Chevrolet starts selling diesel Cruze in U.S.

General Motors Co.’s Chevrolet brand confirmed last month in May that it has started selling its first diesel passenger car in the U.S. since 1986 with its 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel.

Chevrolet Vice President of Marketing, Chris Perry, has stated that GM has sold a few Cruze diesels, which first are being sold in 13 metro markets selected for having a high diesel penetration. The vehicles will be available nationally in the fall 2013!

There is a growth in popularity for diesel technology in the U.S.  The Cruze diesel is powered by a 2-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine, has peak torque of 264 foot-pounds, and is certified at 151 horsepower, with more standard features.

“From a packaging standpoint what we offer in our vehicles, we think is a much more superior product,” Perry said. “As mentioned earlier, people getting into this marketplace are mostly concerned about performance and fuel economy. If you look at our numbers there, the Chevrolet clean turbo diesel offers better horsepower, better torque, more miles on tank of fuel, over 700 miles on tank of fuel. And the best news is we have achieved 46 miles per gallon highway.”

The Cruze diesel starts at $25,695.

Source: http://www.detroitnews.com

JBA Chevrolet
7327 Ritchie Highway
Glen Burnie, MD
443-763-5076

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Introducing the All New 2014 Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet revealed the roomier and more fuel efficient 2014 Chevrolet Malibu on Friday, May 31, 2013. This new innovated car comes with a bag full of great features.

The new and enhanced features include:

• Roomier rear seat with 1.25 inches (31.7 mm) more knee room
• Redesigned center console
• Revised front-end appearance
• New 2.5L engine with variable lift control and start/stop technology helps deliver estimated fuel economy of 23 city/35 highway – 5% improvement in city mileage and 3% greater highway efficiency
• Nearly 14% more torque from the available 2.0L turbo engine – 295 lb-ft of torque – engineered for a greater feeling of power on demand
• Suspension enhancements derived from the all-new 2014 Impala engineered to contribute to a more refined driving experience
• New available Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features

The exterior and interior have been changed to meet the needs of our customers. For the interior, we created greater rear-seat space and great comfort, by redesigning the seats to meet your comfort. The front seatbacks are shaped to improve rear-seat knee room, while new cushion sculpturing and revised cushion material allows passengers to sit deeper in the rear seats.

The front-end appearance of the 2014 Malibu is influenced by the brand new Impala, creating a more cohesive look across Chevrolet’s sedan lineup.

The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu will be going on sale this Fall 2013. Keep your eyes open for the new 2014 Chevrolet Malibu!

JBA Chevrolet
7327 Ritchie Highway
Glen Burnie, MD
443-763-5076

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Inside the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray coupe and convertible are entirely new and completely updated for only the seventh time since the model was launched back in 1953. Chevy has taken lessons learned from the world of racing and translated them directly to its venerable sports cars. Lightweight materials, stronger brakes, and a more powerful engine represent only a few of the engineering tweaks that make the Corvette Stingray better than ever.

The standard GT seats, and optional Competition Sport versions, feature lightweight magnesium frames for reduced weight and greater rigidity. The Sport seats include more aggressive bolstering, to keep you firmly in place when the driving is serious and the road ahead gets twisty.

The Drive Mode Selector has five driver-programmable settings: Weather, Eco, Tour, Sport and Track. Using the rotary knob to choose your desired setting, the Corvette Stingray adjusts a range of driving parameters, including shift points, throttle response, steering feel, the electronic limited-slip differential, active exhaust system, and traction control system. Even the car’s instrument gauges adjust to the chosen driving mode. In Track mode, for example, the gauge cluster includes a lap timer and copies a design used in the C6.R race car.

All Corvette Stingrays have a carbon-fiber hood, to reduce weight and lower the center of gravity for sharper dynamics. Corvette coupes also come with a carbon-fiber roof.

A 7-speed manual transmission is available for the first time in a Corvette. The extra gear helps improve performance and overall fuel economy. An active rev-matching feature electronically ‘anticipates’ your next gear, then blips the throttle for faster, more seamless gear changes. A dual-mass flywheel and dual-disc clutch also contribute to the new Corvette’s more precise shift quality. A 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shifters mounted to the steering wheel is also available.

Rumors of a turbocharged V-6 finding its way under the hood proved to be well wide of the mark. That doesn’t mean Chevrolet’s engineers left the naturally-aspirated V-8 engine alone. The 6.2-liter LT1 V-8 develops 450-hp and 450 lb.-ft. of torque. To boost performance and fuel economy, the engine includes active fuel management, continuously variable valve timing, an advanced combustion system, and direct injection.

High-performance slotted Brembo brakes are also part of the Z51 Performance Package.

