All posts by Ozzie

New report on distracted driving should scare you!

Safe Driving, , , , , ,

grapevine cars, gmc fort worth, dealerships dfw, buick dealer, GMC dealer, used cars dfw, used cars fort worthHere’s the rub on distracted driving from Freeman Grapevine. Texting, Facebooking, Tweeting…you can’t do it. Oh sure, you haven’t killed yourself, or anyone else yet…yet. We’ll guess what, you may one day if the latest statistics are accurate.

The Texas Transportation Institute tested 42 people with ages ranging from 16-54 on an actual closed driving course, the first test of its kind. All other test have been simulated tests.

The drivers were tested on a closed course with barrels and were only allowed to drive as fast 30 miles per hour which may seem slow to us, but the even then the drivers showed that distracted driving is much more dangerous than previously thought.

What the researches found is that drivers had half as much time to react as well as maintain a constant speed and stay in their lanes. Normal response time is one to two seconds. Distracted drives took twice the amount of time to respond. These results are worse than previously thought. And even worse, a driver is 11 times more likely to completely miss flashing lights on the course.  If you think about those results in the real world driving that could mean the distracted driver wouldn’t react in time to avoid causing an accident or even worse, hitting a pedestrian.

Check out this video on the research done:

httpv://youtu.be/Af3aeKlHL3s

Bottom line, please don’t drive and text, email, read, Google or anything that can distract you from your number one priority…driving! The United States government suggests that 25% of all fatal crashes are directly related to distracted driving. Which to me means that they could have potentially been prevented if the person that caused the crash would have just put the cell phone down!  Think of it this way, if you text and drive you could potentially be responsible for taking someone’s life.

 

Make Your Tires Shine DFW!

Maintenance and Service, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Often overlooked, your tires need care too. Keep them looking sharp and turn some heads, DFW!

For most car owners and all car lovers, the look of their car is not only important, it’s an investment of time and care . It is not enough that the engine and the other parts are in mint condition, the exterior should do its job of looking fine and attractive as well.

Of all the exterior parts of the car, the tires are the ones that get dirty the most since they are in contact with the ground all the time. They get dirty whether you drive your car or not. Now, I’m not talking about just cleaning to maintaining their good looks, I’m talking about making them look like brand new.

What Can You Use?
There is more than one way to achieve that brand-new shine look on your car tires. It is just a matter of what suits your taste and preference (and your budget as well).

Spray-on
One of the most popular tire shine products available are the spray-on kinds. The solution is in a bottle with a sprayer and nozzle on top. Many prefer to use it because it is very easy to apply on the tires. You can just spray it directly on the tires and wipe it after a couple of minutes. To make an even distribution over the whole tire, do not spray too close to the tire. Also, spray with a sweeping motion to cover a bigger area of the tire and not just spray on one spot at a time. When applied correctly, you can achieve a nice wet look gloss off your car tires. However, some brands of spray-on tire shine leave stains when it gets on your side panels. You should wipe it off immediately. It would help if you apply it inside the garage so the breeze will not scatter the mist. If you keep getting it on your side panels and rims, apply it on a sponge or piece of cloth first and use it to apply the solution on your tires.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFfGNDYFy4g

Gel
In terms of long-lasting effect, many gel products do better than spray-ons. They last for more than a week even through the rain and even through carwash. They are not as easy to apply and may take longer since you need to use an applicator, a sponge or terry cloth but others prefer it that way since it  gives them control on how much of the gel is used. The gel gives a nice black color to the tires without a very glossy effect. However, if you do want more gloss, you can apply a second coating after a few minutes. Do not drive your car right after applying the gel. Many formulas are silicone-based and can attract dust and dirt when still wet. Gel tire shine products are usually more expensive than other similar products.

