Category Archives: GMC

How Do New Car Warranties Work?

Buick, GMC, Maintenance and Service, New Cars

If you have been considering purchasing an automobile extended warranty for your new car or truck, there are some important things that you should know. If you are like most people you have spent quite a bit of money to purchase your a new or used car, and you may want to consider a automobile extended warranty to protect your investment.

When shopping for an automobile extended warranty, it’s important to have a full understanding how each warranty program works. While many warranty programs offer the same basic features, on closer examination you will find that the plans offered by each provider have significant differences.

One important thing to consider when purchasing any type of auto warranty plan, make ensure to select an automobile extended warranty program that not only covers unexpected mechanical breakdowns, but wear and tear as well. If you own an automobile extended warranty and your vehicle breaks down or needs repair, you will simply take your vehicle to an approved service center that accepts the warranty. They will repair your vehicle and file a claim with the warranty provider. Before taking your car to the garage, it is important to remember that many automobile extended warranty plans require you to pay a deductible.

By purchasing an automobile extended warranty from a reputable company, you can guarantee that your auto warranty will be accepted at more repair facilities around the country. Your warranty provider can provide you with a list of locations where you can take your vehicle repaired in the event of a breakdown. Some plans will even pay the cost of having your vehicle towed if cannot be driven.

It’s essential that you fully understand all the terms and conditions of your warranty before signing anything.

There are a number of automobile extended warranty providers in the marketplace. Your options include brick and mortar providers, or you can purchase your warranty online! If you have questions about the plan, there are toll-free numbers you can call where you can speak to a representative, or you can correspond via email.

Ted Approves of the Extended Warranty

As with any major purchase, it is important for anyone seeking an extended warranty for their new car to obtain as much information as possible. Compare different companies and plans to make sure you’re getting the absolute best plan at the best price. Choosing the right plan from the right company can save you a lot of time, trouble, and money!

IF you have any questions or comments, leave them here. Or you can come and see me!

News Wire: 2016 Sierra 1500 Offers New Look, Advanced Engineering

GMC
GMC’s best-selling truck has great momentum, coming off its best June since 2006, and 12 consecutive months of year-over-year sales gains. With exterior styling as its top reason for purchase, the new truck adds key design elements: LED “C-shaped” signature daytime running lights and LED headlights; new front fascia and grilles for each trim level; new LED fog lamps; new bumpers; and new “C-shaped” LED taillights. The new Sierra will be available in the fourth quarter of this year, with additional details and information on the new model released in the coming months.
GMC’s best-selling truck has great momentum, coming off its best June since 2006, and 12 consecutive months of year-over-year sales gains. With exterior styling as its top reason for purchase, the new truck adds key design elements: LED “C-shaped” signature daytime running lights and LED headlights; new front fascia and grilles for each trim level; new LED fog lamps; new bumpers; and new “C-shaped” LED taillights. The new Sierra will be available in the fourth quarter of this year, with additional details and information on the new model released in the coming months.

This article originally appeared on gmc.com.

New, premium styling cues, technologies complement crafted interior

DETROIT – With exterior design the top draw for customers to the Sierra 1500, GMC’s best-selling truck rolls into 2016 with a fresh appearance that takes its signature premium styling to a higher level – and offers new, advanced engineering features designed to complement its crafted interior.

Greater visual distinction among Sierra models and some special equipment packages, such as the Elevation and All Terrain, are new for 2016, which also brings significant lighting technology upgrades. Highlights include:

  • New headlamps with GMC signature LED lighting on all models
  • High-Intensity Discharge (HID) projector-beam headlamps with LED signature standard on base model, SLE and SLT
  • Thin-profile LED foglamps standard on SLT, All Terrain and Sierra Denali
  • High-performance LED headlamps with LED signature standard on Sierra Denali and available on SLT
  • New grille design with specific appearance for base model, Elevation, SLE, SLT, All Terrain and Sierra Denali
  • LED taillamps standard on SLT, All Terrain and Sierra Denali.

Advanced engineering in the 2016 Sierra is manifested in next-generation technologies such as Lane Keep Assist, which helps keep the truck in its lane with subtle steering enhancements, and IntelliBeam headlamp control, which automatically adjusts the high beams for oncoming traffic. Both are added to the Driver Alert Package available on SLT and Sierra Denali models.

Additionally, new power-articulating assist steps are available on Sierra Denali, which makes entry and egress easier.

The 2016 Sierra’s new technologies also include phone integration via GMC IntelliLink, which enhances connectivity and promotes safer driving. It allows smartphone users to connect with applications such as navigation, hands-free messaging and more through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Android Auto is standard on a new radio with a seven-inch-diagonal screen at the start of production and is coming to available eight-inch radios later in the model year.

