Getting Your Teen Their First Car: A How-To

Make sure you're setting them up for safety right from the start.

1. Choose the Right Car

Let's face it, if you left the decision up to your teen, you would probably end up with either a huge SUV or a suped up sports car, neither of which is particularly safe for a young, new driver. However, there are plenty of options out there to make both you and your teen happy. And with the right research, you can find a car that is not only fun to drive, but also safe and reliable, too.

Choosing a midsize car is the best way to go, according to The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety and the Insurance Information Institute. Depending on your budget, you can opt for either a new or used model - just make sure the car is in good condition with updated safety features like airbags and electronic stability control. Also, you'll want to check out crash test and safety ratings before making your final purchase.

Fuel efficiency is another important factor to consider, especially in today's economy. Unless you're willing to cover the cost of filling your son or daughter's tank each week, buying your teen a gas guzzler is probably not a good idea.

2. Get the Best Auto Insurance Rate

The truth is that no matter what car you choose, insuring your teen driver will increase your auto insurance rates. But there are some things that you can do to make these costs as manageable as possible. In fact, another great reason to opt for safety first at the car dealership is that it can help keep your auto insurance premiums down. Because safer cars tend to have a lower accident risk, they are usually less expensive to insure.

Another way to get the best auto insurance rates possible is to scope out potential discounts. If your teen is a full-time student, for instance, he or she may be eligible for a good student discount. Researching your options beforehand will help you to make an informed decision when trying to find the right car for your teen.

3. Set Boundaries

Choosing a good car and purchasing the right auto insurance are only the first steps in keeping your teen safe on the road. Talking with your teen about safe driving and setting clear rules and guidelines are also important. To ensure that your teen stays safe behind the wheel, you can:

• Limit the number of passengers your teen can have in his or her car at any one time;
• Establish a "no cell phone" policy to ensure that your teen does not text or call while driving;
• Discuss what to do in cases of emergency, including accidents and adverse weather conditions.

Source: Allstate Insurace

Regular Car Checks Recommended During High Summer Temperatures

Staying on top of your car's systems during the height of summer can help ensure a comfortable and safe ride.

Summer can be tough on cars, especially during high temperatures when heat can destroy batteries and stress the cooling system and tires. As a precaution, these vehicle components should be checked periodically during summer to help avoid breakdowns and car problems, according to the Car Care Council.

Excessive heat and overcharging shorten the life of a battery. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which then damages the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate, which will eventually destroy a battery.

To get the most life out of a battery, the council recommends having the electrical system checked to make sure it is charging at the correct rate. If your car's battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it often, especially in hot weather and add distilled water if necessary. Keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt can become a conductor, which drains battery power. If corrosion accumulates on battery terminals, it becomes an insulator and inhibits the current flow.

The cooling system also works harder during hot temperatures to prevent overheating of the engine. To keep the cooling system working effectively, the coolant and distilled water mixture for a vehicle's radiator should be 50:50. As a reminder, never open a hot radiator cap when checking the coolant level in the reservoir.

As a rule of thumb, the coolant should be changed annually on most vehicles. This will keep the cooling system fresh and clean inside, which helps prevent corrosion and assures that the coolant has the proper boiling point and protection. A pressure test, thermostat test, a cooling fan test and a visual inspection for leaks and corrosion should also be done annually. Hoses and drive belts should be checked for cracks, bulges or frayed edges.

The radiator should be kept clean by periodically using a garden hose and a soft brush to carefully remove bugs, dirt and debris.

Tires also need special care in warmer weather as high temperatures put added stress on them. To maximize tire life and safety, check the tire condition and inflation pressure monthly, and have the tires rotated every 6,000 miles. Summer heat will cause the pressure within a tire to rise, therefore, it's important to check the pressure when tires are cold. The owner's manual includes the recommended air pressure for your vehicle's tires.

