Paint-Care Fact and Fiction

Do you think you can tell myth from reality when it comes to your vehicle’s care?  Check out these myths and facts from Motortrend and test your know how!

With so much misinformation out there surrounding car care, it's no wonder people get confused about what's truth and what's fiction. Paint care is definitely one area that can raise a lot of questions. To sort the myths from the reality, we talked to Mike Pennington, director of training for Meguiar's. Active with detailing professionals, show-car owners, and amateur enthusiasts, Pennington conducts regular paint-care classes and seminars and acts as technical consultant for many auto manufacturers and their dealerships-including BMW, Lexus, Nissan, Infiniti, and DaimlerChrysler-as well as such automotive paint manufacturers as DuPont, PPG, and BASF. Here's his insight into the paint-care quagmire.

Myth: A wax made of 100-percent carnauba is superior to those using lesser amounts.

Reality: Carnauba wax has been a favorite among car enthusiasts for years, but don't believe that any wax is made of 100-percent carnauba. As the hardest natural wax known, carnauba is much too hard to apply directly to automotive paint. It comes in bricks that must be melted and added to a company's formulation. If a paint protectant advertises "pure carnauba," it means the part of the formula that is carnauba is pure, not that it's 100-percent carnauba. According to Pennington, today's synthetic polymer technology actually provides better protection than carnauba.

Myth: Avoid a silicone-based wax. If used, the vehicle can't be repainted.

Reality: It's true that silicones are a bane of the auto painter. For instance, if particles of silicone are on the sheetmetal when it's painted, they can keep the paint from adhering to the surface, causing defects known as fisheye. That's why some professional cleaners and polishes intended for shop use are formulated without silicone. However, once paint is on the car, silicone is no longer an issue. In fact, virtually every wax on the market uses some kind of silicone in its formula because it enhances the product's ease of application, gloss, and durability. If repainting is necessary, a body shop can easily take off the wax as part of its normal preparation.

Myth: You can assume that a finish that looks glossy is in good shape.

Reality: There are different degrees of glossiness, and a paint can dull so gradually you may not realize it's happening. For this reason, don't rely just on reflectivity to judge your paint's condition. Use your sense of touch, as well. Place your clean, dry hand flat against the paint and slowly rub it along the surface. Feel with both palm and fingertips. A well-maintained finish should feel smooth as glass. Any roughness could be due to oxidation, tree sap mist, or adhered grit, all of which degrade a paint's gloss to some degree.

Read all the myths and facts here:http://www.motortrend.com/womt/112_0004_paint_myths_and_reality/viewall.html#ixzz1Xq9mnl9H

The 2012 Verano Starting At $23,470

The 2012 Verano pricing starts at $23,470.

Standard equipment for the Verano includes 18-inch wheels, fog lights, a touch-screen audio system, 10 airbags, remote start, plus Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The Convenience package adds a power, heated driver’s seat and rear parking sensors. The Leather package builds on that with keyless entry and push-button start, a heated steering wheel, a Bose sound system, and leather upholstery. All models use a 2.4-liter inline-four engine rated for 180 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque, and a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Verano is set to become the smallest current Buick model. Based on a Buick sedan that has been sold in China for some time, the Verano is intended to draw younger customers to the Buick brand. Even though it’s a smaller and cheaper Buick, the Verano won’t skimp on style or comfort. The taut exterior looks like a scaled-down Buick Regal, while the interior has attractive, soft-touch trims and extensive sound-deadening materials designed to make the Verano’s cabin as quiet as possible.

The 2012 Verano will reach Buick dealerships before the end of 2011.

Read more: http://wot.motortrend.com/2012-buick-verano-priced-from-23470-114841.html#ixzz1XkP3lFhR

Chevy Cruze Named To KBB.com’s “Top 10 Best Back-to-School Cars 2011.”

The Chevy Cruze was named to Kelly Blue Book’s  KBB.com “Top 10 Best Back-to-School Cars 2011.”

