Carl Black Of Roswell News/Events Blog

Tires balder than the Monopoly guy? If you answer yes, it’s time for new tires… or it may not be too much longer before you stop passing “Go”. Worn tires are unsafe, inefficient, and in many cases, illegal to drive. The tread on your tires diverts water away from the tire, preventing your vehicle from hydroplaning off the road. But as the tread wears down, so does its ability to divert water—and they don’t have to necessarily “look bald” before they are unsafe to drive on.

Checking your tires is simple, though there are a few different methods. Look between the tread lines to find a “wear bar”, found between the tread lines of the tire. When the wear bar and tread are flush with one another, it’s time to get your tires replaced. You’ll benefit from a smoother, quieter ride, with confident handling in rain or shine. And while tires can be expensive, they actually save you money in fuel, and you simply can’t put a price on safety.

Worn tires are a danger to yourself and everyone else around you. So please, stop skidding through “Go” and replace those balding tires.

We’ve all seen it—the car with one (or more) wide, flat tires, plodding along without seeming to care. We’ve all avoided that car, with its unsafe tire pressure and likely unpredictable driver. We shake our heads and pride ourselves on superior car care and maintenance. But don’t be too quick to pat yourself on the shoulder. Low tire pressure isn’t always visible, and you could be sacrificing precious fuel economy and priceless safety if your tires aren’t inflated properly. You too could be plodding along, without any idea because your tires “look” fine. Underinflated tires, even by just a few psi, wear down faster, and we all know a new set of tires usually doesn’t come cheap.

Tire pressure fluctuates, especially during winter months. Cold weather causes tires to become

underinflated, especially if they are filled with oxygen. If your car is equipped with TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system), you may have noticed the indicator on a cold morning, only to see it disappear while you drive. This is due to friction heating the tire, which increases the pressure within. But that doesn’t mean the problem is gone—the next cold morning will be sure to greet you with another TMPS indicator and its accompanying set of beeps and dings. It’s important that you inflate your tires to the correct psi while the tires are cold to ensure the highest level of safety and durability.

As opposed to oxygen, nitrogen gas consists of larger molecules and boasts many benefits for your tire. Seepage where the tire meets the rim is reduced. Cold mornings become less of a problem, and the tire pressure overall remains more stable. That means less time fretting, and more time enjoying the open road. We’re guessing you don’t have many tanks of nitrogen gas lying around, so we’d like to invite you to bring your vehicle in for this month’s special—$20 off a Nitro Fill from the professionals at Carl Black.

Who says you can’t mix business with pleasure? The 2013 Verano T provides the style and sophistication expected in a compact luxury sedan—but under the hood lies 250 horsepower turbocharged poised and ready for all the fun that happens off the clock. With a zero to sixty time of six seconds, you’d better have a lid on that espresso.

The Verano is all about big luxury in a small package. Remote starting the vehicle brings the interior to life, automatically adjusting the temperature inside before you enter the vehicle. Premium soft touch materials and wood accents give the cabin the unmistakable comfort Buick provides. The attention to detail can be found in every inch and storage compartment. On finger-numbing mornings, heated leather seats automatically activate, and the heated leather-wrapped steering wheel keeps the cumbersome gloves at bay.

Subtle cues, like the understated “T” badge or chrome tipped dual exhaust set the Verano T apart from the standard Verano trim packages, which are already feature rich in true Buick fashion. QuietTuning technology muffles undesirable sound with sound dampeners placed throughout the frame. Combined with Bose Active noise cancelling technology, engine and road noise are all but eliminated. In the standard Verano, this makes for a smooth, comfortable ride. In the Verano T, the extra power makes the ride simply exhilarating. An impeccable union of speed and sound.

In a non-turbocharged Verano, the naturally aspirated 2.4L produces 180 horsepower. In the Verano T, a turbocharged 2.0L produces 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, shaving a full two seconds from the time to 60 mph. Minor tweaks to the steering and suspension help channel the extra power provided by the turbocharged engine, but the Verano T is most notable for the lack of noisy features often paired with powerful turbocharged vehicles. This is turbo with subtlety—overly aggressive air intakes and super sport tires simply don’t belong here. This is a car with identity, a truly powerful compact sedan that would rather show than tell.

