Protecting Your New Car from Water Damage

October 4, 2015Maintenance and Service, New Cars, Tips and HInts, Used CarsOzzie

You can still remember your famous last words, “Don’t worry, it doesn’t look that deep.” If you can feel the water splashing under the undercarriage it’s too deep. The next thing you notice is water on your floorboard. Not good. Water that gets left inside your car doesn’t just evaporate without causing damage first.

1. Check carpets and upholstery. Check also door and trim panels for dampness. If they are wet, then your used car will need professional attention. Simply air-drying the carpet is not enough; you will be soon notice that mildew and nasty odors will have come out.

2. Check seat brackets, motor, and modules. Be sure they’re free of rust and properly operating.

3. Pull the engine oil and transmission fluid dipsticks and differential plug. If the fluid appears milky or diluted, is no longer its original color, or is light brown in color, then it is likely the pans contain water. Have your car repaired immediately. Driving the car with water present may damage the internal parts and require extensive overhaul or car repairs.

4. Check the air filter for water. If it is wet, replace the air filter and change the oil.

5. Check the undercarriage, bumpers, radiator area, and frame for mud, grass, dirt, debris, and rust. If any of these are present, have your used car washed and cleaned as soon as possible. Any mechanical repairs can be checked out by your trusted mechanic and get your new car back to its perfect condition.

6. Have the brake system checked by a professional. Water-logged brake systems are especially dangerous on slippery roads.

7. Check the exterior lights for moisture and water. Replace headlights and bulbs that contain water.

8. Finally, listen for abnormal noises while the engine is running. Make a note of where the noise is coming from and take the vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible. Pay particular attention to the alternator, serpentine belt, starter, power steering unit, air conditioner, and wheel bearings. Check the suspension joints and lubricate as necessary. Many used car models are lubricated at the factory for life; however, these joints should be checked for rust as well.

By being “car care aware” and following these simple guidelines can help minimize potential damage to your new or used car. If you’d like a professional opinion on the matter, you know where to find me.

News Wire: GMC Expands Android Auto Availability

September 28, 2015GMCOzzie

(This article originally appeared on GMC.com)

2016 GMC Canyon All Terrain. © General Motors.

Software upgrade for new eight-inch IntelliLink radios coming in March 2016

DETROIT – A software upgrade enabling Android Auto phone compatibility for 2016 GMC Canyon, Sierra and Yukon models equipped with the available eight-inch IntelliLink system will be offered to U.S. customers in March 2016. The upgrade will be performed by GMC dealers.

Android Auto joins Apple CarPlay, which was unveiled earlier this year, offering phone compatibility via the available IntelliLink screen.

“Providing Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility ushers in a new era of staying connected in a convenient manner,” said Duncan Aldred, U.S. vice president, Buick and GMC.

Each system builds off select features smartphone users rely on most. Android Auto is built around Google Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google, as well as a growing audio and messaging app ecosystem that includes WhatsApp, Google Play Music, Spotify, and podcast players. A full list of supported apps is available at Android.com/auto.

Many system features can be controlled by voice commands through a button on the steering wheel, helping drivers keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

Connectivity has become a central component of GMC’s interior technology features. Just last year, many GMC vehicles also began offering available OnStar 4G LTE connectivity and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The connection allows occupants to connect up to seven personal devices.

This new compatibility stands to make connectivity even stronger. Specific market availability for Android Auto can be found here. Current Apple CarPlay markets can be found here.

Using either application is simple in a compatible 2016 GMC Canyon, Sierra or Yukon. A “Projection” icon on the IntelliLink screen is visible when a phone is not connected, and then changes to indicate either CarPlay or Android Auto (whichever is applicable) when a compatible phone is connected via USB. Android Auto requires a phone running the Android Lollipop 5.0 operating system or above, while Apple CarPlay requires an iPhone 5 or later.

Read the entire article on GMC.com

News Wire: GMC Updates Sierra Elevation Edition for 2016

September 23, 2015GMCOzzie

2016 GMC Sierra Elevation Edition. © General Motors.

(This article originally appeared on GMC.com)

Sport appearance wears new front-end design, latest connectivity technologies

DETROIT – The popular GMC Sierra Elevation Edition returns for 2016 with the styling enhancements and other features new to the entire Sierra 1500 lineup – including revised front-end styling with new, high-intensity discharge projector-beam headlamps and GMC Signature LED lighting.