KBB.com editors called the Cruze an impressive car that is “nice enough inside that they might think you’re borrowing your more sophisticated older brother’s car. In addition to a well-appointed and quiet cabin, the Cruze can comfortably seat five and has a large trunk for books and gear. It also features OnStar telematics with emergency crash response—something mom and dad will love knowing you’ll have just in case.”

Something else the Chevy Cruze offers: The highest EPA rating of any mainstream gas-only vehicle sold in America. The Cruze Eco, when configured with a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission, can reach 42 mpg on the highway, notably exceeding the highway performances of a wide range of hybrids. And in addition, the Cruze Eco also delivers excellent city and combined fuel-economy ratings of 28 mpg and 33 mpg, respectively. Drivers who prefer an automatic transmission aren’t left out in the cold, either. In fact, Chevy has boosted the fuel-efficiency marks of the Cruze Eco with its advanced six-speed automatic all the way up to 26 mpg city/39 mpg highway/31 mpg combined.

As the experts at Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com note, meeting the needs of parents and pupils alike requires a ride that is safe, affordable, reliable and fuel-efficient, but also good-looking, versatile and fun-to-drive—just like the Chevrolet Cruze.

Read more: http://www.chevroletinthenews.com/chevy-cruze-graduates-to-kbb-com-best-for-back-to-school-list/#more-1959

Chevrolet Volt Named To Edmunds.com 2011 Consumers’ Top Rated Vehicles List

The Chevrolet Volt was named to Edmunds.com 2011 Consumers’ Top Rated Vehicles List.

In addition to being one of the nation’s premier resources for online vehicle research, Edmunds.com also provides a key opportunity for owners themselves to review their vehicles, creating a unique—and important—measure of quality from consumers who know those vehicles best.

Comments from new Chevy Volt drivers included:

• “I have owned my Volt since mid-March, and have used exactly 20 gallons of gas over 3,100 miles. I also own a Prius and feel that the Volt, though a bit smaller, is a big leap forward over that fine car. The Volt is quicker, handles better, is quieter, has much lower operating cost/mile (I pay only $0.10 per kWh), and has been totally glitch-free. It’s an astonishing achievement.”
• “The Volt is my first American car, ever. I currently also have a VW and SAAB. The ride and handling to me are very much like a European vehicle. The fit and finish are impressive. This is an extremely well-thought-out vehicle.”
• “My Volt is incredible. My lifetime mpg is 112 and rising. I’ve driven over 1,000 miles without any gas. I didn’t buy any gas the first month I owed it. It has a sport mode that makes it fun and sporty to drive with speed to jerk your head back. It’s as powerful as a V6. I’m loving it.
• “The car, the concept, everything about it is game changing. My other car is a CTS-V and it has been parked ever since I got the Volt. Saving gas $$ is not my objective—using the cutting-edge technology and proving it in everyday use is the fun part.”
• “The Volt is absolutely the best car I’ve ever driven. It’s quick, nimble, stylish, and simply incomparable from a technology standpoint.”
• “Now in my second month and still have not used more than 2 gallons of gas. The car is surprisingly responsive, feels solid and has had no bugs, defects or annoyances that sometimes accompany new purchases. My average battery range is about 42 miles, but with the range-extending on-board generator, there is no anxiety whatsoever about ‘getting there.’ Moving from my prior Mercedes S 430, I find the Volt to be a remarkably well-engineered product.”

Perhaps even more remarkable: When the 2012 Volt goes on sale later this year, it will have a starting price that’s more than $1,000 below that of the 2011 base model. Showcasing an MSRP that begins at $39,995, and a net cost to consumers of just $32,495 (after a full $7,500 federal tax credit), the 2012 Chevy Volt is available for ordering now—at Chevrolet dealerships in all 50 states.

 

Read more: http://www.chevroletinthenews.com/consumers-vote-volt-no-1-at-edmunds-com/#more-1953

For 2013 Chevy Malibu Aerodynamics Play Key Role

For the 2013 Chevy Malibu, aerodynamics played a key role.