Read the entire article on GMC.com.

News Wire: 2016 Sierra HD Lineup Offers New, Advanced Technologies

GMC
2016 GMC Sierra HD All Terrain
2016 GMC Sierra HD All Terrain

(This article originally appeared on gmc.com)

Active Steering Assist complements capability; new gooseneck package offered

DETROIT – No other heavy-duty truck matches the GMC Sierra HD lineup when it comes to offering capability with comfort, quietness and crafted interiors. It builds on a 112-year legacy of professional grade heavy-duty trucks with technologies and features that make leveraging its capabilities easier and more enjoyable.

New for 2016, Active Steering Assist power steering on some double cab and crew cab models helps make hauling and trailering easier and more confident, with electronic controls that enhance road holding and stability on the highway regardless of whether the truck is loaded. It also offers greater responsiveness and an improved steering feel – not available on base models or regular cab.

A new Gooseneck/5th Wheel Trailering Prep Package is offered and makes Sierra HD models ready right from the factory to tow larger trailers. It’s available in the first quarter of 2016 for Duramax-equipped models and features a frame-mounted hitch platform and tray that accommodates a gooseneck ball hitch or fifth-wheel hitch-mounting brackets, and includes a cargo bed-mounted trailer harness. A new Gooseneck Completion Kit will also be available from GMC dealers, featuring a 2-5/16-inch ball hitch and two chain tie-downs.

Additional new and updated features for 2016 include:

  • GMC IntelliLink with a seven-inch-diagonal capacitive touchscreen features a new HD radio and performance improvements including a faster processer for better performance, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability
  • GMC IntelliLink with an eight-inch-diagonal touchscreen features performance improvements including a faster processer for better performance and Apple CarPlay capability (Android Auto capability coming later in the model year)
  • High-intensity Discharge (HID) projector-beam headlamps with GMC signature LED lighting now standard on all models
  • Available wireless phone charging
  • Available remote locking tailgate
  • Exterior colors: Crimson Red Tintcoat (double cab only), Cardinal Red, Deep Garnet Metallic (crew cab only) and Mahogany Metallic (not available on All Terrain or Denali).

Read the entire article on GMC.com.

News Wire: GMC Canyon Expands Capability with New Duramax Diesel

GMC
2016 GMC Canyon SLE
2016 GMC Canyon SLE

(This article originally appeared on gmc.com)

All-new turbo-diesel powertrain enables unmatched 7,700-lb. trailering capability

DETROIT – GMC introduced the 2016 Canyon diesel today – featuring an all-new powertrain that expands the Canyon’s already class-leading capabilities, including trailering capacity of up to 7,700 pounds (3,492 kg).

The new 2.8L Duramax diesel, SAE-certified at 181 horsepower (135 kW) and 369 lb-ft of torque (500 Nm), is estimated to deliver greater highway fuel economy than the Canyon’s segment-topping gas engines, and is the cleanest diesel truck engine ever from General Motors. It goes on sale this fall.

Several new technologies and supporting features complement the Duramax diesel’s capability while helping ensure GMC’s trademark refinement:

  • Standard Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic transmission matched with a Centrifugal Pendulum Vibration Absorber in the torque converter, which reduces powertrain noise and vibration
  • Smart diesel exhaust brake system that enhances vehicle control and reduces brake wear on steep grades
  • An all-new integrated trailer brake controller is standard and exclusive on diesel models
  • A new, electronically controlled two-speed transfer case on 4WD models.

“The new Duramax diesel takes the GMC Canyon’s award-winning capabilities to a new level in its segment,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Sales and Marketing.

The new Duramax diesel is offered on SLE and SLT Crew Cab models, with 2WD or 4WD. It is priced $3,730 more than a comparably equipped Canyon V-6 model.

An available trailering package includes a hitch receiver and seven-pin connector, as well as the segment-exclusive automatic locking rear differential. A 3.42 rear axle ratio and four-wheel disc brakes with Duralife™ brake rotors are standard. Capacities include:

  • Maximum trailering rating of 7,700 pounds (3,492 kg) for 2WD models and 7,600 pounds (3,447 kg) for 4WD
  • Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings of 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg) for 2WD and 6,200 pounds (2,812 kg) for 4WD.

A fully boxed frame provides the strength to enable the capabilities of the new Duramax diesel while supporting a ride designed to be smooth and quiet. Like the full-size Sierra’s frame, Canyon features three sections – or bays – with specific strength and support characteristics, including a front bay made of hydroformed side rails and an integrated four-point front axle mounting system designed to reduce vibration.

