Diapers Change Chevy Cruze Winter Warm-up Time

GM validation engineer uses diaper material “snow” to reduce frigid drives

An item commonly found on an infant’s changing table is helping General Motors’ engineers simulate snow year round, ensuring heating systems in cars like the 2015 Chevrolet Cruze can quickly and efficiently warm its interior.

Packed snow can prevent air from entering the inlet panel at the bottom of the windshield, obstructing the flow of air into the heating system and reducing the amount of air it can push out. This can lead to less efficient warming of the car’s interior and windshield defrosting.

“The last thing anyone wants to do when it’s freezing cold out is scrape their windshield,” said Nicholas Jahn, GM Vehicle Thermal Systems engineer. “The testing we perform on the Chevrolet Cruze with the diaper material allows us to maximize the car’s heating capabilities.” 

Ironically, Jahn stumbled upon his diaper-based testing method in the middle of summer. During a swim with his daughter, he noticed her diaper multiplied in size when it came into contact with water. After some research, he found that sodium polyacrylate – the absorbent material found in diapers – starts as a powder but turns into a snow-like substance when saturated.

In Jahn’s test (click for video), he sprinkled the reusable snow onto the air inlet vents along the bottom of the Cruze’s windshield, then started the car and let it idle. After a few minutes, Jahn removed the inlet panel and inspected how much snow was sucked into the system and how much of the intake vents remained blocked.

Before discovering the material, Jahn had to either rely on Mother Nature to provide snow, or find a schedule opening at one of GM’s state-of-the-art climatic wind tunnels. Sodium polyacrylate, however, can be used anywhere, at any time, and in any season. Better yet, when the material dries, it can easily be reused.

“Diaper material is perfect for testing for snow intrusion and packing properties, Jahn said.  

A more efficient heating system especially benefits those who use the OnStar Remote Key Fob services, which allows drivers to remotely start their car from anywhere with a cellular connection. As part of the OnStar Basic Plan, Remote Key Fob services - remote start, lock, unlock and activate horn and lights – is free for five years on all new, properly equipped GM vehicles.

View Kupper Chevrolet's full Cruze inventory at kupperchevrolet.com. 

Pack Mentality: Chevrolet’s Tips for Traveling with a Pet

Michael Morgan of Seattle has a very simple rule when it comes to travel: If his dog Myles, a 25-pound Puggle, isn’t welcome, neither is he.

The 35-year-old real estate investment executive is among the 62 percent of Americans who own at least one pet, according to the Humane Society of the United States, and thanks to the collective $50 billion they spend annually on their four-legged family members, destinations once off limits now welcome well-behaved pets.

In fact, a study last year by AAA and a major hotel chain revealed more than half of U.S. dog and cat owners said they take their cats and dogs when they travel.

So whether it’s a scenic color tour or a holiday sojourn to relatives, it’s reigning cats and dogs in Chevrolets this fall.

Before you go, there are some things to consider, according to PAWS (Pets Are Worth Saving) Chicago, the city’s largest no-kill shelter, and other pet experts.

Traveling with dogs

Not all canines can handle road trips, so it’s best to take a few practice runs before a major journey.

• Restrain dogs during car trips for their safety and yours. Some states require this. Options include restraints, pet carriers and cargo barriers. The Chevrolet Equinox’s spacious cargo area can accommodate a good-size pet carrier and consumers can find specialized pet restraints for use in rear seats. Never let a pet ride in front because it could be seriously injured or killed if an air bag deploys.
• As with children, never leave any pet alone in the car. On a warm, sunny day, even with the windows open, a parked vehicle can become dangerously hot in no time, and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, pets can experience hyperthermia. Furthermore, unattended pets can be stolen. If you see a pet in distress, Equinox owners with active OnStar can alert the authorities or animal control.
• For dogs with anxiety issues or who bark a lot, try a chew treat to keep them occupied. Chewing and licking are very soothing to dogs, and may help yours relax. The optional cargo organizer in the Equinox has space for toys and treats, as do the multiple storage pockets in the doors.
• Identify dog-friendly restaurants, hotels and dog parks on your travel route. For OnStar subscribers, an advisor can help locate pet-friendly establishments.
• Some people snacks – like chocolate – can be fatal to dogs. If your dog gets into something dangerous, OnStar can connect you with Poison Control or send you to the nearest emergency vet.

Once you get to your destination, there is another important step to ensure your dog’s safety.

“Make sure you keep your dog on a leash while they explore your new destination,” says Joan L. Harris, PAWS Chicago director of training and canine behavior. “Even a well-trained dog may feel out of place until they are comfortable in a new location.”

Before the fur flies

Here are some prep steps to help ensure a great trip.

• Make sure your pet is current on vaccinations and, depending on where you’re headed, get additional ones to protect against new threats such as canine Lyme disease. Find and program the number of a 24-hour emergency vet. That way, he or she is no more than a voice command away, thanks to the Equinox’s available MyLink infotainment system when paired with a compatible mobile device.
• In case you become separated from your pet, carry a current photo. A microchip is also a good idea, as well as a collar with a cell number. Never allow your dog to leave the vehicle without the collar, ID tag and leash.