As gas prices fluctuate, General Motors is determined to deliver more fuel-efficient vehicles to consumers. But achieving more MPG isn’t as simple asutilizing smaller engines. For the all-new 2013 Chevy Malibu, aerodynamics played a crucial role in its efficiency.

The latest Malibu has a drag coefficient comparable to a Corvette and nearly as efficient as the Volt electric car. Combining its sleek design with its fuel-saving eAssist technology, the Malibu ECO is able to achieve an estimated 26 mpg city and 38 mpg highway based on GM testing. Those are impressive figures for a full-size sedan.

“With the new Malibu, the design and aero teams collaborated to achieve maximum fuel efficiency for our customers without compromising the car’s visual appeal,” said John Cafaro, Chevrolet Malibu exterior design director. “The aero and aesthetic evolved simultaneously – working together, we sculpted the car in a way that makes it more slippery, applied innovative technologies like eAssist and active shutters, and we intentionally designed components such as the rear deck lid and outside rearview mirrors to help maximize fuel economy.”

When developing the new Malibu, engineers shaved 60 counts of fuel economy-robbing wind drag from the model it replaces, the equivalent of adding up to 2.5 mpg more highway driving range. Aero engineers and designers also conducted more than 400 hours of wind tunnel testing to ensure optimal fuel economy.

“Aerodynamics is driven by science.” said John Bednarchik, Chevrolet Malibu lead aerodynamic engineer. “While car designers favor wheel flares, sharp creases and other details that add style to a car, what catches the eye may disrupt the airflow, creating unwanted air turbulence and increasing drag. The new Malibu balances design needs with aerodynamic efficiency to truly benefit the customer.”

Vehicle aerodynamics remain a primary driver of overall fuel economy, especially at highway speeds. So, it’s good to know that so much attention has been placed on each and every curve of the all-new Chevy Malibu.

Read more: http://www.chevroletinthenews.com/2013-chevy-malibu-gets-high-marks-in-aerodynamic-testing/#more-1941

GM’s Humanoid Robot At The International Space Station

Last week, GM’s humanoid robot, Robonaut 2 (R2), was brought to life aboard the International Space Station.

R2 was jointly developed by scientists and engineers from General Motors and NASA. GM was eager to see how this robot would make GM’s plants around the world safer. R2’s hands feature extraordinary dexterity and sensitivity, making it suitable for performing a number of manufacturing-related tasks.

NASA’s use of R2 has helpful GM test it in the real-world. Both teams will share what they’ve learned from R2 to make it even more useful in the future. So far, R2 is performing well in space, and should be a helpful addition to the crew of the International Space Station.

“Everything came alive,” said Nic Radford, Robonaut deputy project manager. “We started getting video out of Robonaut’s eyes. Everything worked exactly as we expected it to. It was a very, very exciting time.”

To read more and see the video visit: http://www.chevroletinthenews.com/gms-humanoid-robot-comes-to-life-in-outer-space/#more-1929

Buick Customers Can Now Share Car Buying Experience On Facebook

Buick customers can now share their car buying experience on Facebook.

Buick and GMC understand the importance of social networking and have set up online vehicle-shopping experiences that are socially engaging, letting site visitors build, save and share their configured vehicles.

This new type of connectivity enables customers to share with their Facebook friends who can post comments or “like” their customized selections. Both Buick and GMC are among the first automakers to provide customers the opportunity to deepen and personalize the shopping experience.

“We recognize that car buyers are not only looking for product information when shopping for their next car or truck but also use feedback from friends and family to help narrow down their selection,” said John Schwegman, U.S. vice president of GMC Marketing.

A study conducted by Bereford Research that found approximately half of respondents consider information shared on their social networks when making a purchase decision, and that proportion was much higher among users 18-24 with 65 percent doing so. “By offering a connection between our web sites and Facebook, we help our customers get the feedback they want and need to make vehicle purchase decisions,” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing.

Read more: http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/07/buick-and-gmc-sites-develop-new-facebook-connectivity.html