Tag Archives: freeman grapevine

It’s OK, We All Have Electrical Issues

Parts and Accessories, , , , , ,

Own a DFW car? At some point, whether you like it or not, you are going to have to have some electrical repair made. Things just wear out, and it’s not just the mechanical pieces of your car either.  Today’s cars are very complicated and are as much computers as they are vehicles. Freeman Grapevine has the knowledge to diagnose and fix any type of electrical issue.

The electrical systems in new cars have definitely made driving a lot easier over the decades. The seemingly endless innovations in electrical systems have helped us enjoy a more comfortable and easier drive. However,  problems can sometimes arise. Let’s cover some of the issues that you could face with your new vehicle’s electrical system:

Common Automobile Electrical System Problems Are :

Car’s Battery Is Dead – This is the most common problem…and most obvious. Check your battery by engaging your headlights and judge by the illumination.

No Power Stored in the Battery – When you turn the key, what do you hear? A little click? Does it sound like it want’s to turn over? It is possible that your car’s battery does not have ample power to crank the starter. You need a new battery.

Alternator is Not Working – A damaged or broken alternator could be the culprit. No alternator? No battery recharge. If your car suddenly start to lose “juice” while drive, you’ll know it could be your new car’s alternator.

Problem with Starter or Solenoid – Good parts gone bad parts. If it’s the starter, it won’t turn over. If you have Solenoid issues, you might find it harder to brake.

Battery Cables Might Be The Problem – A loose cable might be the root of the problem…give them a wiggle before you run out and buy a replacement.

Electrical Fuses – Check for any blown fuses in your fuse box. Also, feel around for any loose wires.

Cracks In Alternator Belt – Too much or too little tension, as well as cracks in the alternator belt cause trouble.

Ignition System Has Problems – You have a busted ignition switch. Give your mechanic a call.

Loose Spark Plugs – Loose or old plugs will certainly affect the operation of your vehicle. Are you loosing power as gears change? Does it lurch as if the gears aren’t engaging? It might be the internal combustion and the culprit is usually the plugs and cables.

Now these are just guidelines you can crosscheck with a Freeman Grapevine Service Consultant any issue you might have experienced. I you can talk with your mechanic about your new car logically by doing a little research, you help him help you even faster. Just give us a call, Freeman Grapevine, to set up an appointment.

Dallas Fort Worth Buick GMC Dealer What The Release of the iPhone5 Will Mean For Cars

Parts and Accessories, , ,

Today we had some big news in the technology world with the release of the iPhone5. Incidentally, by the time you read this, my post will be well know history, and probably totally obsolete…So, the new iPhone 5 came out today and amidst all of the hullabaloo, some automotive news came along with it.

With cars like Hyundai and Scion who have models hardwired with a 30 pin connector to their decks, or Audis and BMWs who have ingrained 30 pin cradles you are going to also get an adapter. That’s right, Apple has changed it’s charging system to their new Lightening connector and that means the above mentioned cars, and many others, will have to also purchase and adapter so you can marry your new iPhone5 to your car’s audio capabilities.

The adapter will cost $29 and the old 30 pin connector port seems to dwarf the new Lightening port.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrGk4O4XRio

Who’s anxiously awaiting the new release of the iPhone5 later this month? Tell your Dallas Fort Worth Buick GMC dealer, Freeman Grapevine what you think about your phone.

Dallas Fort Worth GMC, The 2013 GMC Acadia

GMC, , ,

Looking for a new SUV with three row seating? Well the New 2013 GMC Acadia is certainly worth checking out. With a considerable amount of upgrades from the previous model year, the 2013 GMC Acadia is certain to turn the heads of Dallas Ft. Worth GMC lovers.

Check out the new 2013 GMC Acadia and the Acadia Denali trim package in this cars.com video from the 2012 Detroit Auto show.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQmyKhMf8-0

Pretty nice, huh. Now all you have to do is swing buy your Dallas Fort Worth GMC dealer, Freeman Grapevine and take a spin. Can you see you and your family in the new 2013 GMC Acadia? Let us know what you think in the comments section below?

Dallas Fort Worth Buick GMC, What Does It Mean To Be “Upside-Down”

Credit and Financing, , ,

I wrote about being “upside-down” a little while ago, and I think it’s time to revisit that topic. For those of you scratching your heads, “upside-down” means you owe more on the car than it is worth”. This can be particularly frustrating for people looking to buy a new car. If you owe more on your car now than it’s worth, the remaining debt gets wrapped into your new car purchase. Increasing the cost of your new car, but not necessarily the value.

