Carl Black Of Orlando News And Events Blog

Attention Saturn Owners

If you own a Saturn the following information is for you. General Motors has recently named Carl Black of Orlando as an Official Saturn Service Provider. We at Carl Black are extremely proud of this recognition and invite you to our state of the art service facility for your Saturn needs.  Here are a few reasons you should consider Carl Black as your only Saturn Service Provider.

Only Saturn Service Providers, like Carl Black, are recognized by General Motors to Warranty Saturn vehicles and order Saturn Parts. At Carl Black our Motto is “to provide the ultimate customer experience, every guest, every time.” All of Carl Black’s Service Technicians are GM Factory trained and have over 400 years of combined experience.  Carl Black has extended Saturday hours for your convenience.  Saturn Owners, stop by before May 31st and receive a complimentary Tire Rotation and NitroFill.

The GMC Sierra is one of the most fuel efficient full size pick up trucks on the road today, while still providing enough horsepower and torque to get the job done in a professional grade capacity. The entire vehicle is balanced from aerodynamics to the rolling resistance of the tires ensuring a comfortable smooth ride whether towing or regular driving. A huge part of the Sierra efficiency is related to its availability of active fuel management, meaning that when on the highway or coasting the engine will shut down from eight cylinders to four. Consequently using only half the amount of fuel and raising the miles per gallon. Making the GMC Sierra the number one choice for luxury and durability in the full size pick up truck category. Not only coming from your local service manager but also as an owner.

With Spring at our doorstep it may be time to replace your Air Cabin Filter. Your Air Cabin Filter is typically a pleated-paper filter that is located in the outside air intake of your vehicle’s passenger compartment. If your Air Cabin Filter is clogged or dirty it can significantly reduce airflow from the cabin air vents and can cause the air within your vehicle to be dirtier than the air outside. During the spring and summer months, contaminants, such as pollen, dust, mold spores and smog, can enter a vehicle’s passenger compartment through the air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems, making the air within your vehicle up to six times dirtier than the air outside. You can protect yourself and your passengers from these contaminants by replacing the vehicle’s cabin air filter as outlined in your vehicle’s owner manual.

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Q1. Is it safe to drive the Pontiac Vibe?

A1. Yes, however, consistent with Toyota’s Consumer Safety Advisory to address the risk of
floor mat entrapment of the accelerator pedal in certain Toyota and Lexus models, customers are
urged to take out removable drivers’ side floor mats in their vehicles, pending the development of
model-specific remedies.

GM has not received any reported incidents of a sticking accelerator pedal on the 2009-2010
Pontiac Vibe, which was added to the Toyota recall population on Jan. 27. But if a driver
experiences an accelerator pedal interference they should:

• If possible and safe to do so, pull back the floor mat and dislodge it from the accelerator
  pedal; then pull over and stop the vehicle.
• If the floor mat cannot be dislodged, then firmly and steadily step on the brake pedal with
  both feet. Do not pump the brake pedal repeatedly as this will increase the effort required
  to slow the vehicle.
• Shift the transmission gear selector to the Neutral (N) position and used the brakes to
  make a controlled stop at the side of the road, and turn off the engine.
• If unable to put the vehicle in Neutral, turn the engine OFF. This will not cause loss of
  braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost.

As for the Jan. 21 recent accelerator pedal recall, we have not received any reported incidents of
a sticking accelerator pedal on the 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe. But if that happens:

• The driver can control the vehicle with firm and steady application of the brakes. Do not
  pump the brakes repeatedly because that may deplete vacuum assist, requiring increased
  brake pedal force.
• The engine can also be disabled by shifting the transmission to neutral. After shifting to
  neutral, firmly apply the brakes and steer the vehicle to a safe location on the side of the
  road. Come to a complete stop, shift to Park, and turn the ignition key off.
• Finally, park the vehicle, and have it towed to a GM dealer for inspection and repair.

Q2. Is the accelerator pedal in the Pontiac Vibe the same design as the Toyota Matrix?

A2. Yes. The Vibe and Matrix were designed and engineered by Toyota.

Q3. Will GM be conducting a safety recall for the Pontiac Vibe?

A3. Yes. Toyota has informed GM that the 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe is included in two recalls –
one issued Jan. 21 for faulty accelerator pedals and, and a second recall issued Jan. 27 expanding
a recall from October 2009. GM will issue recall letters to Pontiac customers when we have
received the repair procedure from Toyota.

Q4. When will the Vibes be repaired?

A4. Toyota will let GM know when a repair procedure is available. In a filing with the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Jan. 27, Toyota indicated the repair for the
Floor Mat Interference and Accelerator Pedal issue (reference October recall number
09V388000) would involve:

• Modifying or replacing the accelerator pedals on the subject vehicles to address the risk
  of floor mat entrapment, even when an older-design all weather floor mat or other
  inappropriate mat is improperly attached, or is placed on top of another floor mat.
• Floor surface modifications are also being considered and will be included in the remedy
  plan for any model for which it is deemed appropriate.
• Initially, dealers will be instructed on how to reshape the accelerator pedal for the repair.
• As replacement parts with the same shape as the modified pedal become available, they
  will be made available to the dealers for the repair.
• Customers who have had the pedal reshape remedy completed will have the opportunity
  to receive a new pedal if they desire, after replacement pedals become available.

