How Well Do You Know Your Tires?
We change our oil, we fix the parts that are broken, we fill the gas tank, but do we really know how to take care of our tires. Without the proper care of our tires, we would be walking to work. Tires happen to be a very important part to our everyday life whether it’s getting to work, grocery shopping, or picking up the kids. This article features history on the tire itself, routine maintenance and check ups and recommended tire brands.
HISTORY:
Vulcanized rubber was invented in 1844 by Charles Goodyear. The component was created by heating up natural rubber and sulfur. Several attempts were made for the making of a tire. In 1888, John Dunlop invented the air-filled pneumatic tires but his were used for bicycles. In 1895 André Michelin was the first to use the pneumatic tires on an automobile but failed. In 1911, Philip Strauss invented the first successful tire, which was a combination tire and air-filled inner tube.
TIRE PRESSURE
With the right amount of air pressure, tires wear longer, save fuel, enhance handling and can even prevent accidents.
The All-New 2011 Buick Regal Is On It’s Way!
The Buick franchise has revealed their newest product, the 2011 Buick Regal. Based off the European midsize sedan, the Opel Insignia, the Regal will be available in the second quarter of 2010. The Regal has been in China since December 2008 and more than 64,000 have been purchased by customers. We can’t wait until it hits showroom floors here in America! Formally introduced at the Los Angeles auto show this last December; take a sneak peek at this luxury midsized sedan.
The Regal was tailored to perfection with the surroundings of Kibo patterned wood-grain, Black accents, Sleek Leather Memory Bucket Seats & wrapped steering wheel along with vibrant “Ice-Blue” LED lighting & instrumentation. Equipped with available voice-activated 40 gig navigation & entertainment, USB port & iPod input, OnStar, XM Radio and the best manufactured parts to give you the greatest driving experience you have most desired. Look further for more details.
Todd Wenzel Automotive Wishing You A Happy New Year!
Todd Wenzel Automotive would like to wish you and your families a Wonderful and Joyous New Year and we look forward to a Bright and Exciting future!
For all your shopping needs. Visit our new & improved website at www.toddwenzel.com
See what were up to on Twitter and see exactly what we’re doing
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Check out our new Todd Wenzel Automotive Facebook Fan Page where you can participate in contests, upload your photos, take part in discussions or post reviews!
Buick Beats Lexus.
Buick LaCrosse vs. Lexus ES 350
A review by Edmunds.com on the Buick LaCrosse vs. the Lexus ES.
Why Buy a Buick @ Todd Wenzel?
Have an Everlasting Vehicle-Literally
This morning on the Today Show, they offered tips to extend the life of your vehicle. Check out the website below for the list and know that Todd Wenzel Chevrolet and Todd Wenzel Buick GMC are always on your side. We’ll have all the right parts and tools to help maintain your vehicle. We have a FREE 28-point inspection, FREE Service Loaners, Oil Changes starting at $19.95 and the most knowledgeable service staff available at your convenience.
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/34262327/ns/today-today_technology_and_money/
Chevy Volt is Charging Up!
Take a look at the video below where the Chevy Volt is being tested for its longevity.
Todd Wenzel Automotive wishing you a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your Friends and Families.
Visit the link below for a Glazed Roast Turkey with Cranberry Stuffing Recipe
OR
Try making some delicious Slow Cooker Spiced Cranberry-Apple Cider
Ingredients
1/3 Cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons whole allspice
4 sticks of cinnamon (3 inch)
1 bottle (48 oz) apple cider (6 cups)
1 bottle (48 oz) cranberry juice cocktail (6 cups)
Directions
1. In 4- to 5-quart slow cooker, mix all ingredients.
2. Cover; cook on Low heat setting 4 to 6 hours. Before serving, remove allspice and cinnamon.
Quick Tips
1. Put the spices in a paper coffee filter and tie it with a piece of kitchen string to make the spices easy to remove from the hot cider.
2. Fresh orange slices add a pretty touch of color to this ruby-red hot drink. Add them to the cider in the slow cooker just before serving.
Happy Holidays from Todd Wenzel Automotive
This Saturday, November 21st 2009
Come Celebrate the Holidays with Todd Wenzel Buick GMC downtown Grand Rapids for the Jaycees Holiday Parade starting at 9:00am.
