Tag Archives: dallas GMC Truck

Fort Worth cars interiors are getting a makeover

Just for Fun, Maintenance and Service, , , , , , , , , , ,

No doubt that after years of driving in your car, you may have noticed that your interior doesn’t look at clean and nice as it used to. You knew this was going to happen, you may not have thought about it, but you’ve seen the effects of years of use before. Of course I don’t have to  explain as you already know that this happened from sweat, body oils, dirt, food, and foreign liquids (hello, spilled coffee) seeping into your seats, upholstery, and carpeting.  While regular vacuuming and cleaning can go a long way in stopping this problem but let’s face it, it will still happen eventually.  The major problem is that replacing your car’s interior can become very expensive, so what’s a cheaper way to bring that shine and sleekness back in your car?

Freeman Grapevine found some great advice online that has great tips on some accessories you can buy to make your interior look like new.

For individuals who spend most of their time driving to and from events, it’s no wonder you would prefer your vehicle to be a representation of who you are. Whether it’s driving the kids to soccer practice, commuting to and from the workplace, or simply a run to town, adding these car interior accessories is an inexpensive way to show off your style.

A fun and creative method is seat coverings. Not only do they hide stains, tears, or other damages, but they’re an excellent reason to add a new look. There are many varieties available which makes the possibilities endless. Choose a material and color scheme that works for you and simply apply them to your old seats. Fabrics that are comfortable throughout the year are a great idea. Some are even sold in fade resistant varieties. To prevent conflict, measure your seats ahead of time to figure out which size works best.

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

The carpeting inside your vehicle can be costly to replace. Floor mats are inexpensive and easy to install than new carpet. This is ideal for those who are working with a set budget. They are available in different colors and materials and offer protection against muddy shoes.

To prevent clutter and an overall messy vehicle, you must be organized. There are many products available to assist you with this goal. To keep CD’s safe, place them in a CD case that is designed for this purpose. A holder that attaches to your visor is idea for those who need an easy reach. To prevent spills from drinks, purchase a drink holder. These are available if you are lacking one in your car.

So, be sure to check out some of these solutions for ways to make your interior look good as new.  If you are unsure about how to recondition your interior, or would like some further advice, give Freeman Grapevine a call.

Audio Upgrade advice for Dallas GMCs and Buicks

Just for Fun, Parts and Accessories, , , , , , , , , , , ,

To be perfectly fair here, Buicks and GMCs actually come with some fantastic audio choices, but we do have our customers who spend so much time in their vehicle, they want the best aftermarket stereo their money can buy.  Now you’re looking to upgrade.  Obviously, due to all the technological advancements in vehicles, shopping for aftermarket car audio accessories isn’t as easy as it used to be.  Before you head out over to Freeman Grapevine, read these tips:

new stereo, dallas Buick Dealer, Dallas GMC Dealer, dallas GMC Truck, dallas new car, dallas Used Car, dallas Used Truck, dfw driving, financing, GMC Dealer, GMC Truck, new car, running on empty

  • Know what size components fit your vehicle without major adjustments: Most aftermarket car electronic manufacturers have guidelines to help you find the correct radio and speakers to fit YOUR vehicle. 
  • Shop during non busy times, which typically are weekday mornings. When visiting your local aftermarket car accessory shop try to swing by during slower times.  This will give you the most time to ask questions and test out the audio equipment.
  • What are your goals? Are you okay with adding subwoofers and losing valuable storage space?  Do you simply want to use existing speaker locations but have a better-sounding system or do you want something more than that?
  • Appearance: If you’re leasing your vehicle, you need to make sure to install car audio that won’t change the vehicle’s appearance and can be easily removed.  Also, is theft a concern for you?  If so, consider keeping a more generic look to help prevent burglary.
  • Budget: Make sure to shop with a budget in mind.  But remember, you’re not going to get the highest quality car audio from a low end unit.  Also, you can often add on as time goes on, and your budget allows.
  • Brand: Is brand name important to you?  Are brands like Kicker, Pioneer, Rockford, Clarion, JVC or Farenheit ones you’d prefer to have?  Then make sure you find a shop that sells those brands.