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

Foam
Foam tire shine products also come with a spray nozzle. It is also very easy to apply, perhaps easier than the other spray-on kinds. It even helps clean your tires off from the dirt that your pre-wash was not able to remove. Just wipe the foam after a couple of minutes and your tires are clean and shiny. However, be careful with some products that may turn your tires brown or yellow. Some tires really do not agree with certain tire shine products so you may have to try a new product.

How To Do It
Most tire shine products have their own application procedures printed somewhere on the container, but in general, here are the steps in achieving that fine shine you want your car tires to have. Clean your tires first before the rest of the car. Even if you spray dirty suds or water on your side panels, it is fine since you will clean them next. Pay attention to the wells and grooves that your tires have. They collect a lot of dirt so they might need some extra scrubbing.

Wait till the tire is dry or at least not too wet from the washing. Spray your chosen tire shine product evenly on the side of the tires. Leave it on for a minute or two and then wipe it using a sponge or a terry-cloth, distributing it evenly across the tire wall and removing any overspray.

Making your tires look shiny is a very easy thing to achieve. But before trying on any product on your tires, ask your friends who might have used them, or look for some reviews online. Many car maintenance forums are eager to help and answer your questions with regard to tire shine products. Of course, if you want a professional opinion you can always swing by Freeman Grapevine and we’ll take a look.

Check Out The Towing Capabilities Of The 2014 GMC Sierra

GMC, , ,

2014 gmc sierra, freeman grapevine, towing capabilities, new sierra

If you are like many Texans, you enjoy your outdoor activities and for many of you that means either RVing, boating or additional activities that involve you towing something behind your truck. If this is you, you may be interested to know that the new 2014 GMC Sierra is not just a pretty face. This new version of the Sierra is a serious workhorse. Not only does the all-new 2014 GMC Sierra redefine comfort and quality with attention to detail, it also offer premium features, materials and an available 6.2L Ecotec3 V8 engine. This power factory is estimated at 420 horsepower with 450 lb-ft of torque and is the most powerful Sierra 1500 engine ever, making it the most powerful pickup in its class. The class-leading towing weight is upwards of 11,500 lbs when ordered with the available Max Trailering Package.

Check out what pickuptrucks.com had to say about the new 2014 GMC Sierra’s towing and performance capabilities.

Plus, when you take just one look at the outside and inside the all-new 2014 GMC Sierra and you’ll see clearly why this is the new standard in full-sized trucks. Sierra’s exterior has been boldly redesigned with crisper sharper lines and the interior brings comfort, refinement and convenience to a whole new level.

This new GMC Sierra is really something that has to be seen. Throw out everything you know, or thought you knew about the GMC Sierra and head over to your local GMC dealer to check one out first hand. And yes…you can bring your boat, RV or trailer to really experience the towing supremacy of this new GMC.

An Insider’s Perspective

Buick, GMC, New Cars, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

buying a car easy, Buick Dealer, buying used car, car apps, car brakes, dallas Buick Dealer, Dallas GMC Dealer, dallas GMC Truck, dallas new car, dallas Used Car, dallas Used Truck, dallas Used Truck. New Car, DFW Buick, dfw car dealer, dfw gmc, driving anxiety, engine dissection, Fort Worth Buick, fort worth gmc, Fort Worth Truck Dealer, Ft. Worth Buick, Ft. Worth car dealer, ft. worth gmc, GMC Dealer, GMC Truck, professional grade, Used Car, Used Truck, wear your seat belt

Recently a customer came to us at Freeman Grapevine and asked, “Why is car buying so difficult?”  I understand why she asked that, it can be very challenging, and can be as equally frustrating for both a customer and the dealer, but it doesn’t have to be.  As an insider, let me explain why,

There are three main components to buying a car: price, trade in and financing.  Let’s review each.

Price

This should be the easiest part of the car buying process.  When a customer researches a car, and inevitably gets quotes from multiple dealerships, they should compare apples to apples.  In other words, you want to make sure you’re comparing the same vehicle with the same equipment and options.  A simple way to do this is to make sure the MSRP’s are the same.

