In-Cabin Air Filters Need Replacing Too!

We see it all the time. People trade in their cars and when we open the vents or turn on the air conditioning. It hits us like a ton of bricks. It’s the smell coming from your vents. It can smell like mold, garbage, or the worst I’ve ever smelled, old eggs. I’ve even heard stories of people who have traded in, or sold their car because they couldn’t escape that smell. It’s a common problem, but if you don’t take action and nip it in the bud, it could make you want to stop driving altogether. The air that comes in from outside is run through a filter to cut down on the amount of pollution you breathe. That filter is prone to getting wet and causing a mold problem or getting clogged and causing your air conditioner to perform less efficiently.

So how do you know when you need to replace your cabin’s air filter? A couple of different tests you can perform while sitting in your driveway will give you the scoop. The first one is pretty self-explanatory, turn on your air conditioner and take a good deep breath. If it’s stinky and smells of mold, that’s a pretty good sign. Also, if you turn your A/C to the high position and it’s not noticeable from the different settings (high, medium, low), your filter may be clogged, preventing the air from getting to you.

Most cabin air filters are located under or behind the glove compartment and only require a few clip snaps to access it. Some newer models have upwards of 3 filters! Those are a little but harder to access, as some of them are actually under the hood. Most auto manufacturers recommend replacing them every 12-15,000 miles. Of course, if you have any trouble finding yours or can’t find the filter, don’t hesitate to give us a call!

The 2015 GMC Yukon Denali Is Coming!

The 2015 Yukon Denali is a machine that you have to drive to understand why the people who own them, love them. What makes a Denali, a Denali? GMC has taken the Yukon and added a touch of luxury and comfort to the existing vehicle, making it one of the most sought after luxury cars in the world. Additions such as a heated, wood-grain steering wheel and a 10-speaker Bose sound system are only just a few of the improvements. When it’s frigid outside, there’s nothing better than driving around with heated seats. On the flip side, during the hot summer months, a cool seat to sit in while you’re driving around town, would make your journey much more enjoyable. With the Denali package, you can have the best of both worlds. The front seats in your Yukon have the ability to be heated or cooled at the hit of a button. For your passengers in the 2nd row, even they can enjoy the comfort of a warm seat. With the combination of wood-grain tones and chrome accents, the instrument panel is a sight to behold. GMC has re-organized their instrument panel and produced a stylish interior command center.

The exterior of the Yukon Denali is one of the most noticeable and recognizable features of the car. 20″ chrome wheels, the signature Denali grille, plus the smooth, sleek lines of the Yukon make the Denali one for the ages. Try finding a better looking luxury SUV. Accessibility improvements, such as Power Rear Liftgate and Power Retractable Assist Steps, help you get in and out of your vehicle especially when you’ve got your hands full. Technology has come along way since the first year the Yukon was produced. Now with the Denali addition, you’ve got a wealth of technological advancements at your fingertips. A touch-screen control panel with access to turn-by-turn navigation, SiriusXM radio, 30GB of music storage, a rear-vision camera system, and optional DVD controls for the kids in the back seats. With these SUVs, safety is always a concern. Worry less with the Yukon Denali’s safety enhancements. 6 air bags create a 360 degree layer of protection. In addition, the Stabilitrak with Proactive Roll Avoidance helps keep you upright and on your way. A side blind zone alert notifies you of a car in your blind spots. If you can’t see it, the 2015 Yukon Denali can! I can write all day about the new features and the improvements they’ve made, but the best thing to do is come out and see it for yourself. Come see me and we’ll take a 2014 for a drive! The 2015 Yukon Denalis will be available to order in January!

Fluid Replacement Guide

Our cars are machines. Those machines are dependent on the fluids we put in it. Oftentimes, we neglect to check or change fluids when needed. On average, our cars have 9 different types of fluid that is required for our cars to continue running at its optimal output. I’ve put together a handy guide as a reminder to check these fluids. These are all averages, not every car is the same, so be sure and check your owner’s manual for specifics regarding your vehicle. If you cannot find your owner’s manual, I have found a resource that will allow you to download it for free! So now you have no reason not to! 2 out of every 3 cars operate in “severe service” conditions that makes the fluids work harder than normal. Examples of severe service conditions include lots of short trips, stop-and-go driving, hauling heavy loads, operating in extreme temperatures (Yes, our Texas summers count as extreme), prolonged idling or driving in dusty conditions. These severe driving conditions make the need for checking our fluids more important than ever for getting the most out of your car.

