Preventive maintenance now can help ensure worry-free driving this winter.
The vacations are over, the kids are back in school and cooler evenings are coming (hopefully). Take advantage of the lull to prepare your vehicle for the winter ahead, advise the pros and the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Breakdowns, never convenient, can be dangerous in cold weather. The following tips from ASE should give parent and student alike a road map to fall car care.
First things first Read your owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedules. There are usually two schedules listed: normal and severe.
Engine Performance—Have engine driveability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good repair shop. Cold weather will make existing problems worse. Replace dirty filters—air, fuel, PCV, etc.
Fuel—Put a bottle of fuel de-icer in your tank once a month to help keep moisture from freezing in the fuel line. Note, too, that a gas tank that’s kept filled helps prevent moisture from forming in the first place.
Oil—Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual—more often (every 3,000 miles or so) if your driving is mostly stop-and-go or consists of frequent short trips.
Cooling System—The cooling system should be flushed and refilled as recommended. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.) If you’re doing your own work, allow the radiator to cool down completely before removing the cap. (Newer vehicles have coolant reservoirs.) The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a certified auto technician.
Heater/Defroster—The heater and defroster must be in good working condition for passenger comfort and driver visibility.
Windshield Wipers—Replace old blades. If your climate is harsh, purchase rubber-clad (winter) blades to fight ice build-up. Stock up on windshield washer solvent—you’ll be surprised how much you use. Carry an ice-scraper.
Battery—The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. But do-it-yourselfers can do routine maintenance. Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check fluid level monthly.
A word of caution: Be sure to avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves. Note too that removal of cables can cause damage or loss of data/codes on some newer vehicles so refer to your manual for instructions.
Lights—Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean road grime from all lenses with a moistened cloth or towel. To prevent scratching, never use a dry rag.
Exhaust System—Your vehicle should be placed on a lift and the exhaust system examined for leaks. The trunk and floorboards should be inspected for small holes. Exhaust fumes can be deadly.
Tires—Worn tires will be of little use in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressure once a month. Let the tires “cool down” before checking the pressure. Rotate as recommended. Don’t forget your spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition.
Emergencies—Carry gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter, tire chains, a flashlight, and a cell phone. Put a few “high-energy” snacks in your glove box.
courtesy ASE.com
www.WaltMassey.com
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Keeping Your Vehicle in Tune with the Environment
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
* 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, 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)
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