Tag Archives: GMC Dealer

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?

Ever Think About Renting Out Your Car? GM and OnStar Think It’s A Great Idea Too!

Buick, GMC, Just for Fun, , , , , ,

grapevine cars, gmc fort worth, dealerships dfw, buick dealer, GMC dealer, used cars dfw, used cars fort worth

There are tons of things that people seem to rent out, from houses to appliances, to computers, to baby furniture, but your personal Dallas car is not one that comes up often. Of course there are car rental agencies, but these are agencies, not just “Regular Joes” renting things out.  However, renting out your car is not a bad idea, provided that you either don’t need it all the time, or you have multiple means of transportation to make it happen.

If renting your car out is something that interests you, then it could be done easily if you own a GM vehicle with OnStar, like a Buick or Fort Worth GMC. Incidentally, you can find at Freeman Grapevine, and it’s easy because GM has just launched a new program that encourage just that.

Recently GM has partnered with RelayRides, which is a peer-to-peer carsharing opportunity which helps peers share their cars and make some cash…and who wouldn’t want too make some extra cash?!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6s4sIjabalA

The program lets the owner of the vehicle set the rates and availability of their vehicle to be rented. By going through RelayRides, the owner of the GM vehicle has the comfort in knowing that there is a $1million insurance policy that makes the transaction a safe and convenient one.

How does this work exactly?  By using the OnStar system! A RelayRides borrower would need a smartphone, download an app and then use it to control their borrowed vehicle.  But there’s a catch. The program with RelayRides and GM won’t be available until 2012. However, we are very curious to see how this new venture will go. Would you sign up your GMC Fort Worth? Or what about your Buick?  We’d love to hear from so post your thoughts on this concept below or stop by and chat with us at Freeman Grapevine!

A New Navigation System That Offers Dallas Cars More Than Just Directions

GMC, New Cars, , , ,

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I feel like I’ve hit the jackpot when I find an accessory that can do more than just one thing.  And if it’s got a touch screen then that is even better.  Recently GMC Fort Worth has just come out with a jackpot when it comes to navigation systems.

I can remember just a few years ago when the TomTom was all the rage. And it also came with a pretty hefty price tag too. But now, the TomTom can’t touch what is going to be available in the new 2012 GMC Terrain.

The new 2012 GMC Terrain will have the option to come with a fantastic Color Touch Navigation System which includes a radio system, Sirius, maps, hands-free phone capabilities, directions, photos, traffic, weather and more.

Check out this video for an inside look at the new Color Touch Navigation System:

httpv://youtu.be/x45q1PCjc20

The Color Touch System will also have a SD card reader that allows all who get to ride in this fantastic vehicle the chance to view pictures from smartphones and cameras. Of course for safety reasons, you can only do this when you’re parked.  So, say you just got back from a great birthday party with friends where of course you used your camera. No more waiting to get home to view them on a larger screen. You can do it in your Terrain!

And you bet the Color Touch Radio System is loaded with options and has hook ups like USB and auxiliary inputs for MP3 players and iPods, plus the standard AM/FM/CD.

With voice command, you can tell the navigation system what to do and still keep your attention on the road.

“Terrain’s Color Touch Navigation System is practical, purposeful technology with a high-tech look and feel at an economical price point compared to competing systems,” said Dave Bojanowski, GM navigation systems engineer. “Anyone familiar with smartphones or tablet computers will find its 7-inch color touch-screen and large app icons intuitive and easy to use.”

Come check it out in person at Freeman Grapevine and see if the new 2012 GMC Terrain is the perfect fit for you.

GMC Adds a Front Center Air Bag for Even More Protection, Ft.Worth!

GMC, New Cars, Safe Driving, , , , , ,

At Freeman Grapevine, we know that you depend on your vehicle for a lot of things namely, transportation. However, another very important feature of a vehicle that is often taken into consideration before buying a new car is safety. Besides providing the some of Fort Worth’s best vehicles, GMC is also highly in tune with providing the most comprehensive safety system in the automotive industry.

Just recently GMC announced that it will offer a new layer of protection during collisions in their crossover vehicles. The new air bag will be centrally-mounted and is said to protect occupants in side-impact crashes better than before.

The new air bag will be located in the space between the driver’s and front passenger’s seats and will deploy during a  side collisions.

Check out the video demonstrating a crash without the airbag and a crash with the air bag:

httpv://youtu.be/2YOEwNPCKH8

Now, after watching that I’ll bet you are hoping that GM will extend it’s new air bag technology to other models.  I know I am. Look closely, that air bag can really save someone from some serious side whip lash.

GMC is leading the pack when it comes to the new air bag as it’s an industry first that is providing protection between drivers and front passengers.

By 2013, GM plans to have this new air bag as standard equipment on it’s crossover vehicles including the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia. This new air bag is not required by federal safety standards, but I have a feeling that with such a great safety advance, that will change.

Hopefully GMCs in Fort Worth will have the air bag before 2013, but we are keeping our fingers crossed that they will come out sooner than later.

What do you think about this new air bag technology?  We’d love to hear from  you. Just post your comment below or swing by Freeman Grapevine today!

eAssist and the 2012 Buick LaCrosse

Buick, New Cars, , , , , ,

Are you one of those people who put your car in neutral when you’re at a stop light or even go as far as turning your car off when you’re just idling for a bit all in hopes to save a few drops of that ever so precious commodity, gasoline?

If you are one of those people, then you may want to look into the new 2012 Buick LaCrosse with its advance eAssist technology. It literally has the technology to switch from gas to battery when you’re idling and save you lots of gas. And can go right back from battery to gas when you step on the gas pedal. Pretty awesome, right?!

The 2012 Buick LaCrosse with eAssist is a hybrid of a hybrid, but not so hybrid that you’ll only be shopping at natural foods stores for the rest of your life. In fact, the fuel saving it gets from its start-stop technology will leave you feeling like you do your part to help save the earth so that you can eat your Big Mac too. Did I mention that it gets 25 miles per gallon in the city and a rather impressive 36 mpg highway! Pretty good if I do say so myself!

Buick has also put out a 30-second commercial explaining the simplicity of the eAssist comparing it to us running in place when we’re not moving. It’s a clever one! Check it out here:

http://youtu.be/1j1MIqzww3A

Though, I will say that running in place is a great workout. You should try it sometimes but be warned that you’ll get some looks, but that’s just funny in itself! But in all seriousness, find out more about the 2012 Buick LaCrosse with eAssist today at Freeman Grapevine in Ft. Worth.

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.