As a salesperson, the hardest question to answer for a customer is “what’s your best price?”  I’ve told my sales people to show customers the invoice when asked that question.  This shows what the dealer paid on that car.  Most good dealerships will gladly show you the invoice so you know where their numbers are coming from.  You should calculate in any rebates, as well as a small profit, which all dealers are entitled to make.  It’s that easy.

Trade-In

If you’re trading in a vehicle, you’ll want top dollar for it.  Determining the trade-in value isn’t an exact science.  The year, make, model, condition and mileage all factor in to the equation.  Most customers research their vehicle’s worth on Kelly Blue Book (kbb.com) or NADA Guides (www.nadaguides.com) to give them a ballpark estimate before bringing it to the dealership.

Financing

The last piece of the puzzle is financing.  A customer’s credit score is the biggest component of this.  Whether you have a good financial history including paying off creditors on time & every month, your monthly income and how many outstanding balances you have, all affect your credit score.  A dealer’s relationship with its lenders is also important.  If they work with several lending institutions that offer a variety of financial programs depending on a person’s credit, can make the difference between going to one dealership or another.

A tip if you’re credit isn’t as great as  you’d like:  the higher down payment, the better.

Of course this is the process in a nutshell, however, it really is this easy. There is no reason buying a car should be stressful, or uncomfortable. In fact, buying a new Buick, or GMC from Freeman Grapevine will be one of your most pleasant car buying experiences ever. Trust me. We know how to take car of our new Buick and new GMC customers.

Learn to Tell The Difference Electrical VS. Mechanical Problem

Buick, GMC, Maintenance and Service, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Buick dealer dallas, buick dealer fort worth, dallas Buick Dealer, dallas fort worth used car, Dallas GMC Dealer, dallas GMC Truck, dallas new car, dallas Used Car, dallas Used Truck, dfw driving, fort worth Buick dealer, freeman grapevine, GMC Dealer, GMC Professional Grade, GMC Truck, making a GMC, professional gradeDoes your car have electronics? The answer is obviously, “Yes” (well for most of your anyway). You do realize that those electronics are going to have to be looked at due to a malfunction at some point. Today’s cars are very complicated and are as much computers as they are vehicles. Freeman Grapevine has the knowledge to diagnose and fix any type of electrical issue.

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, it can’t be Peaches and Cream all of the time. 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 with a Freeman Grapevine Service Consultant 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. Just give us a call to set up an appointment.

Adapting A Vehicle For Handicapped Use

New Cars, , , ,

If you are, or know someone who is a person with a disability then you may understand the limitations that also come with being disabled. They can be quite frustrating. However, those limitations shouldn’t impede a persons ability to own and operate their own car, truck or SUV. That’s why I would like to share some great resources that discuss some of these accessories and adaptations that can be adapted to your own vehicle to make it easier, or for some even possible to drive a vehicle, like a Freeman Grapevine Buick GMC

Here is a list of motoring accessories for disable people:

  • hand controls to operate the accelerator and brake
  • steering wheel knobs that help you turn the wheel more easily and give greater control
  • wheelchair hoists, ramps and tail lift accessories to help you get in and out of your vehicle
  • seat support, cushions and covers for more comfort
  • adapted mirrors
  • adapted safety belts, seat belts and harnesses
  • seats that rotate
  • people lifts
  • wheelchair hoists

Here are some accessories for people who have lower body disabilities

  • a steering wheel knob fitted to the rim of the steering wheel
  • automatic transmission
  • direction indicators and the horn within finger reach or as foot controls, which you can operate without letting go of the wheel
  • moving the handbrake to the right of the driver’s seat
  • joystick steering

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

According to some resources, if you have an artificial limb fitted below the elbow you can drive a car using a special concave limb attachment fitted over the steering wheel or the gear lever.

Even if you have lost the use of both arms, it is possible to still drive with redesigned car controls. Another option is a foot steering system.

