Buick Achievers Scholarship Program

                 Buick Achievers Scholarship Program - Do you know about this?

If you know of, or are a student with the right field of interest, they or you may be eligible for this great scholarship. Here are some of the guidelines and links to all of the information. If you know of anyone qualified for this program - pass on this information, deadline for this years applicants ends Feburary 29,2012.

 Who is eligible for the Buick Achievers Scholarship Program?

Applicants must:

 Be high school seniors or graduates or be current undergraduate students

 Plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited U.S. four-year college or university for the entire 2012-13 academic year (excluding proprietary and online schools)

 Plan to major in a specified course of study that focuses on Engineering/Technology or select Design and Business related programs of study. See the list of eligible majors

 Be U.S. citizens and have permanent residence in the United States.

What does the scholarship pay for?  

The scholarships can be used towards the total cost of tuition,fees, books, supplies, required equipment, room and board and other allowable expenses.

Can the scholarship be used at any college?

The scholarship can be used at any four-year accredited college or university in the United States (excluding proprietary and online schools).

ELIGIBILITY

What are the eligible majors?

The scholarships must be used for one of the following eligible majors:

 Automotive Technology  Chemical Engineering  Computer Engineering  Controls Engineering  Electrical Engineering  Energy Engineering  Engineering Technology  Environmental Engineering  Industrial Engineering  Information Technology  Manufacturing Engineering  Materials Engineering  Mechanical Engineering  Plastic/Polymers Engineering  Software Engineering  Graphic Design  Industrial Design  Product Design  Transportation Design  Accounting  Business Administration  Computer Science  Ergonomics  Finance  Industrial Hygiene  International Business   Labor & Industrial Relations  Marketing  Mathematics  Occupational Health & Safety  Production Management  Statistics  Supply Chain/Logistics

Recipients will be awarded one scholarship at either of the two award levels:

                                                     Award Amounts

• 100 National Scholarships of up to $25,000 per year, available for four years, and one additional year for those entering a five-year engineering program. The scholarships can be used toward the total cost of tuition, fees, books, supplies, required equipment, room and board and other allowable expenses, less other gift aid known at the time of application (scholarships, grants and other awards that do not have to be paid back).
• 1,000 Buick Achievers Scholarships of $2,000. These awards are not renewable; however, recipients may reapply to the program each year eligibility requirements are met.

The awards for National Achievers are renewable for the given years noted above or until a bachelor's degree is earned, whichever occurs first. Renewal is contingent upon maintaining a cumulative 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale), full-time enrollment and continuing to major in an eligible field of study.
Awards are for undergraduate study only.

More information is available: Buick Achievers Scholarship Program. 

                            What are you waiting for APPLY today.

Keep it between the lines,
Happy Motoring.



Car Care Resolutions for the New Year

A New Year's Resolution is a commitment someone makes to a project or the reforming of a habit, often a lifestyle change that is usually interpreted as advantageous.

                    Sound familiar?  With that in mind, how about making a commitment to caring for our vehicles. This is a really good resolution! We as individuals will spend a lot of time commuting and traveling in our cars, trucks and SUVs, but how much time do we spend making sure that our vehicles are cared for properly?

                 If we resolve to spend a little time doing routine car care, the less money we will have to spend at the dealership getting the vehicle fixed. Vehicles that are not kept up are usually the first ones at the shop needing major repairs.. Neglecting regular car maintenance and repair ultimately costs more time and money down the road.

To keep it simple:
Maintenance Check Under the Hood

Inspecting fluid levels - find where to check them at and what the level should be ( usually well marked on the stick or container). BE CAREFUL of what products you use when you top off a fluid level. Use only manufacturers recommended products.

Belts and hoses, This is a physical inspection. Belts should look good, with no cracks or fraying on the belts and hoses  -  Do you see leakage under your vehicle, where is it coming from? This is an important sign of problems. Make a habit of looking under your car before you get in - it may save you a lot of trouble, later.

