Tag Archives: transportation

Trailer and Towing Safety!

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Whether it’s towing your boat to the cottage or beach, heading on a camping adventure or just everyday fun, your vehicle plays an important role in summer activities!  When partaking in such, it is not uncommon to use a trailer for towing.  However, as many of us can surely attest, people often tow things in an unsafe manner.  The picture below is a clear example of what NOT to do!

After witnessing the above, we felt it important to share some tips on towing and trailering to keep you and others safe on the road.  First and foremost, it is important that you know your vehicle’s towing capacity.  Exceeding this capacity can not only cause damage to your vehicle, but can seriously endanger others on the road.  Each vehicle has a different capacity, so keep in mind that what you are able to tow with one of your vehicles may not be the same on another.  If you are unsure, such information is provided in your owner’s manual.

If your current vehicle is not equipped with towing capabilities, be aware that most GM and Honda trucks, SUV’s and crossovers have the option for a factory-installed trailering package.  If you are interested in more information on such products or installation, please contact our one of our three dealerships: Queenston Chevrolet, Queenston on the Mountain or Image Honda.

Towing Safety Tips:

  • Ensure that your vehicle can withstand your trailers capacity.
  • Make sure you have thoroughly inspected your trailer tires, brakes and hitch and ensure they are in working order before hitting the road.
  • DON’T overload your trailer and always make sure that the weight is balanced out.
  • If you have loose items, make sure that they are securely fastened or covered to prevent them from moving.  Accessories such as cargo nets and other products are available for purchase from our parts departments.
  • Keep a safe distance when travelling behind other vehicles.  The additional weight of the trailer will make it harder to stop.
  • Always adjust your mirrors so you can see the traffic behind you.

Please keep these safety tips in mind for your benefit and others on the road.  If you have any questions concerning your vehicles towing capacity or are interested in installing a trailering package on your vehicle, please contact us at any of our three locations and we will be happy to assist you!

By: Amy Cochren

Image Honda

Queenston on the Mountain

Queenston Chevrolet on Centennial

5 Star Safety Score For The 2014 Chevrolet Impala

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Last month, we were excited to announce that General Motors topped the list for the 2013 J.D. Power Awards with Chevrolet and GMC being the only non-luxury brands to rank in the top 5.  Well, it’s another first for Chevrolet with the redesigned 2014 Impala receiving a five-star safety score.  This score is the highest possible five-star overall vehicle score for safety, as part of the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program.2014impala

So what makes the Impala so outstanding?  Well, it offers a variety of safety features that are attributed to this ranking.  The Collision Mitigation Braking allows for radar technology to sense traffic in front of the vehicle to adjust the vehicle speed, including stopping the vehicle in traffic and accelerating again after.  This is the first time that such a feature has been offered in a Chevrolet.  Some additional features include: forward collision alert, lane departure warning, side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, rear vision camera with dynamic guidelines, ultrasonic rear park assist, brake pre-fill feature, hill hold/start assist and full-speed-range-adaptive cruise control.  The 2014 Impala’s also come with 10 standard airbags and OnStar, providing you with an additional sense of comfort.  OnStar’s GPS and cellular phone technology will automatically call for help in case of a crash.

Gay Kent, GM general director of Vehicle Safety and Crashworthiness had the following to say. “Safety is a key consideration for all car buyers, and Impala sets a new benchmark for Chevrolet’s flagship sedan.  The 2014 Chevrolet Impala is designed to provide excellent crash safety, and offers customers several safety technologies not previously available in Chevrolet.”

If you haven’t had the opportunity to experience the 2014 Impala for yourself, we welcome you to either of our Chevrolet dealerships: Queenston on Centennial or Queenston on the Mountain.  Come and take a test drive today in the award winning Impala and see exactly what it has to offer.

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: Chevrolet Canada, GM Canada

2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel UPDATE

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The wait will soon be over – the new 2014 Chevrolet Cruze 2.0TD (Diesel) is said to be in Canadian Dealerships by as early as this summer. This new Cruze has an estimated range of 700 highway miles on one tank of diesel fuel, which is roughly equivalent to 10 hours of highway driving.

Chevrolet logocruze TD

With a starting price of $26,495 including freight, this new Cruze has a better value ($510 lower) than its competitor – the comparably equipped 2013 Volkswagen Jetta TDI automatic.

Offered in one trim level, the Cruze 2TD offers some excellent standard features.

Interior product highlights include:

Heated leather seats with 6 way power driver seat
Leather wrapped steering wheel
Cruise control
USB port & Bluetooth for phone
Remote start, MyLink & rear view camera

Exterior product highlights include:

Unique 17-inch alloy wheels
Standard rear spoiler
Diesel badging

Mechanical Product highlights include:

2.0L Turbo Diesel – engine built in Europe
148 hp and 25lb-ft. torque
Z-link rear suspension from the RS
4-wheel disc brakes
DEF system

Surpassing its competitors, the Cruze Diesel has an estimated 148 horsepower and can go 0-60mph in 8.6 seconds, which is better than the Volkswagen TDI automatic.   Powered by the cleanest diesel passenger engine GM has ever produced, this car generates 90 percent less Nitrogen Oxide and particulate emissions then past generations.