Traveling with cats

Scratch these items off the list before you travel with felines:

• Use a pet carrier or cargo barrier. Unrestrained pets can be injured in a crash or pose a risk of injury to other vehicle occupants.
• Familiarize your car by allowing your cat to cheek rub and spread its scent.  Or try placing a bed, blanket or a towel inside the car.
• Consider packing a portable litter box, collapsible food and water bowls and feline first aid kits. An old scratching post you won’t mind discarding can also help keep cats calm.
• To help prevent dehydration, especially on summer trips, try freezing a bowl of water that cats can lick to keep cool. It is a less messy option for traveling with water.  ​

If your pet can’t join you, a rear passenger can video chat back home or to the kennel, courtesy of the available built-in OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot connection in the 2015 Equinox. Up to seven compatible devices can connect to the 4G LTE connection at one time, allowing the entire family to check in. Stop by Kupper Chevrolet in Mandan & test drive a 2015 Equinox today. With our November lease special of $356/mo., it's sure to please the whole family (fur members and all). 

OnStar Offers Chevrolet Owners Affordable In-Car 4G LTE Connectivity

In-Car Wi-Fi data plans start at $5 a month

In-car wireless 4G LTE connectivity doesn’t have to be an expensive proposition. In fact, when select 2015 Chevrolet vehicles equipped with OnStar’s in-car 4G LTE hardware arrive at Kupper Chevrolet later this year, data plans will start at a mere $5 per month.

“Consumers are increasingly purchasing tablets and other devices that rely solely upon Wi-Fi to connect with the outside world,” said Justin Rambur, New Car Sales Manager, from Kupper Chevrolet. “By offering a 4G LTE connection and a Wi-Fi hot-spot within most 2015 models, CHEVROLET and OnStar are giving customers a bridge to the World Wide Web and beyond.”

The industry’s broadest deployment of 4G LTE
connectivity technology will enable owners of these vehicles to explore new features like a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot capable of pairing up to seven devices, including properly equipped laptop computers, tablets, smartphones, or video game consoles.

2015 Chevrolet models equipped with OnStar’s 4G LTE hardware will be bundled with three months or 3 gigabytes of complimentary data usage. After that, users will be able to choose from a wide array of affordable data plans to fit both their need and budget. Plans start at $5 for 200 megabytes of data monthly, enough to stream more than 6.5 hours of music or send more than 10,000 emails without attachments. Monthly plans span up to 50 gigabytes of data, which costs $50 a month.

Additionally, OnStar allows customers to purchase one-time data packages in two different sizes, or even bundle their in-car 4G LTE subscription with an existing AT&T Mobile Share Plan.

OnStar’s 4G LTE hardware will first be available on the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu, but will ultimately be offered on 16 Chevrolet models by the end of 2014, including the 2015 Spark, the 2015 Sonic, the 2015 Cruze, the 2015 Volt, the 2015 Impala, the 2015 SS, the 2015 Trax, the 2015 Equinox, the 2015 Tahoe, the 2015 Suburban, the 2015 Colorado, and select 2015 Silverado and Silverado HD pickups.  

About OnStar LLCOnStar, LLC (OnStar) is a wholly owned subsidiary of GM Holdings LLC (“GM”). Along with its affiliate Shanghai OnStar Telematics Co. Ltd (a joint venture involving OnStar, Shanghai General Motors Co., Ltd (SGM) and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC)), OnStar serves more than 6.5 million subscribers in the U.S, Canada and China. OnStar is a provider of connected safety, security and mobility solutions and advanced information technology and is available on 39 GM branded 2013 model year vehicles. OnStar's key services include automatic crash response, stolen vehicle assistance, remote door unlock, turn-by-turn navigation, vehicle diagnostics and hands-free calling.

Winter Driving Tips for Area Drivers

BISMARCK-MANDAN, 11-21-13 –Chilly weather has arrived in Bismarck-Mandan, which means it’s

time for a winter driving refresher to help area residents stay safe on the roads this season.

Snow affects people in more parts of the country than you might realize – in fact, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, over 70 percent of the nation’s roads are located in snowy regions and nearly 70 percent of the U.S. population lives in these regions.

“It might seem obvious that snowfall and icy and wet roads make driving more dangerous,” Bob Kupper of Kupper Chevrolet. “But it’s something that Bismarck-Mandan-area drivers need to carefully account for before getting on the road this winter.”

Before Bismarck-Mandan-area drivers embark on their first winter drive of the season, here are some tips from OnStar on how to “winter-ize” their vehicles:

Understand Your Vehicle: Familiarize yourself with the different traction and stability control systems and make sure you have the system you’d like to use turned on. Most manufacturers offer stability control systems and some have selections for Winter, Sport and other modes.