The field remedy for the CTS Pedal recall announced Jan. 21 is still under development by
Toyota.

Q5. Can customers take their Vibe to a Pontiac dealer for repair?

A5. Pontiac owners can take their Vibe to any Pontiac dealer for repair. Go to www.pontiac.com
for the location of the nearest Pontiac dealership. Customers can also go to any other GM
dealership for any repairs.

Q6. Are Pontiac Vibes still being sold?

A6. No. Following Toyota’s lead, GM has placed a stop sale order on all 2009 and 2010 model
year Vibes in dealer new or used vehicle inventory in the U.S. and Canada. These vehicles must
be held and not delivered to customers, dealer traded or used for demonstration purposes until
further instructions are received.

Q7. How many Pontiac Vibe vehicles are affected by these recalls?

A7. A total of 99,293 with 70,799 in the United States and 28,484 in Canada.

Your vehicle’s tire pressure is the measurement of air in the vehicle’s tires, in pounds per square inch. Your tire pressure is not only important for the care of your tires but is also a crucial safety issue. Next to your breaks your tires are the most important safety device on your vehicle. If your tires are not properly inflated it can lead to compromised cornering, braking, stability, increased fuel consumption and in worst case scenarios, tire failure.

To ensure that your vehicles tires are properly inflated you need to get an accurate reading. When taking a tire pressure reading your vehicle’s tires should be cold and idle for at least three hours prior. After you have taken the tires’ pressure reading make sure it is within range as instructed by your vehicles manufacturer. This information can usually be found on the inside of the driver side door or in your vehicle’s owner manual.

One way to insure your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated and do not lose and gain pressure with the surrounding temperature is to have them filled with nitrogen. The nitrogen molecule is bigger than its air oxygen counterpart which allows the pressure in the tires to stay at its optimum level for a longer period of time. By not allowing the tire pressure to fluctuate your tires will last longer and you will avoid problems usually associated with standard oxygen. Also, nitrogen reduces the risk of a blow out if your tires overheat.

If you would like to experience the advantages of a NitroFill first hand stop by your local Carl Black Dealership. Also, for a limited time, we are offering 40% Off a NitroFill. Just visit our Service Specials page by clicking the link below and make sure to bring the coupon on your next visit.

Click Here to View Service Specials

Click Here to Schedule Service

The coolant, or antifreeze, in your radiator circulates throughout your engine block keeping it cool. Like all engine fluids, such as oil, your coolant needs to be checked regularly. While having your coolant checked we are looking for two things: the amount of fluid and the overall quality of the fluid.

The radiator allows hot coolant to expand into the overflow tank as the engine’s temperature rises. As the engine cools it then creates a slight vacuum that draws the fluid back from the overflow tank and into the vehicle’s radiator. Insuring that the radiator cap remains sealed allows the coolant to expand and contract without the loss of the fluid itself. You can check the levels of the coolant by looking at two indicators on the side of the overflow tank. One of these indicators shows the safe operating level for when the engine is hot, the other for when it is cold. If the levels are slightly lower than the indicator it is safe to add a small amount of water bringing the coolant back to a normal level. As always you should exercise caution when maintaining your own vehicle. Some vehicles’ overflow tanks are pressurized when hot and cause the removal of the radiator caps to be hazardous. These types of tanks should normally be marked with a warning decal.

If the overflow tank is close to or completely empty you will need to add a mixture of antifreeze and water to the radiator. Before attempting to do so make sure your vehicle has had adequate time to cool and the radiator hose is no longer hot. While checking the levels of the coolant be sure to check the quality of the coolant as well. If the coolant is brownish or appears dirty, it may be time to have your coolant flushed. We recommend that you have your coolant flushed every 15k to 30k miles or every one to two years. If your vehicle is in need of a coolant exchange stop by your local Carl Black Service Department and bring the available 10% coupon. Hurry This offer ends 01/31/10.

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As a special “Thank You” to our owners, please accept this offer of Owner Loyalty Cash. See current incentives for your Owner Loyalty Cash savings on most 2009 & 2010 GM vehicles. This offer is in addition to most current incentives. Offer ends 02/01/2010.

