New Years Resolutions – For You and Your Car!

It’s a new year and a new start.  You’ve probably already made your own New Year’s resolutions, but what about when it comes to your car? This year, let’s resolve to take better care of our vehicle and be a more conscientious car owner.

I resolve to use rubber mats seasonally to protect my car

Rubber floor mats protect your interior from dirt, water, mud, and more.  At Queenston Chevrolet Buick GMC and Image Honda, we sell mats that are custom fit to your vehicle.  These floor mats not only provide you with the satisfaction of having OEM quality protection, but you won’t have to worry about them slipping underneath your pedals, which can be a serious safety risk.

I resolve to invest in seasonal tires

Sliding, slipping, zero traction….the list goes on.  Winter tires are critical, especially with our Ontario winters.  Not only are they a good investment that give you added safety and peace of mind, but they save you wear and tear on your all-season tires.  Swapping them out twice a year gives you added life on your wheels!

I resolve to schedule regular maintenance appointments

Our certified technicians at Image Honda and Queenston Chevrolet Buick GMC are trained to know your vehicle inside and out and are able to spot things that you might otherwise have missed.  Bringing your car in at least twice a year for regular checkups and preventative maintenance may cost you in the short term, but will save you in repair costs and increase your resale value.

I resolve to check for fluid leaks at least once a month.

This is always a good idea and one of the easiest things to check for.  We recommend taking a pizza box and placing it under your car for the night – in the morning, bring the box into the dealership and show us your art work.  We will be able to tell what is leaking based on the colour and where it dripped on the box.

I resolve to be a more fuel efficient driver

This year, don’t use the old excuse that your vehicle isn’t fuel efficient!  True, it may not be the best on gas, but there are always ways to improve your fuel efficiency.  Watching your speed, maintaining your vehicle, carpooling with people co-workers are all easy ways to save on fuel costs.

I resolve to kick my idling habit

There really is no reason to leave your car idling – it is bad for the environment, increases your gas consumption and will cost you extra money each year.

I resolve to wash and keep my car clean.

I make this resolution almost every time I clean out my car.  Not only will cleaning your car make it look better, but it will extend the life of your car, protect the paint and increase its resale value.

I resolve to be a more patient driver,

Most importantly, don’t rush!  Leave plenty of time if you need to be somewhere at a specific time.  If you are running late, evaluate the circumstance – will you really be that late if you don’t make the green light?

I resolve to learn new driving skills

No one is a perfect driver and there are certainly driving skills we can all work on.  Perhaps, you want to learn how to back into a spot or even parallel park.  Whatever it is, work on it – you’ll be glad you did.

I resolve to check my tire pressure and tread regularly

Watch our video: How to check your tire pressure

Watch our video: How to check your tire tread

Please feel free to call us anytime for all of your automotive needs or visit us at http://www.imagehonda.com or http://www.queenstonchev.com

By: Amy Cochren

GM tops benchmark J.D. Power Quality Study

Exciting news!  General Motors has won 8 best vehicle awards in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey, with all GM brands ranking above the industry average this year! Topping the chart at number 2 is GMC, followed by Chevrolet, who jumped 10 spots from last year to land at number 5. Cadillac tied for 13th and Buick came in at 15.  What is even more exciting is that GMC and Chevrolet are the only two non-luxury brands to make the top 5. David Sargent, vice president of the global automotive practice at J.D. Power and author of the study said, “GM has the best quality of any corporation in the study, the first time it’s been on top.”  To us the dealer, this is solid confirmation, based on the opinions of General Motors customers, that we are producing the highest quality vehicles out there!

JD Power Quality Survey

This annual survey, now in its 27th year, closely measures the number of problems on 2013 vehicles reported after 90 days from purchase and ran from February to May of this year.   This survey had many updates, including more consumer feedback with particular focus to newer technologies such as: lane departure warning, navigation and voice activated systems.

As Chevrolet, Buick and GMC continue to improve the quality of their 2014 models, competitors such as Ford continue to experience a slump as they struggle with the quality of their technologies.  This year, they fell to 27 in the survey from the 5th spot last year.