OR
Come Celebrate the Christmas Season with Todd Wenzel Chevrolet in the Heart of Hudsonville for the Santa Holiday Parade at 10:00am
We look forward to a Bright and Exciting Holiday Season with Friends & Family as well as taking part in our Communities
Electric Vehicle vs. Electric Vehicle with Range Extender
Check out this fun video that was posted on chevyvoltage.com regarding the new CHEVY VOLT.
Safety Tips for Winter Driving
Mother Nature is always unpredictable and Michigan has had some pretty harsh winters the last few years including snowstorms, icy roads, record snowfalls and down right cold temperatures. Use these following tips to stay safe during the cold months ahead.
Tip #1: First, check to make sure your vehicle is mechanically ready for the winter.
• Make sure your windshield wipers work properly. For some, snow blades may be a better choice than the all season blades. Visibility is key for driving in not-so-good weather conditions
• Take your vehicle in for a mechanical check up on anti-freeze/coolant, oil changes, windshield wiper fluid, and take care of any major vehicle issues that could possibly become hazardous during the winter season.
• Also, check to make sure that your tires are properly inflated, under or over inflation can reduce the gripping action of the tires due to the tread not meeting the road surface which may cause or increase your chances of getting into an accident.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full. More fuel in your tank will help reduce moisture problems and also helps to add weight.
• For RWD vehicles, extra weight may be necessary. Make sure it is distributed evenly and securely fastened. Bags of sand or kitty litter are great choices and help provide traction in case you go into the ditch or become stuck.
Reviews Keep On Getting Better & Better For 2010 GMC Terrain!
In a recent article from Detroit News, columnist Scott Burgess posted a review on General Motors new 2010 GMC Terrain. In the past, cars and trucks had a little too much in common. In the automotive world, it was referred to as rebadging. In a buyer’s perspective, it was known as cloning. With times changing, GM has thrown out the old book and started fresh with a variety of vehicles ranging from the GMC Acadia, the Buick Enclave and the Chevy Traverse all with completely different personalities.
With the same set up of its sister, the 2010 Chevy Equinox, the 2010 GMC Terrain has a more dominant and defined look too it. Yes, they may share the same amount of leg room, miles per gallon and programmable accessories but the Terrain has a more distinctive look including the big wheels, oversized fenders and the immensely bold chrome grille. In our opinion, the Terrain is a beefed up version of the Equinox in visual appearance.
“No matter which nameplate people are driving, they want a back-up camera, remote start, Bluetooth connectivity for their cell phone and a USB port for their iPod. The Terrain offers more than most.” says Burgess
The 264hp V-6 model establishes plenty of power for open roads as well has making it easy to maneuver through parking lots and city streets, holds for unsurpassed comfort during long trips, contains easily accessible storage spots, four power outlets, a soft red interior lighting during nightfall, two separate video screens so one can watch a movie while the other plays video games which is also controlled and can be overridden by someone in the front seat. Safety Features are also being automatically installed in every model including six airbags (front and side curtain air-bags in both rows), electronic stability controls and traction control.
“Much like the Equinox, there’s very little to find wrong with the Terrain. Both are excellent compact SUVs with plenty of features and strong performance.” Burgess stated.
At Todd Wenzel Buick GMC, we have a large yet ever expanding selection of the new 2010 GMC Terrain to choose from and a variety of accessories to help make your Terrain go from ordinary to extraordinary!
Check out the full article posted by Scott Burgess from the Detroit News below
http://detnews.com/article/20091105/OPINION03/911050382/1149/GMC-Terrain-bui
Happy Halloween from Todd Wenzel Automotive!
Wishing you a wonderful and safe weekend with your friends and families.
Check out this website below for really great Halloween tips, recipes, pranks and more.
http://www.halloween-website.com/safety.htm
Also check out this really cool video below of Bumblebee from Transformers! Best Costume Ever!
GM Plans To Keep Pontiac Owners Loyal Through Good Service
Owners of Pontiac vehicles don’t need to worry. Pontiac still has over 1 million vehicles on the road with warranties and General Motors is bound by federal law to provide replacement parts for at least 10 years or the useful life of a vehicle. Not only will GM continue to provide outstanding service but will help the Pontiac owners transition into one of the four strong GM brands – Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac.
GM’s goal is to focus on its customers and help Pontiac owners switch to a GM brand rather than going elsewhere. The plan for retaining these customers is by giving Pontiac owners information on nearby GM Dealers, enabling all GM dealers to provide parts for Pontiacs, encouraging owners to use OnStar to locate GM dealers and making special tools available to non-Pontiac dealers.