"It takes very little time and money to make sure your car runs properly during summer, and although breakdowns happen, they can definitely be minimized by taking a few extra preventive maintenance steps," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

The council reminds motorists that the vehicle's exterior also can be damaged by sunlight, UV radiation, acid rain, salt, dirt and air pollution. To protect the paint and finish, vehicles should be washed weekly and waxed every six months.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the "Be Car Care Aware" consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a copy of the council's Car Care Guide or for more information, visit http://www.carcare.org/.

Source: Car Care Council

2016 Buick LaCrosse Earns Five-Star Safety Rating From Federal Government

WASHINGTON — The 2016 Buick LaCrosse sedan earned the highest five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The 2016 LaCrosse received five stars in the front and side crash tests and four stars in the rollover crash test. The rating applies to front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions of the car.

The 2016 LaCrosse is expected to arrive at Buick dealerships this summer.

Standard safety equipment includes a rearview camera, antilock brakes, electronic stability control, traction control and eight airbags, including rear-seat thorax airbags.

Two Driver Confidence packages add more safety equipment. The Driver Confidence 1 package is available on 1SL, 1SP and 1SR models. It includes forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning, lane-change alert, side blind-zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert, HID headlights, foglights and a head-up display.

The Driver Confidence 2 package, which is available on 1SP and 1SR models, adds collision preparation with collision-mitigation braking, full-speed-range adaptive cruise control and a Safety Alert seat for the driver. The special seat vibrates depending on the direction of a crash threat.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not rated the 2016 LaCrosse, a carryover vehicle. But the 2015 LaCrosse earned "good" scores in all Institute crash tests.

Source:  http://www.edmunds.com/

2017 Buick Encore Spy Shots

Buick’s Encore subcompact, launched in early 2013, arrived just in time to take advantage of a splurge in demand for smaller, more fuel-efficient crossovers. Buick sold 138,218 of them globally in 2014, a staggering 42 percent rise on sales numbers just one year prior, and this year is shaping up to be even better.

Nevertheless, to ensure the Encore stays fresh and features the latest technology, Buick will introduce an updated model next year. A prototype for the vehicle has just been spotted testing in Europe. Though Buicks aren’t sold in Europe, the Encore is twinned by a model called the Mokka sold by General Motors Company’s [NYSE:GM] European arm Opel, so it’s not unusual to see development taking place across the pond.

We’re expecting only minor visual changes for the Encore as this only represents a mid-cycle update. The camouflage gear on this prototype suggests a few tweaks to the headlights, new bumpers and possibly a new grille. Look for the fog lights to sport a similar design to the one on Buick’s Envision small crossover, which is due in the U.S. later this year, as a 2016 model. This updated Encore will arrive sometime next year, as a 2017 model.

It’s not clear what powertrains will be offered in the 2017 Encore, though we could see the vehicle adopt GM’s latest EcoTec range of engines. These engines should also appear in the next-generation version of Buick’s Verano compact sedan, also due as a 2017 model.

The current Encore is powered exclusively by the same turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder that's available in several Chevrolets including the Trax, the Encore’s corporate cousin. Incidentally, an updated version of the Trax should appear shortly after the updated Encore makes its debut.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/

2016 Buick Enclave Adds OnStar 4G LTE Connectivity

DETROIT – Let the streaming commence! Passengers in the 2016 Buick Enclave can download on the go with OnStar 4G LTE connectivity. It includes a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, which can be used simultaneously by up to seven devices.

The Enclave’s connectivity upgrade brings 4G LTE and the Wi-Fi hotspot to the entire 2016 Buick model range, from Encore and Verano to Regal and LaCrosse – and the all-new Cascada convertible. The Wi-Fi hotspot is on whenever the vehicle is on and it comes with a three-month/three-gigabyte data trial.

“Customers’ daily lives are so entwined with personal devices, so the addition of OnStar 4G LTE and its integral Wi-Fi hotspot is a feature they will rely on,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick. “It allows busy people to stay connected throughout the day and provides another outlet for passenger entertainment on long trips.”

4G LTE is the most current and fastest mobile data network – 10 times faster than 3G and 100 times faster than the previous generation of OnStar hardware. And with OnStar, it also offers stronger, broader coverage than smartphones on the same network.