Brake Fluid – 2 years or 30,000 miles
Clutch Hydraulic Oil – Check every 6 months
Differential/ Transaxle oil – 2 years or 30,000 miles
Distilled water for non-sealed battery – Check at every oil change
Extended life coolant – 4 years or 60,000 miles
Manual Transmission oil – Check annually
Motor oil – 3,000 to 7,500 miles
Power steering fluid – Check annually
Radiator coolant – 2 years or 30,000 miles
Transmission fluid – 30,000 to 60,000 miles
Washer fluid – Check monthly
Wheel bearing lubricant – 24,000 to 36,000 miles

Potholes Really Are the Pits!

Winter is the season for the holidays. Families getting together and enjoying each other’s company is a common theme throughout the winter season. Unfortunately, so are potholes. Snow, cold temperatures, and rain all contribute to these unsightly and dangerous road hazards. They may not look like much, but those craters in the roadway are dangerous, not only to your driving, but to your car. How many times have you driven over a monster pothole and though to yourself, “Something just broke on my car!”? Next time you ask yourself that, remember these warning signs to see if something actually DID break.

  • Loss of tire pressure. Potholes are taxing on tires and if you hit one just right, you may puncture even the newest tires. Even if you don’t puncture it, you might notice a bulge or a blister on the tire. If so, have your tire guys check it out to make sure there is no internal damage.
  • Pulling to the right or left. This means you’ve got an alignment problem. Hitting a pothole can cause and worsen any alignment problem you may have. If your car is noticeably pulling in one direction, it’ll only get worse and potholes will offer no help.
  • Loss of control, swaying, bottoming out. These are indicators that your steering or suspension may have been damaged. If you notice a considerable change in the way your car is steering or the ride, have your car checked by a professional. Struts, shocks and ball joints (plus countless others) are all very important components of controlling your vehicle while it is in motion. If one of them is damaged or broken, you’re putting yourself and others at risk.

Potholes will happen. Until there is a new breakthrough in the way our roads are designed, the winter season will bring on a number of new ones. Here in Texas, we can go to our Department of Transportation website and report a pothole to make its existence aware to the state so they can assign a contractor to fill them in. If you’re outside of Texas, check with your state’s DOT and let them know about any new potholes you come across. If you need to get your car checked out after running over a massive pothole, don’t hesitate to bring it in, we’ll take a look.

‘Tis the Season For Long Drives

Long drives are stressful on your car. With the holidays a few days away, it’s time to check your vehicle and make sure it can handle a long road trip. Taking car of a few minor maintenance issues before you head out to your parent’s, or any other family member’s, house, can save you from being stuck on the side of the road or at a gas station.

1. Check your fluids.


Transmission, brake, windshield, antifreeze. All of these are vital fluids (Well, ok, maybe the windshield fluid isn’t vital, but it’s still necessary!) that ensure your car is functioning properly.

2. Check your tires’ air pressure.

Low air pressure causes the engine to work harder to turn the wheels. Making sure your tires are at the manufacturer’s recommended pressure helps your engine run as efficiently as possible, helping your gas mileage in the process.

3. Wash your windows.

Your visibility depends on your ability to see out of your car’s windows. If you have dirty, bug splattered windows, that affects your ability to see what’s coming.

4. Change your oil.

If it’s getting close to time to change your oil, go ahead and do it before you leave. Long hours on the road are taxing on an engine. If it’s not close to time, check the oil levels to make sure you aren’t a quart or 2 low.

5. Check your air filter.

A plentiful supply of fresh air is vital to your engine’s efficiency. If it’s time for a new air filter, don’t wait until you get back, go ahead and get a new one.