You don’t have to be on a diet to eat healthy. Or exercise every day to stay in shape. And you certainly don’t have to drive a sports car to drive sporty.

One part luxury, one part sport, one hundred percent Verano T.

There’s a certain feeling owners of the 2013 Acadia Denali share: confidence. It’s a feeling that begins when you remote start the car, activating the automatic climate control while you make a coffee to go, prepare lunch, find the kids, or all of the above. By the time you’re ready, so is the Denali. Nestled in the driver’s seat, you’re confident that the Acadia Denali doesn’t just tackle the day—it does it better than anyone in its class.

This car will move you. And up to eight passengers. True craftsmanship isn’t just seen—it’s felt, and can only be developed over generations of car making. Inside the cabin, you’re surrounded by soft touch material: throughout the dashboard, door panels, and center console. Warm ambient lighting adds to the natural light streaming in from Dual-Skyscape sunroof, reflecting off of the aluminum trim accents. Real stitching on the instrument panel and leather seats shows the impeccable attention to detail. Every stitch, like every other component in the vehicle, has been expertly sewn to create a synthesis of parts, all working together in unison to provide the quintessential crossover experience. It only gets even better as you bring the 3.6L V6 engine to life, and witness the smooth and quiet ride the Acadia delivers, thanks to noise –dampening materials hidden everywhere from the engine bay to the rear panels. The transmission shifts seamlessly between gears, and hydraulic power steering variable effort feels smooth and effortless.

The Acadia’s bold, clean lines reflect a sense of professionalism. Sharp HID headlamps with LED accents increase visibility during all times of the day and night, and projector beam fog lamps help in inclement weather. Of course, if that doesn’t get their attention, all new 20-inch chrome clad aluminum wheels will. Stunning in sunlight, sleek at night. The Acadia Denali’s exterior is all about the seamless integration of form and function. Find the tow hitch discreetly hidden, giving the exterior clean lines but remaining easily accessible. Or take a look at the glass-to-glass tailgate corner, a slick design detail with a secret—underneath the glass is a unitized body fortified by high-strength steel. Sure, the Acadia Denali boasts clean lines and a bold look, but it also provides the strength and security you need to feel confident behind the wheel. The 2013 Acadia is bigger, bolder, and better, and appearances are just the beginning.

It’s not enough to simply look good—we just wouldn’t have it any other way. Functionality is everything in a crossover vehicle, and the 2013 Acadia Denali takes this idea further than any other vehicle by allowing customization every step of the way. For seven passenger capacity, choose a second row of captain’s seats, or to maximize capacity at eight passengers, choose the split bench seat. Either way, SmartSlide allows easy access to the third row, and a number of cargo space options become immediately available. Fold one seat down (or part of the bench) down to combine cargo and passenger space, or fold them all down for ultimate cargo capacity. We’re talking about a maximum of 116.1 cubic feet of cargo room, enough space for the biggest box you’d ever want to load or unload. The driver and front passenger both have eight-way adjustable power seats, each with two memory settings, and four-way adjustable headrests. Sit exactly how you like to, every single time. Three distinct climate zones (front, passenger, and rear) allow everyone to be comfortable no matter the preference. That means less time arguing over the thermostat (see also: never arguing over it again) and more time enjoying the Bose surround sound. By not only providing the essential components to make daily tasks easier, but also the ability to customize each component to the driver’s and passengers’ unique tastes, the Acadia Denali raises the bar in comfort and convenience.

Controlling the Acadia Denali’s array of technology features is easy: just tell it what to do. The IntelliLink control panel can effortlessly make a phone call, find a location on GPS, or play a specific radio station by simply listening to you. Additional controls on the steering wheel and touch screen give you the flexibility you need, when you need it. Smartphone connectivity through Bluetooth synchronizes without a hitch, and there’s even a compartment in the dashboard with USB port. A heads-up display projects information onto the dashboard, such as your current speed or vehicle settings, so that you can keep your eyes on the road. Backseat passengers can enjoy a DVD entertainment system, or plug in their own electronics in the A/V and power ports. Vacationing with children (even the fully grown adult kind) has never been this easy.