Believe it or not, the new Corvette has narrower wheels than the outgoing model. Yet Chevy finessed the dynamics so the Corvette Stingray, when equipped with the optional Z51 Performance Package, pulls a neck-straining 1g while cornering – that’s equal to the 2013 Corvette Grand Sport. According to Chevy, the narrower and lighter wheels and tires reduce steering effort, limit road noise, and reduce rolling resistance. The standard Corvette Stingray now rides on run-flat Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires (18 x 8.5-inch front and 19 x 10-inch rear) which have been developed specifically for the car. Choosing the Z51 Performance Package nets you larger rubber (19 x 8.5-inch front and 20 x 10-inch rear) riding on forged aluminum wheels.

You may have noticed that little aquatic creature swimming along the front fenders of the new Corvette. First introduced in 1963, the Stingray name finally makes its highly-anticipated return. Don’t expect a rear split-window, like the one used on the famous 1963 coupe original. That flashy styling feature sure looked cool, but it limited rear visibility and lasted only one year before Chevy’s engineering team gave it the heave-ho.

Fender vents relieve air pressure under the hood, to minimize aerodynamic drag. The functional hood scoop on the Corvette Stingray mimics the one used on Chevrolet’s C6.R racing car. A variety of factory-backed and privateer race teams have scored multiple victories and class championships around with the potent C6.R. That’s no easy task, considering the competition has included the finest racing machines from the likes of Aston Martin, Porsche, Lamborghini, Ferrari and Maserati.

Nothing went overlooked in Chevrolet’s quest to lighten the Corvette. The suspension features hollow cast aluminum control arms to reduce unsprung weight and sharpen the ride and handling balance.

Electric power steering offers different steering ratios and levels of effort depending on the drive mode. Steering column stiffness is increased by a whopping 150-percent compared with the previous Vette.

Chevy worked overtime to trim weight from the Corvette. The car’s new aluminum frame is 99 pounds lighter, and 57-percent stiffer, than the previous one.

JBA Chevrolet
7327 Ritchie Highway
Glen Burnie, MD
443-763-5076

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How to remove a sticker from your car

While removing stickers isn’t as easy as putting them on, here’s some advice that should make the job a little less sticky.

What you need:

• Hair dryer with hot air settings
• Razor blade or a box cutter (if removing from glass)
• Sturdy plastic card — could be a library card, credit card, frequent shopper card or ID
• Two clean rags or detailing towels
• Glass cleaning solution (if removing from glass)
• Tree sap remover solution
• Quick detailing spray

What to do:

1. Ensure that the sticker and the surrounding area are free of dirt. Doing this removal process works best after a car wash.

2. Plug in the hair dryer, turn the heat setting to hot and hold the hair dryer just a few inches above the sticker. Do not place the hair dryer directly on top of the sticker and the car’s paint.

3. Keep the hair dryer over the center area for a few seconds, making sure the air coming out is hot and then slowly begin to move it around the rest of the sticker. You want to heat the edges of the sticker last so you can prep for the next step.

4. After you’ve let the sticker heat up, use the plastic card at an angle to gently scrape up under the sticker. You can also try using your fingertips. If the surface area is hot enough, you will be able to slide the card under the sticker’s edge and begin to peel it away.

Repeating steps 2-3 a few more times may make a cumbersome presidential campaign sticker that’s been on your bumper since the last time your party won easier to remove. You can also try moving the plastic card or razor blade back and forth while you slide it under the sticker’s surface.

If you’re removing a sticker from your car’s glass, use the box cutter or razor blade at a slight angle. Do not use a box cutter or razor blade on your car’s paint; it will cause damage. On glass you will be able to apply a bit heavier pressure, if needed, to remove the sticker.

5. Continue to push the plastic card — or razor blade — underneath the sticker until it completely breaks away from the car’s surface. It is completely normal for the sticker to break apart during this removal process.

6. Once the sticker is removed, you can repeat steps 1-4 to remove any sticky residue or remnants. Tree sap remover also works great. Just apply a few drops onto a clean rag or detailing cloth and scrub away. If there’s sticky residue on your car’s glass, use the razor blade to gently scrape it away.

7. When that part of the car is completely clear of any sticker and its residue, polish it off with some glass cleaner or quick detailing spray

(source – Kicking Tires http://bit.ly/13Hy4l6)

JBA Chevrolet
7327 Ritchie Highway
Glen Burnie, MD
443-763-5076

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Kirk Bennion had five goals in mind when designing the exterior of the Corvette C7 Stingray

In a recent interview with Autoweek Design Forum  Kirk Bennion was asked: Was it daunting to work on a car with such a rich history?  His answer: “I tell people, you acquire a tribal knowledge of the car. I learned some things while working on the Corvette from 1986 to 1989. And you do realize that one, you have to be very respectful of the car because it is such a huge icon, but there’s also a lot of effort that you have to put in a car like this. There’s a knowledge that you have to have for the past cars and there’s an expectation, but there’s also a willingness to take those cars to the next level. It’s a big-time commitment.”

The team had five goals when they began work on the 2014 Corvette Stingray. He says working on developing a Corvette is a “special deal … and we work on it as much as we can and as hard as we can.” Delve more into Kirk’s passion by checking out the video.

