Tech Toolbox: Grown up sleds

As children, we laid awake looking out into the yard watching the snow fall. Coming in silent torrents, a blanket of snow transforms the land into a plush dreamscape of no school and downhill sledding. Through the years, the sled may change from a wooden frame with metal runners to a four wheel drive vehicle, but the feeling of exhilaration is the same. By the way, when was the last time you had your four wheel drive checked over?

 

Modern technology has brought about the convenience of push button four wheel drive; unfortunately, it also allows us to take for granted what four wheel drive means. A four wheel drive vehicle’s drive trains consist of three extra components: a front axle, drive shaft and a transfer case. A two wheel drive vehicle’s engine rotates the transmission which rotates the rear axle using the rear drive shaft. On a four wheel drive vehicle, the transmission rotates the transfer case which is capable of rotating either the rear drive shaft and front drive shaft at the same time or just the rear drive shaft. This system is referred to as selective four wheel drive, meaning the driver can select between four wheel and two wheel drive. On some vehicles, the transfer case always rotates both drive shafts resulting in full time four wheel drive.

On both selective four wheel drive and full time four wheel drive vehicles, the transfer case needs to be shifted between two wheel drive and four wheel drive modes. On push button models, this is achieved by an electronic motor referred to as an encoder motor. The front axle actuator is an electronic motor that locks the front axle to gather for four wheel drive operation. Both of these are controlled by a computer called the Transfer Case Control Module or TCCM.

In addition to providing four wheel drive and two wheel drive, the transfer case also has the capability to provide additional gear reduction to help in severe conditions. This function is referred to as low range four wheel drive.

Now that you know more about what happens when you push the four wheel drive button, you may ask yourself what it takes to ensure it is working when you need it. Both front and rear axles simply need the fluid changed and inspected for leaks or excessive play. The transfer case also needs its fluid changed, inspected for leaks and a functional check of the shifting mechanism. Front and rear drive shafts should have the splines and joints lubed and inspected for free range of motion.

Everett’s service staff will be glad to service your four wheel drive system; however, we are committed to more than just service. Our service staff not only has the knowledge to fix your vehicle, we also want to help you understand your vehicle. That’s the Everett Advantage and that’s what makes us better.

David Gibbs
Certified Service Technician
Everett Chevrolet Buick GMC

All-new Malibu put to the test against winter weather

In order to ensure improved quality and durability for Hickory area drivers, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Turbo engineers have taken vehicle development and validation testing to the extremes. The location for all of this torture testing? General Motors’ Climatic Wind Tunnel in Warren, Michigan, where all Chevrolet vehicles take on the elements.

The Malibu Turbo went on sale at Everett Chevrolet Buick GMC this past fall. Prior to arrival, on the hottest days of summer, Malibu Turbo withstood blizzard and hurricane conditions inside the wind tunnel. Inside this tunnel, the temperature can replicate 40 below zero and the wind can blow 150 mph. Even on the coldest nights of winter, the tunnel’s temperature can easily climb to 140 degrees under 1,155 watts per square meter of simulated sunshine.

At this state-of-the-art facility, engineers take vehicle development and validation testing to the extremes, subjecting powertrain cooling, cabin heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems to the harshest weather conditions found in Death Valley, California, and Denali, Alaska.

The wind tunnel also simulates driving actual roads with real-world weight burdens, such as hauling a fully loaded trailer up a steep incline by applying resistance through the wheels of the tunnel’s dynamometer, a tool that also allows simulated driving speeds of up to 155 mph.

Mother nature can put North Carolina drivers through the worst conditions. Torture testing is an essential part of production. The testing Malibu engineers conduct ensures that the car will perform extremely well when customers come face to face with harsh weather conditions.

Engineers used the tunnel’s blizzard-making capability to test Malibu Turbo’s air induction system, which is designed to prevent snow from clogging the vehicle’s air cleaning system. The system’s torturous path of multiple barriers blocks water molecules while allowing air to flow freely for engine combustion.

Malibu Turbo’s powertrain cooling system was developed in the tunnel and attuned to the car’s specific powertrain heat outputs and airflow characteristics to provide optimal performance even in extreme heat and cold. The system is designed to allow wide open throttle acceleration at egg-frying Death Valley temperatures, and has been validated in that desert location.

Malibu Turbo’s occupant comfort is just as important when the going gets hot. The car’s air conditioning system was tested against tunnel simulations of the high heat and humidity found along the Gulf Coast. This torture test helps ensure that Malibu Turbo’s all-new 2.0L engine delivers the rapid cool-down performance expected of a turbocharged power plant.