Have Back-up for Your Cell Phone: Have a lifeline in your vehicle, like OnStar. OnStar’s automatic crash response system can find your exact location – even when weather conditions might make it difficult to see you. OnStar also has a dedicated cell phone built-in (a back-up in case your phone’s cell reception is not working or your phone battery is dead) and have EMD trained emergency advisors who can provide medical instructions until help arrives.

Prep Your Windshield: Repair cracks and stone chips before the cold weather sets in to prevent further cracking in cold temperatures. Do NOT drive until your windshield and windows are defogged and clear of ice or snow.  Be sure to have a windshield scraper/brush to keep all windows clean.

Prepare for Roadside Assistance: Keep snow boots and gloves, a shovel, cell phone and charger, a flash light and other helpful items handy. If you plan to use a tow strap or jumper cables, be sure you know how to use them safely.  If you have a roadside assistance service, make sure to have that phone number readily available or use your OnStar which comes standard with roadside assistance at no additional cost.

Electric vehicles: Owners of EVs need to prepare for cold weather by checking their battery life. EV’s have a shorter driving range in cold weather so keep your battery fully charged in case of an emergency. If you have an extended range electric vehicle, like the Chevrolet Volt, make sure to keep fuel in the tank as a backup plan.

OnStar is also offering Bismarck-Mandan-area drivers some tips to consider while they’re driving on the road this winter.

Accelerate slowly to reduce wheel spin. If starting from a standstill on slick snow or ice, start in second gear if you have a manual transmission or gear-selectable automatic so the vehicle is less likely to spin the tires.

Reduce your speed and drive smoothly. In slippery conditions, tires lose their grip more easily, affecting all aspects of your driving: braking, turning, and accelerating. Keeping the speeds down will give you more time to react to slippage or a possible collision, and it will lessen the damage should things go wrong.

Allow longer braking distances. Plan on starting your braking sooner than you normally would in dry conditions to give yourself extra room, and use more gentle pressure on the brake pedal.

Don’t lock your wheels when braking. Locked wheels can make the vehicle slide or skid. If you have an older vehicle without an antilock braking system (ABS), you may need to gently apply the brakes repeatedly in a pulsing motion to avoid having them lock up the wheels. If your vehicle has ABS, simply depress the brake pedal firmly and hold it down. The shuddering sounds and pedal feeling is expected (don’t lift off the brake); the system is doing its job.

Perform one action at a time when accelerating, braking, and turning. Asking a vehicle to do two things at once–such as braking and turning, or accelerating and turning–can reduce your control. When taking a turn on a slippery surface, for instance, slowly apply the brakes while the vehicle is going straight.

Avoid sudden actions when cornering. A sudden maneuver–such as hard braking, a quick turn of the steering wheel, sudden acceleration, or shifting a manual transmission – can upset a vehicle’s dynamics when it’s taking a turn. Rapidly transferring the weight from one end or corner to another can throw a car off balance. In slick conditions, this can cause it to more easily go out of control.

Be ready to correct for a slide. Should the rear end of the vehicle begin to slide during a turn, gently let off on the accelerator and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide. This will help straighten it out. Electronic stability control will also help keep control in a slide situation.

GM Unlocks RemoteLink for Microsoft Windows Phones

When the OnStar RemoteLink Mobile App launched, it was the first app from an automaker to offer Bismarck-Mandan-area drivers remote access to their vehicle. Now RemoteLink can claim the distinction of being the first remote telemetry app from an automaker to work on all four primary smartphone platforms – iPhone, Android, Blackberry and now Microsoft Windows phones.

OnStar has expanded the availability of RemoteLink so that GM drivers with select Microsoft Windows phones can start experiencing remote vehicle connectivity. The app is available on both Windows Phone 7 and 8 operating systems, and will be accessible in the Windows Phone Store on mobile devices.

“The RemoteLink app has been available for iPhone, Android and BlackBerry smartphones for a while now,” said Wade Huber, Manager of Kupper Chevrolet. “But OnStar heard from many Bismarck-Mandan-area subscribers asking for a Windows app.”

Today, the RemoteLink Mobile App, which is available for nearly all of Kupper Chevrolet’s GM models, has been downloaded more than 1.7 million times. The most common use of the app is checking vehicle data such as oil life, tire pressure and fuel level. These requests get made nearly 600,000 times every month.

RemoteLink for Windows, like the Blackberry version, was written using HTML5 technology. HTML5 is a language for structuring and writing content for the web that is gaining momentum in the mobile app space.

The app will be available for Bismarck-Mandan-area OnStar subscribers and will support four language options, including English and Spanish.

This expansion comes on the heels of the announcement that RemoteLink’s key-fob based features - remote start, lock, unlock and horn and lights activation – would be standard for five years on all new GM vehicles. This launch means that Bismarck-Mandan-area GM drivers with select Windows phones will be able to access RemoteLink key-fob features as well. The five years of standard remote key-fob services does not include access to additional OnStar services.

RemoteLink connects to a driver’s vehicle in a secure fashion, requiring a username and password to log in and a four digit PIN to make a remote vehicle command.

OnStar subscribers can download the application and visit onstar.com to enable remote commands.