Have a Great Halloween!

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We Really Know What We Are Doing!

"The guys at Holz Dealership really know what they are doing. Robert is the representative that helped with my transactions. He made everything run smooth and efficient. One day I was in with the car the next day I was out with the check. Highly reccommended and truly a great customer service experiance."

- Brian

Chevy Camaro Hot Wheels Edition is the real deal, for SEMA debut

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Do you remember your favorite Hot Wheels diecast of your youth? Can you imagine how cool it would be if that scale model were a full-size car? Well, apparently the folks at Chevrolet have teamed up with Hot Wheels to create a new Camaro Hot Wheels Edition for 2013, and it's the stuff of childhood dreams. This scale-inspired Camaro is set about to head into production after its debut at the SEMA show in Las Vegas later this week.

As Chevrolet's Vice President of Marketing, Chris Perry, notes: "Millions of us grew up playing with Hot Wheels. Offering a special production model of the Camaro Hot Wheels is an opportunity to bring those memories to life, for kids of all ages."

The special edition package will be available limited numbers in both coupe and convertible bodystyles. Available trims include 2LT (V6), and 2SS (V8), and the Hot Wheels Edition combines elements of ZL1 styling with an eye-catching Kinetic Blue paint job. Visual updates include ground effects, front splitter, ZL1 front upper grille and ZL1 rear spoiler (for coupe models only). Upgrades also include black 21-inch wheels with redline accents like Hot Wheels of yore. The hood features a matte hood stripe and the obligatory Hot Wheels logos throughout.

One of the first 16 Hot Wheels issued was a 1:64-scale Custom Camaro toy from 1968. It is unsurprisingly now one of the most valuable diecast cars among collectors.

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Great Car Battery Maintenance Tips

Owning jumper cables is like owning a truck. When you own a truck, people seem to cozy up to you when they are moving. When you own jumper cables, you're suddenly like Batman but for dead batteries. You might as well give your friends a Jumper Cables Signal that they can point at the cloudy sky in times of crisis. With great power comes great responsibility, I guess. (And now I am mixing metaphors.)

Car batteries are full of toxic chemicals and have to be dealt with specially when they die. The green thing to do is to squeeze as much life out of them as possible and decrease the overall amount of batteries that you are going to need in your lifetime. Here are some tips for that.

1. Park in a Garage

A thoroughly insulated garage will keep your battery warm in the winter. Skip heated garages. They will rust your car.

2. Keep Your Battery Clean

Remove the clamps and clean away grease, dirt and oxidation. A filthy battery connection will weaken the charge.

3.Insulate Your Car Battery

If you don't have an insulated garage, you can always insulate the battery. It's a cheap way to protect the battery.

4. Recharge it with Solar

You can purchase an inexpensive solar charger for your car battery. The charger refills your battery's charge with solar energy. Combo this device with a monitor so you don't overcharge the battery.

5. Add Distilled Water

If you're stretching the life of a conventional battery, you may have to add some water to it. Here is how this is done.

6. Secure the Battery

If your battery is jiggling around, it could tip over. A loose battery bashing against other parts of your engine is bad. Battery acid spilling all over your motor is also bad. Keep the battery tray clean. Make sure the battery sits correctly.

Courtesy of How Stuff Works

"No Grief Whatsoever" Says the Author of This 5-Star Review

"Holz was so easy to deal with. My salesperson listened to all my needs, let me look at as many cars as I wanted to look at with no grief what so ever. I will purchase my next car from them and have all my maintenance done there as well. Go with Holz."

It's a very Festive Friday! And it's about time!

What's your costume this year? Ever thought about dressing up your car as well?

2012 SEMA Show - Chevrolet Small Cars Package

Auto manufacturers come to SEMA not only to see the latest and greatest, but also to gauge interest in concepts for their own car lines. Last year, Chevrolet tested the Sonic Dusk, and this year, it's back at SEMA as a production execution.

More Satisfaction From Our CuStomer Service

"Excellent dealership to work with. Everyone is friendly, knowledgable and want to help. Rob was a no pressure, affable, and experienced car guy. If your looking for a vehicle, give him a call. You won't regret it. We look forward to working with him again."