Confidence of a different sort comes from the level of safety in the Acadia Denali. Have a little fun—shock your friends and family by closing the rear lift gate on your hand. Automatic sensors disengage the clutch, and your hand miraculously comes out unscathed. Same for the driver side window, a potential finger-saver. Even the location of the battery, centrally under the 2nd row seating, protects it from nasty collisions, allowing use in a possibly critical situation. In the engine bay, every connection is triple-sealed to keep components working correctly, even in the worst weather conditions. But these are all small details, simply rounding out the overall safety the Acadia provides before, during, and after a collision.

Let’s start with the before. Backing up is easy with the IntelliLink display, which indicates visually and audibly how close you are to objects. It alerts you when some crazed individual drives through the grocery store parking lot in the wrong direction—it happens, so we addressed it. Blind zone alerts, through small LEDs in the side mirrors and warning tones, help eliminate minor accidents when changing lanes. The tire pressure monitoring system doesn’t just tell you a tire is low—it tells you which one, and by how much. You can even access this kind of information through the OnStar app for smartphones, so you’ll know even before you’re behind the wheel. When the roads are slippery or uneven, antilock brakes and StabiliTrak (registered) keep you in control of your vehicle.

Yet preventive measures and technology can only do so much. In the event of a collision, the Acadia’s safety cage made from high strength steel keeps the driver and any passengers safe, while crush zones in the front and rear absorb the energy from the impact. An industry-first addition of the front-center airbag protects the driver and passenger from colliding into one another in a side impact collision. Headrests move forward automatically to help prevent whiplash, and pretensioners in the seatbelts minimize forward movement. Simply getting five stars isn’t enough. This is the Acadia Denali, where safety innovation goes beyond maintaining a high safety rating.

After an accident, the OnStar service kicks in, powered by the Acadia’s centrally located battery. Crucial, life-saving information is automatically relayed to emergency responders, including the car’s location, the direction and number of impacts, and rollover status. These details can make all the difference when the first responders arrive. With additional features like Remote Ignition Block to stop thieves, remote door unlock for those “whoops” moments (not you, no, never you), and roadside assistance, the value of OnStar becomes pretty clear.

When you look at the competition, they simply don’t stack up. Let’s take a look at the Honda Pilot. Sure, they’ve addressed the noisy ride in previous models, and improved the fuel economy for 2013. However, you can say goodbye to engine responsiveness, interior refinement, remote start, or easy access to the third row. In terms of safety, the Pilot scored “Good” for frontal and side-impact crashes, but only “Marginal” in the roof-strength test. Now, the Ford Explorer. It’s lighter and roomier than its predecessors, sure, but how does it do against the Acadia Denali? For starters, you can say goodbye to the eighth passenger and the standard power lift gate. You can also say hello to the Sync system, but we’re not so sure it will understand you the first time.

Where does confidence come from? For us, it comes from making the right decisions. From using the strongest steel. From innovating the latest technology. From finding the right balance of power and efficiency, of form and function.

We’re confident in the 2013 Acadia Denali. Are you?

On the fence about purchasing a 2013 GMC Sierra 1500? There has never been a better time to make the leap. Introducing GMC Pro Grade Protection, the industry’s best pickup coverage on 2013 Sierra 1500s.

2 Years/24,000 Miles of Scheduled Maintenance that includes

•Oil & Filter Service

•Tire Rotation

•Multipoint Inspection

3-Year/36,000-Mile Bumper-To-Bumper Warranty

•GMC backs your new vehicle with its no-deductible, Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty

5-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Warranty

•All GMC light-duty vehicles come with a fully transferable, no-deductible 5-year/100,000 mile Powertrain Limited Warranty. See dealer for details.

Come in today and check out our selection of 2013 GMC Sierra 1500s. With such great offers, your only worry will be deciding on a color.

Driving in the rain can be dangerous enough as it is—would you try it with your eyes closed? With old, ineffective windshield wipers, you might as well be. We’ve all seen (and heard) them, the old wiper blades that seem to spread water rather than wipe it away, creating a solid sheath to blind you in the already terrible driving conditions. It seems we usually don’t realize our wipers need replacing until it’s too late, and it’s simply no fun to change a wiper blade in the rain.

