Traverse’s Cost, Safety, and Reliability Make it a ‘Best Value’

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The 2012 Chevrolet Traverse has earned more accolades.  The crossover utility vehicle has been named the best value among large SUVs according to the USAA’s Best Value vehicles list.  The list showcases the top 2012 automobiles in 16 categories that give car buyers the most bang for their buck.

 

The Traverse was cited for its safety ratings, lower insurance premium costs, higher fuel economy, better overall reliability, and a lower suggested retail price as compared to other large SUV’s.

 

USAA provides insurance, banking, investment, and retirement products and services to 9 million members of the U.S. military and their families.  The Best Value automobiles that USAA identifies offer the best financial value of the ones evaluated as part of a broader rating system called USAA Preferred.  The system uses quantitative data to evaluate vehicle cost, safety, and reliability, among other factors.  Almost 80 cars, trucks, and minivans are currently designated as USAA Preferred vehicles.  The Best Value list exemplifies the vehicles at the top of each category.

 

Chevrolet offers a discount to active duty and retired U.S. military service members.  It also donates $100 to Cell Phones for Soldiers for each eligible vehicle sold.  The GM Military Discount ranges from $400 to $4000 and is available on most Chevrolet cars, trucks, and crossovers.  The discount can also be combined with any current incentives.  The GM Military Discount offers an additional $750 discount on selected GM vehicles to eligible members of USAA.

 

The Traverse is GM’s best-selling crossover.  It is available in LS, LT, and LTZ models with both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.  Some of its highlights that helped to earn it the Best Value badge include the following features:

 

  • EPA-estimated 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway with a cruising range of up to 520 highway miles.
  • The most storage capacity of any large crossover utility vehicle with up to 116.4 cubic feet of cargo space.
  • Comfortable and spacious seating for up to eight people.
  • Second-row Smart Slide seat feature that allows easy access to the third-row seats.
  • Six standard air bags.
  • Towing capacity of 5,200 pounds, which is the best in its class.
  • Rear-seat entertainment system with second-row controls, XM Satellite Radio, and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity.

 

Chevrolet has sold more than 334,000 Traverses since its debut in 2008.  It has been recognized by several third-party consumer and safety groups with top safety ratings and consumer Best Buy awards.

 

Corvettte ZR1 is Set to Pace the Indy 500

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For the 23rd time, a Chevrolet will pace the Indianapolis 500.  This year, a 2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will lead the field to the green flag on Sunday, May 27 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  It is the 11th time a Corvette has had the honor of pacing the race.  The Corvette ZR1 is the most powerful production car to ever pace the race with 638 horsepower.  The 2013 model year marks the 60th anniversary of the Corvette and will be the final year of production for the current generation of the speedster.

 

According to Jeff Belskus, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation president and CEO, the Corvette was chosen because of its embodiment of pure performance.  “Chevrolet is a great partner of the Speedway, and we share in the excitement of the upcoming 60th anniversary of the iconic Corvette brand.”  This year, Chevrolet has returned as an engine supplier for the IZOD IndyCar Series for the first time since 2005, adding even more meaning to the fact that a Chevy is pacing the field at Indy.

 

The Corvette ZR1’s performance is created by a supercharged, 6.2-liter LS9 engine that generates 638 horsepower.  Its lightweight structural components, including the front fenders, hood, roof, front splitter, rocker panels, and floor pans are made of lightweight carbon fiber.  Chevrolet is the leader in using this material.  The ZR1 has a curbweight of 3,353 pounds and has a power-to-weight ratio of just 5.2 pounds per horsepower.  The ZR1 also features advanced technology including Magnetic Selective Ride Control, Launch Control system with Performance Track Management, a four-channel ABS system, and Brembo carbon-ceramic disc brake rotors.

 

All of this combines to make the Corvette ZR1 the fastest Chevrolet ever produced.  It can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and has a top speed of 205 mph.  That’s a lot of speed!