- Glenn

Be Sure To Take Advantage Of Our Savings!

Print off this coupon to receive $5 off the purchase of a lube, oil, and filter change and tire rotation package. Hurry, this expires October 31st!

Isaac Mizrahi introduces his Malibu Collection

“I don’t design cars, but I know great design when I see it and that’s how my newest collection was born,” says fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi. He was so enamored with the all-new completely redesigned 2013 Chevy Malibu that it became the inspiration — the muse — for his new Malibu Collection.

“With its sculpted new styling, available unique ice-blue ambient interior lighting, Eco fuel economy of 37 MPG highway, and so many other smart features, women everywhere are going to love this car,” Isaac says. “It’s stylish and savvy, just like they are.”

Isaac has found multitudes of inspiration from the all-new 2013 Malibu. And his coast-to-coast fashion journey culminates with his Malibu Collection.

Watch Isaac introduce his collection:

It’s clear how Isaac became inspired by the intricate details and unique styling found throughout the Malibu, and it’s easy to see how the collection embodies its all-around sophisticated styling and features.

This line has something for every smart, savvy woman. And now, you can shop the Malibu Collection and bring Malibu Style to your own fashionable closet. How fabulous is that?

Courtesy of Chevrolet

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: 9 Ways to Increase Gas Mileage

Improving fuel economy not only saves drivers money, it also benefits the environment by releasing fewer emissions into the air and reduces a nation's dependence on oil and oil imports. Reducing the amount of driving we do - by carpooling, using public transportation and combining trips - has the greatest effect on how much gas each person uses. That said, there are many ways to improve fuel economy when we do drive. These primarily involve driving more efficiently and making sure our cars are properly maintained.

Drive More Efficiently

Our driving habits have a significant impact on fuel efficiency:

1. Go Easy on the Pedals
Speeding, braking and rapid acceleration waste gas. Depending on the type of vehicle, poor driving habits can negatively affect fuel economy between 5% and 33%. Based on the current national average of $3.12 per gallon (for regular gasoline), driving sensibly, and not like a race car driver, can lead to an equivalent gas savings of between 16 cents and $1.03 per gallon.

2. Slow Down
Gas mileage decreases above 60 miles per hour. According to fueleconomy.gov, for every five miles per hour that exceeds 60 mph, drivers pay an equivalent of about 24 cents more for each gallon of gas. While each vehicle has its own optimal speed for fuel efficiency, speeding can result in 7% to 23% reduced fuel economy. Driving at slower speeds can save 21 to 71 cents per gallon.

3. Leave Extras at Home
An additional 100 pounds in your car can reduce gas mileage by up to 2%. The reduction is relative to the vehicle's weight: Smaller vehicles are more affected by increased weight than larger ones. For every 100 pounds in extra weight, plan on spending up to 6 cents more per gallon.

4. Use Cruise Control (When Appropriate)
According to Edmunds.com, using cruise control under appropriate conditions (avoiding use during especially hilly terrain) can improve fuel economy by up to 14%. That's a savings of about 43 cents per gallon.

5. Turn off the Car
Idling gets zero miles per gallon and collectively consumes several billion gallons of fuel per year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The California Energy Commission (CEC) advises that vehicles should be turned off if the expected wait will be longer than 10 seconds, since an idling vehicle can burn as much as one gallon of gas each hour. Turning the car off can save about 5 cents per minute.

6. Check Tire Pressure
A little bit of vehicle maintenance can go a long way in improving gas mileage. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 1.25 billion gallons of gasoline - approximately 1% of total consumption - are wasted each year on underinflated tires. Tires can lose about 2 pounds per square inch (psi) per month. Each tire that is underinflated by 10 psi reduces fuel economy by about 3.3%. Four tires that are underinflated by 10 psi, then, would reduce a vehicle's fuel economy by a substantial 10% at an added cost of 31 cents per gallon.

Follow the guidelines in your vehicle's owner's manual (these recommendations also appear on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb) - and not what is stamped onto the tire itself.