These are some of the things to remember when shopping for your car audio system.  If you have questions and want to talk to experts, just swing Freeman Grapevine.   We’ll help you find the best car audio for your vehicle.

When is it time for a new car Fort Worth?

New Cars, , , , , , , , , ,

dallas Buick Dealer, Dallas GMC Dealer, dallas GMC Truck, dallas new car, dallas Used Car, dallas Used Truck, dfw driving, financing, GMC Dealer, GMC TruckLike most, you may have a special relationship with your car. I know I do. I love my truck! It only stands to reason that when the time for a change comes it may become difficult when it’s time to part with it. Heck, you may even be in denial that it is even time to part with it.  If you’re on the fence on whether or not you should start to consider a new car or not, take the quick quiz below by answer yes or no to each question below to see if you should be in the market for a new car or if the one you’re currently driving is just fine:

  1. Is it hard to find parts for your car when repairs are needed? Spending hours on the phone or the Internet tracking down a part to your car is big waste of time, but necessary if you need to drive.  If you take your car to your trusted mechanic and even they are having a hard time finding parts then time may up on your car.
  2. Do you find yourself putting more money into your car than your car is even worth?  Sure, in your mind your car may be a classic, but if your car is costing you more than what’s it worth it’s time to revisit basic accounting before you get yourself further in the red.
  3. Do you trust your vehicle? If you get into your car and are just not sure if it will get you to the place you need to be without any problems, you need one that you do trust. No one likes being broken down in the road. It’s dangerous, a waste of time and just frustrating.
  4. Is your car safe? If you were to get into an accident do you think your vehicle could protect you with airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control which are all pretty much standard on today’s cars.
  5. Will your vehicle pass the emissions test? Cars that close to or older than 15 years old have less of chance passing emissions testing. And just about every state has some sort of emissions testing that their vehicle needs to pass in order for it to be legally on the road.

In my opinion, if you answered yes to even one question, then I would highly suggest putting a new car purchase in the budget. Of course you don’t have to buy brand new, a used car is new car to the new owner.  The bottom-line is that you need to be safe in your car and be able to trust that it can get you from point A to point B without any problems. And if you do have problems you don’t want to be sinking a lot of cash into something that doesn’t give a return, especially if you’re going to be running into more and more problems.

Come by Freeman Grapevine today, we’d love to help determine if your current car is just getting to old. And if so, we have a lot of new and used cars for you to take a look at.

Dallas – Fort Worth: The new 2012 Buick Enclave in a Nutshell

Buick, , , , , , , , , ,

2012 Buick Enclave, dallas Buick Dealer, Dallas GMC Dealer, dallas GMC Truck, dallas new car, dallas Used Car, dallas Used Truck, dfw driving, financing, GMC Dealer, GMC Truck,Even though the Buick Enclave may not have changed much since its introduction back in 2008, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth taking a closer look at if you’re in the market for a big, comfy crossover with third-row seating and a touch of luxury.

The vehicle is based on the same platform, which is used in vehicles like the GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Traverse, and former Saturn Outlook, and is capable of carrying up to eight people. The Buick is the most luxurious of the lot, and has a starting price of around $36,600.

For that money you get a 3.6-liter V-6 with 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque on tap, sending drive to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel economy for the 2012 Buick Enclave checks in at 17/24 city/highway mpg for front-wheel drive models and dips to 16/22 city/highway mpg if you use the all-wheel drive option.

Also, Buick has decided to do away with the CX and CXL trim level names and badging for 2012. Instead, there are new equipment packages including 1SB (Enclave Base), 1SD (Convenience), 1SL (Leather) and 1SN (Premium).

Although this is something we don’t really need to use in Dallas Fort Worth, but a new hill-start assist feature has also been added for 2012, preventing the vehicle from rolling back on steep inclines by leaving the brakes on for 1.5 seconds after the driver lifts off the brake pedal. This is a great feature for all of our friends in the Texas hill country.

