Hey fans, take a look as Buick introduces the all-new 2013 Encore. Transcending such style, comfort and luxury will make this crossover hard to pass up.

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Active Safety a Common Element in Expanding Buick Brand

In addition to the redesigned Enclave luxury crossover SUV arriving this fall, Buick’s lineup will continue to expand in the coming year with two all-new models – the 250-horsepower  (187 kW) Verano Turbo luxury sedan and the versatile Encore luxury crossover. No matter the size, safety is a cornerstone of every new Buick.

Both Verano and Encore offer 10 standard air bags and body structures that consist of more than 60 percent high-strength steel. In the 2013 model year, each model also receives new active safety systems. Unlike passive safety features – such as safety belts and air bags – that are designed to protect occupants when a crash occurs, active safety systems use sounds, visual warnings and automated actions to help prevent crashes.

Later this summer, Verano will make standard a Rear Vision Camera on all models and an optional safety package that includes Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. These two technologies share a set of radar sensors hidden in the corners of the rear bumper that may help drivers avoid crashes when changing lanes or backing.

When backing, Rear Cross Traffic Alert senses cross traffic up to 65 feet away that may not be visible to the driver when backing out of a parking space or driveway. The driver is alerted with a red directional arrow displayed on the Rear Vision Camera screen and three directional beeps.

“We want to integrate our backing visual warnings onto that screen so drivers know where to look and can quickly see for themselves what’s causing the warning,” said Raymond Kiefer, General Motors Active Safety Technical Fellow. “That way, they can react quickly to what the camera, radar and ultrasonic sensors are detecting.”

Side Blind Zone Alert technology makes its way to the Verano from the larger LaCrosse luxury sedan and Enclave luxury crossover SUV. It cautions drivers when a vehicle is in a blind zone in an adjacent lane. According to sales data, it is among Buick’s most popular active safety features.

Encore, which arrives early in 2013, carries its own active safety resume and will be the first vehicle in its segment to offer the combination of Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning. Both features use a single forward-looking camera sensor that has a lower cost to consumers than competitive systems that use radar or a combination of radar and camera.

“Studies suggest that people can use changes in object size as they approach to estimate how long until they collide,” said Kiefer. “Buick’s single-camera detection system works much like a human eye, with state-of-the-art image processing equipment analyzing 10-12 scene images per second to decide if the changes in the size of a vehicle ahead suggest a crash may be just a few seconds away.”

Forward Collision Alert can be adjusted to near, medium and far timing settings.  Although an “Off” setting is also provided, the majority of owners report they keep the system active. 

At speeds above 25 mph, Forward Collision Alert gives audible and visual warnings when a collision may be imminent. Lane Departure Warning alerts drivers when they may have crossed a detected lane marker without using a turn indicator when driving at speeds over 35 mph. It, too, can be deactivated with the push of a button.

Like every current Buick, Encore will be offered with a Rear Vision Camera.

Enclave, the industry’s top-selling three-row luxury crossover, will debut this year with safety innovations of its own, including the world’s first front center air bag. Every Buick also comes standard with six months of an OnStar Directions and Connections plan, which includes Automatic Crash Response and roadside assistance.

Every 2012 Buick model is rated a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and every Buick model tested by the U.S. government’s New Car Assessment Program this year has received a Five Star Overall Vehicle Score. To discover more about how the brand designs vehicles around occupant safety, visit the Buick vehicle safety page.

Courtesy: GM News

Monday Maintenance Tip: Rotating Your Tires

What is this?

We know that all tires rotate. But we're talking about another kind of rotation -- rotating tires to different corners of the car and maybe even reversing the direction in which they turn.

Many tires are rotated front-to-back and side-to-side, but some tires are directional, which means they're only supposed to turn in one direction. They have to stay on the same side of the car. Directional tires often have arrows on the tire's sidewall to show you the direction in which they should turn.

If you're not sure which kind of tires you have, check with your mechanic.

Should I do this service when it's recommended?

You should do this service only if you can do it for $20 or less, in our opinion.

The financial benefit of rotating tires is that you'll increase the useful life of the tire. But if you pay more than about $20, you'll probably wipe out any savings you might have gained.

Instead, ask your mechanic to rotate your tires when they're already off your car for another service, such as a brake repair. That way, you won't have to pay extra -- unless your mechanic is a jerk.

Why do I have to do this?

You don't have to rotate your tires. But by rotating them, you will increase your tires' life because they'll wear more evenly.

What happens if I don't do this?

Nothing bad will happen, but you'll get fewer miles out of your tires.

Is there any maintenance required between intervals?

No.

Car Talk Tip: Don't forget Newton's Seventh Law: Tires in balance tend to stay in balance. If you're having your tires rotated, don't pay extra to have them rebalanced. You probably won't need it. Have your tires rebalanced only if you feel a shimmy or vibration.

Courtesy: CarTalk.com

Hey fans, check out this all-inclusive insiders look at the all new 2013 Acadia and Acadia Denali crossover vehicles and enjoy the sleek styling and sophisticated design.

Get ready for those summer road trips and travel safe with a new set of tires. With our 30-day price match, we'll refund the difference if you find a better price on the same tires!

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New 2013 GMC Terrain Denali Starts at $35,350

The new Denali edition of the 2013 GMC Terrain will start at $35,350, including shipping, when it goes on sale in the third quarter.

As is the case with other GMC products such as the Sierra, Yukon and Acadia, the Denali model will top the Terrain lineup. The current range-topper, the 2012 GMC Terrain SLT-2, is priced from $33,835, including shipping.

The basic 2013 Terrain Denali comes with front-wheel drive and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. All-wheel drive bumps the price to $37,100, while an optional 301-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 on either version will add $1,500, including a step up in wheel/tire size from 18 to 19 inches.

Standard safety features on the Terrain Denali include forward collision alert, lane departure warning, side blind zone and rear cross traffic alert. Among the extra-cost options are navigation, a rear cargo cover and a trailering package.

Courtesy: Edmunds Inside Line