7. Replace Spark Plugs
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence indicates that bad spark plugs can decrease fuel economy by up to 30%, and can cost drivers up to about 94 cents per gallon at today's prices. If a car's gas mileage suddenly drops, there's a good chance it's because of misfiring spark plugs.

8. Check Alignment
Misaligned tires drag instead of roll freely. Improper alignment can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 10% - about 31 cents per gallon. In addition, the tires can wear out more quickly. Tires that are out of balance (symptom: vibration in the steering wheel) can cause uneven tire wear, which can result in lower gas mileage. Tires should be balanced and rotated according to the vehicle's owner's manual to improve tire performance and fuel economy.

9. Fill Your Tank Early in the Morning - or Late at Night
Fuel is dispensed by volume. If you fill your tank when it is coolest outside - early in the morning or late at night, and avoid the heat of the day - the fuel will be more dense. As a result, you will get more gas for the same amount of money.

Good for You, Good for the Environment
Reducing the amount of driving we do, whether it's by carpooling or foregoing an unnecessary trip, is perhaps the most effective way to decrease the amount of gas that each person uses and make fill-ups at the gas station last longer. Proactive steps can be taken to improve fuel efficiency by paying attention to and changing gas-guzzling driving habits, and following a vehicle's maintenance schedule. Improved gas mileage is good for you, good for your car and good for the environment.

Chevrolet Driving Dynamics | Technology & Innovation

Watch ZL1 engineer Tony Roma and Formula Drift racer Conrad Grunewald demonstrate the latest Chevrolet Driving Dynamics technologies as they hit Willow Springs International Race Track with Corvette and Camaro.

The 2012 Camaro Coupe Becomes the First Vehicle of Any Class to Earn a Perfect NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating

Camaro has a reputation for making hearts race and palms sweat. It’s known for attitude and power. It’s a car known for fulfilling the wildest fantasies of sports car aficionados far and wide.

So when the Camaro Coupe became not only the first sports car, but the first overall vehicle of any class to nab a perfect five-star score in every safety rating segment of the National Highway Traffic Administration’s all-new car assessment, Chevy was more than thrilled to add top-notch safety to the sports car’s inimitable reputation.

“Camaro has always been about performance and that includes safety performance,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “We always strive for five-star ratings and the fact that we achieved them under more rigorous requirements is a great accomplishment.”

The NHTSA recently raised the bar by revising their testing procedures for 2011. The six categories that Camaro performed exceptionally in include frontal barrier crash testing for the driver and passenger, side crash ratings for the driver and passenger, a rollover rating, and the vehicle’s overall rating. The stricter NHTSA testing regulations have been revamped to focus on crash avoidance technologies and safety feature performance.

To have such a power-driven sports car come out on top for excellence in safety brings even more to the thrill ride for current and future Camaro owners. So the next time you decide to take Camaro out for a spin, feel free to own your street while having the feeling of safety on your side.

Courtesy of Chevrolet

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Common Maintenance Mistakes

Compared to the family trucksters of a generation ago, modern cars require about as much maintenance as a toaster. This is a real liberation from the oil, lube and tune merry-go-round that ruled not so long ago.

Curiously, many people haven't adjusted their thinking to keep pace with new car maintenance schedules. The preoccupied still run their daily drivers without service until the dash warning lights burn out, while over-achievers fret about running synthetic oil more than 2,500 miles without a change.

Although maintenance intervals are now more widely spaced, even the newest cars require scheduled service to live long, productive lives. Whether yours is the latest model or you paid it off years ago, the trick is giving your car the maintenance it was designed to receive.

Surprisingly, the answer to what maintenance is required is hiding no farther away than the glove box. Every car is supplied with a maintenance schedule — in the owner's manual or in a separate maintenance log book — that details that vehicle's needs. A few minutes assimilating these requirements will help you avoid the following common car-maintenance pitfalls.

Proper Tire Inflation and Rotation
Tires leak naturally and need the occasional check. Figuratively speaking, underinflated tires suck up gasoline. Under- or overinflated tires wear out sooner, and deliver the same emergency maneuver handling as marshmallows. You probably aren't going to check tire pressures monthly, but how about twice a year?

