All posts by Ozzie

Essential Accessories for your New Car

Parts and Accessories
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.

New Car and Brake Safety…What to look for.

Maintenance and Service, New Cars, Used Cars

A lot of cars have been involved in accidents because of brake failures, one leading indicator is the feel of the brake pedal, so if your car pulls left or right when braking, or if the front end shakes, then these are definite signs of excessive brake wear. If the brake pedal in your new car begins to feel spongy, it could be a sign that air has entered the brake system or fluid is low. Do not ignore these warning signs!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PFiCV2BG2Y

A spongy brake pedal, together with a decrease in brake fluid, may also indicate brake wear, so when you check the brake fluid reservoir, make sure it’s topped off. If not, then brake fluid is most probably remaining at the wheel to fill the space caused by wear. Many vehicles purchased from car auctions experience this kind of problems because of being stocked for a long time in car garage or showrooms. Simply replacing the brake fluid and letting it flow throughout the wheel by pumping the brake pedal a few times before your run the used automobile helps in ensuring safety for you and your passengers.

Many new cars have ABS (Automatic Braking System) which initiates a rapid- fire pumping sequence to the brakes, keeping the car straight during sudden or hard braking. If the ABS light illuminates on your instrument panel, then it’s likely that the wheel sensors have detected excessive build-up of metal particles from the brake system. Most cars are designed to shut down the ABS when excessive particle build-up occurs, but a shutdown ABS does not prevent you from stopping, it just means that the ABS feature isn’t working.

Wheels should be pulled and brakes checked once a year by an experienced brake specialist. These guys have experts who can fit your new car with high quality, high performance braking components. Whether it’s used car or not.

An inspection typically includes the rotors, calipers, drums, pads, pistons and brake lines. Brake systems should be flushed and brake fluid replaced every two years.

Brake fluid absorbs moisture in the system and becomes acidic after about two years. Check your owner’s manual or ask your technician to see what kind of brakes your car has and how they are adjusted. .

Remember, how and where you drive will greatly influence when your brakes must be replaced. If you have any questions about your brakes, come and see me.

News Wire: GMC Launches #enlistme Campaign to Help Severely Wounded Veterans

GMC
GMC launched the #enlistme Campaign in support of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation and its Building for America’s Bravest program to raise awareness and funds to help the Foundation build custom, specially adapted smart homes for severely injured veterans. © General Motors.
GMC launched the #enlistme Campaign in support of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation and its Building for America’s Bravest program to raise awareness and funds to help the Foundation build custom, specially adapted smart homes for severely injured veterans. © General Motors.

(This article originally appeared on GMC.com)

DETROIT – GMC is taking it to the house, and to the Internet, to help the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation and its Building for America’s Bravest program raise awareness and funds to help the Foundation build custom, specially adapted smart homes for severely injured veterans.

GMC today is launching the #enlistme campaign in support of its national charity partner and to recognize and assist the estimated 16 percent of 9/11-generation veterans transitioning to civilian life with serious physical injuries.

Beginning on Veterans Day, November 11, GMC will encourage its fans, followers, employees, dealers and partners to upload an image of themselves making the American Sign Language symbol for the word “house” on their social media accounts, using the #enlistme hashtag. Supporters will be encouraged to challenge others to do the same and to make a donation to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation in support of smart home construction for deserving veterans at www.ourbravest.org/enlistme.

“Too many severely injured servicemen and women are returning to homes that just don’t meet the needs of their individual conditions,” said Duncan Aldred, U.S. vice president, Buick and GMC Sales, Service and Marketing. “With the #enlistme campaign, GMC invites everyone to honor these brave veterans by showing their support on social media and making a donation.”

The foundation is named after Stephen Siller, a New York City firefighter and first responder who died during the attacks of September 11. It seeks to build at least 200 smart homes, designed to be energy efficient, automated and easily accessible, using “adaptive technology” to help injured veterans live better, more independent lives. Each home costs more than $600,000 to build.

With the help of major corporate sponsors, the foundation has approved 44 smart home projects, half of which are complete. The others are being designed or are in construction.

To learn more or to make a donation to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, please visit www.ourbravest.org/enlistme.

 

Read the entire article on GMC.com.

News Wire: GMC Canyon Diesel: Best Pickup Fuel Economy – Period.

GMC
2016 GMC Canyon SLT Diesel. © General Motors.
2016 GMC Canyon SLT Diesel. © General Motors.