The Elevation Edition – available on Sierra double cab – has a street-smart stance, thanks to body-color moldings, door handles, mirror caps and a body-color grille surround, as well as body-color bumpers. It also rolls on 20-inch black-painted aluminum wheels and is further enhanced with new Elevation Edition badging.

“The Sierra Elevation Edition offers a boldly styled pickup for customers who want a truck that looks as good as it performs,” said Duncan Aldred, U.S. vice president, Buick and GMC. “With its muscular design details, inherent truck capabilities and premium technology features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, Sierra Elevation improves on an already comprehensive package.”

Inside Sierra Elevation Edition, the latest technology helps drivers stay connected at all times. A new radio with a 7-inch-diagonal screen incorporates CarPlay and Android Auto phone integration capability, which gives drivers the ability to make calls, send and receive messages and control music from the IntelliLink touchscreen. Additionally, OnStar 4G LTE and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot allow continuous connectivity for up to seven personal devices.

All Sierra Elevation Edition models include remote keyless entry, remote locking tailgate, outside heated power-adjustable mirrors, a 110-volt AC power outlet, black recovery hooks, a six-speaker audio system and more.

A standard 4.3L EcoTec3 V-6 engine delivers 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque with a highway fuel economy of 24 mpg. An available 5.3L EcoTec3 V-8 produces 355 horsepower – and offers up to 9,400 pounds of trailering capacity (2WD). Customers can choose two- or four-wheel drive and the Eaton locking rear differential is standard with both.

All-terrain tires, a Rear Vision camera system, trailering equipment and XM Radio are available on all models.

The new GMC Sierra Elevation Edition goes on sale in the first quarter of 2016.

GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, with innovation and engineering excellence built into all GMC vehicles. The brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. GMC’s highest-volume vehicle, the Sierra pickup, is the most powerful light-duty pickup on the market, and the first full-size pickup to receive the highest-possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed its New Car Assessment Program for the 2011 model year. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc.

Read the original article on GMC.com.

News Wire: Buick Previews All-New 2017 LaCrosse

September 22, 2015BuickOzzie

2017 Buick LaCrosse will feature many Avenir-inspired design cues and introduce the new face of Buick. LaCrosse will make its global debut in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show. © General Motors.

(This article originally appeared on Buick.com)

Expressive, Avenir-inspired design cues introduce the new face of Buick

DETROIT – Buick today confirmed the all-new 2017 LaCrosse, with a preview of its Avenir concept-inspired design cues.

A striking evolution from current Buick models, LaCrosse features a grille design that puts a new face on the brand, including a new, three-color tri-shield insignia set on a wing-shaped element. Contrasting with darkened waterfall grille bars and spanning the width of the opening, it connects the grille and headlamps, and emphasizes LaCrosse’s new sculptural surfacing.

The design was introduced on the Avenir concept and was inspired by the 1954 Wildcat II concept. It’s a face all Buick models will adopt by 2018.

“The Avenir concept shattered expectations of what a Buick could be and the 2017 LaCrosse promises to do the same,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick. “Its expressive design represents a break from convention and highlights the progressiveness in all new Buick models.”

The next-generation LaCrosse’s design is framed on an all-new chassis that is stronger yet lighter than the current model and serves as the foundation for a more dynamic driving experience. New technologies such as a five-link rear suspension contribute to a more responsive ride, while taking Buick’s signature quietness to a new threshold – and it’s a premium feature not found on many other full-size luxury models, including the Lexus ES.

The 2017 LaCrosse debuts in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

FAST FACT: Buick’s tri-shield logo is rooted in company founder David Dunbar Buick’s Scottish family crest.

Buick is an international modern luxury brand offering vehicles with sculpted designs, luxurious interiors and thoughtful personal technologies, along with responsive-yet-efficient performance. Buick is attracting new customers with its portfolio of award-winning luxury models in North America and China. Learn more about Buick cars and crossovers at www.buick.com, on Twitter @buick, on Instagram or at www.facebook.com/buick

View this article on Buick.com.