6. Check your lights.

You definitely don’t want to be out at night with a headlight or a brake light out, for a multitude of reasons. Police will give you a ticket if they spot you and it hampers your ability to see where you are going and for other drivers to see you.

We’re coming up on 2 of the biggest travel holidays of the year, Thanksgiving and Christmas. I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season. As always, find us on Facebook and tell us your car tips for long drives.

10 Things You Should Know Before Bringing Your Car In For Repairs

Having your car repaired is a stressful process. No one wants to admit that their car needs to be repaired, costing money that they never intended on spending. Accidents happen, we are all aware of that fact. Freeman Grapevine strives to maintain a level of excellence with all of our customers, previous and future. As a member of the business community, we subscribe to a Code of Ethics, our pledge to you of honesty, safety, and integrity. If you have any questions during the estimating or repair process, don’t hesitate to contact me or anyone else who is on duty and we can answer your questions or guide you in the right direction. With that being said, here are the ten things to keep in mind when bringing your car in for repairs.

1. Your vehicle is a major investment, preserve its value by having it repaired by certified professionals.

2. Some insurance companies will want you to visit their drive-in claims center before having your car repaired. You can do this, or you may leave your car at our shop and ask that the insurance company inspect the car here.

3. Never drive a car that is unsafe due to damages or repairs that need to be made.

4. Contrary to popular belief, there is no law requiring you to obtain more than one appraisal or estimate.

5. You have the right to go to the repair shop of your choice. Your insurance company cannot require you to go to a particular shop.

6. Choose a shop that has certified ASE  certified technicians.

7. Differences in repair quotes are common. A lower estimate may not include all necessary work. If you’re not sure why one estimate is different from another, please ask us.

8. Ask if the shop will be using genuine manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts.

9. Ask if the shop offers a repair warranty.

10. Let us help you negotiate your claim with the insurance company.

 

What Can I Do To Minimize My Risk Of Getting Broken Into?

Car theft is a problem that likely won’t go away anytime soon. It seems like I hear of cars getting broken into or stolen every other day. But, what can we do about it? That question got me thinking of a few things we can do to lessen the risk of a thief breaking into our vehicles.

1. Don’t keep valuables in your car.

If there’s nothing of value in the car, a would-be-robber has no reason to break in.

2. Keep your windows rolled up.

I see it all the time, people running into grocery stores or convenience stores and leaving their windows down. That’s just asking for someone to come along and swipe their phone that they laid in the center console.

3. Park in a well-lit area.

If you park somewhere there is an abundance of overhead lighting, robbers generally will look the other way since they will be in plain sight.

4. Install a theft-deterrent system.

Aftermarket alarm systems are very good at deterring robbers, especially if someone decides to open your car door, or break a window in the middle of the night.

5. Install a visual deterrent.

The Club is a archaic and clunky, but it works. If a robber were to walk up and see something like that on the steering wheel of your car, they will just keep walking. Another visual deterrent is a steel locking collar that stops people from breaking open the steering column and hot-wiring your car.

6. Install a tracking device

If your super serious about getting your car back in the event of theft, there are a few tracking systems that you can have installed. They won’t stop someone from stealing your car, but it will make it harder for the thief to get away with it. Police will have the ability to track where your vehicle is, in the event of someone taking it.

What methods do you use? Have you ever had your car broken into or stolen? Find me on Facebook and let me know!

Driving on Ice!

I decided to expand on my last post. I mentioned that we generally have 1-2 freezes per year here in North Texas. It wreaks havoc on our transportation system, since it happens so rarely and us Texans are not used to it. If my driveway is covered in ice, I stay home. I usually see people slipping and sliding down my street, hitting curbs, mailboxes and even other cars! This post is about driving safely in ice and snow if you absolutely have to go out in it.

1. Check your tires.

Your tires are what keeps you going in the direction that you want to go. If your tire tread is worn thin, you probably shouldn’t be out in the freezing temperatures.

2. Run the A/C.

I know, it seems redundant, but it actually works! Turning on your air conditioner and selecting the ‘fresh air’ setting will remove the condensation on the inside of the vehicle, helping with your visibility.