2010 Buick Vehicles	Owner Loyalty Cash*	+	APR** (60 mo.)	OR	Owner Loyalty Cash*	+	Customer Cash	=	Total Cash Savings***
Enclave	$1,000	+	1.9%	OR	$1,000	+	$1,500	=	$2,500
LaCrosse****	$1,000	+	5.9%	OR	$1,000	+	-	=	$1,000
Lucerne	$1,000	+	2.9%	OR	$1,000	+	$2,000	=	$3,000

2010 GMC Vehicles	Owner Loyalty Cash*	+	APR** (60 mo.)	OR	Owner Loyalty Cash*	+	Customer Cash	=	Total Cash Savings***
Acadia	$1,000	+	1.9%	OR	$1,000	+	$1,500	=	$2,500
Canyon	$1,000	+	2.9%	OR	$1,000	+	$1,000	=	$2,000
Savana	$1,000	+	4.9%	OR	$1,000	+	$1,000	=	$2,000
Sierra 1500 Reg	$1,000	+	3.9%	OR	$1,000	+	$1,500	=	$2,500
Sierra 1500 Ext	$1,000	+	3.9%	OR	$1,000	+	$2,000	=	$3,000
Sierra 1500 Crew	$1,000	+	3.9%	OR	$1,000	+	$2,000	=	$3,000
Sierra 2500 HD	$1,000	+	3.9%	OR	$1,000	+	$2,000	=	$3,000
Sierra 3500 HD	$1,000	+	3.9%	OR	$1,000	+	$2,000	=	$3,000
Terrain*****	$1,000	+	6.9%	OR	$1,000	+	-	=	$1,000
Yukon	$1,000	+	2.9%	OR	$1,000	+	$2,000	=	$3,000
Yukon XL	$1,000	+	2.9%	OR	$1,000	+	$2,000	=	$3,000

* Eligible owners must own/lease a 1999 or newer model year Chevy, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Pontiac, Saturn, Saab, HUMMER or Oldsmobile. Owner Loyalty Cash excludes 2010: Chevy Camaro, Corvette ZR1, Equinox; Buick LaCrosse; GMC Terrain; Cadillac SRX Crossover; HUMMER H1, HUMMER H2 and 2009: Chevy Corvette ZR1, Kodiak (except Chevy Kodiak C4500), GMC TopKick (except GMC TopKick C4500); and all HUMMER vehicles. Take delivery from 1/5/10 through 2/1/10. Not available with some offers. Proof of ownership is required. Offer may not be combined with other private offers. On GMAC SmartLease contracts, this allowance must be utilized to reduce the capitalized cost of the amount to finance through the GMAC SmartLease contract. On GMAC SmartLease contracts, this offer may not be offered as cash to the customer. Other restrictions may apply.See dealer for details.

** For 0.0% APR, monthly payment for every $1000 you finance is $27.78 for 36 months; $20.83 for 48 months; $16.67 for 60 months; $13.89 for 72 months. For 1.9% APR, monthly payment for every $1000 you finance is $28.60 for 36 months; $21.65 for 48 months; $17.48 for 60 months. For 2.9% APR, monthly payment for every $1000 you finance is $29.04 for 36 months; $22.09 for 48 months; $17.92 for 60 months. For 3.9% APR, monthly payment for every $1000 you finance is $29.48 for 36 months; $22.53 for 48 months; $18.37 for 60 months. For 4.9% APR, monthly payment for every $1000 you finance is $29.93 for 36 months; $22.98 for 48 months; $18.83 for 60 months. For 6.9% APR, monthly payment for every $1000 you finance is $30.83 for 36 months; $23.90 for 48 months; $19.75 for 60 months; $17.00 for 72 months. Example down payment is 12%. Length of contract limited. See dealer for details.

*** Includes Consumer Cash and Bonus Cash. Must be used towards the purchase of a vehicle. Take delivery by 02/01/2010. Not available with some other offers. See your dealer for details.

**** ‘10 LaCrosse Loyalty Private Offer. $1,000 Loyalty to current owners/lessees of ‘99 or newer Buick/Pontiac/Oldsmobile Vehicle.

***** ‘10 Terrain Loyalty Private Offer. $1,000 Loyalty to current owners/lessees of ‘99 or newer GMC/Pontiac/Oldsmobile/Rendezvous/Rainier/Terraza Vehicle.

With each new GMC vehicle purchased, car or truck, you choose a free available tool of your choice. Do you still have some Christmas gifts to buy AND need a vehicle? Buy a new GMC SUV or truck and take a tool home, gift wrap it for yourself or someone else!

Help a Child in Need This Christmas

If you stop in to test drive a vehicle, help Carl Black of Orlando give to those less fortunate at this time.

Bring in a toy, no matter how big or small to brighten up a child’s face on Christmas morning. Thank you so much!

A multi point inspection done at the time of an oil change only confirms that a car is safe on the day of the inspection. Deal with problems as soon as they arise.

Test your lights against a wall or garage regularly to confirm they’re in full working order.

At least once a month, check the pressure of all your tires (spare included) according to the handbook or label inside the drivers door.

Keep the various liquids you car needs (windsheild wash, oil, water, coolant, power steering, clutch and brake fluid levels) topped up.

Check oil levels while parked on level ground.

If your windsheild wipers are smearing, replace them, otherwise you’ll find it difficult driving in the rain.

Your screen wash should spray onto your windscreen, not over the top of the car. Use a pin to adjust the direction of spray.

Make sure you carry out all the recommended steps for preparing your car for winter (refer to your manual for guidance or see dealer).