact information; they may be able to help you if the other drivers dispute your version of what happened.

5. File An Accident Report. Although law enforcement officers in many locations may not respond to accidents unless there are injuries, drivers should file a state vehicle accident report, which is available at police stations and often on the Department of Motor Vehicles Web site as a downloadable file. A police report often helps insurance companies speed up the claims process.

6. Know What Your Insurance Covers. The whole insurance process will be easier following your accident if you know the details of your coverage. For example, don’t wait until after an accident to find out that your policy doesn’t automatically cover costs for towing or a replacement rental car. Generally, for only a dollar or two extra each month, you can add coverage for rental car reimbursement, which provides a rental car for little or no money while your car is in the repair shop or if it is stolen. Check your policy for specifics.

Remember, accidents happen. You can’t undo what has just happened, so there’s no reason to lose your cool or be aggressive. Accidents are just that…accidents. Also, remember, that it’s just a car, it’s replaceable…you are not.

If you have been in a car accident, and you need any repair work done, you can always call us here at Freeman Grapevine.

Be safe out there!!!

New Car Maintainence Tips for New Drivers

July 25, 2016Maintenance and Service, New CarsOzzie

If there’s one thing we know here at Freeman Grapevine, it’s that both young drivers and those who’ve recently obtained their licenses need to learn the basics of keeping their cars properly maintained. After all a new license is pretty much useless if your car isn’t road-worthy. There’s no doubt that everyone is eager, when they get their first car, to just jump in it and go. Surely all it takes is gassing up the tank and going, right? Well, not en-“tire”-ly, there is a lot more concerned in basic car maintenance besides filling up. Let us look briefly at some basic car maintenance pointers and advice for new drivers.

Checking your tires is one of the most important steps associated with basic car maintenance. It is essential to remember that your tires are one of the most important parts on your car. Buy and USE an air pressure gauge. Keeping the air pressure at the recommended PSI will help increase fuel efficiency, extend the lifespan of your tires, and help prevent tire related accidents. Also keep an eye on that tread wear. A tread-less tire can separate and cause a lot of damage to your wheel wells. Use the “Quarter Technique”…just type that into YouTube and you’ll see what I’m talking about if you don’t already know this trick. Remember, your tires are the only thing between you and the road.

In order for your car to run properly, all of its belts must be in good, working order. Belts are often made of rubber, and rubber will, at some point, weaken and fail. It is recommended that your belts be examined every 25,000 miles, and they should be replaced every 50,000 miles. Remember, it is much simpler to check and replace your belts than it is to be stranded somewhere when they break.

Keep that engine running smoothly by monitoring your fluids! Most cars have warning gauges, to let you know when you are low on fluids such as oil and coolant. However, these gauges are not foolproof. It’s extremely easy to manually check your fluid levels. get in the habit of doing this on a regular basis.

For example, checking your oil level is simple. Be sure your car is parked on level ground, and allow the motor time to cool. Once your motor is cool, locate the “dip stick”. Once you find it, pull it out and wipe it down. Now you can get an accurate reading. Insert the dip stick back into its place, and pull it out once again. When you look at it, you will be able to determine how much oil your car may or may not need. You’ll also be able to tell if the oil is old and needs replacement. It should be light translucent yellow. Anything darker, have it changed.

Checking your coolant is even easier. As with monitoring oil levels in your car, let your engine cool before you check your coolant. DO NOT open the cap while your motor is still hot, the coolant is still under pressure from the heat and will shoot everywhere. You will be burned. On most cars, it will not be necessary to remove your radiator cap in order to check your coolant. You will clearly be able to see if levels are between low and high.

Maintaining your car at this simple level is a must for all new and young drivers. Trust me, taking a few extra minutes to maintain your car can save you from having to make costly repairs. Freeman Grapevine has seen the types of damages first hand when something as simple as changing your oil is neglected.

BlownHeadGasket — Blown Head Gasket…NOT FUN!

Car Accidents Involving Animals Are a Real Issue

July 23, 2016UncategorizedOzzie

This happens more often than you think.

If you live in the DFW area, specifically in Grapevine, Southlake and Colleyville areas you may already know that we have a rampant feral hog epidemic. Now most of you may not have seen the hogs, but you can tell where they’ve been. Soil overturned, golf course fairways and greens destroyed and the increasingly dangerous interaction with motorists. Hogs move fast and seemingly dart from no where into on coming traffic. Some weighing in at almost 300lbs can cause some very serious damage to your vehicle.

Unfortunately, there really isn’t anything you can do other than hit the poor thing. Often, a correction made behind the wheel of your new or used Buick, or GMC can, and most often results in an accident of a different nature. You hit another car, or an inanimate object like an electric pole or fence. Unfortunately, you are still responsible for any monetary damage you may have caused to any vehicle or highway/road objects such as signs, foliage, and other structures.

Watch the video below. It’s from Punta Gorda, FL, but it could have easily been on any road in our area.

Keep your eyes peeled, wear your seat belt and try not to swerve if the animal is in your path. Chances are you are just going to complicate matters even worse. As bad as it sounds, you my be better off hitting the animal as to avoid losing total control of your vehicle trying to avoid it.