 

Twenty-two other Chevrolet vehicles have had the honor of pacing the Indy 500.  The first as the 1948 Fleetmaster Six.  Here are the other Chevrolet pace cars:

 

1955 Bel Air

1967 Camaro

1969 Camaro

1978 Corvette

1982 Camaro

1986 Corvette

1990 Beretta

1993 Camaro

1995 Corvette

1998 Corvette

1999 Monte Carlo

2002 Corvette

2003 SSR

2004 – 2008 Corvettes

2009 – 2011 Camaros

 

The Corvette pace car will feature a paint job and full body length stripe similar to that found on the 60th anniversary package being made available on 2013 Corvette models.  The package features an Arctic White exterior with a Blue Diamond leather-wrapped interior with suede accents.  Convertible models will have a blue top.

 

Other features of the 60th anniversary Corvette include a ZR1-style rear spoiler, gray-painted brake calipers, and the 60th logo on the wheel center caps, steering wheel, and seat headrests.  Optional graphics add-ons feature full-length racing stripes in Pearl Silver Blue.

 

Watch for the Corvette ZR1 on Sunday, May 27th as it takes its place of honor in the 96th Indianapolis 500, then check out the special 60th anniversary edition Corvette at Crossroads.

 

Show Mom You Love Her: Make Her Car Shine

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Moms everywhere spend tons of time in their cars.  They take children to school and sports practices, run errands, buy groceries, drive to and from work and more.  According to research, nine out of 10 moms drive, so why not make her car something she can enjoy in honor of Mother’s Day this weekend?

 

A national survey conducted by Harris Interactive for General Motors found that one in three moms would love to have their car washed and cleaned as a Mother’s Day gift.  Despite all the time moms spend in their cars or SUVs, 21 percent said that they would like a family road trip for Mother’s Day.  If you need other ideas for Mother’s Day, GM has some budget-friendly ideas for your mom’s car:

 

Fill Mom’s car with gas.  Ten percent of mothers surveyed mentioned this.  A fill up or even a gift card for gas for her car or SUV might be a nice surprise.

 

Freshen the air.  If you wash and vacuum her car for her, spend a few extra dollars for an air freshener to keep her vehicle smelling nicely.  Just be sure to choose the scent wisely.

 

Give her some peace of mind.  OnStar FMV, the aftermarket replacement mirror packed with the safety, security, and connectivity services of OnStar is a great Mother’s Day gift option.  The hardware and installation is just $99.99 (through June 16) and subscription plans cost $199 per year for the base package or $299 per year for the premium package.  FMB is compatible with more than 100 million vehicles on the road.  If you mom already has a GM vehicle that is equipped with OnStar you could pay her subscription for a month or a year.

 

Dress up her car.  New seat covers or floor mats, a new leather covered steering wheel, or even having her damaged dash board repaired, replaced, or recovered are small things that can make big impacts on the interior of the car.  Giving Mom a GPS navigation system, remote starter, or satellite radio can beef up her car’s technology and make her errand-running more enjoyable.

 

Most women, moms especially, appreciate the safety and appearance of car accessories rather than those that are performance related.  Mom wants to shuttle everyone to soccer practice in a car that looks nice and is reliable.  Giving her a gift that helps her get from point A to point B in style will make her smile on Mother’s Day. Come in to our Parts Department or Service Center today to order your GM accessories or purchase your mom a full vehicle detail. She will definitely remember this gift.

How to Make Your Old Car Look and Run Like New

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Money is tight these days and many people can’t afford a new car.  Many Cadillac and Chevrolet vehicles are built to last and can go 200,000 miles or more if properly maintained.  If you Cadillac or Chevy is still running well, but is looking a bit beat up and doesn’t have as much get-up-and-go as it once had, there are some things you can to do spruce it up and keep it going until a new car fits into your budget.

 

The first thing to do is to clean everything.  Scrub everything you can reach.  Shampoo the carpet and upholstery, clean out the trunk, take out the spare tire and wipe down the tire well.  It is also a good idea to remove the seat cushions and clean out the crumbs.  Clean the engine bay and under the car.  Doing a thorough cleaning job will not only have your car looking better, but it may also let you discover some problems you didn’t know were there.