The Stingray is an exciting looking car!  Kirk and his team’s passion has shown through.

JBA Chevrolet
7327 Ritchie Highway
Glen Burnie, MD
443-763-5076

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Chevrolet production cars at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show

2013 CHEVROLET CAMARO ZL1 CONVERTIBLE: Bowtie fans were excited to eyewitnesses a pre-production 2013 Camaro ZL1 Convertible displayed during the last year’s Chicago Auto Show (CAS). Making a second appearance at the 2013 CAS is the Camaro ZL1 soft-top, but this time as a production model. For 2013, this serious Camaro comes equipped with the technologically advanced ZL1 performance package, making this “bowtie” muscle car track-capable right from the showroom. Were talking suspensions that are specifically tuned for high-performance driving, and a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 that generates a roaring 580 horsepower with power delivered to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Stopping power is via robust Brembo brakes composed of the largest rotors ever fitted to a Camaro. A new Blue Ray metallic shade is added to the exterior color palate, and for 2013, the inside rearview mirror is frameless and color touch radio and navagation with seven-inch screen is available. For the record, the 2013 Camaro ZL1 can streak from 0 to 60 mph in four seconds and has an advertised top speed of 184 mph. On an historical note: The ZL1 name is derived from the all-aluminum racing engine of the same name, which was developed in the late 1960s and installed into a handful of regular-production 1969 Camaros.

2013 CHEVROLET CRUZE: Chevrolet’s best-selling passenger car around the world is the Cruze four-door sedan, due to the amenities, quietness, safety features, infotainment and roominess expected of a larger sedan, but with the efficiency and value of a compact car. For 2013, the Cruze models sold in North America are available in LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ trim levels, as well as a gas-sipping Eco package. Cruise is available with one of two four-cylinder engines and a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. Both the turbocharged 1.4-liter and the 1.8-liter engines generate 138 horsepower. The Eco model achieves an EPA-estimated 42 mpg highway, by using the 1.4 engine, six-speed manual, improved aerodynamics and lighter parts. Cruze Eco also is available with a six-speed automatic transmission, rated at 39 mpg highway. Appearance wise, the Cruze wears Chevy’s global signature two-tier grille with the gold bowtie logo, arching roofline and short deck proportions. A sporty RS appearance package is offered on LT and LTZ models, which includes unique fascia’s, rocker moldings, rear spoiler and fog lamps. All Cruze interiors feature twin-cockpit, five-passenger seating, quality materials and standard OnStar. Although the Chevy Cruze is rated as a compact car, it has a trunk with an ample 15.4 cubic feet of cargo room. New exterior colors include Cyber Gray Metallic, Champagne Silver Metallic and Atlantis Blue Metallic. Two audio systems – including an AM/FM audio system with GPS-enabled navigation and a seven-inch-diagonal color touch-screen, are also new for 2013.

2013 CHEVROLET EQUINOX: As one of the most popular small crossovers, the Chevrolet Equinox enters into 2013 with a new 301 horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 engine. Compared to the previous 3.0L V-6, that’s 14 percent more hp, yet Equinox maintains the same 24 mpg on the highway. Backing up the 3.6L is a new FE2 suspension package and a choice of 18-inch or 19-inch chrome-clad wheels. When equipped with the standard Ecotec 2.4L direct-injected engine, the Equinox achieves an estimated 32 mpg highway. All Chevrolet Equinox engines are connected to GM Hydra-Matic six-speed automatics, and an “Eco” transmission mode on 2.4L-equipped models alters shift points to improve fuel economy. As a SUV/crossover, the 2013 Equinox can seat five, or when rear seats are down, provide up to 63.7 cu. ft. of cargo-carrying room. A power convenience package contains a new universal home remote, eight-way power front passenger seat and power-assisted programmable liftgate. Trim levels for the ’13 Chevy Equinox consist of the LS, LT (1LT and 2LT trims) and LTZ, as well as front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. Additional new features this year are the available rear-seat, dual-player DVD entertainment system with a dual displays in the seat backs and dual wireless headphones. Consumers can also opt for the Chevrolet MyLink Radio with navigation, hands-free route guidance, standard blind spot mirrors, rear-vision camera, plus, the forward collision alert and lane departure warning systems that are available for both four-cylinder and V-6 models.