(This article originally appeared on GMC.com)

Segment-best efficiency complements segment-leading 7,700-lb. trailering rating

DETROIT – With efficiency that complements its leading capability, the all-new 2016 GMC Canyon diesel is rated at a segment-topping 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway in two-wheel drive – or 25 mpg combined – according the U.S Environmental Protection Agency.

Canyon diesel four-wheel drive models are rated at 20 city and 29 highway – and 23 mpg combined.

In addition to the fuel economy ratings, the EPA has issued a “Certificate of Conformity” for the GMC Canyon diesel. The agency expressed no issues or concerns following its recent, extensive testing and evaluation of the emission control system on the Canyon diesel.

“GMC Canyon is designed for those who want a smart-sized premium pickup that is quiet, capable and efficient and the new Duramax diesel engine gives customers another choice for handling heavier work and recreational needs – while doing it efficiently,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Sales and Marketing. “It’s the very definition of GMC’s professional grade ethos.”

The Canyon diesel’s fuel economy is not only segment-best, it tops all full-size truck mileage ratings while offering a higher trailering rating than all 2015 Ram 1500 V-6 models and some 5.7L V-8 models, as well as the 2105 Ford F-150 equipped with the 3.5L naturally aspirated V-6 – and even the 2015 Nissan Titan S model with the 5.6L V-8.

The diesel’s efficiency also means it can go farther between fill-ups. With its 21-gallon fuel tank, it offers an estimated highway-driving range of up to 651 miles.

Duramax details
Canyon’s all-new 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel engine generates 181 horsepower (135 kW) and 369 lb-ft of torque (500 Nm) to enable trailering ratings of 7,700 pounds (3,492 kg) on 2WD models and 7,600 pounds (3,447 kg) for 4WD models – ratings unmatched by other midsize competitors.

The Duramax 2.8L has been certified to the cleanest standards of any diesel truck ever produced by GM and meets tough U.S. emissions standards largely with a cooled exhaust gas recirculation system. It is also B20-capable.

Additionally, a variable-geometry turbocharger helps optimize power and efficiency across the rpm band and a balance shaft contributes to smoothness.

The engine is paired with the Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic transmission, which uses a unique Centrifugal Pendulum Vibration Absorber in the torque converter to reduce powertrain noise and vibration.

 

Read the entire article on GMC.com

 

How Much is Your New Car Worth in 5 years?

Maintenance and Service, New Cars, Tips and HInts, Used Cars

What I’m about to tell you is nothing you don’t already know. Buying a car is a “Catch 22” meaning, you have to have one, but for the most part, they are bad investments in terms of recouping your money. Their value isn’t really based on how much you can get for it when you want to sell it, but how much you get from it you while you own it. But of course, we want a good trade value for our old stuffs. Though old and used, we surely had bought it in a good price, so we also expect a better deal.

Well, I hate to break it to you, but unless your daily commuter is a high-end sports car or luxury suv, you aren’t going to recoup all of your money. No problem, we already knew this. So, what can you do to help add some value back into your vehicle? take a look at the video:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU6a5ffizkg

Have any other hints on keeping the value of your new car intact? Let me know!

A Great way to Improve Gas Mileage in Your New Car

Maintenance and Service, New Cars, Used Cars
The differences can be extreme

The average driver spends little time considering how an automobile engine works or even how important it is to protect it’s moving parts. They just get into their cars and drive. At the same time, most drivers do consider a vehicle’s fuel economy both when purchasing and driving. Some go to great lengths to find ways of improving gas mileage such as purchasing different exhaust and air intake products, fuel additives, and tires. With the only exception being the vehicle’s transmission, the engine is the most intricate and vital component of that car’s ability to be useful. It is also, often, the most expensive to repair. It’s internal components are subject to extreme heat and friction which wear on these parts over time. They are constantly exposed to temperatures nearing 200 degrees and moving thousands of times per minute. Even with regular servicing and preventative maintenance, the wear on these parts is inevitable and adversely affects an engine’s efficiency over it’s lifespan. It’s the efficiency of an engine which consumers often overlook when considering fuel economy.