Buick’s IntelliLink color touch radio is standard on all Enclave models and enhances the driving experience with a higher level of wireless connectivity and customized options – all while building on the safety and security of OnStar.

Six months of OnStar Guidance service is standard. OnStar’s RemoteLink Mobile App allows smartphone users to control vehicle functions, access vehicle information and send directions directly to the vehicle. An opt-in service called FamilyLink allows subscribers to stay connected to loved ones by checking the location of their vehicle online or by signing up for vehicle location alerts.

Five Years of OnStar Basic Plan includes RemoteLink Key Fob Services, allowing owners to remotely start and lock/unlock a car (if properly equipped), and activate the horn and lights from anywhere with a data connection. It also includes OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics which runs monthly checks of a vehicle’s engine, transmission, antilock brakes and more. Dealer Maintenance Notification, which sends diagnostic report directly to a preferred dealer, makes service scheduling simple.

Buick reveals new Verano in Shanghai

The lion's share of the new vehicles being showcased at the Shanghai Motor Show this week may never make their way to US showrooms. But Americans will surely want to note the unveiling of the all-newBuick Verano.

The current compact sedan in the Buick lineup arrived in 2011, and is now preparing to enter its second generation with the model you see here. Details are the only element more scarce than photos (GM has released one thus far), but we can see that the new Verano adopts more dynamic styling than the model it replaces.

The design borrows elements from the Riviera and Avenir concepts, with a more steeply raked windshield and rear glass said to give the new Verano a more elongated look (and lower drag coefficient) than its compact footprint would dictate. Up front you'll see Buick's signature waterfall grille, flanked by HID xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and taillamps.

Motivation comes courtesy of a 1.5-liter turbocharged Ecotec four, driving 166 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque through a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The 17-inch wheels are shod with Continental rubber. Just how many of these specifications will remain relevant when the new Verano reaches Buick dealers on this side of the Pacific remains to be seen.

Spied: 2017 GMC Sierra 2500/3500 Chassis Cab

The GM light-duty and heavy-duty pickup trucks look like they'll be coming to market refreshed for 2017 or 2018. Our spy shooters are seeing both of them running all sorts of loaded and empty test loops, likely to work out the bugs on a modified or upgraded powertrain. Here's their latest report:

"Recently we've caught the updated Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra light-duty pickups out on their first test runs. … We caught a pair of 2016 GMC Sierra Heavy Duty prototypes (one crew-cab 2500 near maximum payload and towing capacity, and the other an empty chassis-cab Duramax) coming in from a run.

"Much like the light-duty trucks we've seen before, the Sierra looks to be hiding a moderate front-end refresh, with a new front end, hood cuts, a revised grille and updated headlights.

"We suspect the bigger news is under the hood, where the GM HD trucks are reported to get upgraded versions of the Duramax V-8 turbo-diesel. At least one report pegs the new Duramax numbers at 450 horsepower and 850 pounds-feet of torque.

"A version of the 10-speed transmission co-developed with Ford is also likely to make it into the heavy-duty pickups by 2018."

2016 GMC Terrain refresh revealed

Posting its best-ever sales year in 2014, the GMC Terrain is hauling in sales, conquest buyers, and profits for the brand. GMC wants that to continue with its refresh for the 2016 model year, which sees the underlying formula left untouched under a raft of cosmetic and trim changes.

There will be four trim levels: SL, SLE (SLE-1 and SLE-2), SLT, and Denali. They all get a front fascia with a lot more character, sculpted with chrome-outlined, C-shaped ornamentation, and all but the base SL version feature chrome accents on the grille. Flanking that, the headlights get new LED DRL signatures and the hood gets a power dome. The Denali gets new 19-inch alloys, models below it get new 18-inch wheel designs, and the sheetmetal color palette expands with the addition of White Frost Tricoat and Crimson Red Tintcoat.

Beyond a revised center console, a mix of cabin offerings spice up the various trims. Premium cloth is the go-to for the SL and SLE, "Saddle Up" leather is an option on the SLT as well as an eight-way passenger seat, and a two-tone, dual-material Light Titanium and Jet Black interior is possible inside the Denali.