 

Next, focus on the cockpit area: the dash and steering wheel.  If the steering wheel is worn, an inexpensive cover can change the entire feel of the car.  Sometimes a dashboard cover can be a good investment, too.  Check the dashboard lighting.  Make sure the knob is not dimmed too much and that you can see the instrument panel at night.  If the knobs are broken, they can be replaced with new parts from your dealership or with recycled parts found in a salvage yard.  If your front seats are worn, swap them out for some found at a salvage yard.

 

If your Chevy or Cadillac has dull, weathered headlamps, consider picking up a headlight restoration kit.  Most are around $30 and are easy to install in just a few minutes.  It will not only allow you to see more clearly when driving at night, but will also make your older car look nicer.

 

Summer will be here soon, so now is a good time to check your car’s a/c.  Just like a home air conditioner, your car’s a/c can have mold, mildew, and bacteria built up inside it.  To clean it, clear any leaves, dust, or other accumulated gunk from the air passageways.  Change or clean the system’s filters and use an air-conditioning deodorizer.

 

Check your car’s brake rotors and pads, shocks, springs, dampers, and struts.  Replacing older and worn ones can make a major difference in how a car drives.  You will also get better performance out of your old car by replacing old tires and making sure they are properly inflated.

 

All told, these things are not cheap, but they are less expensive than buying a new car.  If keeping your current car running awhile longer is your goal, spending a little money and effort can help.  If you have limited mechanical ability, Crossroads’ service department can help, too.  Just give them a call or schedule an appointment online and they will help you to get Old Betsy looking and running like new.

Preventing Foggy Headlights Will Keep Them Shining Brightly

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Driving at night can be dangerous.  When driving on dark, winding roads, your vehicle’s headlights are the only things that give you an idea of what the road ahead looks like.  Keeping them clear and working is vital.  When headlights get foggy, they don’t work as well as they should.  With a few simple steps, you can keep your GM vehicle’s headlights crystal clear and bright.

 

Have you ever noticed water on the inside of your vehicle’s headlights?  As the outside temperature drops and the warm headlamps cool off, colder, wetter outside air seeps into the housings.  The headlight housings have a vent at the top and bottom to allow for pressure differences.  If they didn’t, they would crack and fail.  Moisture condenses on the inside of the lens when the clear plastic cover is cooler than the air inside the housing.  It is normal to see some water inside the housing.  When the outside temperature warms up in the morning, the moisture evaporates.

 

Sometimes the cover on the headlight housing doesn’t vent well.  When cars are parked in shady, damp areas or in cool, damp underground parking structures, the moisture collects in larger drops and can even run down the glass and pool inside the housing.  This can be a problem.  GM says that condensation may cover up to 50 percent of the surface of the lens without problems, but if more than that is covered, there is a problem that should be addressed.

 

Unless there is a Technical Service Bulletin for your make and model of vehicle regarding excess condensation on the headlight housing, you are on your own to fix the issue.  First, if there are just droplets, try driving with your vehicle’s headlights on for a couple of hours.  This will force the moisture off and help it to evaporate as the headlights warm up.

 

If there is more than just droplets and there is water pooling inside the housing, you may need to take off the housing and dry it out.  Pour the water off and add a few ounces of rubbing alcohol to the housing, slosh it around a bit, and pour it out.  Repeat this process and then let the housing dry in the sun or inside a warm house in front of a fan.  Make sure the vents on the housing are not clogged with dirt.  Replace the housing.

 

If you still have trouble with condensation or other problems with your headlights and need the help of an expert, schedule an appointment with the certified GM service technicians at Crossroads.  They can help keep the lights on your Cadillac or Chevy shining brightly.

Chevy Spark Has More Than Meets the Eye

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Although it is a fraction of the size of some of the largest passenger cars ever, 1973 full-size sedans, the upcoming Chevrolet Spark packs a more than most realize.  Chevy designers are putting much more into small cars than most people expect.

 

Here are some facts that compare the Spark and other subcompacts to 1973 full-size sedans, based on size averages from published data.