Furthermore, front and rear tires wear differently and should be rotated to even that wear. Your owner's manual will have a recommendation on both pressure and rotation periods.

Wiper Tales
Here's a news flash: It's much easier to avoid hitting things you can see. Simple as it is, that's the concept behind replacing your windshield wipers before they fossilize into noisy uselessness.

Fall is the ideal wiper replacement time: after the blade-baking summer and before the fall and winter nastiness. Depending on location, wiper replacement may be an annual affair in the Southwest to a biannual chore in northern climes.

Tune-Up Anachronism
There are no more "tune-ups." Valves no longer need adjusting, ignition timing is computer controlled and there are no carburetors to fiddle with. About all that's left of the old tune-up drill are the spark plugs. These are often good for 100,000 miles, so don't change parts just to change parts. Instead, save up for those big 60,000- and 120,000-mile services when the timing belt, spark plug wires and coolant are due for replacement.

Octane Overdose
"If some is good, more is better" thinking does not apply to octane. Here the rule is to supply whatever octane the engine is rated for and call it done. Higher-than-required octane does not yield more power or mileage, only oil company profits.

Some engines are rated for premium 91 octane fuel but can burn 87 octane regular, thanks to the magic of knock sensors. In that case, run regular gas if puttering around surface streets, and premium fuel if full-throttle driving is part of your daily repertoire.

Oil Change Timing
Oil changes every 3,000 miles used to be required jobs, just like cleaning the accumulated fuzz from record player needles or defrosting freezers. Today, advances in engine design and lubricants make oil changes something to be done when the schedule calls for it, not when granddad says it's time. Some cars call for 5,000-mile change intervals, some up to 15,000-mile stints. Others have a variable timer. Follow the schedule and use the oil called for by the manufacturer.

Tired Tires
Tires wear out, but they also time out. The tire industry says tires are toast after five years, but they're selling tires. It all depends on heat, sunlight and ozone conditions. There's little argument from any pundits that after seven years those black donuts are dried and better off holding down a farmer's tarp than carrying your family around. If you're not sure how old your tires are, a tire shop can read the date code stamped into the sidewall.

Dirty Air Filter
Semi-clogged air filters hurt fuel economy for the same reason you don't like to run with a potato in your mouth. The question is, when is your filter dirty? Under a Norman Rockwell schedule of small-town errand running and church duty, an air filter might not see much grit. But grimy city surface streets or just looking at a dirt road on a map are often enough to overwhelm air filters. This one is about conditions. If you go near dirt, the air filter may need changing twice as often as the schedule calls for.

Ignoring Your Brakes
Note to the Wandering Unconscious: If you notice anything different about your brakes — sound, feel or response — they are telling you to visit a mechanic. Now.

Tighten Your Gas Cap
Is the Check Engine light on? Then make sure the gas cap is on tightly before calling the dealer. No joke, this is one of the most common ways of setting off your car's diagnostic system, since a loose gas cap defeats the fuel system's venting arrangement.

The Garage Is for Parking
Let's review. Your house is your most valuable investment. Your car is likely your second most valuable investment. If you're paying all that money, then why are you storing empty cardboard boxes, broken skateboards and plastic holiday wreaths in the garage? Pitch that junk and get the car in the garage!

 

Courtesy of MSN

Driving Efficiency: Find Out How To Get The Most From Your Volt

With the extended range Volt, you don’t have to choose between electric or gas. You have the option of both. First is the advanced lithium–ion battery that allows you to drive gas-free for an EPA-estimated 38 miles. But Volt doesn’t stop there.

There’s also an onboard gas generator that produces electricity so you can travel a total of 380 miles on a full charge and full tank of gas. Now that’s long-range savings.

Rolling hills and changing temperatures can affect the MPG in your Volt. Watch this video to see how you can achieve the most MPG by using electricity more efficiently.