3. Turn your headlights on.

Newer cars will always have running lamps on, if they don’t, turn them on. Visibility is key, for your own safety and the other drivers on the road.

4. Keep your eyes peeled for ‘black ice’.

Black ice is the transparent sheet of ice that you never see coming. It may look like a puddle or not look like anything at all. If you find yourself driving on it, jerky movements are the last thing you want to do.

5. Visualize your trip.

If it’s freezing outside and there’s snow and ice on the ground, you definitely don’t want to be driving over any bridges. Those are always the most dangerous places to be driving during sub-zero temperatures. Take an alternate route to stay off of bridges and on solid ground.

6. Don’t depend on the technology

Just because your car has the latest sensors and traction controls, doesn’t mean they can save your car if you make a bad decision.

Keep these tips in mind next time you find yourself venturing out into the winter wonderland. The best advice I can give is to stay at home and start a fire in the fireplace. You may be able to control your driving, but you can’t control other drivers!

If you can think of anymore tips or have a harrowing snow day driving story, find me on Facebook and let me hear about them!

It’s Time To Winterize Your Car!

It got a bit chilly last night and that got me thinking about the things I need to do to make sure my car is prepared for the colder temperatures. I’ve compiled a list of the things that I could think of, off the top of my head.

1. Check your tire pressure.

When the temperatures drop, your PSI drops too. Every 10 degrees lower than normal drops it by about 1 PSI. Since winter always presents the opportunity for running into an ice patch, traction is of the utmost importance.

2. Check your battery

Colder weather means less power coming from your battery. Double-check the terminals to make sure corrosion isn’t preventing your battery from connection to the cables. You can always read the article I wrote a couple of weeks ago to help with this.

3. Inspect your windshield wipers and wiper fluid.

The morning after a freeze is the worst time to find out that your wipers are in terrible condition. With our harsh summers, your blades could probably stand being replaced. In freezing weather, you run the risk of rain and snow re-freezing on your windshield while you’re driving. To combat that, use a de-icing wiper fluid. It will help with melting standing ice and prevent re-freezing.

4. Check your anti-freeze mixture.

The ideal mixture of water to anti-freeze is 50:50. If you deviate from that, you run the risk of freezing in the event of a deep freeze. Properly mixed anti-freeze won’t freeze until -34 degrees. Most store bought anti-freeze is premixed, but always double check. If you’d like to check your mixture levels, you can get a tester at your local auto parts store.

5. Check your hoses and belts.

Cold weather can harden the rubber that your belts and hoses are made of, so check them before the big freeze gets here.

6. Check your owners manual for changes in oil viscosity.

Some engines need thicker oil during the winter. Check with your owner’s manual to be sure you’re using the correct weight engine oil.

If you can think of any other tips to make your vehicle’s life easier during the upcoming winter months, find me on Facebook and tell me about them!

When Should I Replace My Windshield Wipers?

Windshield wipers increase your visibility during a rainstorm.

One of the most important factors of safe driving is your visibility. If your vision is obstructed in any way, you are putting yourself, your passengers and other people on the road at risk. Driving in the rain or snow is a risky proposition to begin with, but having worn wiper blades makes it even worse. Your windshield wipers are very possibly the most important feature on your car when there’s a downpour. If they aren’t performing at the highest efficiency, then you can’t see the things that you need to see. Ninety percent of the decisions you make while driving, rely on your ability to see clearly. During a rainstorm, your car is being bombarded with rain in multiple instances, from the sky, from the ground, and from other cars.

Most experts say that you should replace your wipers every 6 to 12 months, but with our harsh Texas summers, I’d keep it closer to every 6 months. During the months of July and August, when the heat is bearing down on us, it’s warping and cracking the rubber of your wipers, making them less and less effective. Even our yearly freeze takes its toll on them too. When you use the wipers as ice removers, you tear and disfigure them and they no longer make full contact with the windshield.

Replacing your wipers is a simple and fairly cost-effective fix. A pair of replacement blades will generally run you $15-40. The name-brand, high-quality blades, or odd sizes, may run a bit higher. If you must drive when it’s pouring outside, then a functioning set of wiper blades is well worth the money you spend to help you see better.