2013 CHEVROLET IMPALA: As Chevrolet prepares to make way for an all-new Impala for the 2014 model year, the ’13 Impala is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models. There also is a new Luxury Edition Package on LT retail and fleet models for 2013. It includes front leather seating surfaces, heated driver and front passenger seats, a full year of SiriusXM Satellite Radio and other comfort and convenience features. All 2013 Impala sedans come powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 DOHC direct injection engine with variable valve timing and E85 FlexFuel capability. It’s rated 300 horsepower delivers an EPA-estimated 30 mpg highway. A six-speed automatic transmission also contributes to the Impala’s fuel efficiency. For 2013, Crystal Red Tintcoat, available on LT and LTZ, joins Impala’s existing colors of Silver Ice Metallic, Black, Summit White, Victory Red and Ashen Gray Metallic. The Impala cabin can transport up to six-passengers when ordering the optional front bench seat. Interior colors include Ebony; two-tone Neutral with Ebony door, console and instrument panel trim; and Gray. Large trunk provides up to 18.5 cu. ft. of cargo room, and a generous pass-through from the trunk can be created with flip-and-fold rear seats. For history buffs, the Chevrolet Impala was first offered for the 1958 model year, and continues today as a consistent top-seller in the U.S. large sedan segment.

2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU: Chicago area consumers were among the first to see the all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu midsize sedan displayed at last year’s Chicago Auto Show. Back for a return engagement, the ’13 Malibu continues as the auto industry’s longest-running midsize nameplate, spanning 36 years and eight generations. The 2013 Malibu wears fresh exterior styling that carries DNA from its sibling vehicles, the Camaro and Corvette. With a wide, athletic stance the Malibu is offered in LS, LT and LTZ trim levels, with 10 exterior and four interior color combination choices. Dual-cockpit, five-passenger interior provides nearly four cubic feet of additional interior volume, along with more shoulder and hip room, more quietness, more premium materials and content, and greater craftsmanship compared to the previous model. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine comes with the next-generation Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission, and is rated at 190 horsepower with 180 lb. ft. of torque to the front-wheels. Examples of high tech items available include Chevrolet MyLink in-car infotainment system that integrates online services like Pandora Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio. Tailored trunk can carry 16.3 cu. ft. of groceries or luggage.

2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO HD: The full-size Chevrolet Silverado HD enters its third year, with 10 2500HD models and eight single- and dual-rear wheel 3500HD. This includes regular cab (2-3 passengers), extended cab and crew cab (5-6 passenger) body styles, offered with short or long bed, in two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. Consumers have a choice of a Vortec 6.0-liter V-8 that delivers 360 horsepower, or the 397 hp Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel V-8. Both are backed by six-speed automatic transmissions. New for 2013, is bi-fuel compressed natural gas fuel system and 6.0L V-8 bi-fuel engine optional on the 2500HD extended cab. Available features include navigation radio with a built-in hard drive, heated/cooled seats for LTZ models, and a Z71 Off-Road appearance package. Updates to the trailer hitch receiver enable the increase in conventional towing to 18,000-pounds from 17,000-lbs. For greater fifth-wheel towing capacity, engineers strengthened the pickup box structures along with the rear springs, U-bolts, and revised shock tuning, all of which contribute to the Silverado 3500 HD’s best-in-class tow rating of 23,100-lbs, up from 21,700. Similarly, Silverado leads its class in payload, with a 7,222-lb. capacity. New exterior colors are Deep Ruby metallic and Blue Topaz metallic.

2013 CHEVROLET SONIC: Introduction in late 2011, the Chevrolet Sonic continues as the only subcompact built in America – available in two body styles: a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback in LS, LT, LTZ and now the new RS levels. Sonic exterior styling incorporates raked body lines, motorcycle-inspired round head and taillights, rear door handles in C-pillar (five door), and wheels-at-the-corners proportions for distinctive appearance. Power is supplied by Ecotec four-cylinder engines, both generating 138 horsepower. The 1.4-liter turbo comes with the six-speed manual, while the 1.8L is obtainable with a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic. To handle the broad range of driving conditions in North America, GM engineers who also work on the Corvette tuned the Sonic’s ride and handling, giving it more direct feel. All Sonic models seat five passengers, and come equipped with OnStar that uses GPS and cellular phone technology. Cargo volume on the sedan is 14 cu.ft., and a maximum of 30.7 cu. ft with rear seat folded flat on the five-door. Options include remote start (standard on LT), heated front seats and power, tilt-sliding sunroof. New of 2013 is a rear decklid spoiler on the LTZ sedan. Sonic is offered in eight brilliant colors, with titles such as, Inferno Orange metallic and Crystal Red tintcoat.

2013 CHEVROLET SPARK: Chevrolet’s first mini car for North America, the 2013 Spark, is a fashionable five-door hatchback with the look of a sporty three-door. Spark is geared towards first-time buyers and urban residents. With bold styling, affordability, safety features, fuel efficiency and maneuverability, the Spark comes powered by a fuel-sipping 1.2-liter four-cylinder that delivers 84 horses. The dual-overhead cam engine is mated to a standard five-speed manual gearbox or optional four-speed automatic transmission. Though compact, Spark offers a comfortable four-passenger cabin, or when rear seating is down, an impressive 31.2 cu. ft. of cargo room. Spark offers OnStar safety and security system, as well as exclusive MyLink infotainment system, which features the personalized connectivity of Pandora and Stitcher internet radio. Styling enhancements for 2013 include a fresh grille and front fascia, a longer rear fascia, and modified head and taillights. Spark’s wheels-at-the-corners stance is further emphasized by standard 15-inch alloy wheels and all-season tires. Take note of how the designers cleverly disguised the rear doors by integrating the handles into the C-pillar area. Attention-grabbing exterior finishes include Salsa Red, Jalapeno, Denim, Lemonade and Techno Pink, as well traditional black, silver and white hues.