Deciphering Your Tires

September 22, 2015Tips and HIntsOzzie

Photo courtesy of Kiko Alario Salom/Flickr

We all do it. We walk into a tire store when we need new tires and the clerks asks us what size tires we have on, currently. Cue the blank stare from us. How can they expect us to know what all those numbers mean!?!?! P225/75R16? What does that mean?!?

P225/75R16

I’m going to break it down for you, so next time someone asks, you will know what they are talking about.

Service Description

The first letter you see tells you all you need to know about how that tire is supposed to be used. There are a few different designations that are possible:

P – Passenger Car
LT – Light Truck
ST – Special Trailer
T – Temporary

Tire Width

The second designation in the mixture of numbers is the overall tire width. It is measured from sidewall edge to sidewall edge. The larger the number, the larger the tire. 195 and 215 are small tires, for small cars. If you know of anyone with a big, jacked up 4×4 truck then they probably have 325-395 sized tires. Unless you know what you’re doing, or a tire professional says it’s ok, stick with your manufacturer’s recommendation on tire sizes.

Aspect Ratio

The first number after the forward slash is the aspect ratio of the tire. It’s measured by it section height compared to its section width. Therefore, a “65” tire means the sidewall of the tire is 65% of the height. This number comes in handy when you want a lower profile tire.

Internal Construction

Up next is a letter designation that signifies how the tire is made. There are 2 possibilities:

R – Radial (the standard for all passenger cars)
B – Bias (for special truck and trailer applications)

Rim Width

The last number on the string of number is the most simple and the one that is most important. The width of your wheel. As you probably guessed, the rim width much match the wheels you have on your car. If they don’t then you’ve got a big problem, or you’ve wasted money on either rims or tires.

There you have it! So next time you get asked about your wheels and tires, you’ll have an idea of what all those numbers mean!

Grill Guards Aren’t Just For Looks

September 13, 2015Parts and AccessoriesOzzie

Isn’t it an appealing thought to make your Freeman Grapevine truck look better while still protecting it? You can actually accomplish this several ways. However, few ways are as dramatic as installing a grill guard on your truck.

Are you familiar with truck grill guards? You may say you are, on sight at least. However, are you aware that these devices offer tremendous advantages for your truck, especially if you are using it for off road riding and job sites? Probably not.

Most models of truck grill guards are formed by tubular steel. The front end of your beloved truck is very much protected by having this device installed there. Aside from the usual protection it offers to the grille, itself, grill guards also protect the radiator that is typically behind the grille. You can have truck grill guards based on your preferred finish. There are several kinds of finishes available, as most truck accessories usually do. You can match your grill guard to your other truck accessories to give it a certain complete look.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycBS7CjXpeA

When looking for a grill guard for your truck, you have to remember a few important things:

1. Remember that you have to purchase the grill guards designed to fit the specific make and brand of your vehicle. By doing this, the possibility of having to drill new holes in your truck’s underside in order to provide a perfect fit for your new grill guard is eliminated. Several companies actually offer custom designed truck grill guards for many truck makes or brand.

2. It is also important that you purchase an entire truck grill guard package, complete with skid plate and/or skid plate and other component pieces.

3. Lastly, make sure that you consider the gauge of steel that your choice of guard is constructed with. Thicker is better since it would guarantee more protection. However, your grill guard will be heavier and would involve more pounds of gasoline to load your truck.

If you have already decided on all these items, next thing you have to decide is the finish you prefer. Many companies offer stainless steel, chrome and powder coated black truck grill guards. As far as longevity and looks are concerned, each of these types of finish has something different to offer. Remember to check with your grill guard retailer and find out the length of warranty that they apply to each type of finish.

If you have any questions, suggestions or comments you can leave them here, or you can swing by Freeman Grapevine!

News Wire: GMC Crossovers and SUVs Help Families Manage Extracurricular Chaos

September 10, 2015GMCOzzie

(This article originally appeared on GMC.com.)

