Is your steering wheel sticking on your Buick or GMC

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

If you are driving an older car, than you may notice that it isn’t as easy as it used to be to make turns.  If you think that you are having to use more force to turn the wheel, or that it starts to stick, then that means that you are probably going to need to add or flush your power steering fluid.  Like many other parts of your car, your power steering is accomplished by a fluid that helps you drive your car with ease.  Over time, the steering fluid may get low, or become dirty and contaminated, which means you have to get rid of the old, and add in the new.

This can be easily done at home, but there is more to it than taking off a cap and adding more fluid.  The video below is a great walk through on how to flush your car’s power steering fluid.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1u1EY2LCGRI

If you still feel that you are having problems turning your steering wheel, then you may want to take your car to a mechanic to make sure there aren’t any bigger problems. You can’t drive what you can’t steer. If you are looking for a new car that you can control with ease, then just swing by Freeman Grapevine and I’ll get you a great deal on a new Buick or GMC.

Air Bag Safety And Children

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Air bag safet, freeman grapevine, air bags and kids, air bags and children

At Freeman Grapevine, we take child safety very seriously. As a Dallas Fort Worth car dealer, it is our responsibility as much as it is yours to provide safer solutions for children while they are in your Buick, or GMC.

Let me first start by saying that in the late 80’s automakers began installing airbags in cars for safety reasons, and there’s no doubt that over the past 30 years airbags have saved thousands of lives.

However, it is important to note that airbags are designed to protect average-sized adults…not young children.  I know we’ve all heard it, but airbags can pose a serious risk to children who ride in the front seat.

In fact, according to research conducted by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, “children exposed to airbags during a crash are twice as likely to suffer a serious injury”.  The American Academy of Pediatrics states, “children under the age of 13 are safest seating in the back seat of a car”.

The following are some safety guidelines for children riding in a car.

  • Infants seated in a rear-facing safety seat should never be placed in the front seat of a car that has an airbag – When the airbag engages, the force of the airbag is directed right at the infant’s head as it comes out of the dashboard.
  • Children seated in a forward-facing child should not be placed in the front seat of a car that has an airbag. – Again when the airbag engages, the child’s head is in the path of the airbag as it emerges from the dashboard.
  • Remember for children 13 and under: The safest place to be in a car is the back seat.
  • For children ages 13 and up riding in the front seat remember:
    • All children should wear a lap/shoulder belt.
    • Move the front seat as far back as possible from the dashboard.
    • Make the sure the child doesn’t lean forward.
    • Have the child sit upright against the seat at all times.

Note: Engineers are constantly improving airbags to improve safety.  Known as 2nd-generation, or de-powered airbags, these airbags are still NOT designed for children.  Children are best protected in the rear seat.

The Children Hospital of Philadelphia has put together a great video on airbags and keeping children safe.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sCZoQr4uIw

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them here. If you’d like to see us, Freeman Grapevine, just stop by and we’ll look and some really safe and very kid friendly vehicles for you and your family.

Driving your car in Fort Worth’s high winds

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

Living in Texas, Freeman Grapevine is well aware of how the winds can suddenly pick up in our less populated areas. Expect it to happen even more as the weather changes from cold to warm. This temperature shift can cause high winds that can literally sweep across the country.  While you may look outside and see a bright and sunny day, that doesn’t mean that driving conditions can be severe.  A common problem of driving during high winds is that most drivers don’t take the same precautions they would during rain, snow, or fog because you cannot see the windy conditions.

I’m sure you have felt it in your car before.  You are driving at speed and suddenly you feel your vehicle being pushed into another lane from a strong wind gust.  During sever high winds, it may seem as though you are moving your steering wheel from one side to the other as though driving in a mini slalom course.  So what should you do when driving in high winds?

Wind can create difficulties for drivers of all vehicles. High winds are especially challenging for trucks, RVs and trailers, but they also affect cars and, not surprisingly, SUVs as well. When you experience high winds:

  • Reduce your speed
  • Be careful when driving close to trucks, buses and other large vehicles
  • Pay attention to travel warnings and bans; some states restrict the use of certain vehicles when winds are high
  • Take great care making steering corrections when going from protected to open areas.

Please keep these tips in mind when driving during windy conditions.  Just because you can’t see it, winds can still wreak havoc on  your car.  Have you ever had any problems with driving during high winds? The picture above is pretty telling in regards to how furious straight line winds can become.

Feel free to share your driving stories, or any scary encounter you may have had with unexpected wind or weather in our comments section. Or, just stop by Freeman Grapevine and tell us about it!

How do you know what used Car to buy

Used Cars, , , , , , , , , ,

dallas fort worth used car, dallas Buick Dealer, Dallas GMC Dealer, dallas GMC Truck, dallas new car, dallas Used Car, dallas Used Truck, dfw driving, GMC Dealer, GMC Truck, new carHere at Freeman Grapevine our used car selection is growing larger by the day. Why is that? Well, it’s a direct result of today’s modern lease programs and the rate at which people are turning over their cars for the latest models or style. The good news for you is that the chances of you falling into a really great used car are pretty good…that’s if you know what to look for. I found a good video that demonstrates 5 easy ways to judge the condition of the used car you are looking to buy.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szPE_YCjc6g

Keep in mind that if you are purchasing the car from Freeman Grapevine we will have already given it a multi-point inspection and give you a CarFax report on the history of the vehicle.

Remember, there are some very good things about buying a used vehicle, namely you can get more car for your money. Besides, does it really matter if it’s used? It’s new to you!

Does anyone have any suggestions on buying a used car?

How To Keep Your Kids Entertained and Keep Your Sanity

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The summer is upon us and so are road trips.  While vacations are fun, getting to your destination may not always be enjoyable.  Whether you are going near or far  you will most likely hear, “Are we there yet?”  Luckily, I know a few ways to keep the kids entertained.