Sadly when GM decided to phase out Oldsmobile in 2004, the owners chose other non-GM brands. General Motors spokesman John McDonald quoted for Automotive News stating that, “We have to do a better job of focusing on what the customers’ needs are and how we can respond better than we have in the past”
With this new method, service is the most effective way to reach the Pontiac owners and will allow GM to retain their customers better after Pontiac has phased out. Chances will be that Pontiac customers will be able to get service at the stores where they bought their vehicles and GM plans to communicate better and more often than it did with Oldsmobile owners. Spokesman McDonald stated “We will reach out and tell them that we’d love to keep their business, and here’s where a dealer is and who is close by.”
If you are a Pontiac owner, you can count on Todd Wenzel Buick GMC and Todd Wenzel Chevrolet to provide you with the right parts and best service for your vehicle. Come and visit either of our two locations.
Our Grand Rapids Store- Our Hudsonville Store-
Todd Wenzel Buick GMC Todd Wenzel Chevrolet
2727 28th Street 3156 Highland Dr.
Kentwood, MI 49512 Hudsonville, MI 49426
Phone- (616)-949-7700 Phone- (616)-669-6683
5 Stars for the 2010 GMC Terrain!
Ward’s Dealer Business – Oct 1, 2009 12:00 PM
In a recent article from Dealer Business magazine, an early demand for the new GMC Terrain cross/utility vehicle is outstripping supply by a wide margin, and Buick GMC General Manager Susan Docherty is looking to keep it that way by taking market share away from foreign rivals.
“We have orders for three times more vehicles than we can build,” Docherty tells the Chicago-based Midwest Automotive Media Assn. “We’ll probably get 10,000 units in this calendar year.”
The Terrain, sharing its architecture, powertrains and plant with the ‘10 Chevrolet Equinox but sporting exclusive sheet metal, is aimed at SUV owners “who don’t want pain at the pump,” she says. The Terrain is priced $6,000 below the old Envoy, and about $1,000 to $1,800 above an Equinox. Docherty expects the Terrain’s bolder, more truck-like styling to draw different buyers than the Equinox.
GMC owners tend to have higher incomes, and add about $2,000 more in equipment to a vehicle than Chevy owners do, she says. And while the Equinox is forecast to skew 65% toward female buyers, the Terrain is expected to appeal equally to both men and women, most in the 30-55 age range.
Meanwhile, Docherty says some payback is expected in overall demand due to the end of the “Cash for Clunkers” program that dramatically boosted industry sales in the U.S. the last couple of months. But GMC won’t dramatically pump up incentives to soften the blow.
“You won’t see us screaming deal, deal, deal as we move out of the Clunkers program and it becomes harder to sell,” she says. “Incentives will still play a role, but we’ve relied too heavily on selling the deal and selling $199 a month and not our quality and value and how we stack up against the competition.”
Stop in to Todd Wenzel Buick GMC to experience the 2010 GMC Terrain and to see our large selection in all trim levels and colors. Todd Wenzel Buick GMC has the most knowledgeable staff, competitive prices and amazing rates in the industry! Come see what makes us your number one Buick, GMC dealership in West Michigan.
Call us at (616)-949-7700 to request your test drive.
Located at 2727 28th Street, Kentwood, MI 49512 Hours are Monday through Wednesday from 9am to 9pm, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm.
Also visit us online at www.toddwenzel.com
OnStar to the Rescue!
View article below from a Detroit News article posted on Mlive.com. You gotta love OnStar!
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2009/10/high-speed_chase_ends_when_ons.html
High-speed chase ends when OnStar halts stolen SUV
By The Associated Press
October 19, 2009, 7:17PM
DETROIT – When two Visalia, Calif., police officers swung their cruisers behind a sport utility vehicle that had been carjacked at gunpoint early Sunday, they prepared for a dangerous high-speed chase.
The 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe roared away with officers in pursuit, but shortly after the suspect made a right turn, operators at General Motors Co.’s OnStar service sent a command that electronically disabled the gas pedal and the SUV gradually came to a halt.
The flustered thief got out and ran, but was quickly nabbed after he climbed several fences and fell into a backyard swimming pool, police said.
It was the first time since OnStar began offering the service in the 2009 model year that it was used to end a chase that could otherwise have had dire consequences.
“He wouldn’t have pulled over if OnStar hadn’t have shut the vehicle down,” said Visalia Police Sgt. Steve Phillips. “Generally pursuits end in a collision.”