2013 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN: Chevrolet Suburban is the original SUV and the oldest continuous nameplate in automotive history, having been introduced in 1935. The 2013 lineup is composed of LS, LT and LTZ models, offered in rear-wheel and four-wheel drive, as well as 1500 and heavy-duty 2500 series. The LTZ is available only on 1500 series. All 1500 models are powered by a Vortec 5.3-liter V-8 that develops 320 horsepower; is E85-capable and matched with GM’s Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission. Suburban 2500 features the Vortec 6.0L V-8, rated at 352hp that comes paired with the heavy-duty Hydra-matic six-speed automatic. Three rows of seating are standard on all models. The second row is available as a three-passenger bench with a 60/40 split or two bucket seats. Interior configurations can seat six- to nine-passengers, and behind the first-row seats, Suburban offers up to 137.4 cubic feet of cargo room. A power-operated liftgate is available on LT and standard on LTZ. The half-ton two-wheel drive models provides up to 8,100 pounds of towing capability, while the heavy duty Suburban 2500 3/4-ton package can tow up to 9,600 pounds. OnStar is standard on all Suburban models. New for 2013 is a trio of exterior colors, including Champagne Silver Metallic, Concord Metallic and Blue Ray Metallic. Also new is powertrain grade braking in the normal transmission mode that uses engine torque to help slow the vehicle on descents, which helps reduce brake wear.

2013 CHEVROLET TAHOE: Built on GM’s full-size SUV platform, the 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe continues to offer spaciousness and a strong towing capability of up to 8,500 pound. The Tahoe is available in LS, LT, LTZ and Hybrid models, as well as rear-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations. Buyers have a selection of powerplants, starting with the 5.3-liter V-8 that provides 320 horsepower on gasoline, or 326hp when sipping E85 fuel. Each comes with a six-speed automatic transmission. Another option is the Tahoe Hybrid that receives a 6.0L V-8 in combination with a two-mode electric hybrid system for a total of 332hp. That setup is linked to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for optimum fuel economy. Three rows of seating are standard on all models for up to nine-passengers, and when middle and rear seating are down, there is a spacious 108.9 cu. ft of room for all kinds of cargo. Among the goodies on the optional Z71 Off Road appearance package are high-pressure, gas-charged monotube shocks, 18-inch on/off road tires, large, color-keyed wheel flares, and bright chrome front grille insert for that one-of-a kind appearance. New for 2013 is a powertrain grade braking in normal transmission mode, and three fresh metallic colors: Champagne Silver, Concord, and Blue Ray.

2013 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE: Featuring a fresh athletic-inspired exterior design, the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse crossover-utility vehicle offers consumers class-leading three-row seating for up to eight adults, and more cargo-carrying capacity than any other vehicle in its segment. For 2013, Traverse is offered in LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ trim levels, in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. Powertrain includes the 3.6-liter V-6 with fuel-saving direct injection technology and continuously variable valve timing, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. With single exhaust the V-6 is rated at 266 horsepower, and 270 hp with dual pipes. These set-ups offer a towing capacity of up to 5,200 pounds. Fresh styling cues include a new power dome hood, horizontal grille, new lamps, chrome accents, and sculpted front corners. At the rear are redesigned taillights and license plate pocket positioned in the new lift gate for a sportier look. Upgraded interior can be ordered in cloth or leathers seating in three color choices, all with soft-touch surfaces on the instrument panel and front door uppers, plus, chrome and silver accents, and available blue ambient lighting that flows through the cabin. Traverse enhances its safety reputation with the industry’s first front center side air bag, and comes standard with a rearview camera system. With second and third row seating folded, there is up to 116.3 cu. ft. of cargo room.

2013 CHEVROLET VOLT: Chevy’s innovative “antidote to pain at the pump,” is the 2013 Volt electric car. The front-wheel drive Volt five-door hatchback is unique from a hybrid or plug-in hybrid because the vehicle’s wheels are always driven electrically by an electric drive unit. The 149 horsepower liquid-cooled AC motor and Voltec electric drive tranaxle is combined with a 1.4-liter four-cylinder, 84 hp gasoline engine. Based on EPA estimates, the Volt offers a total driving range of up to 382 miles. For the first 35 miles, the Volt can drive gas- and tailpipe-emissions free using a full charge of electricity. When the Volt’s battery runs low, a gas-powered engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range another 347 miles on a full change. For 2013, the Volt offers a low-emissions package for single-occupancy lane access, body color roof and liftgate, pebble beige leather-appointed seats with suede inserts, and special Comfort and Safety packages. Chevrolet MyLink includes Bluetooth streaming audio for music and select phones; standard AM/FM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback. Two seven-inch, high-resolution full-color screens are featured: One is a reconfigurable graphic cluster display and the other, in the center stack, features a touch-screen display with touch-control switches and integrated shifter. Available 17-inch sport alloy wheels feature black inserts. The four-passenger interiors add two additional accents, white and spiced red, with 10.6 cu. ft. of cargo room.

