Car care is definitely a win-win situation. Besides helping the environment, a properly maintained and operated vehicle will run more efficiently, will be safer, and will last longer-up to 50% longer, according to a survey of ASE-certified Master Auto Technicians. The following tips should put you on the road to environmentally conscious car care.
* Keep your engine tuned. A misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30%. Follow the service schedules listed in your owner's manual. Replace filters and fluids as recommended.
* Check your tires for proper inflation. Underinflation wastes fuel-your engine has to work harder to push the vehicle. Wheels that are out-of-line (as evidenced by uneven tread wear or vehicle pulling) make the engine work harder, too. Properly maintained tires will last longer, meaning fewer scrap tires have to be disposed.
* Keep your air conditioner in top condition and have it serviced only by a technician certified competent to handle/recycle refrigerants. Air conditioners contain CFCs-gases that have been implicated in the depletion of the ozone layer. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, almost one third of the CFCs released into the atmosphere come from mobile air conditioners; some simply leaks out, but the majority escapes during service and repair-so it's important to choose a qualified technician.
* Do-it-yourselfers: dispose of used motor oil, anti-freeze/coolant, tires, and old batteries properly. Many repair facilities accept these items. Or call your local municipal or county government for recycling sites. Never dump used oil or anti-freeze on the ground or in open streams.
* Observe speed limits. Mileage decreases sharply above 55 mph.
* Drive gently. Avoid sudden accelerations and jerky stop-and-go's. Use cruise-control on open highways to keep your speed as steady as possible.
* Avoid excessive idling. Shut off the engine while waiting for friends and family. Today's vehicles are designed to "warm up" fast, so forget about those five-minute warm ups on cold winter mornings.
* Remove excess items from the vehicle. Less weight means better mileage. Store luggage/ cargo in the trunk rather than on the roof to reduce air drag.
* Plan trips. Consolidate your daily errands to eliminate unnecessary driving. Try to travel when traffic is light to avoid stop-and-go conditions. Join a car pool.
Remember, how your car runs, how you drive it, and how its fluids, old parts, and tires are disposed of all have serious consequences on the environment.
www.WaltMassey.com
Monday, July 26, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Auto Service Goes High-Tech
Increasingly, automotive repair and service is becoming a high-tech profession, note officials with the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Old images die hard, but yesterday's mechanics have become today's technicians, complete with hand-held computer diagnostic tools and a wall full of credentials attesting to their abilities.
In a recent poll of ASE-certified automotive technicians, over four-fifths said they used a computer on the job, more than two-thirds said they owned a computer at home, and over half said they had access to the Internet.
"The profession is being revolutionized," notes ASE President Ronald Weiner. "Brute force has been supplanted by brain power. If you don't think so, just look under the hood of one of today's sport coupes or SUVs. This is rocket science-or very close to it. Today's auto technicians need to be master diagnosticians, well versed in electronics, and have smooth customer service skills." Auto technicians face components and repairs virtually unheard of a generation ago: on-board computers, electronic fuel injection, and antilock brakes, to name but a few advances.
Fortunately, the requirements on motorists are much less. According to ASE, a major component of satisfactory auto repair is good communication between shop and customer.
ASE suggests that consumers read their owner's manual to become familiar with the basic systems and the service intervals. Once at the repair establishment, be prepared to describe the symptoms; but do not suggest a specific course of repair. Do not be embarrassed to ask questions or definitions of technical terms. Don't expect an on-the-spot diagnosis, but ask to be apprised of the problem, course of action, and costs before work begins. And, be sure you understand policies regarding diagnostic fees, labor rates, return of old parts, and guarantees, ASE advises.
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972 as a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians.
ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of certification. Walt Massey Automotive is proud to have these top technicians!
www.Walt Massey.com
Friday, June 4, 2010
Chevrolet Awards Detroit Pitcher New Corvette for Great Performance
DETROIT – Chevrolet awarded Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga a 2010 Corvette convertible, recognizing his outstanding performance on and off the field.