The whole thing began when Jose Ruiz, 33, of nearby Lindsay, Calif., was sitting in his Tahoe in a lighted parking lot about 3 a.m. Sunday while his cousin was talking on a cell phone in the passenger seat. Out of the corner of his eye, Ruiz saw a man walking toward him.
“He already had a gun out,” Ruiz said Monday.
The man pointed a sawed-off shotgun at Ruiz and ordered both men to get out of the Tahoe and empty their pockets. Ruiz’s cousin at first refused, but Ruiz told him to obey, knowing that OnStar could find the stolen truck with a global positioning system.
“I was afraid he was going to shoot my cousin. My cousin was arguing with him,” Ruiz recalled.
The cousin relented and the man sped off in the truck. Ruiz then sprinted for a nearby pay telephone to call police, but ran into a sheriff’s deputy on her break who notified Visalia police.
Officers quickly contacted OnStar and got Ruiz’s permission to find the vehicle. Police spotted it a few miles away, but as officers made a U-turn to pursue it, the Tahoe sped off at a high speed, Phillips said.
The suspect made a turn, and police dispatchers told the pursuing officers that OnStar was about to disable the Tahoe. It then rolled to a halt, and the robber was quickly captured.
The 21-year-old suspect was jailed and faces preliminary charges of robbery, carjacking, possession of stolen property and resisting arrest.
2010 Camaro Photos at Todd Wenzel Chevrolet
As a thank you to one of our valued customers – we created this custom Camaro poster prior to picking it up. It was a beautiful day on Friday so we thought what a better day to get a creative photo of this great vehicle. We pulled it up on our grassy hill near our Body Shop and shot away! When our customer showed up he was ecstatic!
While we were at it – we figured we would also take a photo of the all new Camaro SS (in red) to have for a future customer. Check out our posters and photos of the new Camaro SS that is currently available at our Hudsonville location!
Want an Acadia? Want a Yukon? How about the New 2010 GMC Terrain? GM’s All New Crossover SUV!
Experience the all new crossover that has everyone talking. Built with an extraordinary attention to detail, the GMC Terrain boasts an elegant interior with exceptional features, leading fuel economy and a focus on safety. It is clear that the GMC Terrain stands out from the rest.
The 2010 GMC Terrain is all about the engine – no other GMC offers as much flexibility. The Terrain is equipped with a standard 2.4L engine with 182 hp or the 3.0L V6 engine with 264 hp and 222-lbs of torque. With a bold chrome grille, aggressive aerodynamic outlines, projector beam headlamps, Solar-Ray deep tinted windows and rugged features including 17 inch aluminum wheels. With all of this equipment, one might find it hard to believe that this vehicle also gets an estimated 30 MPG. Now that’s hard to come by.
The Terrain is available in 4 SLE and SLT trims and are all packed with premium features including dual and side impact airbags, a Theft-deterrent system, On Star, Anti-Lock Brakes, a Standard Rear View Camera and StabiliTrak. The Terrain has comes with either cloth or heated leather memory bucket seats with lumbar support and MultiFlex rear seating for sheer comfort and space. Let’s not forget about all of the entertainment features such as XM Radio, Sunroof, a blasting six-speaker audio with CD/MP3/USB and auxiliary jack. The Terrain also comes available with a Navigation System, DVD Player and 19 inch chrome wheels.
Starting at just $23,990, it’s no wonder why the 2010 GMC Terrain is the best choice for business or pleasure. Rolling in daily, you can be one of the first to experience the difference. Stop into Todd Wenzel Buick GMC on 28th street to take the new Terrain out for a test drive today!
Is Texting While Driving Deadly?
Most of us are guilty of texting while driving and at the same time most of us are aware of how dangerous it is. So, why do we keep doing it?
On my way to work this morning, I found myself texting a friend to see what her plans were for lunch. Mind you, I’m on the highway and I found it so important to find out right then and there if she wanted to get together. I took turns watching the road and looking down at my phone but then I realized that I was going much faster than the speed limit. My first reaction was whoa, slow down! I then decided to put my phone down and just concentrate on driving (novel idea, right). When I pulled into work I started to reflect on what could have happened while I was texting – when I started to think of all of the “could haves” I found it pretty ignorant that I had even put myself and others in that situation. Had something happened, and I lived to tell the story….how would I even go about explaining myself. “I’m sorry that I killed your son – it was just so important for to figure out my lunch plans and I couldn’t wait another 10 minutes to do so.” Please – that’s one lame excuse.