 

  • At 144.7 inches long and 62.9 inches wide, the Chevy Spark is 50 percent smaller than the average 1973 American full-size sedan.
  • New subcompacts like the Chevy Spark are actually six inches taller than that 1973 sedan.
  • The new 2013 mini cars and the 1973 full-size cars both use standard 15-inch wheel rims.
  • The 2013 subcompact cars have front and ready headroom and front legroom that match the average 1973 American full-sized sedan.

 

How can such a small car have similar passenger room to the 1973 land yachts?  Despite its overall small size, the Spark’s cabin has been designed to eke out as much interior room as possible.  There is 86.3 cubic-feet of room for four occupants, and 11.4 cubic-feet of space behind the rear seats.  These measurements best other popular subcompact cars.

 

Spark is the smallest Chevrolet ever offered in the United States.  Its front-wheel-drive, five-door, four-seat hatchback design is perfect for city dwellers who commute to work.  Its standard 1.2-liter, naturally aspirated four-cylinder that generates 85 hp and 82 lb.-ft of torque is plenty to power its lightweight 2,269 pounds.  It comes with a choice of standard five-speed manual or the optional four-speed automatic transmission.

 

Although subcompacts like the Chevy Spark may not have a size advantage on 1973 sedans, it makes up for it in fuel-efficiency and technology.  Spark is estimated to get around 40 mpg, which is vastly improved over the best ’73 sedan, which got a dismal 15 mpg at most.  Also, the majority of the technology used in the Chevy Spark was not even a glimpse in designers’ eyes in 1973.  The Spark comes standard with power windows and air conditioning as well Bluetooth, OnStar, USB ports, and a 7-inch diagonal touch-screen.  Safety features, like 10 standard air bags, Hill Start Assist, StabiliTrak, Traction Control, and others were unheard of in 1973 as well.

 

When the Spark debuts this summer, it will be sure to turn heads with its bright colors, including denim, salsa, lemonade, techno pink, and jalapeno.  Though 1973 saw a variety of colors, none were as bright as these.

 

Cars have come a long way in the last 40 years.  Overall, size is shrinking, but interior space and features are at an all-time high.  Look for the Chevrolet Spark this summer at Crossroads.

How to Maximize Your Road Trip Gas Mileage

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Summer is right around the corner and that means it is almost vacation time.  With the rising costs of air travel, more and more people are turning to hitting the road for their getaways.  Gas is expensive, though, so getting the most miles for your dollar is important.  Even if you don’t own a fuel efficient vehicle like a Chevy Volt or a Malibu Eco, there are some things you can do to make sure you have some green leftover for souvenirs.

 

Check the Hoses:  Hoses eventually wear out.  They are rubber and the extreme heat of the engine combined with corrosive coolant can cause them to fail.  Checking your vehicle’s hoses regularly can help to avoid a call to roadside assistance later on.  With a cool engine, squeeze all of the hoses near the ends.  A failing hose develops cracks inside that are not visible.  Check for cracks by rolling the hose between your fingers.  A spongy feel or a bulge means the hose is in need of replacement.  Generally, a radiator hose will last about five years.

 

Check the Fluids and Brakes:  Checking the fluids on your vehicle takes five minutes.  Just be sure to check all of them – oil, transmission, brake – and don’t forget the battery electrolyte.  If your vehicle has a manual transmission, crawl under the car with a wrench and check the rear axles and transfer cases by putting a finger into the fill hole to check the level of lubrication.  For automatic transmissions, use the dipstick with the vehicle in neutral gear and on level ground after the car has warmed up.  Also, be sure to check that your brakes have an adequate amount of lining left on the pads.

 

Check the Filters:  If a filter is visibly dirty, it needs to be replaced.  Clean out direct, leaves, and dead bugs from the filter housing while you’re there.  Replace fuel and oil filters are recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

 

Check the Coolant: Be sure you have a proper mix for the season and for your vehicle.  Generally, a 50/50 mix of coolant to water is recommended.  Inspect the radiator filler neck and header tank for corrosion and contamination and check the concentration of coolant to water using a hydrometer when the engine is cold.