Tire pressure and condition - it has been said before. Check tire pressure on a regular basis - Check them when they are cold, because as they warm up the tire pressure will change.. 

Disadvantages of Underinflation
An underinflated tire can't maintain its shape and becomes flatter than intended while in contact with the road. If a vehicle’s tires are underinflated by only 6 psi it could lead to tire failure. Additionally, the tire’s tread life could be reduced by as much as 25%. Lower inflation pressure will allow the tire to deflect (bend) more as it rolls. This will build up internal heat, increase rolling resistance and cause a reduction in fuel economy of up to 5%. You would experience a significant loss of steering precision and cornering stability. While 6 psi doesn’t seem excessively low, remember, it usually represents about 20% of the tire’s recommended pressure.

Disadvantages of Overinflation

An overinflated tire is stiff and unyielding and the size of its footprint in contact with the road is reduced. If a vehicle's tires are overinflated by 6 psi, they could be damaged more easily when running over potholes or debris in the road. Higher inflated tires cannot isolate road irregularities well, causing them to ride harsher. However, higher inflation pressures usually provide an improvement in steering response and cornering stability up to a point. This is why participants who use street tires in autocrosses, track events and road races run higher than normal inflation pressures. The pressure must be checked with a quality air gauge as the inflation pressure cannot be accurately estimated through visual inspection.

Also be sure to get your tires rotated every 6,000 - 8,000 miles or as specified by the vehicle's owner manual.

These are very simple yet very important checks to perform.

Being diligent in regular vehicle maintenance provides for a better performing vehicle with far less unanticipated repairs.

In other words..... If you take care of your car, your car will take care of you.

Good New Years Resolution?  Make a commitment to saving on car repairs and saving money.

Keep it between the lines,
Happy Motoring

Buick LaCrosse eAssist has drivers wants and needs.

        Chances are, you've heard of the Buick LaCrosse. Have you heard of the Buick LaCrosse with eAssist? What is an eAssist? It is a mileage boosting, light electrification technology that has been added to the LaCrosse. Buick's eAssist uses an advanced 2.4L Ecotec direct-injection four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. A small electric motor aids acceleration, while energy captured from regenerative braking allows the engine to shut off while the vehicle rest without disrupting driver comfort and entertainment systems.

        Did you get all of that?  In other words to put it simply - the brake system helps generate power which is stored to be used when you are not going forward. The power is then used to keep the car powered. This allows you to save gas guzzling and consumption. So if you are waiting in line at the drive-thru and waiting at the stop light or stuck in an everlasting traffic jam, you are not burning up fuel or heating up your engine. These are good things. But the big question is, are you giving up style or comfort?
The LaCrosse eAssist is  highly efficient and does NOT compromise on the refinement that comes standard with every Buick.

          One customer traded in his Toyota Prius for the LaCrosse eAssist. In mixed City/Highway driving he is averaging 30 mpg. The LaCrosse's EPA-estimated highway mpg is 36, and the EPA -estimated city mpg is 25. He commutes 100 miles a day, 95 percent is highway. He had a list of wants and needs - comfort, space and highway efficiency - and they have all been met with the LaCrosse eAssist.

         For a suggested price $30,835.00 for the base model here at Biggs Cadillac Buick GMC Trucks, Buick's eAssist is standard on LaCrosse, which also offers more rear legroom than Lexus, Acura, or Infiniti.
         Available features include rear park assist, side blind zone alert, articulating high intensity discharge headlamps, and a Harman/Kardon sound system.
http://www.gm.com/article.content_pages_news_us_en_2011_nov_1109_buick_harmon.html

         Are you intrigued yet? Come and test drive this technological masterpiece. We have several in stock - we have the base model and we have the premium/leather model in stock.  We look forward to helping you get into a new Buick LaCrosse eAssist and start saving without sacrificing on style.

Keep it between the lines,

Happy Motoring.