In most cases, you should be replacing your windshield wiper blades twice a year. This ensures maximum contact between the blade and your windshield, an ability that degrades over time due to wind and weather. The first time you see the water swish away effortlessly and silently with a brand new wiper blade, you’ll wonder why you waited this long. Think Johnny Nash, because that’s exactly what we’re talking about here.

Replacement is easy. Simply “park” the wiper blade in the upright position, remove the old blade, and replace it with the appropriate size. Or just bring your vehicle in, and we’ll take care of all of that for you. Either way, you’ll be ready for the next rainy day or unfortunate bug that crashes into your now silently-operating windshield.

It’s easy to focus on the visual appeal inside a car, but it’s perhaps less common to consider the acoustic appeal in the same way. After all, cars can be pretty noisy. Engines, wind noise, road noise… all sounds we’ve grown used to over time. Buick’s QuietTuning technology sets out to change that. Innovative sound-dampening features, combined with Bose Active Noise Cancellation technology, provide a ride that sounds unlike any other, and debuts in the Buick Encore for 2013.

Active Noise Cancellation uses small microphones that measure and analyze incoming sound, then projects counteracting sound waves through the speakers. Unwanted engine noise is all but eliminated, while pleasant sounds are allowed to pass through. The result is a muted, luxurious driving experience that will still engage your senses. Best of all is that the QuietTuning technology comes standard in all Encores, even those without the optional Bose surround sound system installed.

Elsewhere in the vehicle, Buick has taken measures to eliminate unnecessary noise. Aerodynamic changes based on thousands of hours in wind tunnels have created a smooth profile for the Encore. Engine components such as the alternator are silenced, and sound dampening materials can be found just about everywhere: under the hood, in the cabin, and around the wheels. The windshield is acoustically laminated, and the side windows are made from a thicker 5mm glass. Even the tires are specifically chosen for their ability to keep the noise down. From the ground up, QuietTuning in the Encore’s design adds a pleasant soundtrack to an already luxurious ride.

With an MSRP of $24,950, driving away in a Buick has never sounded this good. Test drive a 2013 Encore and hear it for yourself. Because hearing is believing.

Big luxury. Small Package. Introducing the 2013 Buick Verano.

Just because a car gets great mileage shouldn’t mean it has to be stripped of amenities that make driving a pleasure. In the 2013 Buick Verano, there are simply no compromises when it comes to the little things that make you truly love driving your vehicle. These are the little things Buick has perfected over generations of automobiles. Things like QuietTuning technology, which is so effective you’ll hear yourself wondering where the road noise went.

The signature black chrome waterfall grille announces the 2013 Verano’s entry anywhere. It’s that unmistakable smile that only comes with confidence. No surprise, really— a car as good looking as this one has plenty of reasons to be confident. Chrome, calligraphy-like accents bring out the elegant body lines, and chrome tipped dual exhaust outlets leave a lasting impression. On 18” forged alloy wheels, the Verano is quite simply the tallest, most handsome car in its class.

Think fine jewelry. When you see an exquisite box, you know what’s inside is bound to be something really special. From the moment you open the door, telltale Buick luxury simply sets the 2013 Verano apart from its competition. Premium materials showcase the craftsmanship put into each and every vehicle we make. Front and center is the IntelliLink control panel, the modern extension of the classic instrument panel. Whether you’re using voice activated Bluetooth connectivity or Pandora internet radio, the IntelliLink system makes the Verano’s array of technologies easily accessible. Include the available 9-speaker Bose Premium audio system, put in your favorite album, and sit back—this is one ride we know you’ll enjoy.

In addition to great looks, 2013 brings speed in the form on the all-new Verano Turbo. With a 250-hp four-cylinder turbocharged engine, going 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds simply doesn’t get any better than this. Of course, speed is useless without proper handling, so Stabilitrak and Full-function Traction Control keep you connected to the road. Combined with the lighter weight being a compact car brings to the table, the Verano is, quite simply, luxury driving made fun.

For $199 a month on our current two-year lease offer, enjoying the comforts Buick has to offer has become easier than ever. That includes two years of maintenance, OnStar, SiriusXM, and 24,000 miles of driving in luxury Buick bliss. Just $2,119 due at signing. Take advantage of this amazing offer before you’re left behind, staring at someone else’s chrome-tipped exhaust pipes.