Galarraga retired 26 consecutive Cleveland Indians batters on Wednesday evening. The 27th and final batter, Jason Donald, hit a routine ball in the hole between first and second base. Tigers’ first baseman Miguel Cabrera fielded the ball and threw to Galarraga, who stepped on first base, apparently before Donald touched the base and was called safe.
Galarraga kept his cool, returned to the mound and retired the next batter to record a one-hit, 3-0 shutout, throwing just 88 pitches.
GM North American President Mark Reuss, who presented a Chevrolet Corvette to Galarraga at today's game against the Cleveland Indians, said the way the pitcher had handled the incredible events deserved to be recognized regardless of what record books would ultimately show.
Reuss said he had known the Ilitch family, owners of the Detroit Tigers, his whole life and the family has always been a great supporter of General Motors.
"It is only fitting we help give back for all the Ilitches have done for Detroit and to celebrate Armando’s pitching and sportsmanship during one of the most captivating evenings in Tigers history.”
www.WaltMassey.com
Monday, May 24, 2010
Buick Named Top Popular Brand in AutoPacific’s 2010 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards
Detroit – Buick was recognized as the top-rated popular brand in AutoPacific’s 2010 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards announced Thursday. The Vehicle Satisfaction Awards are unique because they are based on owner’s overall satisfaction with their vehicle.
"We are excited to be named the top popular brand in AutoPacific’s 2010 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards,” said Roger McCormack, director of marketing for Buick. “This recognition is important to us because it is based on our owner’s satisfaction with their vehicles, and this award is proof that our efforts to continuously improve our vehicles are paying off.”
The LaCrosse was the second-highest ranked vehicle by owners in the premium mid-size car segment, and the Enclave and Lucerne ranked in the top five vehicles in the luxury crossover SUV and large car segments.
The 2010 Vehicle Satisfactions Awards are determined by more than 42,000 surveys that are completed by owners of new cars and light trucks in the United States in the first quarter of 2010. As an industry benchmark, the study measures overall satisfaction an owner has with their vehicle. AutoPacific is a Southern California-based market research firm.
Buick is currently in the midst of a modern brand transformation that is defined by Buick’s brand characteristics including sculpted designs, luxurious interiors, quality, premium technology and refined performance. The LaCrosse is continuing the momentum started by the Enclave and the Regal sports sedan is poised to extend the Buick line-up. Buick has experienced seven consecutive months of year-over-year sales increases.
www.WaltMassey.com
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Silverado HD Bests the Competition with 21,700 Pound Towing and 6,635 Pound Payload Ratings
DETROIT – Through ongoing development and testing, the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD capability ratings have been increased to 21,700 pounds of towing, and 6,635 pounds of payload. Based on these ratings, the Silverado HD will offer heavy-duty truck buyers the most power and most capability available in the segment.
According to Rick Spina, GM Full-size Truck global vehicle line executive, the increased ratings are a result of exceeding the original performance targets for the Silverado HD:
“Our focus has consistently been on delivering customers the most capable heavy-duty trucks in the market. The first set of capability tests confirmed that the team had exceeded the payload and towing targets by a significant margin. Ongoing testing demonstrated a clear opportunity to increase the true capabilities of these trucks. Even pulling a combined weight of nearly 15 tons seems easy behind the wheel of a 2011 Silverado HD 3500 with the proven Duramax Diesel.”
To certify increased payload and towing capacities for the 2011 Silverado HD, engineers conducted a battery of tests.
Based on extensive testing at maximum gross combined weight rating (GCWR) to validate the durability of the powertain, drivetrain, and brake components, the GCWR is increased to 29,200 pounds.
Based on further testing in varied terrain, grades, and climates while pulling the maximum trailer weight to confirm predictable and stable handling, the maximum 5th-wheel towing capacity was increased to 21,700 pounds, and conventional towing capacity increased to 17,000 pounds.