Winter Weather Driving Tips

Reprinted from NCDOT: http://www.ncdot.gov/travel/safetytips/default.html

Winter Weather Driving

If travel is absolutely necessary, motorists should use the following precautions:

·  Clear windows and mirrors;

·  Reduce speed and leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles;

·  Maintain a safe following distance behind brine application trucks, and plow and spreader trucks;

·  Bridges and overpasses accumulate ice first. Approach them with extreme caution and do not apply your brakes while on the bridge;

·  If you begin to slide, take your foot off the gas and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide. Do not apply the brakes as that will cause further loss of control of the car;

·  If you have a cellular phone, take it with you; you can contact the Highway Patrol statewide by calling HP (*47) or call the county emergency center by dialing 911; and

·  Come to a complete stop or yield the right of way when approaching an intersection where traffic lights are out. Treat this scenario as a four-way stop.

How NCDOT prioritizes what roads are to be cleared first:

·         The department gives first priority to clearing interstates and four-lane divided primary routes that are essential to the movement of intrastate and regional traffic. After these roads are clear, priority moves to clearing lower-volume primary roads, high-volume secondary roads, lower-volume secondary roads, then subdivision streets.

How NCDOT works with county and local governments to coordinate road clearing efforts:

·         Many municipalities maintain DOT system streets normally and during winter weather events they will also incorporate state roads into their snow removal plans. County governments do not remove snow on highways.

How NCDOT responds to weather conditions:

·         NCDOT works closely with the National Weather Service and receives forecasts directly from their meteorologists.

·         During a winter storm, county maintenance crews in affected areas are typically on standby around the clock to monitor changing weather conditions and treat roads.

Interesting Facts:

·         Small dump trucks hold 7 tons of salt and larger dump trucks hold 8-9 tons of salt

·         120,000 tons of salt = 1.27 billion salt shakers

·         40,000 tons of salt is enough salt to fill up 5,714 dump trucks and 426 million salt shakers

·         Each dump truck is 19.5 feet long and if you lined them up end to end, the line would extend for 21 miles

For the latest information on road conditions, call 511 or

access the Traveler Information Management System (TIMS).

Most of all, Be Safe Everyone!

Keep a warm jacket, blanket, flares, and a safety kit in your vehicle. Just in case.

Keep it between the lines - and on the road,

Happy Motoring

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Driving in the Wet Weather - Safety Tips

Reprinted from NCDOT: http://www.ncdot.gov/travel/safetytips/default.html

Wet Weather Driving

Heavy rain and flash flooding create hazardous driving conditions, thereby increasing the likelihood of an accident. To help improve safety and reduce the likelihood of a crash, motorists should take the following precautions:

• Allow more travel time and keep vehicle tires and brakes in good working condition. Buckle your own seat belt and secure children in child safety seats or booster seats in the back of the vehicle;
• Reduce your speed and drive defensively. Motorists should drive at least five to 10 miles per hour slower on wet pavement and allow at least twice the normal following distance between cars to provide ample room for stopping. Keep a distance between your car and the one in front of you. Be ready for a sudden stop. Remember that the driver behind you cannot see well either. Signal for turns ahead of time and brake early as you near a stop. Be patient and do not pass lines of traffic;
• Stay in the car and wait for the heavy rain to let up. Roads are the slickest once rain has begun to fall, especially if it has not rained for a while. For the first 10 to 15 minutes, the rain combines with dirt, dust, oil, grease and rubber to create a slippery surface. If the rain is extremely heavy, stop and pull over with your emergency flashers on, away from any trees or other tall objects. If motorists must exit the vehicle, they should do so on the passenger side of the car;
• Turn on your low beam headlights and use the defroster to increase visibility whether it is day or night. North Carolina law states that motorists must use their headlights at all times while using windshield wipers regardless of the time of day. High beams, or “brights,” could reflect off the fog and decrease visibility;
• If possible, stay in the middle lane. Most American roads are higher in the middle, so there is a greater chance of water runoff and standing water in the side lanes;
• After driving through a puddle, tap your brake pedal to help dry your brake rotors. Try to avoid pools of standing water; they could be hiding holes in the pavement. Do not try to cross running water;
• It is best to take shelter and wait out the storm at a rest stop or other public place. If you take shelter under an overpass or bridge, park on the shoulder and be careful not to block traffic. The weather could reduce visibility, and other drivers may have difficulty seeing your vehicle;
• Do not drive through flooded areas. If you see a flooded roadway ahead, turn around and take an alternate route to your destination. If there is no alternate route, head to higher ground and wait for the water to subside. Do not attempt to cross over a flooded road even if it seems shallow. Just one foot of water can float many vehicles, while two feet of rushing water can carry away vehicles including SUVs and pick-ups;
• Do not drive if you are tired or distracted. Driving in wet weather requires you to be alert, particularly at night. If you are tired, pull off the road to a safe place and take a break, or better yet, postpone your trip. You should also avoid eating, drinking, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, or handing items to children in the back seat – anything requiring you to take one or both hands off the steering wheel momentarily;
• Know what to do if your car begins to hydroplane. Hydroplaning occurs when your tires glide across the surface of the water on the road. If your car starts to hydroplane, take your foot off the gas, but do not stomp on the brakes. Instead, apply the brakes in a steady, slightly firm manner, and steer in the direction of the skid. If you have a manual transmission (i.e. stick shift), push in the clutch and let the car slow down on its own. If you have an automatic transmission, hold the steering wheel steady and lightly apply the brakes. For cars that have anti lock brakes, you should apply more pressure (steady) to the brakes, but avoid pumping them; and
• Put together a supply kit for your trunk. Include a flashlight, first aid kit with an instructional manual, blanket, booster cables, shovel, sand to give tires needed traction, snacks and drinking water, and safety flares or an orange or red cloth to tie to the antenna.

Watch Out for the DEER!

While a crash involving a deer can happen at any time, the majority of deer-vehicle collisions occur between the months of October and December, when deer activity increases due to the mating and hunting seasons. Incidents are most common during the hours of 5 p.m. to 7 a.m., when deer movement increases and limited lighting makes it more difficult for motorists to see them on or near roads.

NCDOT offers the following suggestions for motorists to avoid being in a deer-vehicle collision:

• Slow down in posted deer crossing areas and heavily wooded areas, especially during the dark hours of fall;
• Drive with high beams on, when possible, and watch out for eyes reflecting in the headlights;
• Remember that deer often travel in groups, so do not assume that all is clear if one deer has already passed; and
• Do not swerve to avoid contact with deer. This could cause the vehicle to flip or veer into oncoming traffic, causing a more serious crash.

May your driving to and from be safe and secure. Drive defensively, and please watch out for the other guy, you never know what they will do.

Keep it between the lines,
Happy motoring.

GMC Sierra 3500HD wins Best in Class

Did YOU HEAR?  The GMC Sierra 3500HD won PickupTrucks.com’s “Heavy Duty Hurt Locker” comparison test, a grueling showdown among industry heavyweights that included towing 19,400-pound fifth-wheel trailers up and over some of the most demanding grades in the United States.

“We procured similarly equipped trucks from Ford, Ram and GMC and put them through the paces, towing up and down some of the toughest grades in the country covering a total of 2,200 miles,” said Mike Levine, editor of PickupTrucks.com. “When we analyzed the data, the GMC Sierra 3500HD simply outperformed the trucks from Ford and Ram.”

The results of the comparison conducted July 11-18 between Denver, Colo. and Laughlin, Nev., reflect improvements to the 2012 Sierra 3500HD that give Sierra best-in-class towing for both conventional and fifth-wheel trailers.