“A diesel engine was part of the Canyon’s portfolio plan from the beginning, meaning the chassis, suspension and other elements of its architecture were engineered to support it,” said Scott Yackley, assistant chief engineer. “That means there are no compromises with the Canyon diesel. It offers exceptional capability delivered with a confident feeling of control.”

When it comes to putting that capability to use, Canyon offers helpful cargo features such as the standard CornerStep rear bumper, two-tier cargo bed loading, 13 standard movable tie-downs in the cargo bed, an available factory spray-in bed liner and the EZ Lift-and-Lower tailgate.

In addition, the 2016 Canyon offers technologies and connectivity features such as GMC IntelliLink with new phone integration technology – and Apple CarPlay capability – OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot, Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Alert.

Read the entire article on GMC.com.

 

 

 

 

News Wire: GMC Sierra HD Leads Segment in J.D. Power APEAL Study

GMC
The 2015 GMC Sierra SLT front three quarter view
The 2015 GMC Sierra SLT front three quarter view

(This article originally appeared on gmc.com)

Terrain places second in Compact SUV category

DETROIT – Underscoring its appeal to discerning owners of full-size pickups, the 2015 GMC Sierra HD led the Large Heavy Duty Pickup segment in the 2015 J.D. Power U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study released today. The 2015 GMC Terrain placed second in the Compact SUV category.

The APEAL Study examines – through consumer surveys – how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive. Owners evaluate their vehicle across 77 attributes, which make up an overall brand score measured on a 1,000-point scale.

“These and similar awards affirm that our customers recognize and appreciate the precision engineering, design and technology that go into every GMC,” said Duncan Aldred, U.S. vice president, GMC. “Sierra HD trucks are engineered without compromise to deliver the capability, refinement and technology that inspire confidence with every task.”

Because many owners of heavy duty pickups use them for hauling and towing, GMC paid special attention to features that promote greater driving confidence and comfort on long trips, such as integrated cruise control and auto grade braking. They help drivers maintain a set speed up and down grades, even when towing a heavy trailer in mountainous terrain.

On Sierra HDs equipped with the available Duramax diesel engine, the driver can also engage the diesel exhaust brake, which uses the variable vanes in the turbocharger to smoothly and quietly create additional backpressure in the engine to help slow the vehicle. The combination of the exhaust brake and the automatic transmission downshifts helps maintain the desired speed, even on long, steep highway downgrades.

A standard rear-vision camera system provides a view of items behind the vehicle and can assist with lining up in front of a trailer.

In June, 48 percent of Sierra HD retail sales were Denali HDs.

The Terrain remains a favorite in the compact crossover segment, introducing customers to the brand’s premium design and luxury features. Customer connectivity in the 2015 Sierra HD and Terrain includes GMC’s IntelliLink infotainment system, along with OnStar with 4GLTE and built-in WiFi hotspot, providing a mobile hub for drivers and passengers to stay connected.

Read the entire article on GMC.com.

News Wire: 2016 GMC Sierra Unveiled

GMC

(This article originally appeared on gmc.com)

DETROIT — GMC’s best-selling truck has great momentum coming off its best June since 2006 and 12 consecutive months of year-over-year sales gains.

With exterior styling as its top reason for purchase, the new truck adds key design elements: LED “C-shaped” signature daytime running lights and LED headlights; new front fascia and grilles for each trim level; new LED fog lamps; new bumpers; and new “C-shaped” LED taillights.

The new Sierra will be available in the fourth quarter of this year, with additional details and information on the new model released in the coming months.

Read the entire article on GMC.com.

Test Drive GMC Canyon…online!

GMC, New Cars
https://www.flickr.com/photos/cayobo/18335133928/in/photolist-tWdmwL-ueArxG-o7864o-rRnofh-5UyrZq-rUSLrq-9vV4qH-9vV3un-9vV4CZ-9vV4ec-9vV43v-9vY5Q3-9vV3EH-dShMTb-g8W4uR-dx4tjw-dx4tmJ-dx4tBs-7LSB3E-7LSAFf-7LSB6s-7LNCNZ-7LNCEH-7LND3R-7LNDq2-7LNDKn-7LSACA-7LSBhE-7LNCXM-7LSAPW-7LSAZW-7LNDht-7LSBf7-7LNDea-7LND1e-7LNCHc-7LNDvi-7LSAoA-7LSBtu-7LSAuh-7LSBny-7LSAm9-7LSBBJ-7LSAww-7LNDAR-7LNCx8-9KayL4-9KazaZ-9KdoXu-9KayHP
Cayobo, Flickr Creative Commons

GMC continues to be a leader in innovative ways to allow you to experience their products. For example, you can test drive the new GMC Canyon midsize pickup from the comfort of your own home! The “Canyon Experience” allows you to virtually drive a Canyon pickup in four different environments, the first of which is YOUR neighborhood! Thanks to Google Maps and Google Street View, you simply allow the Canyon Experience to use your current location to tailor an experience to where you are right now. One of the coolest things is to “park” your Canyon outside your house and see just how good that looks!