After higher-strength steel for cargo box cross sills was specified, the team conducted additional testing hauling maximum payloads to test the stronger cargo box and rear-axle components. As a result, the maximum payload has been increased to 6,635 pounds.
Based on these improved capacities, the 2011 Silverado HD possesses segment-leading capability in horsepower, torque, conventional towing, 5th-wheel towing, and payload.
Starting production next week, it becomes the most capable heavy duty pickup on the market.
“We encourage consumers to test drive the Silverado HD against competitive models,” said Spina. “Based on our test results, we are confident the Silverado HD will prove to be the best choice for real-world towing and hauling needs.”
According to Rick Spina, GM Full-size Truck global vehicle line executive, the increased ratings are a result of exceeding the original performance targets for the Silverado HD:
“Our focus has consistently been on delivering customers the most capable heavy-duty trucks in the market. The first set of capability tests confirmed that the team had exceeded the payload and towing targets by a significant margin. Ongoing testing demonstrated a clear opportunity to increase the true capabilities of these trucks. Even pulling a combined weight of nearly 15 tons seems easy behind the wheel of a 2011 Silverado HD 3500 with the proven Duramax Diesel.”
To certify increased payload and towing capacities for the 2011 Silverado HD, engineers conducted a battery of tests.
Based on extensive testing at maximum gross combined weight rating (GCWR) to validate the durability of the powertain, drivetrain, and brake components, the GCWR is increased to 29,200 pounds.
Based on further testing in varied terrain, grades, and climates while pulling the maximum trailer weight to confirm predictable and stable handling, the maximum 5th-wheel towing capacity was increased to 21,700 pounds, and conventional towing capacity increased to 17,000 pounds.
After higher-strength steel for cargo box cross sills was specified, the team conducted additional testing hauling maximum payloads to test the stronger cargo box and rear-axle components. As a result, the maximum payload has been increased to 6,635 pounds.
Based on these improved capacities, the 2011 Silverado HD possesses segment-leading capability in horsepower, torque, conventional towing, 5th-wheel towing, and payload.
Starting production next week, it becomes the most capable heavy duty pickup on the market.
“We encourage consumers to test drive the Silverado HD against competitive models,” said Spina. “Based on our test results, we are confident the Silverado HD will prove to be the best choice for real-world towing and hauling needs.”
Monday, May 10, 2010
Is GM Doing Better Than Reports Suggest?
Is GM doing better than first quarter numbers suggest?
Expressed in percentages - Stats are always hard to nail down
(5/6/2010)
If you just read the headlines after the close of the first quarter of 2010, you would have learned that Ford sold 25 percent more vehicles in the first quarter of 2010 than it did in the same period of 2009 - good news however you look at it. GM on the other hand reported overall sales growth of just 7 percent. Not bad, but, at least on the surface, pales in comparison to the Ford numbers.
According to analyst Rich Smith, writing in the financial advisory column known as The Motley Fool, this simple comparison does not tell the complete story.
According to Smith, GM's comparison to Q1 in 2009 included all the vehicles sold under the discarded brands of Pontiac, Saturn, Hummer and Saab - which experienced a drop of 95 percent against the first quarter of 2009.
Smith also points out that if GM had taken the tack that many other retailers do in reporting sales more aggressively - in this case only reporting retail sales for comparison purposes - the remaining GM brands of Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac and GMC experienced an improvement of over 33 percent in Q1/2010. So, if we can coin a term - "same brand sales" - GM's same brand sales improved 33 percent, while Ford's same brand sales only (only?) increased 25 percent.
So after taking its medicine in the form of a bitter pill called bankruptcy, GM escapes virtually debt-free and with half the brands. It does appear after examining the sales results from this different angle that the reduction in brands has strengthened those that remain - and that GM's performance in those brands alone may have surpassed the bright Ford sales reports.