2013 GMC Sierra 2500HD Bi-Fuel

GMC and Chevrolet are both gearing up their bi-fuel pickup trucks for 2013, in the form of the GMC Sierra 2500 HD and Chevrolet Silverado HD.

These are two trucks tough enough for any job, but innovative enough to reduce fuel costs and carbon footprint. We’re talking about a Vortec 6.0L V8 that screams efficiency. The CNG (compressed natural gas) capable engine switches seamlessly between CNG and gas fuel and has a range of 650 miles. This kind of versatility, combined with the reliability that comes with every GM truck, makes the bi-fuel pickup trucks an attractive option to savvy businesses and consumers alike.

The Type-3 single-tank CNG system was designed to allow the maximum bed space of any bi-fuel truck from an Original Equipment Manufacturer, in both standard or long-box, and in two or four-wheel drive. Truck-reliant businesses feeling the sting of rising gas prices can find respite in the Sierra 2500 HD and Silverado HD.

The bi-fuel option is available for an additional $11,000 above the suggested price of the base vehicle, and current CNG costs the equivalent to $1.89 per gallon of gasoline. Depending on driving habits, the extra startup cost can pay for itself in just a few years. As GM trucks, each vehicle is strictly tested for quality, durability, and safety so that each meets the high standards GM vehicles are known for. Each truck is covered by GM’s three-year, 36,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty and five-year, 100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty and vehicle emissions warranty.

As more CNG stations are installed in the U.S., the transition to cost effective bi-fuel trucks marks a shift in a consumption-conscious world without sacrificing the strength needed to perform America’s toughest jobs.

The 2013 Buick Enclave. Many have imitated. None have succeeded.

Since its debut, the Enclave has seen its share of copycat vehicles. But when it comes to full-size three-row crossovers, nobody does it better than the original—the Buick Enclave. Now five years in production, the 2013 edition combines classic luxury with contemporary innovation, cementing its legacy as the cutting edge crossover vehicle.

On the outside, the big grille and LED accent lights announce its bold entrance into any street or showroom. But on the inside, the Enclave has received a complete makeover. New trim and soft-touch materials line the cabin, with unmistakably Buick luxury throughout. A mahogany trim steering wheel meets chrome accents and exposed stitching on leather, with four interior color options. One such option is the Cocoa leather with wood-toned accents, a smooth blend of form and function you won’t find anywhere else. Ambient blue lighting illuminates the new technology features. Every 2013 Enclave comes with a standard rearview camera system, HD and satellite radio, and IntelliLink. With IntelliLink voice-controlled connectivity, you can easily control all the Enclave’s features hands-free. You can even use our myBuick smartphone app to lock or unlock your vehicle. You know, just in case your keys decided they wanted to hang out inside for a bit.

The first crossover to feature three row capacity, the Buick Enclave still reigns as the leader in this versatile category. Flexible seating options make it roomy enough for eight, with SmartSlide technology that allows convenient one handed access to the third row. Or fold the seats down for a total of 115 cubic feet of storage, which is more than the competition, and plenty of space for any job.

Power meets finesse when it comes to the Enclave’s performance. We kept the 3.6 liter V-6, pushing 288-hp, but optimized it with a Hydra-Matic six speed automatic transmission, making shifts smoother. New dual flow dampers in the suspension system minimize impact, noise, and vibrations on any driving surface. Combined with available All Wheel Drive, the Enclave stands out as a vehicle matched for any situation in any environment.

In 2012, The Enclave received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA in addition to IIHS Top Safety Pick status. For 2013, the Enclave improves on a winning formula, keeping the safety of all passengers at the forefront. As another safety industry first, the 2013 edition introduces a new front center airbag, which helps protect front occupants in a side impact, a side blind zone alert system, and a rear cross traffic alert system, in addition to the features that made the 2012 edition such a safe ride.

It’s really no surprise that the Buick Enclave has a long line of followers—each year it evolves, improving on everything it already does the best. Drive the 2013 Buick Enclave, and rest assured that imitation is only the highest form of flattery.