The Newly Designed Chevy Treverse

The Chevrolet Traverse unveils with a new look and feel, inside and out

An aggressive and dramatic exterior appearance isn’t reserved for sports cars alone. Whether it’s hot laps or afterschool pickups, it’s all still driving and it all deserves a refined presence and feel. The Chevrolet Traverse has been the crossover utility vehicle for any lifestyle, a benchmark in cargo space and passenger comfort, and a leader in safety standards within its class. But there’s no rest for the iconic. 

Rethought, reshaped and redesigned, the 2013 Traverse reveals with a new exterior design. Its lean, sculpted lines and dramatic accents include a front dual grille, reshaped headlamps and taillights along with chrome accents and fog lamps on LT and LTZ.

A rethought interior

Beautifully tailored appointments redefine the 2013 Traverse interior. Upscale materials create soft-touch surfaces on the dash and doorpanels. Ambient lighting subtly illuminates the interior. Adjustable headrests allow for personalized comfort while driving. Stunning details serve as accents throughout the interior such as contrasting stitching and interior wood trim on LT and LTZ. The 2013 Traverse elevates interior appearance and comfort without compromising the spaciousness it is known for.

Drivers will still enjoy best-in-class maximum cargo space, 116.3 cubic feet ^†, or seating for up to eight adult passengers on LS and LT models. There’s even more space behind the third row than any competitor in its class. And just as Traverse has always been engineered with the safety of drivers and their loved ones in mind, the 2013 Traverse continues to build on its award-winning predecessor with innovative safety technology and features.

Stay infotained while on the go

The intuitively designed center console keeps music, entertainment and information within the driver’s reach. The available Chevrolet MyLink^† Touch Radio accesses content from compatible smartphones and safely makes that content available with a simple touch through the 6.5-inch diagonal color touch-screen (available on 2LT and LTZ). Drivers can use voice commands or touch-screen controls to instantly access a variety of entertainment through SiriusXM Satellite Radio^† or from streaming sources like Pandora^® and Stitcher SmartRadio™ ^††, . And rest assured the 2013 Traverse comes equipped for one year with the OnStar Directions & Connections^{® †}Plan with Turn-by-Turn Navigation and Automatic Crash Response to help stay safely on course.

 

Courtesy of Chevrolet

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Are Your Tires Ready For Winter?

We'll keep this simple. If you live in the snowbelt and you're running all-season tires year 'round, you're probably sacrificing a noticeable level of vehicle control and performance when driving on snow and ice. Yes, it's become fashionable in the U.S. to rely on all-season tires in, well, all seasons. When winter rears its ugly head, though, even the best all-season designs won't be able to match a quality winter tire on snow and ice.

The reason is also simple. All-season tires are a compromise: You don't expect them to deliver the same cornering potential on pavement as dedicated performance tires, and likewise, they can't match the slippery-road traction of today's winter tires. "The difference between an all-season tire and a snow tire," notes Matt Edmonds, director of marketing for The Tire Rack, "is the same as between an all-season tire and a performance tire. It's that much better."

More Europeans seem to have gotten the message. According to statistics provided by Goodyear, for instance, about 80 percent of drivers in Scandinavia switched to dedicated winter tires during the "dark months." About half of Austrian and Swiss drivers and nearly one-third of German car owners also mount up winter tires when the weather turns cold.

In terms of sheer traction, studded tires still provide the best grip. Goodyear estimates that a metal-studded tire provides up to 40 percent greater traction on hard-packed snow and ice than all-season tires. However, they also have a definite downside, producing higher noise levels, decreased ride comfort, and reduced traction on both dry and wet (but non-freezing) road surfaces. Plus, they're well known for chewing up asphalt, leading many regional governments to ban their use.

By contrast, a modern studless snow tire can provide up to 20 percent better snow traction than an all-season design, without the significant disadvantages of studs. We've verified this from behind the steering wheel. A well designed winter tire provides a tangible seat-of-the-pants performance advantage over all-season tires in both snow and ice conditions. This includes better initial hookup, shorter braking distances, and cornering that's both more predictable and controllable. This is important, since again according to Goodyear, "The largest group of [winter] accidents results from loss of lateral control of the car on ice and snow."