 

Check the Tire Pressure:  Having properly inflated tires can help your vehicle use less gasoline.  Low tire pressures waste gas and cause tires to wear out sooner.  Tires can lose 1 to 2 psi for every 10-degree temperature drop, so if the outside air temperature has changed with the seasons, chances are your tires are either over- or under-inflated.  Use a tire gauge and check the recommended tire pressure on the sticker on the driver’s side door, the doorsill, or the glovebox.  Keeping tire pressure near the high end of the recommended pressure range helps to improve fuel economy and will also help to compensate for any extra luggage weight you may have on your road trip.

 

After making sure your vehicle is in proper working condition, you can maximize your mileage by packing lightly.  Take out anything you don’t absolutely need for your trip and remove the luggage rack or bicycle rack if you don’t need it.  The extra weight from luggage and gear and the drag from having extra parts on the roof can greatly decrease fuel economy.

 

A little preventative maintenance before you hit the road in your GM vehicle can save headaches later.  If you find that your vehicle needs an oil change, a radiator flush, or other service, schedule an appointment with Crossroads’ service department.  The GM certified technicians will get your car in top shape so you can get on down the highway.

Younger Generation Sees New Car as a Step to Adulthood

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A survey conducted by Chevrolet and MTV Scratch recently found that nearly 70 percent of the Millennial generation, young Americans ages 11 to 30 years old, see the purchase of their first car to be a milestone on the path to adulthood.  More than 3,000 young people were surveyed.  The survey also found that 32 percent say they are interested in cars and 77 percent are concerned about fuel economy.  The survey also suggests that the group has a strong interest in car ownership, but is more likely than previous generations to delay major life events, including the purchase of a new car.

 

Chevrolet and General Motors realizes that the young people in this age group are tomorrow’s new car owners, designers, engineers, and innovators and, because of this, are striving to deliver the products, technology, and services wanted most.  Chevrolet and GM are listening to what is important to Millennials lives today and to where they want to go in the future, according to Mark Reuss, president of General Motors North America.

 

The U.S. Census found that there are more than 80 million American consumers nearing age 30.  They make up 40 percent of the potential car-buying public, according to the 2011 “Gen Y in the Driver’s Seat” study by Deloitte, and more than $2 trillion in purchasing power, according to a 2011 estimate by Javelin Strategy and Research.

 

Chevrolet is trying to understand members of the Millennial generation and how attitudes toward cars fit into the framework of their lives.  With Scratch, Chevrolet is identifying key portions of the Millennial car-buying market and their common characteristics.  These insights are being used to advance innovation throughout the company from the design department to the sales and marketing department.

 

The study by Chevrolet and Scratch also showed how the Millennial generation’s interest in used cars and car-sharing provides the chance to create affinity for the Chevrolet brand.  For example, Chevrolet MyLink, which is featured in the Spark and Sonic, helps Millennials stay connected and feeds their interest in technology.

 

To that end, the Chevrolet Youth Concepts, designed with and for Millennials, serve as an example of how Chevy is getting the group involved in the creation process.  More than 13,000 people have provided feedback on the concepts at global auto shows, through Facebook, and at the annual South by Southwest music, film, and interactive conference and festival.  Chevrolet plans to continue to engage Millennials into its concept vehicles throughout the year.

How to Remove Scratches from Your Windshield

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Windshields are expensive.  Like most other things these days, the price is going up, so it pays to take some time to repair your windshield when possible.  If your Chevy or Cadillac has a scratched windshield, it should be fixed as soon as possible.

 

Automobile windshields are made of two layers of glass with a vinyl laminate in the middle.  The laminate helps to hold the glass together so that the windshield doesn’t shatter in the event of an accident.

 

Scratched and otherwise damaged windshields can reflect light in such a way that hinders visibility creating dangerous driving conditions.  Small particles of sand or salt are likely the culprits for your damaged windshield.  They can get caught on a wiper blade and be dragged across the windshield creating a scratch.  Although it may seem to be a hard substance, glass is really quite soft. Luckily, many minor scratches can be easily repaired.