Here are some options and adaptions to consider  if you have lost the use of one of your legs or have reduced usage in one leg :

  • an automatic transmission car, which does not require the use of a clutch
  • moving the accelerator on an automatic car to the left side of the foot brake if you have a right leg disability
  • a semi-automatic clutch, which allows you to use a manual gearbox without clutch pedals

If you have lost the use of both legs, you may consider adaptations like:

  • hand controls with an automatic transmission
  • steering assistance

If you have your vehicle modified or buy an adapted vehicle, it is important to learn how to operate the vehicle. There may be options to take training course to get comfortable with driving with these adaptations.

Just about any vehicle, new or used, can be adapted to fit the needs of most people with disabilities. If you, or someone you know owns and operates a specially designed vehicle and we’ve left out any important information above, please don’t hesitate to leave a few comments in the section below. We may have missed something and your knowledge will be much appreciated by everyone here at Freeman Grapevine and by all of our readers.

Dallas Fort Worth Vehicles Killing Your Back

Tips and HInts, , , ,

“OW!!! My aching back!” A lot of us experience lower back pain while driving our cars. A number of researches have investigated the relationship between driving and Back Pain, which some interesting results. One finding is a comparison of drivers in the USA and in Sweden found that 50% of people questioned in both countries reported low back pain.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HVoF4QeWo0

So what is the connection of driving and back pain?

So far, research has found three factors for low back pain whilst driving: vibration from the engine (something that you can not change), sitting position and  the length of time that we drive.

Here are some ways to make your driving experience more comfortable.

The Seat

Make sure that your bottom sits all the way in the back of the seat – where the base and the back of the seat meet. This will help to make you sit more upright and maintain the natural curvature of the spine, minimizing the stress on the spinal ligaments. If your seat has a lumbar roll built-in have this all the way out.

The Base length and Height of the Seat

The base of the seat should never touch the back of your knees and the front of the base should be slightly higher than the back, helping to provide more support and allowing you press the pedals without changing your spinal posture.

The Backrest

First relax back into your seat, place the seat at about a 10-15 degrees incline from the vertical position. If this feels unnatural to you then it probably means that the backrest is not upright enough for you. This can result into neck strain and / or coccyx (sitting bone) pain.

The Headrest

The position of your headrest will not only help to lower the injuries in an accident, but also to help to allow a better posture. The bony bit at the back of your head is a good guiding point, the headrest should be level with this. There should be about 1 inch between the back of your head and the headrest. This allows for the ligaments and the muscles of your neck to control the posture of your head better and giving better support in case of an accident.

Seat – Pedal distance

Make sure you have the distance between seat and the pedals so that when operating the pedals this does not cause you to over stretch your legs or twist your body in any way. Your legs should not be straight when pushing the throttle or clutch all the way down. Obviously your knees should not be bend to the point you cannot easily move from one pedal to another. It is normal to have your knees bent about 45 degrees.

The Arm position

Your arms should be as relaxed as possible, elbows bend around 20-30 degrees. If your steering wheel is adjustable have it in the mid to lower position, this will help to reduce the stress on your shoulders. Your hands should be positioned at ’10 past10′ and not as is suggested left hand at 9 o’clock and right hand at 3 o’clock.

Take breaks

We all have seen the “Rest Stop” signs along the roads…do it! Taking a break helps your back as well, so when you need to take a rest you can have a stretch at the same time to help your back.

As someone who experiences back pain from time to time, I know how much more it may be amplified while driving. The driving position isn’t always the best as it puts some irregular curves to your back and thus may require more lumbar support.

If you have any tips or hints for us at Freeman Grapevine on how to alleviate back pain while driving, let us know in the comments section below!

Fishy Hit and Run: Cause…”New Car Smell”

Safe Driving, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I just ran across this story and it seems a little fishy to me. Let me first preface the quoted article below from the New York Times by saying, this is the first time I’ve EVER heard this happen…let alone used as a defense in court. Read the article and tell me your opinions, I curious.