Other new features include a new electronic pedal override feature that reduces engine power when the brake and accelerator pedals are depressed at the same time, as well as a power outlet added to the center console.

As mentioned, the Enclave features third-row seating and unlike many of its rivals most adults will find the third row hospitable. Interior volume even with the third-row seat in place is 24.1 cubic feet, rising to more than 115 cubic feet when the second- and third-row seats are folded forward.

Finally, the Enclave’s crash scores have remained excellent even as testing criteria have changed–just what you want for carrying around your most precious cargo. The IIHS calls it a Top Safety Pick; the NHTSA gives it five stars overall, with a four-star rating for front and a five-star rating for side impacts.

Come and take a test drive on the new 2012 Buick Encalve at your Dallas Fort Worth Buick dealer, Freeman Grapevine today.

Texas Laws Cracking Down On Cell Use In Cars

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

Freeman Grapevine knows that one of the most recently developed and dangerous habits that drivers do is talking, or texting while driving. Arlington, TX knows it. Apparently they are cracking down hard on using your cell while driving.  There are electronic signs placed in high traffic areas warning drivers that it is now illegal to text and drive in Arlington. Apparently, with more information coming out on the amount of accidents and fatalities caused by using your phone while driving, law enforcement offices across the country have stepped up efforts to cut down on phone use while driving.  Last year, a pilot program was started in New York and Connecticut to see if high visibility enforcement of these laws to stop drivings from continuing these practices.

Results have come back from these programs, and they look to be very promising.  Consumer Reports has a story about the program, and the results that have come from them.

A report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that after four enforcement waves, running for a year starting in April 2010, hand-held cell phone use while driving dropped 57 percent in Hartford and 32 percent in Syracuse. Texting while driving declined 72 percent in Hartford and 32 percent in Syracuse. (The difference may be partially attributed to New York state’s texting law being a secondary offense, meaning police must pull over the driver for another offense, whereas in Connecticut it is a primary offense.) This information was determined through cell phone use observed by NHTSA before and after each wave.

The government agency also surveyed the public on their knowledge of the distracted driving program and found that awareness of the main “Phone in One Hand, Ticket in the Other” slogan increased from 5 percent before to 54 percent after the waves in Hartford and 5 percent before and 29 percent after in Syracuse. After the program, 71 percent of respondents in Hartford heard about the stepped up police enforcement and 76 percent in Syracuse.

After the one-year program, Syracuse police issued 9,587 tickets to drivers who were talking or texting on cell phones behind the wheel and police in Hartford issued 9,658 tickets.

This program may be implemented across the country, so be sure that you know the consequences if you are caught driving while texting or talking.

All of us here at Freeman Grapevine are serious about driving safety. You can’t pay attention to the road if you are paying attention to your phone. Be smart.

Freeman Grapevine: DFW Winter Driving tips

New Cars, Safe Driving, Tips and HInts, Used Cars, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

So far, this winter has been fairly moderate, but it’s still just the beginning and here in Texas, particularly Dallas and Fort Worth, cars fall easy prey to our sudden cold snaps. So, in keeping with the Boy Scouts motto, “Always Be Prepared” here’s just a little refresher on driving in foul Winter weather.

For those not used to navigating ice and snow covered roads, which is ALL of us, this can be, with little, doubt the most dangerous driving time of the year. Even those of you that have been raised in the Northern and Midwest states could take a few minutes and reflect upon some good safety tips and make sure we keep our precious cargo safe.

Getting Winter Ready

  1. Check you fluids — It is very important to have a well supplied anti-freeeze  resorvoir in cold weather. Wiper fluid is also often consumed in large quantities, and don’t just use water or it will freeze on you.
  2. Tires and Brakes – A good set of well tread tires can be the difference of being in the ditch or safely on the asphalt. Pressure must be kept up as well, since cold weather promotes flatter tires. Anti-lock brakes are the best for winter, but you should always have good brake pads for icy stops.
  3. Wipers- Nothing beats a set of maintained wipers in a blizzard or sleet storm. Rain-X is also a valid choice for extreme climate conditions.
  4. Battery and Engine — Good clean battery posts and a good charged battery are a must when starting in cold weather. Engine tune-ups and regular oil changes also are a must for reliable winter travel.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmiPM-eXAjs

But that’s not all folks, there are a few other key points to remember.