The key word in snow traction is "bite." The more edges, the better. What you generally get in a good winter tire is an aggressive tread design, deep grooves, sharp corners and edges for digging into snow and gripping ice, and plenty of sipes (the small slits within individual tread blocks). Sipes provide two advantages, they help keep the tread blocks flexible in freezing conditions and provide additional small, but helpful edges.

In the past year, the Rubber Manufacturers Association instituted stricter requirements for tires designated for severe winter conditions. Only tires that meet these requirements can display the letters M and S in some configuration, plus a pictograph of a mountain with a snowflake. If unsure about whether a tire model is rated for severe snow conditions, look for this symbol.

There are plenty of good snow tires on the market. In fact, tire manufacturers often produce a variety of designs to fit different types of vehicles and driving conditions. Dunlop, for instance, produces the SP Winter Sport M2 for T- and H-rated high-performance vehicle fitments, the Graspic HS Q-rated performance radial, the SP Winter Studdable, and the Grandtrek SJ4 studless design for use on SUVs, light trucks, and vans. Pirelli, meanwhile, offers its Winter Ice and Winter Ice Plus models in both a conventional directional tread design, as well as a special asymmetrical pattern designed to use the inner tread area to optimize traction and braking and the outer area for cornering control and directional stability.

It was Bridgestone, however, that really launched the modern era of winter tires when, in 1993, it introduced its innovative Blizzak design with a unique multicell compound. This fall the next-generation Blizzak will hit the market in three new models. The direct replacement for the original Blizzak WS-15 is the WS-50, which has a new tread design and a new Tube Multicell compound claimed to offer better snow and ice traction. In addition, the two-layer tread now has conventional snow-tire compound under the multicell outer layer, instead of the all-season compound previously used.

There are also now two ice-compound versions of the Blizzak. Called The IceGripper and designated MZ-01 and MZ-02, these use a slightly softer Link Multicell compound that provides better handling and braking on ice. The MZ-01 has a larger circumferential groove for better wet performance than the MZ-02. Bridgestone is also now offering the Winter Dueler, a snow tire using Blizzak technology that's targeted for light trucks and sport/utility vehicles.

Meanwhile, Goodyear's latest offering is its Ultra Grip Ice, which combines a directional tread with a special silica tread compound, called IceLoc, to provide up to a claimed 12-percent better ice traction than a conventional snow tire. Like the Blizzak, the Ultra Grip Ice uses a two-layer compound, with its IceLoc compound on the outside and a conventional snow-tire compound underneath. The Ultra Grip also employs a wider, flatter tread, and high-density sipes keep the tread face pliant in freezing temperatures, while helping evacuate the film of water just below the snow.

Michelin's Arctic Alpin brings a whole new concept to the market with over 1700 Torque-Locking Sipes. In contrast to conventional sipes, which descend into the tread block as a straight cut, Michelin's design has a zigzag pattern. This allows the thin blocks of rubber between the sipes to squeeze together and interlock with each other under load, providing more stability to the individual blocks and ribs. The result is that, even on clear roads, the tire still provides good handling and response. With the Arctic Alpin, the winter compounding extends throughout the depth of the tread.

Like the popular Blizzak, Yokohama's Guardex series also employs a micro-pore type compound, but one that runs throughout the tread, not only on the outer layer. In addition, it features nylon "mini-stud" fibers in the tread, which are designed to improve snow traction, wear, and dry-handling capabilities, as well as provide the extra bite of studs, but without the damage.

Yes, the winter tire market is heating up with a variety of good designs to help you get through the slippery stuff. But perhaps the most important thing is that you make the switch to a winter tire at all. The extra performance, control, and safety are waiting to be enjoyed.

While we'd wager that 99.9 percent of our readership can't thread a cross-ice pass through traffic like Wayne Gretzky, we're not so sure about the Great One's credentials for winter driving (more so, say, than any other person growing up in the snowbelt). Still, Goodyear has teamed up with Gretzky to promote the performance advantages of winter tires in a new ad campaign. As part of this, Gretzky and J.O. Hunt, chief engineer for Goodyear tires, offer these 10 tips for winter driving.