Many drivers enjoy the so-called “new car smell,” a mix of volatile organic compounds that rise from the plastic, leather, cloth, wood and other interior components of cars fresh off the assembly line. The aroma is so popular that some companies even sell new car smell air fresheners.

But does new car smell have a dark side? More specifically, is it intoxicating?

That appears likely to be an element of the defense of a Colorado driver charged in a nighttime hit-and-run accident, according to court documents filed this week, The Vail Daily News reports. The driver, Martin Joel Erzinger, a financial manager, allegedly fled the scene of a crash with a cyclist in July.

The new car smell from a month-old Mercedes-Benz may have contributed to Mr. Erzinger’s losing consciousness before the accident, his lawyers say.

Really? Maybe Mr. Erzinger was tired and fell asleep, maybe he had been drinking or under the influence of an inebriant…He certainly had the presence of mind to flee the scene of the accident after being rendered incapacitated. Now, everyone is innocent until proven guilty, but I wonder if this will hold up in court? Has anyone ever experienced a loss of consciousness while driving due to your New Car Smell? I haven’t and I’ve been in 1,000’s of new cars…literally.

Dumb Things NOT To Do To Your Car

Uncategorized, , , , ,

Buick Dealer, buying used car, car brakes, dallas Buick Dealer, Dallas GMC Dealer, dallas GMC Truck, dallas new car, dallas Used Car, dallas Used Truck, dallas Used Truck. New Car, DFW Buick, dfw car dealer, dfw gmc, driving anxiety, electronic roadside signs, Fort Worth Buick, fort worth gmc, Fort Worth Truck Dealer, Ft. Worth Buick, Ft. Worth car dealer, ft. worth gmc, GMC Dealer, GMC Truck, professional grade, track no go, Used Car, Used TruckAt Freeman Grapevine, we’ve seen a lot of dumb things people have done, or in some cases, “haven’t done” to their cars. Almost all “dumb” things people do to their cars can be avoided by just using some common sense. Really. Your car can provide years of unfettered service if you just use your head a little and don’t try to perform maintenance that is out of your skill set.

There are hundreds of “dumb” things we do to our car, but what are the 4 most common things we see rolling through our service department at Freeman Grapevine?

  1. Jumping with an improperly connected battery
  2. Running out of Gas (yes, this really happens)
  3. Not changing the oil
  4. Letting the Anti-freeze become corrosive

I know that most of you are thinking to yourself, “people really do that”? The short answer is, “yes”.

Check out the video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09o07bh0k-4

Don’t get us wrong, we know how easy it is to do something silly like hook up a battery in reverse, you just have to make sure you know what you are doing before you attempt any maintenance on your own car. Do your research. If you aren’t sure how to jump start a car because you’ve always relied on someone else to do it for you, have someone show you the right way. It’s the easiest thing you can learn how to do as a car owner.

Again, we all make mistakes, but when you are dealing with an automobile, those mistakes can cost you big bucks. If you need maintenance performed on your vehicle, but aren’t sure if you are up for the task, don’t neglect your car. Bring it into Freeman Grapevine and we’ll take care of it for you. The last thing you’d ever want to do is attempt a fix that you aren’t qualified for or else you’ll be adding to the list of the dumb things NOT to do to your car.

Dallas, this is why you’ll want to wear your seatbelt

Safe Driving, , , , , , ,

For whatever reasons, drivers around the Dallas Fort Worth area really seem to tempt fate when is comes to wearing their seat belts. I’d say that 1/3 of the drivers in the metroplex, and I’m guessing low here, habitually neglect to wear their seat belts.

Aside from getting a sizable ticket, what else do you have to lose? Watch the video below and figure it out.

Fact. Seat Belts save lives. I know it may sound redundant, but wear them every time you drive, one day you will be grateful that you did…your family will be too.