Climatic torture testing helps Chevrolet deliver improved quality and durability. Malibu topped the midsize sedan category in a recent third-party quality study, due in part to development work done at the Climatic Wind Tunnel.

 

 

 

 

New signs for Hickory Used

If you're driving down Highway 70 in Hickory, you should notice some major changes at Hickory Used Car Superstore. Last week, the store finally had its permanent signage and pole banners installed. We think it looks great!

Hickory Used Car Superstore - new showroom tower and service entry

 

Hickory Used Car Superstore - pole banners

 

So if you're in the neighborhood, please stop by and check out the new signs, browse our inventory, or have your vehicle serviced. Hickory Used Car Superstore is excited to grow and thrive in the Hickory community. For more information, visit www.hickoryused.com or call 828.855.9405.

Chevy's Giving More This Holiday Season

With Thanksgiving behind us, the Christmas spirit is officially sweeping through the dealership. The XM radio is set to Christmas music and poinsettias anoint desks around the store. There's that chill in the air and the incredible deals just keep getting better. This truly is a magical time of year.



For the 3rd year in a row, Everett Chevrolet Buick GMC is bringing back the successful Chevy’s Giving More calendar year-end event to help build a spirit of good cheer within Hickory.

The Chevy’s Giving More event not only means giving more savings or value to customers, but also giving more to the Hickory community.

During this holiday season, Everett Chevrolet Buick GMC has teamed up with Cops for Tots to collect new or gently-used toys to be donated to deserving families in need. Please stop by the dealership to donate your items or make monetary donations.

“Part of the idea of Chevy's Giving More is to not only give to the community but to give to our customers as well,” said David Everett, owner of Everett Chevrolet Buick GMC. “With our customers’ help, we are able to play a strong role in the community through our partnership with Cops for Tots.”

This year's Chevy's Giving More is bigger and better than ever. Customers can find finance and lease offers on new vehicles, including the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu and the entire 2013 lineup of Chevrolet cars and crossovers.

“The Chevy Giving More event is a great time to buy – whether it is to reward yourself, your business or those you care about most,” said David Everett.

Hickory Used Car Superstore Service & Tire Center Now Open

We're happy to announce that Hickory Used Car Superstore Service & Tire Center is now open to the public! You can expect the same great service that you received during your purchase experience. Please see our friendly service consultant Caleb Rice or contact him at 828.855.9405 x2217. Our full-service automotive center now offers the following services at affordable prices:

 

 •Lube, oil and filter changes
•New tires
•Brake services
•Alignments
•North Carolina State Inspections
•Batteries
•Wiper blades
•Transmission services
•Heating and cooling systems
•Engine diagnostic
•Paintless dent repair
•Interior trim repair

And much more! Please come by Hickory Used Car Superstore Service & Tire Center conveniently located at 625 Highway 70 in Hickory. Our expertly trained technicians and friendly service staff are ready to meet all your automotive needs and exceed your expectations. Please visit www.hickoryused.com to schedule your online service appointment or call us at 828.855.9405 x2217.

Tech Toolbox: Your Car Battery and Cold Weather

After the drowsy pleas to your alarm clock have produced little results and the coffee has been doctored up close to the octane rating of aviation fuel, it’s off to start your day. However, starting your vehicle may not be as simple if the battery has succumbed to the chilling effects of late fall.

With the exception of hybrid vehicles, most vehicles power their electrical system with a lead acid battery. A lead acid battery is made up of six cells consisting of two plates – one lead and one lead dioxide. These plates are suspended in a solution of sulfuric acid and water to form a galvanic cell. Chemical reactions take place in these galvanic cells resulting in the flow of electricity to your vehicle. Cold temperatures cause these chemical reactions to happen at a much slower rate, resulting in less electricity available to start your vehicle.

Batteries are also susceptible to internal short circuiting of cells. Corrosion build-up on battery connections can reduce the available amount of electricity. Also, devices that draw current when they fail to shut down create a constant parasitic drain on a battery.

No one, not even an experienced technician, wants to begin his morning by untangling jumper cables. So how can we prevent this? Methods of battery testing and diagnosis have evolved over the years from the primitive to the futuristic. Everett’s Certified Service & Tire Center is equipped with the latest starting and charging system testers.

Come by and see our knowledgeable service staff for a free battery inspection and test. From corrosion to internal problems, our Certified Service experts have the experience to identify and fix all that ails your battery.