Assistance features migrate down, with Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert available on the Terrain SLE and SLT for the first time. Engine choices remain the 182-horsepower Ecotec 2.4-liter inline-four, and the 272-hp 3.6-liter V6. 

Buick Enclave gets continental makeover with Tuscan trim

Buick is trying to lend an air of Italian elegance to the Enclave with its newly announced Tuscan Edition that's available on the crossover for the 2016 model year. Named after the famously hilly and fertile region of Italy, the package brings some bronze accents to the CUV.

As the very specific trademark filing for the Tuscan suggests, the special edition adds bronze trim to the uprights in the grille, and the metallic color finds its way into the embellishments on the 20-inch chrome wheels, too. Buyers also get to choose from three shades when ordering the package: White Frost Tricoat, Dark Chocolate Metallic and Ebony Twilight Metallic.

Beyond those trim upgrades, the Tuscan Edition is just like any other Enclave. The package can only be ordered on the Leather and Premium trims, and all of their features are still available including a power moonroof, park assist, HID headlights and many luxury features inside. As with the rest of the range, power comes from a 3.6-liter V6 with 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque that routes through a six-speed automatic. There's also a choice of front- or all-wheel drive.

The Italian-inspired CUV makes its debut at the New York Auto Show in just a few days and brings its bronzer to dealersthis summer.

Top-Down Luxury Returns with 2016 Buick Cascada | Myers Autoworld Anderson IN

Buick today introduced the 2016 Cascada – a dynamic, stylish convertible that uses innovative powertrain and chassis technologies to complement the driving experience.

The Cascada will be the first Buick convertible offered in the United States in 25 years and the latest globally developed vehicle to join the brand’s growing portfolio. It goes on sale in early 2016. 

“The new, 2016 Buick Cascada is a beautiful, engaging convertible that represents the very best of the brand’s global development practices,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick. “It’s a car that will delight customers with its fun spirit and help drive the momentum that’s fueling Buick’s success.”

The Cascada’s 2+2 configuration offers comfortable room for four adults. Its expressive driving experience is rooted in a rigid body structure, Buick’s sophisticated HiPer Strut front suspension and responsive Watts Z-link suspension in the rear – along with a 200-horsepower (149 kW) turbocharged engine.

And when it comes to dropping the top on a whim, it lowers in only 17 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph. When it’s up, superior thermal and acoustic insulation contribute to driving comfort. 

“Cascada’s driving enjoyment is rooted in technologies that make it more comfortable and refined,” said Aldred. “Its features work harmoniously to provide a safe, connected and confidence-inspiring driving experience.”

2017 Buick Verano Spy Shots | Myers Autoworld Anderson IN

Buick’s Verano first hit the scene in 2012 but the next generation of the compact sedan has already been spotted. The reason for the current model’s short lifespan is due to the introduction of General Motors Company’s [NYSE:GM] new D2XX compact car platform, which will not only underpin this new Verano but also form the basis of the next-generation Cruze and Volt from Chevrolet as well as the next Opel Astra.

We know the prototype is for a Buick because it features the brand’s signature waterfall grille and was spotted at one of GM’s test centers in Europe. The car is likely to be aligned more closely with the next Opel Astra than the next Cruze in terms of dynamics, which helps explain why prototypes are being tested by engineers in Europe.

In terms of styling, the new Verano looks very much like the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, which is a good thing considering the baby Merc is one of the best looking cars in its segment. The roofline is lower than on the current Verano and the lines more streamlined, suggesting wind tunnel testing played a major role in the new design.

The current Verano is powered by a 180-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder enginein base trim and a 250-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbo four in Verano Turbo trim. The new Verano is expected to adopt GM’s new Ecotec engine family, possibly with all units turbocharged and a diesel included.

We’re expecting the new Verano to be revealed next year, though perhaps for the Chinese market only initially. U.S. sales will likely commence sometime in 2016, meaning we'll see it arrive as a 2017 model. Key rivals will be the Acura ILX, Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.