Expressed in percentages - Stats are always hard to nail down
(5/6/2010)
If you just read the headlines after the close of the first quarter of 2010, you would have learned that Ford sold 25 percent more vehicles in the first quarter of 2010 than it did in the same period of 2009 - good news however you look at it. GM on the other hand reported overall sales growth of just 7 percent. Not bad, but, at least on the surface, pales in comparison to the Ford numbers.
According to analyst Rich Smith, writing in the financial advisory column known as The Motley Fool, this simple comparison does not tell the complete story.
According to Smith, GM's comparison to Q1 in 2009 included all the vehicles sold under the discarded brands of Pontiac, Saturn, Hummer and Saab - which experienced a drop of 95 percent against the first quarter of 2009.
Smith also points out that if GM had taken the tack that many other retailers do in reporting sales more aggressively - in this case only reporting retail sales for comparison purposes - the remaining GM brands of Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac and GMC experienced an improvement of over 33 percent in Q1/2010. So, if we can coin a term - "same brand sales" - GM's same brand sales improved 33 percent, while Ford's same brand sales only (only?) increased 25 percent.
So after taking its medicine in the form of a bitter pill called bankruptcy, GM escapes virtually debt-free and with half the brands. It does appear after examining the sales results from this different angle that the reduction in brands has strengthened those that remain - and that GM's performance in those brands alone may have surpassed the bright Ford sales reports.
(courtesy DealersEdge)
Monday, May 3, 2010
Child Safety - Keep It 'Top of Mind'!
You place your children's safety at the top of your priority list. You shopped for the safest car when you started a family. You read up on car seats for kids and figured out which one worked best for you and your family. You even took your car and car seat to a seat-checking station to let an expert check and approve of your handiwork.
But did you know there are other dangers in and around your vehicle that could seriously harm your child?
Problem: Children die each year from heatstroke, after being left alone in a vehicle.
You live by your daily routine and it helps you get things done. Be extra careful, though, if you have to change any part of that routine. This is more likely to happen when you, or caregiver who helps with your children, forgets that a child is in the back seat. This can and does happen when you break a well-established routine.
Disasters happen quickly
At other times, you are on your way home and realize you need to stop in at the store and pick up one or two things for dinner. So, you leave your child unattended, thinking, "I'll just run into the store for a minute." Even cool temperatures in the 60s can cause the temperature to rise well above 110° Fahrenheit inside your car. The inside temperature can rise almost 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes.
Some children die in hot cars after climbing into an unlocked vehicle without an adults' knowledge. Once in the vehicle, they may become confused by the door opening mechanism or trapped in the trunk, and unable to get out before heatstroke occurs.
Prevention Tips
■Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.
■Do not let your children play in an unattended vehicle. Teach them that a vehicle is not a play area.
■Never leave infants or children in a parked vehicle, even if the windows are partially open.
■Make a habit of looking in the vehicle - front and back - before locking the door and walking away.
■If you are dropping your child off at childcare, and normally it's your spouse or partner who drops them off, have your spouse or partner call you to make sure the drop went according to plan.
■Ask your childcare provider to call you if your child does not show up for childcare.
■Do things to remind yourself that a child is in the vehicle, such as:
■Writing yourself a note and putting the note where you will see it when you leave the vehicle;
■Placing your purse, briefcase or something else you need in the back seat so that you will have to check the back seat when you leave the vehicle; or
■Keeping an object in the car seat, such as a stuffed toy. When the child is buckled in, place the object where the driver will notice it when he or she is leaving the vehicle.
■Always lock vehicle doors and trunks and keep keys out of children's reach. If a child is missing, check the vehicle first, including the trunk.
■If you see a child alone in a hot vehicle, call the police. If they are in distress due to heat, get them out as quickly as possible. Cool the child rapidly. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
What you need to know, now
■Vehicles heat up quickly - even with a window rolled down two inches, if the outside temperature is in the low 80s° Fahrenheit, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach deadly levels in only 10 minutes.