These are exciting times for General Motors and Queenston Chevrolet Buick GMC.  We are proud of our product and thrilled about all the advancements in our award winning line-up.  If you are interested in any of our vehicles or have any questions, please visit us at http://www.queenstonchev.com.

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: GM Canada, autos.jdpower.com

“Truck Yeah” – Silverado Sierra Tour

If you love pick-up trucks like us, then you are as excited as we are about the newly redesigned 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra.  In fact, General Motors is so proud of these outstanding trucks, they have put together the event of the year – The Silverado Sierra Tour!

SilveradoSierraTour

The Silverado Sierra Tour gives you the unique opportunity to drive these two trucks on a closed course test drive with driving event modules, so you can put the all-new 2014 Silverado and Sierra to the test!  Each session runs for a duration of 1.5 hours and is completely free to you. You will also be provided with a thank you gift and have the opportunity to win some fabulous prizes.

Each person interested in participating, must register the event separately.  It also requires that you be 21 years of age and possess a full valid driver’s license to participate.

As can be expected, this consumer opportunity is extremely limited and will run on a first come, first serve basis.

The event began on June 5th and will continue to run across the country until August 28th!  The schedule dates are as follows:

Silverado Sierra Tour Schedule

With such limited spots, make sure you register for the Silverado Sierra Tour today! (Click here to register)

If you have any questions, please visit www.queenstonchev.com or follow us at Hamilton Auto Blog for updates.

By: Amy Cochren

The All-New 2014 Chevrolet Impala

If you would like to see all that the 2014 Chevrolet Impala has to offer, visit http://www.queenstonchev.com today and schedule your test drive!  For the lastest updates and information on our dealership, please check back with Hamilton Auto Blog.

2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel UPDATE

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

Get Behind The Wheel And Donate to The Walk to Fight Arthritis

Queenston Chevrolet Buick GMC will be holding our “Drive for a Cause” event on May 10th and 11th, 2013 at our Queenston on the Mountain dealership.  This event will provide individuals the opportunity to support a great cause and test drive one of our exciting 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet, Buick or GMC vehicles.  These vehicles include: the re-designed Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Malibu, Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia, as well as, the new Chevrolet Trax and Buick Encore.

For each test drive taken during the two day event, Queenston Chevrolet Buick GMC will donate $25 to The Arthritis Society on behalf of that individual. The dealership’s goal for this event is to donate $4,500.Small Logo

Here are some facts regarding Arthritis in Canada:

4.6 Million Canadians Have Arthritis

·         4.6 million, or one in six, Canadians aged 15 years and older report having arthritis. By 2031, approximately seven million Canadians (one in five) are expected to have arthritis.

·         Arthritis can strike anyone at any time, regardless of age, physical condition or ethnic background.

·         Two-thirds of those affected with arthritis are women.

·         Among all causes of disability in Canada, arthritis ranks first among women and second among men.

 Arthritis Society

For more facts and figures click here or visit The Arthritis Society at http://www.arthritis.ca

The event runs Friday, May 10th from 9am-8pm and Saturday May 11th from 9am-5pm.  For more information, please contact Queenston on the Mountain: 2260 Rymal Road East, Hamilton, ON 905-528-7001 or visit us at www.queenstonchev.com

On Sunday June 9th, 2013 Queenston Chevrolet Buick GMC and Image Honda will be participating in the annual Walk to Fight Arthritis at the Royal Botanical Gardens.  If you are interested in participating in the walk or making a donation please visit our team pages and register.

For Queenston Chevrolet, click here
For Image Honda, click here

By: Amy Cochren

Coming soon: The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel

The North American market will soon be met with a 2.0L turbo-diesel version of the top selling Chevrolet Cruze. The Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel boasts the cleanest diesel passenger car engine General Motors has ever produced. It is also the first clean diesel car ever produced by a North American manufacturer. The Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel will be priced considerably lower than its biggest competitor, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Diesel.turbo_diesel_engine

Clean diesels generate about 90 percent less Nitrogen Oxide and particulate emissions compared to the earlier diesels. Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel emissions are below Environment Canada Emissions Standards.

The Cruze’s new 2.0L turbo-diesel engine produced a leading estimated 148 horsepower and estimated 258lb-ft torque with 0-60 performance of 8.6 seconds, beating out the VW Jetta TDI automatic.

“Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel fills an important role in Chevrolet’s diverse four-cylinder lineup, and is primed to win over diesel devotees and compact car buyers with its performance, torque and fuel economy,” said Chris Perry, Chevrolet’s VP of marketing. “We leveraged engineering expertise from around the globe to develop a world-class, low-emissions engine to give U.S. and Canadian customers a car that’s both fun to drive and practical at the pump.”

The Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel comes with a six speed automatic transmission, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, 3.20 final drive ratio, 140-amp alternator, 800 cold-cranking amps battery, 17 inch alloy wheels, ultra-low-rolling resistance all-season tires, Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system and more.

When the 2014 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel hits the showroom floor, we’ll be the first to let you know!

Visit us at www.queenstonchev.com or www.hamiltonautoblog.com for up to date news and information on upcoming vehicles.

By Nerissa Mohamed

Source: GM Canada

4G LTE Coming to a GM Vehicle Near You

Imagine getting into your vehicle, and having your connectivity transformed to a whole new level. That is where General Motors in partnership with OnStar and AT&T, are hoping to go by bringing 4G LTE to future GM vehicles. The speedy mobile data speed will be available in select 2015 models in the U.S and Canada.4G LTE

“We’re making a global commitment to embed 4G LTE mobile broadband across all of our vehicles,” Mary Chan, president of GM’s Global Connected Consumer, said in an interview. “This is the largest commercial deployment of 4G LTE services in the auto industry.”

GM is aiming to offer embedded connectivity in their vehicles, so drivers will not have to rely only on their mobile phones for connectedness.

LTE (long term evolution) is a high speed wireless technology that is a step above 3G. LTE allows users to download, stream and upload music and videos about 10 times faster than 3G. Built-in 4G LTE connections will allow a wider range of in-vehicle communications and entertainment capabilities such as in-car video streaming entertainment, real time updates and faster application downloads.

This advancement will undoubtedly help the mobile world connect to the automotive world in a way that will revolutionize how consumers use the internet.

To check out the latest General Motors vehicles please visit us at www.queenstonchev.com

By Nerissa Mohamed
Source: GM Canada

The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette

The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette

The North American International auto show in Detroit is almost one week away and Chevrolet fans, Corvette fans and car enthusiasts alike are eagerly awaiting the debut of the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette. Since the first teasers and renderings were released, there have been a lot of questions surrounding the C7. Will the new installment of v8 engines live up to expectations? Will it be as light on its feet as previous versions? Will it maintain its ‘affordable sports car’ reputation? All of these questions and more will be answered next weekend in Detroit.

In collaboration with Polyphony Digital and their acclaimed racing video game, Gran Turismo 5, Chevrolet allowed for a first time privilege to give their gamers the opportunity to test drive the 2014 Corvette  in the Gran Turismo 5 game.  What has been seen of the C7 in the game is about as much as Chevrolet has released.

The iconic American sports car will make its debut on January 13th, 2013 in Detroit. We know it will be everything the world is anticipating, and more.

Chevrolet has released a series of dramatic teaser trailers that give us a brief look at the conception, calibration, and interior of the 2014 Corvette. Take a look at the initial trailer here, and be sure to visit Queenston on the Mountain or Queenston on Centennial at www.queenstonchev.com for more information on the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette.

By Nerissa Mohamed

Drive For A Cause

On December 13, 14 and 15th, Queenston on Centennial and Queenston on the Mountain held their Drive for a Cause event.  This event provided individuals the opportunity to support a local charity and test drive one of our exciting 2013 Chevrolet, Buick or GMC vehicles including; the redesigned Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia as well as the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic, Spark and Buick Verano.

For every test drive taken during our three day event, Queenston Chevrolet Buick GMC donated $25 to Hamilton Food Share on the behalf of that individual.  In total, we raised $1,225 for Hamilton Food Share.  What is so notably great about Hamilton Food Share is that for every $1 donated, $5 worth of food will be generated.

All of us at Queenston Chevrolet Buick GMC would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who participated and made this event such a big success.  Because of you we were able to feed many families in our community this holiday season!

By: Amy Cochren