  • Movies!  If your Buick/GMC didn’t come with an in-car entertainment system, invest in a portable DVD player and few pairs of headphones.  The kids will love watching their favorite movie for a few hours and you will love the silence from the backseat!
  • Hit the library up before you go.  For a free mode of entertainment take your kids to the library the day before you leave and let them pick out a few books to bring on the trip.
  • Have an in-car scavenger hunt.  Make the kids a list of things to look for as you drive.  Examples: a red car, a license plate from another state, a horse, a pink flower, anything you might see as you drive.
  • Pack trivia cards. Each kid can take turns reading a card and guessing the answer.
  • Always pack music.  Even though the Barney sing-a-long may not be your favorite music, let the kids have 20 or 30 minutes of their favorite music.
  • Zitch-dog!  Every time someone sees a dog they yell zitch-dog! The person who sees the most dogs first wins a prize at the end of the trip.

Do you have any other suggestions for keeping kids entertained?

Proper Spare Tire Maintenance

Maintenance and Service, , ,

What’s the one thing that you really take for granted in regards to your car? Your A/C? The heated leather seats? How about the spare tire?

Freeman Grapevine wants to remind you that proper attention given to your spare tire will certainly pay off. Come on, this is Dallas Fort Worth, it’s like the road debris capital of the world here.

If you think that checking the air pressure in your spare might seem like common sense, you’d be surprised. For many people, it’s out of sight are also out of mind. Getting a flat is bad enough. Actually having a spare that is too under-inflated, well that will just ruin your day.

Many new cars have an on-board monitoring system that alerts you if your spare needs air. Pay attention to the warning or you will be paying for a tow truck.

Honestly, you should already know how to do this, but below is a brief video video on how to remove your spare. In fact, your spare might be even easier to access, as it might be contained in a compartment under your cargo space floor.

Check your spare tire monthly and start making that a habit. Remember, having a properly maintained spare tire, doesn’t mean doubling your waist size, but being a little more vigilant in regards to keeping your spare in good shape.

What Do You Do When The Check Engine Light Comes On?

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There is no doubt that if you are a car owner this has happened to you. The “check engine” light all of a sudden pops on. Why is it on in the first place? Your car seems to be performing fairly well and there’s nothing you can tell that is wrong. Well that check engine light is anything but just a pretty light, it can actually be a serious warning  That light is connected to many different alerts in your engine and your electrical system. Ignoring it could prove for some costly repairs. It might be something as simple as an a faulty gas cap or under-pressured spare, or as serious as an internal engine issue. You just don’t know and should have it checked out by your GM Mechanic as soon as you can.

I found this report that goes into further detail about why your check engine light may be on.

If your check engine light is on, the best and most prudent thing to do is to bring it into Freeman Grapevine so we can take a look at it and repair any issues you may be having. Remember, failing to properly maintain your Buick or GMC can result in some expensive repairs. Warning lights are there for a reason so don’t just ignore them, bring your car into a certified GM repair shop and get that problem fixed.

The Importance Of Your Engine’s Cooling System

Maintenance and Service, , , , , ,

The engine cooling system is one of the most critical elements of engine performance and reliability but is often the most neglected maintenance item for all vehicles on the road today. Common, at home, flush procedures are not enough to remove the amount of contaminants present in neglected vehicles. There is a pretty good possibility that you don’t have the proper equipment to complete a really good contamination flush. Bring it to Freeman Grapevine for a power clean flush which is similar to the video below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVWznOl-WZw

Doing a thorough power clean will not only increase engine cooling efficiency, but it will also help protect the life of the water pump. Remember, your at home flush probably just isn’t going to be enough to remove a majority of the contaminates. Get your fluids flushed right here at Freemen Grapevine.

Everyone Needs A Battery Charger

Just for Fun, , , , , , , , ,

Just because you have a dead battery, doesn’t mean you can’t get a few thousand more miles out of it. If you’ve never recharged your battery, then you’ve been throwing away money too soon. A battery drains for a myriad of reasons, including our own clumsiness (leaving lights on).  As we all can imagine, a dead battery on a cold day in not a fun thing to have, but with a decent battery charger, you can give a little extra life back to that “dead” battery.

How does a charger work? Check out the video.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEPuO8kZVE8&feature=player_embedded

How easy is it to use? This easy.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oSuz0T51Fs&feature=player_embedded

Now, you can’t recharge a battery an unlimited time. This is an indicator that you will eventually have to replace your battery. A battery charge cannot change the inevitable, just delay it for a while.

Bad Battery, or battery issues? I’d advise you take your car to your mechanic if your battery issues become problematic.

The Proper Way To Handle A Police Stop If You Have A Concealed Handgun License

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In Texas, we have the right to carry firearms concealed on our person with the proper concealed handgun license. If this applies to you, you are fully aware of your responsibility as a gun owner to alert the officer as soon as he makes verbal contact with you. This is for both your safety and the officer’s. I can tell you that if you are upfront, your simple moving violation will be far less complicated if you immediately tell the officer that your are licensed and that your are carrying.

Believe it, not I know many officers who respect an individual’s right to protect themselves and are, in fact, for lack of a better word, grateful that the citizen has taken some responsibility for his own safety. After all, the police only show up after a crime has been committed.

So what is the right procedure? You should have already learned this in your CHL class, but here is a reminder.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUhJFhMKmko

Of course, this scenario was set up to show you what can occur when you are pulled over and engage with the attending officer in regards to your firearm. Tell them you have it immediately! Chances are, they will be much more respectful of you and ease any additional tension the officer may have at the beginning of the stop.

Just a friendly reminder brought to you by Freeman Grapevine.