JBA Chevrolet
7327 Ritchie Highway
Glen Burnie, MD
443-763-5076

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Night Driving

Some people enjoy driving at night, while some hate the idea… with good reason.  Fatalities on the road occur at a rate three times greater at night than during the day, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). While only a quarter of all driving is done at night, more than half of all driving deaths occur then.

Three different factors usually combine to make these deadly figures what they are: fatigue, alcohol and poor visibility.

Fatigue is a killer on the road, you should take your drowsiness very seriously. That split-second you have to react could be the difference between life and death. If you are feeling sleepy, take as few risks as possible.  Driving for 12 hours or more without sleeping is about as bad as driving drunk, so it’s better to make stops, stretch, drink a cup of coffee. The NHSTA estimates falling asleep at the wheel is responsible for at least 100,000 automobile crashes, 40,000 injuries, and 1,550 fatalities every year. If you really must complete your journey, pull up to a rest area and take a 20 minute nap.

Alcohol. Police have been aggressively targeting drunk-drivers everywhere, but unless they install scanners in every car, alcohol will continue to be a big problem. More deadly car crashes take place on weekend nights when people have been to the pubs than at any other time of the week. You might not have been drinking, but that other guy…

Visibility is the biggest problem when driving at night. Car headlights only allow us to see a small portion of the road ahead. We’ve found that headlights even in brand-new cars are sometimes uneven or pointed lower than necessary. So it’s worth the effort to aim them correctly. If you do it yourself, use the instructions in your owner’s manual. And be patient. It may take a few tries before you have them pointed perfectly. Just make sure those newly aimed lights are not blinding oncoming traffic.

Even lights that are aimed correctly can cast a dim glow if something is blocking the light, so be sure to clean the road grime from your headlights often. If you have an older car with plastic lens covers, those covers might have yellowed or faded over the years. The best fix is to buy a headlight polish kit to remove the haze so your lights shine through brightly. In clear weather, your headlights should allow you to see for about 100 meter or about 350 feet.

These artificial lights also dull our vision and decrease the sharpness of peripheral sight. Some people may also experience a warped perception of distance or shape. If you do, you might want to consult an eye doctor.

Here are a few other things to keep in mind:

• Dim Your Instrument Panel and Dash Lights.  Cars come with dashboard dimmer switches for a reason. If you’re driving around with the dash light on max, you could be compromising your forward vision. Racers take the nighttime driving very seriously—in fact, endurance racers and rally drivers cover their dashboards with black felt to avoid stray reflections. While you shouldn’t do that in a road car, we like to turn down the dash brightness quite a bit.

• Become a Retina Spotter. On dark country roads, animals are everywhere. An encounter between wildlife and your car can be devastating—to you, the beastie, and certainly your vehicle. But here’s a trick: You can often see the reflections of your headlights in an animal’s eyes long before you can see the animal itself. Pairs of tiny bright spots in the distance are a clear warning that an animal is in front of you down the road. The best strategy when encountering large animals like deer: Slow down as quickly as you can. If you try to steer around a deer, they often will follow your lights and move in front of you.

• Limit your speed and have good lane discipline. Just because you haven’t seen a car for a couple of minutes doesn’t mean you should clip corners, skip lanes or cut across on mountain roads.

• If there is another driver coming towards you, keep your headlights on low beams so you don’t blind them. If he fails to do the same, the best thing you can do is look at the right side of the road and use that to steer the car.

• If you’re attempting a long trip at night, make plenty of strops along the way at gas stations. The light will trick your body into waking up a bit, while coffee can keep you awake for a couple of hours. Light exercise is always a must to get blood going and reduce fatigue in joints.

Lastly, if something happens to your car or if you do have an accident, try to pull off the road completely. Turn the warning flashers on and the dome light. Place the reflectors or flares on the right side of the road and if possible get everybody out of the car and well away from the road. You wouldn’t believe how many trucks end up ramming cars that are stopped on the side of the road.

Safe driving!

JBA Chevrolet
7327 Ritchie Highway
Glen Burnie, MD
443-763-5076

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New Year’s Resolutions for Every Car Owner

While we all know we should constantly strive to improve ourselves, the start of a New Year is a good catalyst to change bad habits and adopt good ones. If you own a car, there are probably several things you know you should be doing but tend to let slide. This year, resolve to make these simple changes in your behavior and get a little more life–and money–out of your vehicle.