David Gibbs
Certified Service Technician
Everett Chevrolet Buick GMC

Next-generation Corvette to Debut in Early 2013

The seventh-generation Corvette will debut January 13, 2013 in Detroit and to start the countdown to 1.13.13, Chevrolet and Everett Chevrolet Buick GMC previewed the new Crossed Flags logo for the new 2014 Corvette.

The new Crossed Flags logo was unveiled at Road Atlanta, where Corvette Racing celebrated a sweep of the 2012 production-based American Le Mans Series GT championships.

With the new Corvette, designers set out to build a world-challenging sports car with design, refinement, efficiency and driver engagement that is second to none. The result is a truly all-new Corvette for Hickory area drivers. There are only two carryover parts from the C6 used in the C7 - the cabin air filter and the rear latch for the removable roof panel.

For Hickory area Corvette drivers and enthusiasts, the all-new seventh-generation Corvette's design represents a distinctive American high-performance sports car. Everett Chevrolet Buick GMC is excited for the new Corvette to hit its showroom floor in 2013!

Evolution of the Crossed Flags Logo

The Crossed Flags logo has been a hallmark of the Corvette since its 1953 introduction. It has always incorporated a pair of flags, one a racing checkered flag and other featuring the Chevrolet "bowtie" emblem and a French fleur-de-lis. The design has evolved over the years, and has been featured on more than 1.5 million Corvettes built between 1953 and today.

For the seventh-generation Corvette, the Crossed Flags design is a more technical, more angular and more swept appearance - in proportion that symbolizes the new car. It is also a more detailed representation , showing greater depth, color and attention to detail.

More than 100 variations were considered before the final design was selected.

Over coming weeks, more information and video content about the seventh-generation Corvette will be unlocked on www.one13thirteen.com. Enthusiasts can join the conversation about the next-generation Corvette, as well as keep track of new announcements on Facebook (facebook/corvette) and Twitter @Chevrolet (#Corvette). Fans that follow the #one13thirteen hashtag on Twitter can look forward to exclusive updates.



10 Ways to Help Save Gas

With gas prices today, we understand that drivers are doing all they can to improve fuel efficiency. For just that reason, Everett Chevrolet Buick GMC's Certified Service & Tire Center offers a Fuel Saver Service Special. In the meantime, here are 10 simple ways to save gas:

Tune Up: Properly tuning your engine can improve fuel economy by as much as 4%. Fixing a serious issue - such as a faulty oxygen sensor - can boost mileage up to 40%. 

Pump Up: Properly inflated tires improve gas mileage by up to 3.3%. 

Unpack: An extra 100 pounds of cargo reduces fuel economy up to 2%. A loaded roof rack cuts fuel economy by up to 5%. 

Slow Down: Gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. Every 5 mph over 60 mph is like adding an additional 29 cents per gallon for gas. 

Avoid Idling: A car gets 0 mpg when the engine is idling. Idling can use a quarter to a half gallon of fuel per hour, depending on engine size and air conditioner use. 

Chill Out: Speeding, rapid acceleration and braking can lower gas mileage by 33% on the highway and 5% in city driving. 

Put It in Overdrive: Using an overdrive gear on the highway saves both fuel and engine wear.

Unclog: Replacing a severely plugged air filter on an older car with a carbureted engine improves fuel economy by up to 14%.

Use the Right Oil: Using the manufacturer's recommended grade of oil improves fuel economy by 1% - 2%. 

Plan Your Trips: Plan routes and timing to avoid heavy periods of traffic congestion.

Rehagen of Everett Chevrolet Buick GMC Named GM World Class Technician

Rehagen (center), the Everett Team and GM Reps

Out of the more than 28,000 Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac service technicians across the United States, Eric Rehagen of Everett Chevrolet Buick GMC is one of only 1,884 service technicians to achieve the elite status of General Motors World Class Technician. At an award ceremony held at the dealership on July 13th, 2012, Rehagen was presented with a Congratulatory Letter of Achievement, GM World Class Technician Patch and World Class Technician Statue.

Eric Rehagen, GM World Class Technician

 

The GM World Class Technician program takes service training to a whole new level “above” Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) industry training by adding comprehensive Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) training. General Motors service technicians have the unique opportunity to become World Class Technicians in the GM Service Technical College program.

 

“Eric has the rare qualities it takes to become a World Class Technician – dedication, commitment and most importantly a passion for the work he does. His career choice is more than just a job,” says Ed Jenkins, Service Manager at Everett Chevrolet Buick GMC. 