■Children's bodies overheat easily, and infants and children under four years of age are among those at greatest risk for heat-related illness.
■Children's bodies absorb more heat on a hot day than an adult. Also, children are less able to lower their body heat by sweating. When a body cannot sweat enough, the body temperature rises rapidly.
■In fact, when left in a hot vehicle, a young child's body temperature may increase three to five times as fast an adult. High body temperatures can cause permanent injury or even death.
Dangers of extreme heat
■Symptoms of heatstroke: Warning signs vary but may include: red, hot, and moist or dry skin, no sweating, a strong rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse, a throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, being grouchy, or acting strangely.
■If you see a child alone in a hot vehicle, call the police. If they are in distress due to heat, get them out as quickly as possible. Cool the child rapidly. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
(nhtsa.gov)
http://www.waltmassey.com/
But did you know there are other dangers in and around your vehicle that could seriously harm your child?
Problem: Children die each year from heatstroke, after being left alone in a vehicle.
You live by your daily routine and it helps you get things done. Be extra careful, though, if you have to change any part of that routine. This is more likely to happen when you, or caregiver who helps with your children, forgets that a child is in the back seat. This can and does happen when you break a well-established routine.
Disasters happen quickly
At other times, you are on your way home and realize you need to stop in at the store and pick up one or two things for dinner. So, you leave your child unattended, thinking, "I'll just run into the store for a minute." Even cool temperatures in the 60s can cause the temperature to rise well above 110° Fahrenheit inside your car. The inside temperature can rise almost 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes.
Some children die in hot cars after climbing into an unlocked vehicle without an adults' knowledge. Once in the vehicle, they may become confused by the door opening mechanism or trapped in the trunk, and unable to get out before heatstroke occurs.
Prevention Tips
■Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.
■Do not let your children play in an unattended vehicle. Teach them that a vehicle is not a play area.
■Never leave infants or children in a parked vehicle, even if the windows are partially open.
■Make a habit of looking in the vehicle - front and back - before locking the door and walking away.
■If you are dropping your child off at childcare, and normally it's your spouse or partner who drops them off, have your spouse or partner call you to make sure the drop went according to plan.
■Ask your childcare provider to call you if your child does not show up for childcare.
■Do things to remind yourself that a child is in the vehicle, such as:
■Writing yourself a note and putting the note where you will see it when you leave the vehicle;
■Placing your purse, briefcase or something else you need in the back seat so that you will have to check the back seat when you leave the vehicle; or
■Keeping an object in the car seat, such as a stuffed toy. When the child is buckled in, place the object where the driver will notice it when he or she is leaving the vehicle.
■Always lock vehicle doors and trunks and keep keys out of children's reach. If a child is missing, check the vehicle first, including the trunk.
■If you see a child alone in a hot vehicle, call the police. If they are in distress due to heat, get them out as quickly as possible. Cool the child rapidly. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
What you need to know, now
■Vehicles heat up quickly - even with a window rolled down two inches, if the outside temperature is in the low 80s° Fahrenheit, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach deadly levels in only 10 minutes.
■Children's bodies overheat easily, and infants and children under four years of age are among those at greatest risk for heat-related illness.
■Children's bodies absorb more heat on a hot day than an adult. Also, children are less able to lower their body heat by sweating. When a body cannot sweat enough, the body temperature rises rapidly.
■In fact, when left in a hot vehicle, a young child's body temperature may increase three to five times as fast an adult. High body temperatures can cause permanent injury or even death.
Dangers of extreme heat
■Symptoms of heatstroke: Warning signs vary but may include: red, hot, and moist or dry skin, no sweating, a strong rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse, a throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, being grouchy, or acting strangely.
■If you see a child alone in a hot vehicle, call the police. If they are in distress due to heat, get them out as quickly as possible. Cool the child rapidly. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
(nhtsa.gov)
http://www.waltmassey.com/
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