Synthetic oil, as compared to traditional petroleum based oils, has a stronger viscosity or stickiness. It also takes longer to break down in extreme temperatures and is less subject to evaporating. Substituting synthetic oils for traditional oils when servicing a vehicle protects these parts better and, in turn, leads to greater engine efficiency. It’s efficiency directly affects the amount of fuel being used or wasted in the combustion process. Therefore, one of the most considerable ways of improving gas mileage is to protect the efficiency of a vehicle’s engine over it’s lifespan with a synthetic lubricant.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiLkoRVL7BQ

With the rising prices of gasoline in our present day economy, a greater portion of the population is in need of finding practical ways to improve gas mileage. Using a synthetic oil for engine lubrication is one significant way a consumer can improve fuel economy and save a substantial amount of money over time. It will also better protect internal engine components longer which will save money in engine repairs and rental cars. It will protect one of the biggest and most important financial investments one can make in today’s society.

News Wire: GMC Powers Ahead: U.S. Retail Sales Up 12.6 Percent in 2015

GMC
Customers continue to embrace the premium design, technology and capability that define the GMC brand. Retail sales of GMC crossovers, trucks and SUVs in the U.S. are up 12.6 percent year over year in the first nine months of 2015 – more than twice the industry average increase. © General Motors.
Customers continue to embrace the premium design, technology and capability that define the GMC brand. Retail sales of GMC crossovers, trucks and SUVs in the U.S. are up 12.6 percent year over year in the first nine months of 2015 – more than twice the industry average increase. © General Motors.

(This article originally appeared on GMC.com)

Brand posts 20 straight months of year-over-year gains; best Q3 since 2005

DETROIT – Customers continue to embrace the premium design, technology and capability that define the GMC brand. Retail sales of GMC crossovers, trucks and SUVs in the U.S. are up 12.6 percent year over year in the first nine months of 2015 – more than twice the industry average increase.

GMC retail sales – those to individual customers – have risen for 20 straight months through September.

Year to date through September, GMC sold 353,273 vehicles at retail in the U.S. In September alone, GMC retail sales rose 20.5 percent. Total sales, including commercial customers and fleet orders, jumped 24 percent, the best September since 2004. GMC also had its best third quarter in 10 years.

Including commercial and export sales, GMC sold 499,343 crossovers, trucks and SUVs through September, up 11 percent from a year ago.

GMC’s product momentum continues with redesigned 2016 Sierra full-size light-duty and heavy-duty pickups; a new 2.8L Duramax diesel-powered 2016 Canyon midsize pickup; and a 2016 Terrain with enhanced styling.

“This sustained growth in sales and our 44-percent conquest rate tell us the precision-crafted elements of our crossovers, trucks and SUVs are connecting with discerning customers seeking refinement and capability,” said Duncan Aldred, U.S. vice president, Buick and GMC Sales, Service and Marketing. “I expect our new introductions will continue the great success we’re experiencing at GMC.”

The luxury-focused Denali trim level, available on Terrain, Acadia, Sierra, Sierra HD and Yukon, represents 22 percent of total retail sales but nearly 60 percent of Yukon and Yukon XL sales and more than 45 percent of Sierra HD retail sales.

Here’s a model-by-model look at GMC retail sales highlights for the first nine months of the year:

Sierra: Sierra large pickup sales are up 4.7 percent year over year (up 16.2 in September), for its best third-quarter sales since 2005 and best September since 2004.

For 2016, the redesigned Sierra and Sierra Denali offer new standard and available technologies such as lane keep assist, High-Performance LED headlamps and power assist steps that articulate rearward to serve as a bed access step. Sierra HD adds digital steering assist that provides enhanced responsiveness and improved road holding. Both Sierra and Sierra HD add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (later availability) compatibility.

Acadia: Year-to-date, Acadia large crossover sales are up 19.8 percent (up 4 percent in September) for its sixth consecutive best-ever month, nine straight months of year-over-year growth, best-ever quarter and best September sales ever. The 2016 Acadia and Acadia Denali feature enhanced connectivity with OnStar 4G LTE with built-in WiFi hotspot.

Read the entire article on GMC.com

Does your New Car Need to Be Handicapped Accessible?

New Cars, Parts and Accessories, Tips and HInts
I think this is brilliant!

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.

I Spy “The Great One” in Dallas- The Pontiac GTO

Just for Fun, Pontiac

All rise for “The Judge”!

I love this car growing up and recently ran into a near mint Pontiac GTO. I instantly flashed back to the days when I’d drool over “The Great One.”

For your viewing pleasure…a little bit of nostalgia

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Vrc2b5qtLk

Here’s the one I ran across. Man, it was an amazing sight. Beautifully kept! I’d love to get one here in Grapevine on my lot!