For more news and updates on the Cruze 2TD and other General Motors vehicles, please visit Hamilton Auto Blog and queenstonchev.com

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: Chevrolet Canada, GM Canada

Chevrolet unveils the 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible

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When the 2014 Corvette Stingray was unveiled earlier this year at the Detroit Auto show, we were all left wondering – What about the convertible Stingray? When will it make its’ debut?

Our minds were put to rest today as the 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible was unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show.Stingray Convertible 1

The convertible Corvette Stingray comes with almost everything you would find on the coupe version. The only notable changes are limited to accommodating the folding fabric top and repositioned seatbelts. Unlike other convertibles, the top can be dropped at speeds of up to 50km/hour. The key fob can also be used to raise or lower the top remotely.Stingray Convertible 2

“The convertible has been a part of the heart and soul of Corvette since the very beginning in 1953,” said Ed Welburn, General Motors  Vice President of global design. “With the all-new Corvette Stingray, we designed and developed the coupe and convertible simultaneously. As a result, the Corvette Stingray offers an open-top driving experience with no compromise in performance, technology or design.”Stingray Convertible 3

If the Stingray Corvette wasn’t enough already, the convertible takes it another step higher.  We can’t wait to see it out on the open road.

 

Source: GM

The Chevrolet Volt At Queenston!

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If you are considering an electric vehicle, the Volt is the car for you! Come in to one of our 2 Dealerships and test drive the Volt today! www.queenstonchev.com

P.S. Did you know that electric vehicle owners in Ontario are eligible for a Government incentive ranging from $5000 to $8500?  If you were would like more information, Click here!  If you already own an electric vehicle, stop by our free charging stations at  Queenston on the Mountain and Queenston on Centennial.

Disney Epcot and Chevrolet introduce Test Track revamped

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You might not expect to see the Chevrolet name on a theme park ride but Test Track presented by Chevrolet has been revamped and has reopened at Disney Epcot. The ride takes you through the process of designing your own Chevrolet concept vehicle and then taking it out on the test track in a high speed test drive.

The ride is a futuristic, colourful, imaginative take on the test drive process. Not only is it visually stimulating, but the ride takes visitors on turbo launches of high intensity, hairpin turns and more. The test drive is designed to test the capability, efficiency, responsiveness and power of your concept vehicle. Guests are able to design their car by length, width, engine size, colour, wheels, custom graphics and designs, and the list goes on.

“Through an enduring partnership, Chevrolet and Disney continue to inspire generations to imagine the impossible and innovate,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Global Marketing. “The reimagined Test Track reflects the personality and values of Chevrolet design and offers guests a behind-the-scenes look at a discipline that drives our business. This first-of-its-kind automotive design attraction represents the best of Chevrolet design and Disney innovation.”

A wonderful collaboration between Disney’s team of Imagineers and the Chevrolet design team – the Test Track is a great way for everyone to become familiar with Chevrolet vehicles. Test Track has made the process of creating your own concept vehicle into a personalized and exciting experience for visitors and consumers – just another reason why Chevrolet continues to be one of the most innovative carmakers in the world.

Credit: Walt Disney World, Chevrolet

By Nerissa Mohamed

2013 Silverado 3500 HD Named Canadian Truck King!

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Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD named Canadian Truck King for 2013

The Canadian Truck King challenge takes place each year. It is a head-to-head competition among six pickup truck manufacturers that involves driving the trucks back to back over a two day period. A group of automotive journalists tested the trucks under certain criteria to evaluate the trucks’ performance, inside and out. Trucks were tested on and off road, they were loaded and unloaded, they towed trailers, and they were tested on evaluations of ride and handling, among other tests.

After 2,600 km of testing, the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD was crowned Canadian Truck King for 2013. It beat the Ford 350 and Ram 3500 to take first place.  “The heavy-duty truck segment is one of the most competitive in Canada and it’s an honour to have the Silverado HD officially crowned the Canadian Truck King for 2013,” said Sharon Sikorski, GM Canada marketing manager for trucks.

The 2013 Silverado 3500 HD is powered by the Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel engine, and a 1000 six speed automatic transmission powertrain combination. This powers the truck with 397 horsepower at 3,000 rpm, and 765 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,600 rpm.  It also features a high pressure fuel system for greater fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, and the list goes on. What can be said is that this truly is a powerful truck.

Canadian Truck King for 2013 – Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD

If you would like information on the Silverado or any of the Trucks in our award winning Chevrolet line-up, please visit us at www.queenstonchev.com 

© GM Corp

 By Nerissa Mohamed

Source: GM Canada