 

"Eric Rehagen is truly the best of the best, and we are proud to have him on our team helping us provide a truly exceptional customer experience for Hickory drivers,” says David Everett, Owner and President of Everett Chevrolet Buick GMC.

 

To become a World Class Technician, Rehagen completed more than 540 hours of training and achieved ASE and GM Master Technician certification in eight technical categories, including:

• Electrical/Electronics
• Engine Repair
• Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
• Brakes ASE Certification
• Steering and Suspension
• Manual Drivetrain and Axle
• Automatic Transmission and Transaxle
• Engine Performance or Diesel Engine Performance

A service technician can achieve GM World Class Technician status in two areas: Mechanical and Body, where both can be achieved when a technician successfully completes all related GM Service Technical College training and the appropriate GM Master Technician Certifications.

 

With this distinction, Rehagen joins an elite group of Certified Service experts. Everett Chevrolet Buick GMC of Hickory is proud to acknowledge Eric Rehagen as a GM World Class Technician.

Everett Earns the "Traveling Trophy" Two Months in a Row

Everett Certified Service & Tire Center - Hickory, NC

 

Congratulations to the entire Certified Service team at Everett Chevrolet Buick GMC for earning the Chevrolet Customer Satisfaction Leader trophy for the second month in a row! The "traveling trophy" is awarded to the Certified Service team with the highest customer satisfaction scores in the district. Congrats, Everett Team!

 The ladies of the Everett's Customer Care Center

Everett's Service Drive Team

2013 Buick Regal = Powertrain Innovation

The 2013 Buick Regal luxury sport sedan arrives at Everett Chevrolet Buick GMC this fall with a standard advanced eAssist powertrain and 36 highway mpg. Two powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engines give Regal one of the most technologically advanced engine ranges in the brand’s history.

 

With eAssist, Buick is redefining what a ‘conventional powertrain’ means to customers. It changes the fuel economy – but not the experience – for the 97 percent of new car buyers who aren’t buying hybrids.

Where a hybrid vehicle requires a complex system of large, heavy batteries and electric motors, Buick eAssist uses a compact lithium-ion battery and a small electric motor/generator in place of an alternator to achieve an EPA-estimated 36 highway mpg for both the Regal and the LaCrosse luxury sedans.

The eAssist system has three main advantages –its stop/start functionality, which turns the engine off when the vehicle is at rest; regenerative braking that gathers and stores energy that would otherwise be lost during braking; and an electric motor assist that reduces the gas engine’s work during acceleration or on inclines.

 

It takes advantage of the best parts of a hybrid, and eAssist is now standard equipment for Regal. These new functions happen seamlessly, a requirement for Hickory area Buick drivers who demand a refined driving experience. They’ll really only notice a difference at the pump.

Drivers interested in more acceleration can choose from a no-cost option of a 220-horsepower, 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec engine or the 270-hp Regal GS, both with variable valve timing and direct injection. In addition to one of the most power-dense engines ever certified by the Society of Automotive Engineers, the GS offers high-performance Brembo brakes, HiPer strut suspension technology and unique design cues inside and out.

Both Regal Turbo and Regal GS are offered with automatic or manual transmissions; Regal with eAssist is available exclusively with a six-speed automatic.

The Buick Regal name, which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2013, is a powertrain innovation pioneer. In 1975, it was the only mid-size vehicle in the United States to forego a standard V8 engine for a more efficient V6, while remaining competitive in performance. Three years later, the Regal employed a turbocharger.

In 1978, Buick was the only mainstream brand offering a turbocharged engine. Only small, performance-oriented brands like Porsche and Saab were experimenting with the same technology at the time. It was very progressive of Buick to offer a turbocharged V6 in a mid-size luxury coupe in the late ‘70s.

Regal powertrain engineers continued that innovation 19 years later, when the 1997 Buick Regal GS debuted with the brand’s first supercharged V6, rated at 240 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. It was among the most powerful and efficient vehicles in its segment and still achieved 28 highway mpg.

Today’s Buick Regal combines sport sedan handling with intelligent powertrain technologies. Regal with eAssist offers five more highway mpg than an Acura TSX and six more than a Volvo S60, while the Regal Turbo and Regal GS offer more power than turbocharged four-cylinder engines from Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen.

 

Welcome

Welcome to the new Everett Auto Team blog! We are excited to share more information with our customers and car shoppers. Our intent with this blog is to continue open dialogue with car enthusiasts across America and beyond. We look forward to "talking shop" and telling you more about Everett Auto Team.