“Customers choose full-size trucks for their capabilities,” said Rick Spina, vehicle line executive for full-size trucks. “For 2012, we built on the foundation we created in 2011, with engineering changes and additional validation designed to make the most capable heavy-duty pickup even better. Based onPickupTrucks.com’s test results, it looks like we got the job done.”   See the Comparision Test Video: http://bcove.me/o4obc0n0

For enhanced fifth-wheel towing, engineers strengthened the pickup box sills and other box structures, rear springs, u-bolts and box mounts, and upgraded the shock tuning. As a result, Sierra 3500HD now has a best-in-class tow rating of 23,000 pounds, up from 21,700 pounds in 2011.

Check out how nice this 3500HD is: http://youtu.be/amq53w_4XPY

Sierra also will lead the class in dually payload, with a 7,215-lb. payload for the 3500HD regular cab gasoline dually. Updates to the trailer hitch receiver increase conventional towing to 18,000 pounds, up from 17,000 pounds. Both changes will be on models arriving in dealerships in the fourth quarter.

“We know heavy-duty pickups are one of the most-competitive segments, with some of the most knowledgeable customers there are,” said Spina. “For 2012, we worked on making our trucks even more capable than before.”

	2012 GMC Sierra 3500HD	2012 Ford F-350	2012 Ram 3500
Max. fifth-wheel towing (lb./kg):	23,000 / 10,433	22,700 / 10,297	22,700 / 10,297
Max. conventional towing (lb./kg):	18,000 / 8,165	17,500 / 7,938	12,050 / 5,466
Max. payload capacity (lb./kg)	7,215 / 3,273	7,110 / 3,225	5,190 / 2,354
Max. GCWR (lb./kg)	30,500 / 13,835	30,000 / 13,608	30,000 / 13,608

Other updates for 2012 Sierra HD trucks include a new navigation radio with enhanced display and a hard drive, eliminating the need for discs with map data.

Sierra continues to offer OnStar, a segment exclusive, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth for phone and USB connectivity.

Come by and Test one for yourself at Biggs Cadillac Buick GMC Trucks. We have a full line of GMC Trucks on the lot and, we truly go the extra mile, for all of our customers. www.biggscadillac.com

Keep it between the lines,

Happy Motoring

A Brief History of How GMC Started

 A Brief History of How GMC Started

On December 22, 1901, Max Grabowsky established a company called the Rapid Motor Vehicle Company, which developed some of the earliest commercial trucks ever designed. The trucks utilized one-cylinder engines.

In 1909, the company was purchased by General Motors to form the basis for the General Motors Truck Company, from which "GMC Truck" brand name was derived.
Another independent manufacturer purchased by GM that same year was Reliance Motor Car Company. Rapid and Reliance were merged in 1911, and in 1912 the marque "GMC Truck" was first shown at the New York International Auto Show.
In the early decades, the initialism "GMC" was simply an abbreviation of "General Motors Corporation".

 In 1916, a GMC Truck crossed the country from Seattle to New York City in thirty days, and in 1926, a 2-ton GMC truck was driven from New York to San Francisco in five days and 30 minutes.
During the Second World War, GMC Truck produced 600,000 trucks for use by the U.S. military, like the DUCK shown here.

In 1925, GM purchased a controlling interest in Yellow Coach, a bus manufacturer based in Chicago, Illinois which was founded by John D. Hertz. After purchasing the remaining portion in 1943, GM renamed it GM Truck and Coach Division.

Here is a great short film on GM and how the Futurliner was a part of GM history http://youtu.be/7ZDbv567vbs

The Division manufactured interurban coaches until 1980. Transit bus production ended in May 1987. The Canadian plant (in London, Ontario) produced buses from 1962 until July 1987. Rights to the RTS model were sold to Transportation Manufacturing Corporation, while Motor Coach Industries of Canada purchased the Classic design.

GMC currently manufactures SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty trucks. In the past, GMC also produced fire trucks, ambulances, heavy-duty trucks, military vehicles, motorhomes, and transit buses.    


Keep it between the lines,
Happy Motoring                        
For more information  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GMC_(automobile)