  • Stay home if you can, as there is no substitution for safety
  • Know your route — research road closures and delays
  • Have plenty of fuel — this will provide much needed warmth
  • Have a well stocked safety kit — flashlights, jumper cables, water, etc
  • Cell phone – communications are important when stranded
  • Drive safely — keep plenty of space between you and cars or obstacles

You can stay safe during these winter months! See Freeman Grapevine with questions and feel free to share your driving experiences.

Freeman Grapevine: “I don’t think my New Car is Upside Down?

Credit and Financing, New Cars, Tips and HInts, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

At Freeman Grapevine, we get asked all of the time by new car buyers: “What does it mean to be “upside down” on your new car?” Well, simple put, you owe more than the car is worth.

The first step to getting out of this crazy situation is to understand that you are not alone. Roughly 30% of people in the United States are in similar situations, and what’s more is that many of these people are in this situation from the get go. That’s right…almost the moment they drive off of the lot. Sometime you gotta’ do what you gotta’ do when you need a new car.

Now that you know you are not alone, the next step is to take stock of what your current options are.

One of the more common strategies people use to get out of such situations is to try and sell the car. Unfortunately, unless you are able to sell the car for what you owe, you are still responsible to pay the loan in full, regardless of who actually owns the car. Another common strategy is to trade in the car that is upside down for a new vehicle. While this may get you out from under one inverted car loan, it is going to put you right back under another one.

This is great advice:

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

The best thing you can do is finish paying that car off and then sell it or use it as a trade. If you are upside down, you are probably going to want some guidance as to how you can get back on your feet. That’s where Freeman Grapevine can help.

Does anyone have a suggestion or service they can recommend?

Apps to help curb Texting and Driving

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

There is no doubt that texting and driving is dangerous. In fact, I really wish Texas would clamp down on texting and driving by making it illegal. I talked about the dangers of distracted driving on numerous occasions and how texting is by far the worst on list of these distractions. Mainly because it involves all three types of distractions (visual, manual and cognitive). Yet, being almost totally disconnected from your task at hand (driving), it still isn’t enough to keep people from doing it.

So, until it becomes illegal to do so, people are still going to text and drive. What do you do about this? Apparently, if you are an app developer, you create new applications for our phones to help us sideline the texting and driving issue. GeekSugar.com has compiled a list of six apps we can use. Check them out!

DriveSafe.ly (Free)

This BlackBerry app called DriveSafe.ly reads your incoming text messages and emails to you thanks to its text to speech functionality. You can even create customizable auto-responses for your outgoing messages.

On the Move (Free)

This Android app, called On the Move, was developed to deter avid texters from checking their screens while driving. Acting as an auto-reply tool when you receive a message, On the Move tells the texter that you’re driving with a customized alert.

Otter ($4)

Not only does the Android-based Otter send auto replies to texters when you’re on the road, but you can also build custom quick responses, so you don’t waste time fumbling to text back on your small virtual or QWERTY keyboard.

ShoutOut ($1)

Called ShoutOut, this iPhone app dictates your speech to a text message, then sends it along to your chosen recipient. This app comes with a per-text cost though, with 50 voice-to-text messages costing $2, and 250 voice texts setting you back $5.

Type n Walk ($1)

Meant more for walkers than drivers, the Type n Walk app works with other apps and programs on your iPhone to give you a view of where you’re going so you can stare at your phone all the time. This way, you won’t run into telephone poles, mailboxes, and you know, other people.

Sprint’s Drive First App

Available for $2 a month in the third half of 2011, the Sprint Drive First App will lock up your phone while driving and route all calls to voicemail. Additionally, it will block all text message alerts and send an auto response saying the driver is unavailable, but still give you access to three main contacts, three apps, and GPS.