The four different environments you can select for your test drive are: mountain, shore, city, or rural. Not everybody lives in town, not everybody lives where it’s flat, but the Canyon can handle all environments with ease. The Canyon Experience will work with laptops, desk tops, tablets, and iOs and Android phones as well.

I gotta tell you, I enjoyed my drive through the mountains this morning. I could almost feel the lack of humidity and the un-Texas change in grade. Not only that but the Canyon looks pretty darn good parked in front of my house! Oddly enough it looked best in front of my house in the Quicksliver Mettalic color! I casually left the laptop open on the kitchen counter over night, and when my wife checked her email this morning, the first thing she said was, “Wow, that’s our house! That truck looks GOOD out there!” You could have knocked me over with a feather, I thought the whole “new truck” conversation was either going to be big trouble or was entirely forbidden.

So, if you have 10-15 minutes to explore online, and we all know you do, then give the Canyon Experience a try. You can try it yourself right here!

GMC Military Appreciation Month

Credit and Financing, GMC
https://www.flickr.com/photos/76969036@N02/16255037072/in/photolist-qLpjcS-tLf2nY-tLfaLG-sRyJcy-sfY8ao-rmsrtB-sfY5Bh-sigcuP-s1ETW9-si77RA-sidrNR-rmspmF-sC5WfC-sC61z9-sTkL2d-qUFUaH-rz2HzT-qMfXSt-qM6PSj-r4AUUy-qM6PCS-qMec44-r4wNh2-r4FNct-qM6PVA-q7TJ78-q7TJSX-qM8dQJ-uT8qrn-q5XVpc-rRu5xx-sXqocP-sQbwWX-tLGhpf-rxaaup-smGwBc-uAhwvY-rPc2QW-qKjZWc-sm8W7N-smfNLv-s8oWpC-r4AVg5-rsXZTJ-s8vNvX-spWkUX-u8oMQc-tbxzKk-s8oWuN-s8vNkX
David Gou, Flickr Creative Commons

Last month, GMC instituted their Military Appreciation Month and now that it’s June they’ve extended the special pricing until June 30! This offer is extended to ALL 22 million active duty, reserve duty, retired, veterans and spouses from each branch including the National Guard.

As we’ve discussed in previous blogs, GMC and the US Military have had a long and successful relationship. From the days before WWI when the Army was in Mexico cashing Pancho Villa, to WWII when the GMC DUCKW was bringing troops ashore in the Pacific and the GMC Deuce and a Half was chasing Hitler all over Europe, to the trucks chasing Saddam out of Kuwait back to Iraq.

The GMC models, including the Denali trim, which are eligible for the GM Military Discount:

  • GMC Canyon midsize pickup, the newest member of the GMC family and winner of AutoWeek’s 2015 “Best of the Best” Truck award and Ward’s 10 Best Interiors
  • GMC Sierra 1500 – the most powerful light duty pickup on the market – and Sierra HD full-size pickups, all new for the 2014 model year
  • GMC Terrain small SUV and GMC Acadia large crossover
  • Yukon and Yukon XL full-size SUVs, all new for the 2015 model year
  • GMC Savana passenger vans

And this deal extends to 2 vehicles purchased under this program. If you’re buying more than two vehicles this year, the special savings will only extend to two vehicles per veteran.

You’ll need to supply current military ID, or if you are former military, a copy of your DD 214. And to prevent folks from flipping these cars, you’ll have to agree to have possession of the vehicles purchased under this program for a minimum of 6 months. Unfortunately not every dealer is a participant, so if you can’t get a dealer to work with you within this program, you are more than welcome to find any participating dealer!

 

GMC’s V-12 Engine Hauled Nukes!