This can be a vicious cycle for a lot of people. How do you stop it? Here are some ways to get out from under being upside-down:

Consider your automotive purchases more carefully in the first place. Look into the “residual,” which is the projected, future resale value. Even though they may cost more up front, vehicles with higher residuals are less expensive to own in the long-term because they depreciate less. Purchase mainstream vehicles. A higher trim level four-door sedan in a fairly common color will hold onto its value more than a lime green sport model with excessive customization. Unless you find a buyer whose taste in personalization is exactly like yours.

Resist the urge to keep buying new cars on a regular basis. Take care of what you have and hang onto it. Pay it off. If you’ve taken care of it, then it will bring more money when you sell it or trade it in. And if you’ve paid it off, you will then have some positive, rather than negative, equity.  Spend a little time and money cleaning it up and ready for sale, but you’ll get more in the bargain.  Fixing it up and spending a few Saturdays waiting by the phone can result in several thousand dollars in your pocket. If you don’t want the hassle, the dealership will be more than happy to take it in trade and make some good money on it.

Here’s an in-depth explanation on being “Upside Down”.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bv44SqUh1ak

Also check www.united-credit.org for extra help.

Thanks to automedia.com

If you have any questions about your car finances, don’t hesitate to give your Dallas Fort Worth Buick GMC dealer, Freeman Grapevine a call. We can try to get you out of that “upside down” situation.

Dallas Fort Worth Buick GMC: What Age Is Too Old To Drive

Uncategorized, , , ,

All of us here at your Dallas Fort Worth Buick GMC dealer, Freeman Grapevine, know that driving is one of the very last freedoms it seems we’ll enjoy as we get older. The thought of losing autonomy by having to relinquish our driver’s licenses can be scary fro some, and down right infuriating for others.

Everyone always talks about what the minimum driving age is, but is there a maximum?  Do you have a parent or know a friend’s parent who is a little older and isn’t the safest driver?

I read an article from AOL Autos, which lists some warning signs of senior drivers.  Take a look:

Warning Signs: 20 Things To Look For In Elderly Drivers

• Decrease in confidence while driving
• Difficulty turning to see when backing up
• Easily distracted while driving
• Other drivers often honk horns
• Hitting curbs
• Scrapes or dents on the car, mailbox or garage
• Increased agitation or irritation when driving
• Failure to notice traffic signs or important activity on the side of the road
• Trouble navigating turns
• Driving at inappropriate speeds
• Uses a “copilot”
• Bad judgment making left turns
• Delayed response to unexpected situations
• Moving into wrong lane or difficulty maintaining lane position
• Confusion at exits
• Ticketed moving violations or warnings
• Getting lost in familiar places
• Car accident
• Failure to stop at stop sign or red light
• Stopping in traffic for no apparent reason

Are there other warning signs you’d recommend looking for?  Have you ever had to tell your parent that it’s not safe for them to drive any more?  Please share here your thought here. Freeman Grapevine is concerned about all drivers across Texas and the US and would like to hear your opinion on this topic.

Dallas Fort Worth Buick GMC Dealer: How Long Has Your Check Engine Light Been On

Maintenance and Service, ,

Your Dallas Fort Worth Buick GMC Dealer, Freeman Grapevine wants to know, when was the last time you actually looked at the instrument cluster in your car? It’s really easy to neglect keeping yourself informed about your vehicle, even though gauges and lights are giving you constant information. I know people who insist that their “Check Engine” light doesn’t really mean much and they’ve been driving with it on for “over a year”. Really? That’s not terribly smart. Make sure you read your new car manual too find out and take a look at something other than your speedometer from time to time.

Here’s a good (yet fuzzy) video I found that illustrates this well. WATCH IT! IT COULD SAVE YOU MONEY!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEs702FK8Kc

IF you have any questions feel free to ask your Dallas Fort Worth Buick GMC Dealer, Freeman Grapevine we know how to “Turn the Light off” in your new car.

Dallas Fort Worth Buick GMC: Do Shock Tactics Work In Teaching Kids To Drive

Uncategorized, , , , , ,

For those of you who have you have kids, if they aren’t already, they will be driving before you know it, and hopefully it’s a Freeman Grapevine car. As is usually the case for our new batch of young drivers, they’ll be attending a driver’s education course. Now, driver’s ed has changed drastically in the past 60 years. There has been more of a shift from shock education…remember all of those horrific videos they’d show to kids about the dangers of driving. Check out the one I found from the 50’s below.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwbi9UCzmIQ

These days, driver’s education is more real world and scenario driven, as opposed to the shock and awe of past driving classroom videos. Which do you think is a better technique? Do shock tactics really deter kids from making bad decisions behind the wheel? Does focusing on real world scenarios seem to achieve better results, or does it neglect the inherent dangers and responsibilities of driving? Are kids too desensitized with images they see in the media to even take notice?