“I will change my oil every 7000 miles.”

We all know we’re supposed to get regular oil changes, but it’s easy to ignore that little sticker on the corner of your windshield. Changing your oil at proper intervals–typically every 7000 miles–will extend the life of your engine and save you money in the long-run. Check your owner’s manual for the correct intervals for your vehicle.

“I will keep my tires properly inflated and rotated.”

Most of us don’t consider our tire pressure very often (or ever), but making sure your tires’ PSI is correct will help improve gas mileage, traction and the life of your rubber. Most gas stations have free air (with a built-in pressure gauge) that you can use, and they’ll almost always make sure your tires are in good shape when you get your oil changed. Don’t forget to get your tires rotated every five to ten thousand miles to ensure even wear on the tread, thus prolonging their longevity.

“I will not eat, or smoke in my car.”

Due to long commutes, short lunch hours, or busy schedules, many of us find ourselves stuck on the road for a meal at one time or another. While eating on the go may seem inevitable, resolve to stop using your steering wheel as a dining table come 2013. Not only will your car stay cleaner and smell better (especially if you make your car a “no smoking zone”), eating while driving is a form of distracted driving that increases your odds of an accident by 80%!

“I will not text while driving.”

Speaking of distracted driving, though many states have passed laws to prevent it, at least a third of us admit to sending or receiving text messages while behind the wheel. Texting while driving makes an accident 23 times more likely than if you’re focused on the road, and approximately 15 deaths per day could be prevented if we all waited ’til we arrived at our destination to send that “LOL”.

“I will keep my ride clean.”

In addition to increasing the aesthetic value of your ride, keeping your car clean will prolong the life of your paint and interior. Particles of dirt and other compounds (like bird poop) will damage your paint if left unattended for too long. A good rule is to clean the interior of your car once per week, by simply throwing away trash, and get a wash and vacuum once a month.

“I will put together a roadside survival kit.’

You can never predict a roadside emergency, and they can happen to even the newest cars. A dead battery or flat tire can ruin your day if you aren’t prepared for whatever car trouble might pop up. We’ve previously recommended you carry a roadside emergency kit, and there’s no better time than now to gather everything together and store it in your trunk.

“I will schedule two checkups for my car in 2013”

Regardless of how well you think you know your vehicle, a well-trained (and certified) technician can always spot things ahead of time that you might miss. Taking the time to schedule a checkup twice a year may seem obsessive, but preventative maintenance at the hands of a qualified professional is cheap insurance. Stay ahead of the game when it comes to know what kind of shape your car is in.

“I will address my car’s minor problems early”

This is perhaps the easiest responsibility to overlook, but the potential consequences of doing so can be catastrophic. It’s easy to hear a strange noise in your vehicle and hope that it will go away. Unfortunately, this rarely happens. Don’t put off minor maintenance or easy repair work. Doing so can lead to larger problems and larger repair bills in the end. Bite the bullet, fix what’s wrong, and your car will last a lot longer.

Let the new year begin!

JBA Chevrolet
7327 Ritchie Highway
Glen Burnie, MD
443-763-5076

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Safe Winter Driving Practices

While looking around on the Maryland MVA (Motor Vehicle Administration) website, their ‘Safe Winter Driving’ page caught my eye. Winter driving always seems to catch us off guard, it comes every year, but we forget how to drive in winter conditions at the start.  So, here’s a friendly reminder, and some tips on how to stay on the road without breaking down or crunching your car.

Service your vehicle now. No one wants to break down in any season, but especially not in cold or snowy winter weather. Start the season off right by ensuring your vehicle is in optimal condition. (Schedule your Service Appointment at JBA Chevrolet online)

Check your battery. When the temperature drops, so does battery power. Plus, it takes more power to start your vehicle in cold weather than in warm. Find out if your battery is up to the challenges of winter.

Check your cooling system.  When coolant freezes, it expands. Such expansion can potentially damage your vehicle’s engine block beyond repair. Don’t let this happen to your vehicle this winter!

Fill the washer reservoir.  You can go through a lot of windshield wiper fluid fairly quickly in a single snowstorm, so be prepared for whatever Mother Nature might send your way. Keep an extra bottle in the trunk.

Keep windows and mirrors clean.  Safe winter driving depends on achieving and maintaining the best visibility possible. Good visibility is always important, but even more so during the winter months when road conditions can make driving extremely hazardous.

Check your windshield wipers and defrosters.  The summer has a tendency to dry-out wiper blades, making them brittle enough to crack and come apart. Now is the time to change your windshield wipers before you get caught in the rain or in a snowstorm.

Inspect your tires.  Regardless of the season, you should inspect your tires at least once a month and always before embarking on a long road trip. It only takes about five minutes. If you find yourself driving under less-than-optimal road conditions this winter, you’ll be glad you took the time!

Know your vehicle.  Every vehicle handles somewhat differently; this is particularly true when driving on wet, icy, or snowy roads. Take time now to learn how to best handle your vehicle under winter weather driving conditions.