 

The first step in repairing your vehicle’s windshield is to gather the materials you will need.  Some of these might take a little bit of research to find.  Here are the things you will need:

 

  • Jeweler’s rouge, also called cerium oxide.  This can normally be found at a jewelry supply shop or a hobby store.  Buy the kind that is red in color.
  • Glycerin.  This is available at most pharmacies.
  • An electric buffer.
  • A firm felt pad for the buffer.
  • A small bowl.
  • Some clean rags.
  • Clear nail polish.
  • Window cleaner.

 

Next, make a paste by mixing 2 tablespoons of jeweler’s rouge, 2 tablespoons of glycerin, and some water in a small bowl.  Apply a small amount of the paste to the scratch on the glass.  Using the felt polishing pad on the buffer, gently rub the paste on the window.  Apply pressure little by little being careful not to press too hard.  Pressing hard could crack the glass.  Let the area dry for about 30 seconds and then wipe it clean with a rag.

 

Check the area to be sure the scratch has been filled to your liking.  If not, repeat the process.  Often, multiple applications will make for better results.  If you notice that there is some distortion on the surface of the glass after finishing, apply a little bit of clear nail polish to repair it.  Let it dry and then clean the windshield with window cleaner.

 

To prevent more scratches on your windshield it is important to inspect, clean, and replace wiper blades regularly.  Avoid using gas station windshield squeegees.  Sometimes people use them to clean more than their windshields.

 

If your windshield has pits or cracks, it is probably best to leave the repair to experts.  If you think you need an expert’s help to repair or replace the windshield on your Chevy or Cadillac, give Crossroads’ service department a call.

Is Your Vehicle Pet-Friendly?

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With warmer weather upon us, many people are making trips to the park, the lake, or other outdoor destinations.  If you are a pet-owner, you may be bringing your four-legged friend along for the ride.  When it comes time to buy a new car, it is important consider your furry family member’s comfort and safety along with that of other family members.

 

In a 2011 AAA/Kurgo survey, nearly six out of 10 respondents said they had driven with their dog in the car at least once a month.  Chevrolet offers a variety of vehicles, from subcompact hatchbacks to full-size SUVs that can help you to meet the needs of your pet.

 

When looking for a pet-friendly vehicle, safety features should be considered.  According to the AAA/Kurgo survey, three out of 10 pet owners admit that they are distracted while driving and one in five admits to driving with a pet in their lap.  Lane-departure warning, stability and traction control and forward-collision alert systems like those in the Chevrolet Equinox can help drivers avoid accidents when driving with their pets.  Owners can also reduce distractions by keeping pets restrained in the back seat or a pet carrier.

 

Another thing to consider is getting pets and their equipment in and out of the vehicle.  Look for vehicles that are wide, tall, and slightly square at the back.  Cargo room and additional cup holders are also useful for stowing pet food, water, and accessories.  The Chevrolet Traverse offers plenty of cargo space and has flexible fold-flat seating.  Traverse also has a rear cooling system to keep Fido cool on a hot summer day.

 

There are some technology features that make traveling with pets easier.  Power lift-gates, such as those on the Chevrolet Equinox, Traverse, and Tahoe, make it easier for pets to get into the vehicle.  Fold-flat seats allow more space for toting pets and crates.  All Chevrolet vehicles come equipped with OnStar that uses GPS and cellular technology to provide help, which can be useful when trying to find the nearest pet supply store or veterinarian’s office.

 

Fuel efficiency is something that everyone looks for in a new vehicle these days.  If you spend less on gasoline, you have more money to buy treats and toys for Spot.  The Equinox offers the fuel efficiency of a car with the interior room of an SUV.  Another good option is the Volt extended-range electric vehicle, which has a rear hatch and fold-down seats.

 

If you are in the market for a new car, truck, or SUV, be sure to think about all of the passengers that will be going along for the ride, even if they are furry or fluffy.  Your pet will thank you.