That’s all well and good, but in all honesty I don’t think these apps should cost a dime! In fact, they should be technology that’s included in your phone. Now I know that isn’t realistic, but if apps like these can curb texting and driving accidents, phone manufacturers should seriously consider making them a standard inclusion, or at the very least educate the users on their existence.

Thoughts? Comments? Do you have one of these apps? Do you use it? If you don’t, does paying a fee for the app itself or any additional service deter you from adding it to your phone? Let me know, all of us at Freeman Grapevine are not only looking out for your safety, but also the safety of those you share the road with.

Ft. Worth, help us put an end to Domestic Violence

Tips and HInts, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WL3rfk2iFww

I’m taking a break today from my usual automotive oriented post to write about something that is a very serious issue and a recent cause I took up and wanted to be a part of. The eradication of Domestic Violence in Ft. Worth, through out Texas and ultimately, our nation.

I’ve recently contacted SafeHaven of Tarrant County to see how I could use my resources to help victims of abuse. I understand that those who fail to take action, or offer support when they can are often to blame as well. While this is a very strong and arguable statement, I feel that the spirit of it is true. Failure to help is just that: failure.

Now, you might not be able to contribute money, or have time to volunteer for DV functions, but you can educate yourself. You never know when the knowledge you possess about DV might actually save someone from a life of pain, or even death.

What is Domestic Violence? Under most state laws, domestic violence is defined as any physical abuse, or threat of abuse, between intimately involved partners, roommates, or family members.

Victims of abuse often internalize their feelings of fear and anger at their situation. More often than not, the victim believes they are to blame for their situation. The classic statement here is: “If I didn’t do….then I wouldn’t get hit”, or: “my partner only abuses me when I do something wrong”, or: “I shouldn’t have made my partner angry enough to hit me”. This dialogue doesn’t only come from the victim, but is often mirrored by the abuser who is always there to reinforce the idea that the abuse is the result of a failure on the part of the victim.

What are the warning signs that often accompany domestic violence cases.

  • Injuries and Excuses
  • Absences from work or School
  • Extremes of Self-Esteem
  • Personality Changes
  • Fear of Conflict
  • Passive-Aggressive Behavior
  • Self-Blame
  • Isolation and Control Issues
  • Stress Related Problems

*for an extensive list with explanations, please check Aardvarc.org*

The only thing that stands to change the domestic violence problem in our state, country and abroad is YOU. If you, or someone you know is being abused, get help. Contact SafeHaven of Tarrant County.

Let’s put an end to Domestic Violence, now!

Pittsburgh Steelers Coach gives car away for $20

Just for Fun, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
FOR SALE-$20

First, let me start by saying, if you know me, you know that I love sports and I LOVE football. So, when I ran across a short, feel-good story on Yahoo about the generosity of Steelers secondary coach Ray Horton. I had to retell it to my readers.

So, who hasn’t dreamed of a spectacular, yet unlikely gift by someone who is in the limelight? Like going to a Van Halen concert and Eddie Van Halen gives you his guitar. Or, going to a Texas Ranger game and Josh Hamilton gives you his glove. That stuff never happens, right? Wrong! Just such a scenario took place! Yahoo reports that Pittsburgh Steelers cafeteria worker Maurice Matthews received the gift of a 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL500. The gift was given by Steelers secondary coach Ray Horton to Matthews for $20 on the coach’s last day of work.

Apparently, Horton dropped the news on Matthews by asking the food service employee, who would repeatedly ask to take his Benz for a ride, if he could borrow all the money he had. Since the two were reportedly close, Matthews gave Horton his only $20, which became the asking price for the droptop. Not too shabby, especially considering the book value on the 64,000 mile Benz is somewhere around $18k.

So, just when you think the unlikely would never happen…it does. I thought this was a great story that demonstrated the basic principles of human kindness and wanted to share with everyone. Even though it may not seem like it sometimes, there really are goodhearted people in this world who make differences in the lives of those around them. Be one of those people.