• Practice cold weather driving when your area gets snow — but not on a main road! Until you’ve sharpened your winter weather driving skills and know how your vehicle handles in snowy conditions, it’s best to practice in an empty lot in full daylight.
• Drive slowly. It’s harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface. On the road, sufficiently increase your following distance to provide a safety cushion between your vehicle and others on the road. Braking time is slower in these conditions, and you must allow yourself more room.
• A word of caution about braking: Know what kind of brakes your vehicle has and how to use them properly. In general, if you have anti-lock brakes, apply firm pressure, if you have non anti-lock brakes, pump the brakes gently.
• If you find yourself in a skid, stay calm and ease your foot off the gas while carefully steering in the direction you want the front of your vehicle to go. This procedure, known as “steering into the skid,” will bring the back end of your car in line with the front.

Stock your vehicle.  Carry items in your vehicle to handle common winter driving tasks — such as cleaning off your windshield — as well as any supplies you might need in an emergency. Keep the following on hand:

• Snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper.
• Abrasive material, such as sand or kitty litter, in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow.
• Jumper cables, flashlight and warning devices, such as flares and markers.
• Blankets for protection from the cold.
• A cell phone, water, food, and any necessary medicine (for longer trips or when driving in lightly populated areas).

Plan ahead, know your travel route and allow extra travel time.  Keep yourself and others safe by planning ahead before you venture out into bad weather. Driving in bad weather usually takes longer and is more stressful. Check the weather, road conditions, and traffic; plan to leave early if necessary.

JBA Chevrolet
7327 Ritchie Highway
Glen Burnie, MD
443-763-5076

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Related articles

• Spotlight on Safety: 5 Winter Driving Tips (allstate.com)

2013 Chevy Malibu – A Quiet Experience

The Quest for Quiet Is the Latest (Shhh!) Trend

Contributed by Dylan Schenker

As a writer, I spend a lot of time staring at a computer. The first thing I do in the morning is flip open my laptop and start looking at my Google Reader. Scroll, scroll, scroll. Click, click, click—as if my sole mission was to know every little thing, just in order to keep up. It may be quiet in the room, but for hours it’s an endless flood of noisy information, softened barely by the glow of the computer screen. And since we’re constantly plugged in, with Facebook and Twitter and Wikipedia, not to mention smart phones and WiFi, when does it ever stop? What happened to…silence?

Apparently, I’m not the only one asking: The quest for quiet is surfacing as a silent trend. According to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, more people are quieting their lives by taking silent retreats instead of traditional vacations. From pensive hikes in the mountains of New England to meditative classes at a monastery in Iowa, a new wave of destinations offers frameworks for activity that’s decidedly peaceful. (And you won’t risk looking strange or antisocial; you can opt to wear a silence badge like the heroine did in the popular book and movie, Eat, Pray, Love.)

Given the amount of information we have access to, it may seem counterintuitive that silence connects us better to the world around us, but we need those moments of quietude. They allow us to process all that information, to appreciate and reflect on the people in our lives.

The acoustic ecologist Gordon Hempton is an advocator of such living. A seeker of natural soundscapes—the songs of birds or the trickle of rain—as well as an Emmy Award-winning sound recordist, he fears that soon there will be no place on Earth where we can escape the sound of technology. In fact, he said in an interview with The Sun Magazine that he believes there may be fewer than a dozen places in the United States where if you sit for 20 minutes, you won’t hear a plane overhead. Hempton’s mission, as outlined in his book, One Square Inch of Silence: One Man’s Search for Silence in a Noisy World, coauthored by John Grossman, is to preserve these places so we can still escape. Without silence, everything—making a pot of coffee, folding laundry—starts to sound the same, like traffic or your favorite song on repeat. All the distinctions between those sounds and the information we associate with them begin to blur into a wall of noise.

Even automotive companies are passionate about silence these days. The engineers on the all-new 2013 Chevy Malibu were determined to create a roving quiet space to give us a break from our daily routines. And they succeeded. Through a rigorous testing process, they were able to reduce road and wind noise substantially. As Malibu acoustics engineer Kara Gordon explains, “Not only do we want customers to have a quiet experience; we also want them to enjoy the sounds they do hear,” like perhaps a conversation with a loved one, or the music playing or simply their own thoughts. “A quiet car can give us that quiet time we’re looking for, or create a comfortable experience on a long drive.”

This past summer I made an effort to tear myself away from online addictions. I spent less time keeping up with the rat race and more time with myself. It’s funny; you don’t really realize the effect noise can have on you until you make an effort to recognize it. I’ve been playing guitar for a decade, and by just closing the lid of my laptop for a while I was able to write and record music for the first time in my life. Shutting off the noise may even welcome a whole new kind of sound.

JBA Chevrolet
7327 Ritchie Highway
Glen Burnie, MD
443-763-5076

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