Your Dallas Fort Worth Buick GMC dealer, Freeman Grapevine takes driver’s education seriously and hopes that all new young drivers do the same.

Dallas Fort Worth Buick GMC: Happy Father’s Day

Just for Fun, , ,

father's day, dallas forth worth buick gmc, freeman grapevine, dfw metroplex

Your Dallas Fort Worth Buick GMC dealer, Freeman Grapevine wants  to say, “Happy Father’s Day” to all of the dads in the DFW Metroplex. If it weren’t for you, who would have taught us to play catch, or show us how to fish, or told us about the need to change our oil in our cars?

Here’s to you Dads of DFW!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PO4DFcKjGt4

Bring dad into Freeman Grapevine and help him pick out an amazing Father’s Day Gift, we have hundred’s to choose from.

Dallas Fort. Worth GMC Dealer: See What You’ve Been Missing In The 2012 GMC Terrain.

GMC, New Cars, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2012 gmc terrain, Buick dealer dallas, buick dealer fort worth, dallas Buick Dealer, dallas fort worth used car, Dallas GMC Dealer, dallas GMC Truck, dallas new car, dallas Used Car, dallas Used Truck, dfw driving, fort worth Buick dealer, freeman grapevine, GMC Dealer, GMC Professional Grade, GMC Truck, gmc truck month, professional gradeThe 2012 GMC Terrain as been one of GM’s most popular vehicles since it’s debut. In fact it’s one of the most popular vehicles I sell here at Freeman Grapevine. I suspect that one major reason is the size. Somewhere in between a compact and a mid-sized SUV, the GMC Terrain is the perfect for the “Goldilocks” crowd: Not too big, not too small, but just right.

Terrain is a true crossover inside and out. It has the capability and cargo space you’d expect from an SUV but the comfort, technology, quietness, and superior fit and finish you might expect to find in a luxury sedan. Which means that the Terrain continues to offer the driving public and small SUV shoppers an excellent alternative to the rest of the herd.

Let’s check out the new 2012 GMC Terrain:

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGJ3unPPkJQ

The Terrain is the classic “‘tweener”. It’s wider and more powerful than it’s earlier relatives, without compromising any of the utilities offered to both drivers and passengers. In fact, some of it’s coolest changes can’t bee seen, like the integration of modern electronics and a back-up camera.

Of course the only way to really get a feel for the 2012 GMC Terrain is to come on over to Freeman Grapevine and see one for yourself. You are going to really be impressed by both what’s under the hood and inside the cabin.

Dallas Fort Worth Buick: Check out the 2012 Buick Verano

Buick, New Cars, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2012 buick verano, Buick dealer dallas, buick dealer fort worth, dallas Buick Dealer, dallas fort worth used car, Dallas GMC Dealer, dallas GMC Truck, dallas new car, dallas Used Car, dallas Used Truck, dfw driving, fort worth Buick dealer, freeman grapevine, GMC Dealer, GMC Professional Grade, GMC Truck, gmc truck month, professional grade

Here at Freeman Grapevine, we call the 2012 Buick Verano the CEO’s commuter-car. Why? Because it is absolutely full of features you just aren’t going to find on your everyday commuter. The inside appointments are so plush, you’d swear it would knock the price out of your “budget” ballpark. Wrong. It’s below $30,000.

From cars.com

The Inside

Where it counts, the Verano’s interior feels plush — somewhere between a compact and a luxury car, but closer to the latter. Similar money could get a well-equipped Cruze or Mazda3. The Buick is richer than both. Its doors shut with a suitable thunk, and amid city gridlock and elevated trains, the insulation impresses. You can talk without raising your voice as a garbage truck barrels by. Padded materials line the doors and dash, fabric runs down the A-pillars — a luxury-car touch — and the faux-metal trim has an upscale brushed finish.

…and that is exactly what it sounds like in the cabin of a 2012 Buick Verano. It does an amazing job of isolating the cabin interior from the cacophony of sounds just outside its doors.

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNThMITDcIM

So, if you’re interested in a compact commuter that a CEO would proud to be seen in, come and take a look at the 2012 Buick Verano at Freeman Grapevine. You’ll see how you can feel like a millionaire for under $30,000.