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.