GMC, Just for Fun
https://www.flickr.com/photos/37467370@N08/7490793866/in/photolist-fgErSq-jLbXaM-c3jWiS-c3jWo3-cpWh7m-cpWh3o-cpWhBj-cpWhhq-cpWhto-kcj3cV-kcj5Kv-kcjuvg-c5WbRQ-jT3xYD-c3jWqG-c3jWsN-jT5iKA-jT56US-jT2TsT-kcjqfn-kckYou-kciVMx-kcm1ZG-eJKnFx-c2GZdf-jLe8HL-jLcFQK-jLe97G-bmHQGu-9kayLq-e8dYd3-e88kFz-e8e78m-jLcH9r-jLbYqT-jLe8RS-jLbYfc-k2XkNc-c4unr5-jT49hF-c4unx7-c4unuj-7fkkfD-58fVtG-5VebUC-9NBM2h-9Nz1jx-pLDzZj-9fEVcg-aQNwTa
Greg Goebel, Flickr Creative Commons

Did you know that GMC built a V-12 engine? They sure did, and despite the name “Twin Six” it was NOT two V-6’s bolted together. It was actually one long case, with FOUR V-6 heads mounted to it! Now why on God’s Green Earth would GMC build such a monstrous engine you ask? To mount in the tractor trucks used to haul Minuteman Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles. For real!!

In 1963 GMC designed special purpose tractors to haul the Boeing Transporter/Erector semitrailers used to haul the Minuteman I missiles. The trailers were 65 feet long, 10 feet wide, 13 feet high, had over 8,000 cubic feet of space, weighed almost 25,000 pounds when EMPTY, and they cost a whopping $700,000 1963 US Dollars each! The GMC tractor provided all the power to not only move this massive trailer, but also to run the climate control and air conditioning both during road journeys and while stored.

Of course those days of mutually assured destruction have faded somewhat, and the nuclear weapon proliferation hopefully has subsided…but those Twin Six V-12’s are popping up in rat rods and custom built speedsters the world over! An outfit in Australia for example has built a fiberglass Roadster with one of these humongous beasts up front. The engine is so long that the frame had to be cut and lengthened to be able to get the V-12 mounted. According to the hot rod shop, the Twin Six as mounted to their Roadster has an RPM redline of 2400 so the horsepower output is fairly anemic for the weight and only comes in at 275 hp. But, the that low RPM engine wasn’t made for whining screaming 14,000 RPMs like those Kawasakis and Hondas, no sir, this husky sucker was made to PULL. And brother, pull it does. Because at only 1600 RPM, this baby puts out over 630 ft/lbs of torque. So if you ever need a Roadster looking hot rod to pull your house over to the next block, well baby we have the engine for you!

2016 GMC Terrain

GMC, New Cars
https://www.flickr.com/photos/portland_mike/4583957451/in/photolist-6MYUxK-5XZ6wz-s72YNs-6MYnpP-qNexfJ-fqLgzG-awDfHa-gCGyF-oEJGJC-7Y8TB8-nSaLyv-8vkLuz-7X3mup-7Z4YRa-kfTVXV-rSdboJ-bTAdrp-7CAjLP-fBErfY
mike krzeszak, Flickr Creative Commons

Well y’all, it’s that time of year when next year’s models begin to make their appearance in media so everybody can oooo and ahhhh over the new features, the new front ends, the new taillights, the new options, the upgrades, etc etc etc. Well the 2016 GMC Terrain is pretty exciting. Not only does the front end get an upgrade to a more updated contemporary look, but the Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are being offered for the SLE and SLT models this year. Other alerts include Rear Park Assist, Lane Departure Warning, and a Forward Collision Alert.

The Terrain is a compact SUV that seats five comfortably. Most models come with all-wheel drive, and a whopping 32 mpg on the highway! If you need to do some occasional towing, a V6 engine is available and a tow weight of 3500lbs is advertised.

Here is a more or less complete list of updates for the 2016 Terrain:

  • New front and rear fascias with C-shaped lower chrome trim that accentuates the Terrain’s wide stance
  • New, chrome-accented grille designs for SLE, SLT and Denali – including specific tri-segment grille texture on Denali
  • New power dome hood design
  • New LED daytime running lamps on uplevel models
  • New 18-inch aluminum wheel design offered on non-Denali models
  • New 19-inch aluminum wheel design offered on Denali
  • Revised instrument panel “center stack” with new storage shelf and updated control graphics
  • Revised model lineup: SL, SLE (SLE-1 and SLE-2), SLT and Denali
  • Premium cloth seat fabric now standard on SL and SLE models
  • New Saddle Up leather interior available on SLT
  • New Light Titanium/Jet Black interior combination offered on Denali
  • Front passenger eight-way power-adjustable seat offered on SLT (previously available only on Denali)
  • New, chrome-trimmed transmission shifter
  • Available Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features on SLE and SLT (previous available only on Denali).
  • New White Frost Tricoat and Crimson Red Tintcoat premium exterior colors.