Feral Hogs and deer are every where out here. Don’t let anyone tell you different. They will venture into populate areas and they will encounter a vehicle from time to time. If you’ve had your run in with a wild animal lately, What did you do? What type of damage did it do to your vehicle? If you have any questions about needing some body work done due to an animal strike, please call Freeman Grapevine. We live here, we’ve seen the damage these things can do.

News Wire: GMC Named Most Ideal Popular Brand For Third Straight Year

July 21, 2016GMCOzzie

(This article originally appeared on GMC.com)

2016 GMC Sierra Denali © General Motors.

Sierra, Yukon, Acadia top segments in AutoPacific’s 2016 Ideal Vehicle Awards

DETROIT – GMC today was named Most Ideal Popular Brand in AutoPacific’s 2016 Ideal Vehicle Awards for the third consecutive year. Three GMC models led their respective segments, one of only two automakers to do so.

The Acadia topped the Large Crossover SUV segment and the Yukon/Yukon XL ranked highest in the Large SUV segment. The brand’s top-selling vehicle, the GMC Sierra, led the Light Duty Pickup category for the second straight year.

Available now, the all-new 2017 GMC Acadia offers precisely-crafted interior features, next generation infotainment and innovative driver alert technologies for a quality, comfortable and convenient traveling experience.

The 2016 Ideal Vehicle Awards are based on responses from over 65,000 owners of new 2015 and 2016 model year vehicles across all major manufacturers. Surveyed after 90 days of ownership, customers were asked which changes they would make to their car or truck in 15 key categories, including ride and handling, interior storage, safety features, power and acceleration and technology.

“By asking vehicle owners if they would change various aspects of their vehicle if given the opportunity, we not only identify problem areas and opportunities for improvement, but we also find out which manufacturers are truly hitting the mark with owners,” said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific.

“The results demonstrate we are succeeding in our mission to provide our customers with a premium ownership experience,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC. “We are blending precision design, technology and capability throughout our lineup. When you add our luxury-focused Denali portfolio, which makes up nearly 25 percent of GMC sales, we are setting ourselves apart from our competitors.”

For more information about AutoPacific’s 2016 Ideal Vehicle Awards, visit www.autopacific.com.

Read the entire article at GMC.com!

News Wire: Encore Fuels Growth of Industry’s Hottest Segment

July 20, 2016BuickOzzie

(This article originally appeared on GMC.com)

Representing nearly a quarter of all small SUVs on U.S. roads today, customers have discovered attainable luxury and quality in the Encore

DETROIT – Small SUVs represent one of the fastest growing segments in the industry. U.S. sales of small SUVs have tripled since 2011, according to Polk registration data. Buick Encore sales have accelerated this growth by nearly 30 percent since 2013, despite entries in the segment having more than doubled since the Encore hit showrooms in 2013. Today, one quarter of small SUVs on the road are Buicks.

“The Encore is a pioneering force in a segment hugely popular with customers, with one in four Small SUV owners in the U.S. today driving a Buick,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick Sales, Service and Marketing. “The upcoming 2017 model doubles down on what’s made it successful, like extensive soft-touch interior materials not offered by the competition.”

Through the first six months of 2016, the U.S. has become Encore’s top market, with more than half of all sales coming from that market. In June, it reached 30 straight months of year-over-year sales growth, with more than half of new owners coming from outside GM brands.

In July, Encore is on pace for its best sales month ever, in one of its last months before a fully refreshed version comes out in September.

The Encore continues to gain popularity against competitive brands among key audiences including women and professionals. Women represent nearly 60 percent of Encore buyers, which is 16 percent higher than the industry.

“The Buick Encore provides buyers with a luxury experience in a nimble, compact, value-packed vehicle,” said Rebecca Lindland, senior director of commercial insights for Kelley Blue Book. “Not only is it chock-full of the latest in safety technology, it also is fun to drive and provides a wonderful, quiet cabin experience.

Read the entire article at GMC.com!

The Infant Seat and its proper installation

July 11, 2016UncategorizedOzzie

I’m at that age now where most of my friends that are going to have children have had their first, and some their second. I’ve seen how being a parent is an enormous responsibility, especially in one place in particular, their new Buick, or GMC. I’ll go further and relegate this post to focus on the infant seat. That’s going to be the first time you’ve ever installed a car seat of any kind, I suspect.

Now, I can give you all sorts of statistics about the mortality rate of children who are not properly secured in their car seats. Instead though, I think I’ll just make this a “How To…” post and focus on saving your child’s life rather than use fear to help you realize the importance of securing your child in your car properly. After all, the best way is to learn by example. Remember, most accidents happen within 5 miles of your house, so buckle them up EVERY time they are in the car. Check twice before starting your car…your infant isn’t going to tell you he didn’t think the buckle latched properly.

Watch the video below, it contained a surprising installation technique that I didn’t think about.

If you have any questions, or want step by step installation instruction of your infant seat, Freeman Grapevine Service would be happy to walk you though it.