Date Posted |
News Article |
11/25/2011
| | Winter Driving |
Winter Driving
Putting the Brrrrrakes on Winter Driving Crashes
While summer months are the deadliest on roads, wintertime leads to the most crashes and poses safety risks and hazards.
Stay safe while on the road in the winter:
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Avoid unnecessary travel if conditions are too poor.
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Buckle up, and make sure child restraints are secured tight. It is recommended to use bulky clothes and blankets on top of the child restraint harness, not beneath, to ensure harness restraints fit properly.
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Drive at safe speeds according to road conditions, and provide for plenty of travel time.
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Increase safe stopping distance between vehicles.
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Use extra precautions when driving around snowplows by keeping at least five car-lengths behind plows.
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If skidding, remain calm, ease foot off the gas, and turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.
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If vehicle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply a steady firm pressure to the brake pedal. Never pump ABS brakes.
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Clear snow and ice from vehicle windows, hood, headlights, brake lights and directional signals.
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Headlights must be turned on when it is snowing or sleeting.
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Do not use cruise control on snow/icy/wet roads.
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Equip vehicles with a scraper/brush, small shovel, jumper cables, tow chain, and a bag of sand or cat litter for tire traction. Blanket(s), heavy boots, warm clothing and flashlights are also important, as are storing high-energy foods such as chocolate or energy bars.
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Be sure cell phones are charged for long trips, and inform family of destination plans and schedule.
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If stranded, stay in the vehicle.
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Parents of teen drivers should make sure new motorists experience snow and ice driving in a safe environment, such as an empty parking lot.
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10/31/2011
| | 2012 Chevrolet Equinox & GMC Terrain Recall |
| GM is recalling Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain small SUVs from the 2012 model year because the tire pressure monitoring system isn't up to federal standards, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The recall affects 33,964 Equinoxes and Terrains built from July 18 through Sept. 6. Your car's build date can be found on a sticker affixed to the driver-side door jamb.
The small SUVs have been stars for GM, which has been selling them as fast as it can make them. The completely redesigned Equinox and new Terrain rolled out as 2010 models and sales have continued to grow. Sales in September were up 33% for the Equinox from the month in 2010 and Terrain sales were up 45%.
The tire monitoring system is designed to illuminate the tire pressure warning light when the pressure in a tire is 25% below the recommended cold tire pressure. On the recalled SUVs, the warning light won't illuminate until the tire pressure is more than 25% below the recommended cold tire pressure.
An underinflated tire can cause tire overloading and overheating, leading to a blowout and possible crash. Not to mention it also wears out your tires, causes poor handling and cuts your fuel economy.
The recall is expected to being this month. GM dealers will update the body control module free of charge. For more info, affected owners can call Chevrolet at 800-630-2438, GMC at 866-996-9463 |
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5/2/2011
| | Paint constraints for 2012 startup |
Due to the supply shortages from the Japan crisis, General Motors has announced the following:
The following colors will not be available for the 2012 Model Year start up:
Terrain Equinox
GGU - Gray Green Metallic GGU - Gray Green Metallic
GBV - Cyber Gray Metallic GBV - Cyber Gray Metallic
GIS - Merlot Jewel Metallic GIS - Merlot Jewel Metallic |
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2/14/2011
| | Chevy Equinox tops competition |
|
Chevy Equinox tops
rival small
crossovers in SUV
Shootout
By Chris Woodyard, USA TODAY
PASADENA, Calif. — The new "family car"
star of the auto showroom is technically not
a car. It's a compact crossover SUV.
Sales are booming for small-to-midsize
vehicles that have the space of a truck but
the driving ease and lighter weight of a car.
They are roomy but not gargantuan. Engines
are peppy but not guzzlers.
"Small crossovers are becoming the new
family car," says Alexander Edwards,
president of consulting firm Strategic Vision.
"With strong styling cues and added
innovative features ... it is definitely a
segment of vehicles here to stay and one
that will continue to grow."
That's why we picked the segment for our
latest family-focused vehicle showdown:the
$29,000 SUV Shootout, sponsored by auto
information site Cars.com, USA TODAY and
PBS' MotorWeek automotive magazine
program.
The testing by experts and a family aimed to
see which compact crossover offers the best
value — the best package of convenience,
features and performance at a price within
reach of middle-class families of no more
than $29,000.
That's a higher window sticker than a typical
midsize sedan, but families seem to be
voting with their wallets for the added space
and features found only on larger vehicles.
Many had backup cameras. Four had back
seat DVD systems for kids.
Because they weigh less than traditional
SUVs, smaller crossovers don't need big
power. Eight of the nine crossovers tested
had four-cylinder engines.
In 145 miles of highway driving, CR-V and
Tucson tied for best fuel economy at 28.8
mpg on their trip computers. Sportage was
last but still tallied a respectable 26.6 mpg. |
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5/28/2008
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