1. Slow down. Wet, snowy, or icy roads offer less traction and make it harder to stop and turn.

2. Consider buying a set of winter tires. It's best to replace all four tires with winter tires because differences in tire size and wear can negatively affect a car's handling and stability.

3. Beware of bridges: Because bridges and overpasses are exposed to cold air both above and below, ice can form on them even when the roads on either side are free from ice.

4. If possible, carry a sack of sand or gravel in the trunk. On a rear-drive car, the added weight over the drive wheels will improve traction. And the sand or gravel can be used to help get you out if you become stuck.

5. Avoid sudden inputs on the steering wheel, brakes, or accelerator. Make gradual movements to avoid upsetting the balance of the car.

6. The buildup of ice and mud on wheels and underneath your car can cause your wheels to become unbalanced, which can upset the ride and lead to unnecessary wear of your tires and suspension parts. Wash off any mud or ice as soon as possible.

7. If you're planning a long winter trip, pack extra blankets, water, food, and a few chemical-heating packs in case you get stranded. If you do get stuck, stay with your vehicle until help arrives.

8. Have your cooling system fully checked out, including coolant, hoses, belts, and water pump.

9. Maintain your tires at proper inflation to maximize their contact with the road. Pressure that's too high or low can cause unnecessary tire wear and reduce the size of the contact patch, making it less safe.

10. In snowy conditions, make sure your car's air intake is free from a buildup of snow. Many cars draw air from below the radiator; if this intake becomes clogged with snow, you car could overheat, even on a cold winter day.

 

Courtesy of Motortrend

Redefining Fuel Economy - The Chevy Volt

The Chevrolet Volt is a new kind of car, so it's a new way of looking at miles per gallon. See how it works to save you money and gas.

Chevy, GM Seek To Beat The $1.1 Million Raised In 2011 For Breast Cancer

Chevrolet, along with General Motors employees, dealers, and customers, are renewing their commitment to fight breast cancer for 2012. The groups are looking to surpass the nearly $1.1 million raised by the American Cancer Society via Chevy’s nationwide grassroots assistance.

The Bow Tie brand is launching several October events to drum up financial support for the cause, starting with GM’s worldwide headquarters at the Renaissance Center in Detroit being lit with pink bands to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For the first time, the Chevy Spark will be present and accounted for: a special “Pink Out” Spark wears a production-spec Techno Pink hue and is decorated with custom pink elements inside and out. Designed to honor breast cancer survivors and supporters, the “Pink Out” Spark will visit community walks throughout October.

In 2011, The Bow Tie brand’s support raised $1,079,633 in contributions to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer for the American Cancer Society. The funds go to funding research, wellness, and breast cancer awareness education, as well as support for break cancer patients and their families.

Planned Chevy-sponsored events in October in support of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer:

Chevrolet and GM Employee Walks

All month, General Motors facilities, plants and warehouses across the country will participate in fund-raising walks.

Chevrolet Dealership Walks

Hundreds of dealerships have already signed up to sponsor teams in community walks throughout October with more expected to join. These walks alone accounted for more than half of the money raised in 2011 that went to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Those interested in participating in a Making Strides for Breast Cancer walk in their community can visit www.makingstrideswalk.org.

Chevrolet Certified Service

Customers who bring their vehicle to a Chevy dealer for qualifying services in October can contribute part or all of their rebates and Chevrolet will match them, up to a total of $150,000. A $39.95 oil and filter change, tire rotation and 27-multi-point inspection is $29.95 after the $10 mail-in rebate. The $99.95 (per axle) ACDelco Durastop ceramic brake pads service is $74.95 after the $25 mail-in rebate. For more information, visit mycertifiedservicerebates.com.

