THE ALL-NEW 2012 CHEVROLET VOLT!

Who killed the electric car? NO ONE!  If you’re looking for an “electrifying experience”, you need to consider the 2012 Chevrolet VOLT.

What many people don’t realize is that the VOLT is unlike other cars – past and present.  You no longer have to be concerned about how far you can drive, thanks to a range extending 1.4L gasoline-powered generator that takes over when you run out of battery charge.  The 16-kWh lithium-ion battery will charge in as little as 4 hours, and will allow you to travel between 40 and 80 kilometers on electric power.  The Volt can be fully charged in about 10 hours using a regular 120-volt household outlet.  Say goodbye to gas stations – simply pull up to your own garage, plug it in and you’re on your way.

Let’s breakdown some of the state of the art features the Volt has to offer.

  • The Chevrolet Volt features 3 driving modes: Normal, Sport and Mountain
  • Each Volt comes equipped with 8 standard air bags.
  • A charge unit and 5.5m 120-volt charge cord are included with every vehicle purchase.
  • Because the Volt runs in almost complete silence, an audible alert helps warn pedestrians of your approach.
  • The 16-kWh lithium-ion battery combines power from over 288 individual cells and is covered by an 8-year/160,000 km warranty.
  • The StabiliTrak electronic stability control system enhances driver control.
  • When battery operated, this vehicle produces zero tailpipe emissions!

The outstanding efficiency of the Volt is matched with its unparalleled performance, with an acceleration rate that takes you from 0-96km/h in under nine seconds.  Perhaps the most noteworthy feature is the almost silent delivery of the Volt.  When driving this vehicle, you will discover that it is as smooth as it is quiet – It almost feels as if you are floating through air.

The 2012 Chevrolet Volt is the recipient of several awards including 2011 North American Car of the Year, 2011 World Green Car, 2011 IIGS Top Safety Pick, one of Car and Driver’s 2011 10 Best Cars, and Automobile Magazine’s 2011 Automobile of the year .

Embrace the future, reduce your environmental footprint and put your anxieties aside with the 2012 Chevrolet Volt.  If you are interested in purchasing the Volt or would like more information, please contact us at one of our two locations: Queenston on the Mountain and Queenston on Centennial.

By: Amy Cochren

CREDIT: General Motors, General Motors Canada

GM DEXOS OIL

The quality of oil is extremely important when it comes to your vehicle and can have a positive effect on your engine’s capabilities.  That’s why General Motors has developed DEXOS, a synthetic blend oil.  Dexos not only increases your fuel efficiency, but extends the life of your emissions system, requires fewer oil changes on your vehicle and has a positive effect on the environment by producing fewer emissions.  This high quality oil has been formatted to demanding specifications in the industry. Its requirements have been made up from a combination of some of the most rigorous tests in the industry, such as those from the American Petroleum Institute and the European Automobile Manufacturers Association.  A higher viscosity oil, Dexos is half the price of synthetic oil, yet it has the same qualities and advantages as synthetic.   

All General Motors 2011 and later models are required to operate on Dexos oil.  Only oils displaying green or blue Dexos ™ trademark icon on the front label, have been certified and licensed by General Motors as meeting the tough performance requirements.  If the oil you are considering does not have this symbol, be assured it has not gone through GM’s rigorous testing.

The key features to take away are:

GM Dexos1 ™

  • Exhibits improved oxidization and water performance which provides improved fuel economy.
  • Increased piston cleanliness delivers maximum engine performances.
  • Lower volatility delivers reduced oil consumption.
  • Greater viscosity control helps deliver improved fuel economy.

If you have any questions about DEXOS Oil or would like to schedule an oil change, please feel free to contact us at one of our two locations – Queenston on Centennial or Queenston on the Mountain.

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: General Motors Canada

OEM VS. AFTERMARKET PARTS

It would be nice if nothing ever went wrong with the vehicles we drove and they continued to perform with the same capabilities as when we first bought them.  Unfortunately, sooner or later, something will go wrong with your vehicle you’ll need to replace a part.  When it comes to replacement units for our vehicles, we do have a number of options.  Most often, this choice is between OEM and aftermarket.  The debate over which is better, will forever be ongoing, but it is important that you be informed about the difference between the two.  Ultimately, it comes down to quality and budget.

OEM:

An OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer Part) is a part exclusively made by the vehicles manufacturer.  Example: Honda OEM is made by Honda; GM is made by General Motors.

OEM parts are made from the same molds and manufacturing process as the original part.  This allows for maximum performance and a perfect fit when it comes to installation.  OEM parts represent a standard of quality and engineering that only the original manufacturer can authorize.  Another benefit to purchasing an OEM over an aftermarket part is that we can offer warranty not only on the part, but on the labour as well.

Aftermarket Part:

An aftermarket part is made by a third-party vendor and has been deemed by the insurance industry to be a reasonable alternative to an OEM part.  A common misrepresentation is that aftermarket parts are always cheaper, but this is not necessarily the case.  In fact, going with an aftermarket part which is not covered under warranty, could cost you more in the long run.

At our Queenston on the Mountain and Queenston on Centennial locations, we offer a minimum of 1 year and unlimited kilometer warranty on all GM parts.  Engines and transmissions we provide a 3 year warranty and 160,000 kilometer warranty for parts and labour.  Our Durastop brakes include a 1 year warranty and lifetime for parts and labour.  General Motors also provides various purchase options on OEM parts according to quality.  Whenever you visit a Goodwrench service department, you are given the option to choose from what GM calls “Good”, “Better”, and “Best” parts.

At Image Honda, all OEM parts come with a 1 year, 20,000 kilometer warranty for parts and labour.

When visiting one of our dealerships, you know you are going to receive the absolute best service on your vehicle.  Our technicians are specialized and manufacturer-trained.  Each technician is required to participate in on-going training programs that keep them up-to-date to provide you, the customer, with the very best service that can be offered.

If you have any questions regarding OEM or Aftermarket parts, or you would like to schedule a service appointment, please contact us today!

By: Amy Cochren

        

Also make sure to visit us at www.autohwy.com!