I am so glad that I have finally realized the dangers of texting while driving; however, it’s left me wondering how big of a problem is this with other drivers?
Back in 2006 on CBS News – The Early Show, Susan Koeppen interviewed Patrick Sims. Sims was a Denver, CO high school senior who killed a pedestrian while texting. Sims was on his way home for Thanksgiving dinner. He was in the middle of the texting a friend when suddenly, his girlfriend screamed. He looked up and saw that he was inches away from a cyclist with no option but to run the car right into him. That result of the collision left a 63-year old grandfather dead.
“I couldn’t swerve my car, I couldn’t move it, because he was just too close,” Sims recalls. “There was nothing I could do to possibly stop the car accident from happening.”
Sims also stated “I looked away for a few seconds, and I didn’t end my life, but I ended someone else’s.”
There are several stories on the Internet where teens and even adults have come close or became part of a deadly situation while they were texting and driving. Washington became the first state to have a Driving While Texting (DWT) fine of $101. While California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York, Oregon also have banned DWT. Several other states have partial DWT laws.
Nationwide Insurance discovered that 46% of drivers ages 16 to 17 admitted to texting while driving. Nationwide Insurance also found that 37% of drivers ages 18 to 27 admitted to this deadly habit. 14% of drivers ages 28 to 44 admitted and 2% of drivers ages 45 to 60 also agreed.
Take a look at this graphic public service announcement. Let us know if you would use this as a tool to keep your teens from texting. Or if you are a teen, would this video prevent you from future DWT incidents.
A tragedy can be led by one distraction. In seconds, your life, or someone else’s can change for the worst.
(Please Take Caution: This Video Contains Graphic Images)
Want a Vehicle that Gets 230 MPG? Of Course You Do!
That’s right friends. The Chevrolet family is adding on its newest member, The 2011 Chevy Volt. This sleek and sophisticated electric car will average 40 miles solely on electricity and the remainder of the mileage will come from the flex fuel-powered engine. According to GM media online, the Volt is expected to consume as little as 25 kilowatt hours per 100 miles in city driving.
A group of GM employed engineers not only designed the Volt but discovered a newly developed EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) method specifically for the Volt and other hybrids alike. 230 is not the official number but during a web conference, the outcome was that several individuals agreed that it will indeed get gas mileage around that figure. Therefore, the Volt will be the first vehicle to ever receive an EPA rating of more than 100 mpg. Put simply, that’s four times more mileage than the Volt’s competitor, the Toyota Prius.
Catch a glimpse of the 2011 Chevy Volt video, right here!
The Volt is designed mostly with city drivers in mind. GM believes that if your daily driving is less than 40 miles, you will never have to pay for gas. Not only will you be saving money but will also make your daily driving schedule economical.
So if you’re ready to save money, and drive this earth friendly vehicle, this electric Chevy Volt is for you! Stay tuned with Todd Wenzel Automotive for more information on the 2011 Chevy Volt.
Hits showrooms late 2010
The Moment We’ve Been Waiting For: The 2010 Buick Lacrosse Is At BPG!
It’s innovation at its finest and its at Todd Wenzel. Two new 2010 Buick Lacrosses have arrived at BPG and more are on the way!
We’re excited. Learn and see the Lacrosse and you will too!
From its sleek appearance with ice-blue ambient lighting to the Bluetooth phone system for hands-free conversation, the new LaCrosse is cutting edge.
With safety features like TAP shift, stabilitrak and OnStar Automatic Crash response, the LaCrosse is sure to keep you safe. The TAP shift allows you to shift gears manually using the shifter in the tap down/up position. Designed to help you stay on course, the stabilitrak control system senses steering input and adjusts accordingly to help you steer. The LaCrosse also comes equipped with one year of OnStar Automatic Crash response for times of emergency.
The heated and ventilated leather-appointed seats and dual rear-back DVD screens aren’t the only thing that provides a comfortable ride. According to Buick.com, the 3.6L Direct-Injection V6 engine uses less fuel to deliver the same amount of horsepower. The 2010 LaCrosse gets 27 MPG on the highway with a horsepower of 280 at 6300 RPM.
We have pictures but we can do you one better. Go see it in person!
Visit the TW BPG store on 28th Street to test drive and have all your questions answered about the 2010 Lacrosse. 