In addition to style and versatility, the GMC family of crossovers and SUVs – which includes the Terrain, Acadia and Yukon – offers abundant cargo room to easily transport children and their gear to weekly after-school activities. © GMC

Cargo space, connectivity and safety technology help ease back-to-school transition

DETROIT – For many families, the mayhem begins when the school day ends. That’s when kids must be driven to sports practices, dance lessons, scout meetings and more. GMC can’t break up fights in the back seat, but its roomy and connected crossovers and SUVs can take the edge off extracurricular chaos for harried parents and caregivers.

Nearly six in 10 children between 6 and 17 years old participate in at least one after-school extracurricular activity, according to a 2014 U.S. Census Bureau report.

“Everything starts all at once after Labor Day,” says Whitney Quijada, a mother from Arizona and owner of a GMC Acadia. “I am a teacher and I have two kids and they’re both involved in three activities – dance, gymnastics and tee-ball practice during the week and tee-ball games on Saturdays. We’re always on the go. We have the captain’s chairs in the second row. Even if we are carpooling to dance or tee-ball practice, it’s so convenient to get the kids in the back and buckled up.”

For those whose spare time is spent transporting children, the GMC lineup offers something for every family – except a minivan. Fair warning: If word gets out, you could be drafted into ferrying the neighbor kids, too.

Room for kids and their stuff

Terrain and Terrain Denali seat up to five with versatility and style. The standard, exclusive MultiFlex sliding rear seat allows families to expand cargo room when needed. The interior offers up to 31.6 cubic feet (894 liters) of cargo space behind the rear seat, enough for four, 40-inch hockey bags.

Acadia and Acadia Denali accommodate seven to eight passengers. The SmartSlide seating system provides easy access to the third row, which can lead to less whining about exile to the third row seats. Storage capacity behind the second row of seats is 70.1 cubic feet – enough for three 36-quart coolers when it’s your turn to bring drinks to soccer practice.

Read the rest at GMC.com.

How Do New Car Warranties Work?

September 7, 2015Buick, GMC, Maintenance and Service, New CarsOzzie

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!

Inexperienced Drivers and their New Cars

September 5, 2015Insurance, New Cars, Safe Driving, Tips and HIntsOzzie

While ignorance is often bliss, when it comes to driving a car, ignorance is the passenger you don’t want to ride with.
It is so important for young drivers to get not only the necessary driving experience, but also a good background understanding safety issues, as well as being responsible for maintaining their new car

Young drivers between 16 and 19 are far more likely to be one car accidents than any other age group. Excessive speed, not knowing vehicle limitations and inexperience are the culprits. Just because you pass your driver’s test doesn’t mean you are a pro behind the wheel just yet. There’s still a lot to learn.

Car Maintenance

Simple basic car maintenance such as checking the tire pressure and making sure that all the bulbs work correctly should be a “no brainer”. The young new car driver needs to get in the habit of checking and changing oil regularly. Knowing how to change a tire or headlight bulb is mandatory.

The Reckless Youth

I remember the days when I thought I was invincible, too. The years when you start gain responsibilities but neglect the rules. The reckless youth ignores important road rules such as speeding, driving without a valid license, insurance, texting, talking on the phone, horsing around with the passengers, taking unnecessary risks…we’ve all been there.

If you drive a car you must always remember this: You are on your own.

It is important to remember that there are new car drivers and those that just have licenses. Having the freedom to drive is a terrific thing and a major part of growing up. It should be embraced and encouraged as long as it is NOT done at 120mph.

Ok, that’s the end of my rant. I remember how exciting it was when I got my first new car, so enjoy it. I welcome all our young people to share the roads, but do so in such a way that you aren’t a danger to you or the drivers around you.

The Easy Way to Change the Transmission Fluid in your New car

September 3, 2015Maintenance and Service, New Cars, Tips and HInts, Used CarsOzzie

Do you know how to change your transmission fluid?

This is a good test.

Do you know what transmission fluid even is? Kidding, I know you know. You are obviously car savvy and of above average intelligence, or you wouldn’t be visiting ITDSWO (I’m trying to make it a new car catch phrase).

Here’s a great step by step video on how to check and change your new car’s transmission fluid.

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

If you think you’d like a little more assistance, we’d be happy to help you out.