Chevrolet Racing

• A Making Strides Against Breast Cancer-themed pink Camaro SS pace car will appear at selected Chevrolet dealers and GM events throughout October.
• Chevrolet and Tony Stewart Racing will display a specially wrapped USAC National Midget Car at races at Eldora Speedway in Ohio (Sept. 21-22); Mechanicsburg, Pa. (Sept. 28-29); and the New York State Fair in Syracuse (Oct. 5-7). At those races, representatives from the American Cancer Society will distribute brochures with information on local walks, the importance of early detection and ways to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
• In early September, Chevrolet contributed $6,200 to the American Cancer Society – $200 for each of the 31 caution laps during the AdvoCare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Breast cancer survivors and their families also spent time in the pink Camaro SS pace car with Team Chevy drivers Jamie McMurray and Ron Hornaday, Jr.

Chevrolet Test Drives

Chevrolet will contribute $5 to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer for every vehicle test drive at these Southern Women’s Shows: Birmingham, Ala. (Oct. 4-7); Orlando, Fla. (Oct. 11-14); and Jacksonville, Fla. (Oct. 18-21).

Hear what our customers are saying about us. We aim to please!

"The customer service at Holz is terrific. If there is any sort of problem they take care of it right away. I appreciate that as that is something that doesn't seem to happen often enough these days."

- Faye

"I purchased my 2012 Equinox from Holz Chevy and Gary was very nice to work with. I brought my car in for an oil change and thought the staff in the shop was very friendly and I received fast service. I also had to bring my car in for warranty service work because I was hearing a strange sound and had a paint issue in one spot.  They fixed the problems with no interruptions to my daily life.  That doesn't happen everywhere!  The work was at no charge because it was under warranty and they gave me a free loaner car.  I highly recommend buying and servicing your car at Holz.  P.S.  My family loves going to the annual July 4th car show.  Nobody doesit like Holz."

- Paul

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: When Your Car Doesn't Start

If you’ve been wandering around the internet looking for a handy how-to on car-starting issues, you may have noticed that most articles basically assume you’re a mechanic. “Check the starter wiring,” “Inspect your spark plugs,” “Do a compression check on the cylinders”…yeah, and while you’re at it, change the oil and flush the transmission, right? Hey, we understand. Your car won’t start, and you’re not sure what to do. Here’s what we’d do if we were in your shoes. 

1. Listen to the car. Because there are basically two possible sound profiles for a car that won’t start, and they convey crucial information about what’s going on behind the scenes. The first profile is silence—and believe it or not, that’s probably an indication that things aren’t that bad (see 2a). The second is repeated “coughing” without ignition – this is potentially bad (see 2b). So your first step is to figure out which profile your uncooperative car is rocking.

 

Now, if all you hear is silence, then…

 

2a. Call up that friend who has jumper cables. Why? In all likelihood, you’ve got a dead battery. The starter needs electricity, you see, because when you first turn the key, there’s no fuel in the system yet—the energy has to come from somewhere else. If the battery’s dead, the starter has no energy source, so it won’t make a peep. In your case, you probably left your headlights or an interior light on overnight. Happens to the best of us. So get your friend to jump your car, drive it around for something like 20 minutes to recharge the battery, and you’re good to go. 

 

(NOTE: It’s possible that you did nothing wrong, and your tired old battery just decided to call it a career. If you think you might need a new battery, go ahead and jump-start the car – that part will still work – but then take it directly to your technician and have the battery tested.)

 

On the other hand, if you hear coughing or similar sounds of distress (or if 2a doesn’t work), then…

 

2b. Seek professional help. Whether that means calling AAA or using that towing coverage on your insurance that you hoped you’d never need, it’s time to bring in the pros at this point. Used to be that you could pump the gas pedal a little and hope for a miracle, but with modern fuel-injected engines, that trick is pretty much obsolete. There’s a litany of possible malfunctions behind a sputtering starter: fuel pump, ignition coil, electrical connections…in short, a bunch of stuff that you really don’t want to be messing with unless you know what you’re doing. Let your trusted mechanic take it from here. 

 

In any case…

 

3. Don’t fret! Cars usually start when they’re asked to, but there are lots of moving parts involved, and occasionally issues arise. Don’t think less of your ride because of it. Follow the simple steps we’ve outlined here and it’ll be back to normal in no time.

 

Courtesy of Driverside.com

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