Tag Archives: Art Gamblin Motors

What’s the difference between AWD, 4WD, RWD, and FWD?

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Your Wheels

Vehicles act differently on snow and ice depending on whether they have front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. With winter in full swing, We’d like to provide you with a brief spin through the options. Remember, almost every new vehicle from Chevrolet and Buick includes an electronic traction control system that intervenes automatically to improve performance in slippery conditions.

Front-wheel drive (FWD): Simply put, engine power is channeled to the front wheels to propel the vehicle. FWD is the most popular and prevalent system in the market because its compact setup enhances fuel efficiency and frees up more room inside the vehicle. Plus, the weight of the powertrain is concentrated over the driving wheels, so it offers good traction when it’s slippery.

Rear-wheel drive (RWD): As the name implies, engine power is sent to the rear wheels to propel the vehicle. In passenger cars, RWD reigned until the advent of FWD in the early 1980s. But RWD can more effectively handle higher engine power and higher vehicle weights, which is why it’s still favored in large trucks, larger performance vehicles, purpose-built race cars and law-enforcement pursuit use.

All-wheel drive (AWD): Don’t confuse all-wheel drive with four-wheel drive. Both engage all four wheels, but they’re designed and operate differently. Generally, an AWD drivetrain operates as a FWD or RWD system – most are FWD. AWD system pre-emptively sends power to front and rear axles on every launch to prevent wheel slip, then backs down if no slip occurs. Power is transferred automatically via a single-speed transfer case. (A transfer case connects to the transmission to split power between the front and rear wheels.) The beauty of AWD is no driver effort is needed to activate the system.

Four-wheel drive (4WD or 4×4): Four-wheel drive typically features a two-speed transfer case with high and low ranges for maximum traction. 4WD vehicles typically operate in RWD until four-wheel traction is required; and while most systems are driver-activated, many offer a setting that automatically engages the high range when it’s slippery. The driver must still engage the low range. Found in large, rear-wheel-drive trucks and larger SUVs with additional ground clearance compared to passenger cars and crossovers, 4×4 still provides the best traction and capability in off-road.

 

2013 Chevrolet Spark Safety Before Covington Cars

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Here at Art Gamblin Motors, your Covington Car Dealer, we understand that great safety in a vehicle involves much more than just what happens during a collision. And the 2013 Chevrolet Spark embodies this approach to safety very well. Although Spark is a small efficient car, it’s very big on safety. The Spark was designed with a full array of class-leading safety and security features. It delivers comprehensive safety before, during and after a collision. In order to provide excellent safety before an accident ever happens, The Spark features the following:

Standard 4-wheel Antilock Brakes

Provide confident stopping ability.

Brake Assist

Brake Assist senses emergency braking by detecting the speed or force the driver applies to the brake pedal and boosts the power as needed. Under certain conditions, the Brake Assist may activate the ABS more quickly and easily than vehicles without the feature.

Standard Electronic Brake force Distribution

Balances braking forces across all four wheels for outstanding stopping performance and more even brake wear.

Traction Control

All Spark models feature a standard Traction Control system that limits wheel spin when one or both of the drive wheels begin to lose traction. When this happens, the system brakes the spinning wheel(s) and/or reduces power to limit wheel spin.

StabiliTrak Electronic stability Control Sys tem

StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System uses a yaw sensor, lateral accelerometer and steering angle sensor to continually monitor the driver’s steering input and the vehicle’s actual course. If the vehicle does not respond properly, StabiliTrak automatically engages the appropriate braking and traction controls to help the driver get back on the intended course.

Standard Daytime Running Lamps

Automatically illuminate to help make the vehicle more visible to other drivers and pedestrians. 

Tire Pressure Monitor

The Tire Pressure Monitor system transmits tire pressure readings from each tire to the Driver Information Center (DIC) so the driver can take action to ensure all tires are properly inflated. A  raphic on the DIC shows real-time PSI values.

OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics

Every month it automatically sends you an email with the results of hundreds of checks of your  engine, transmission, antilock brakes and more.

We invite you to come test drive a new 2013 Chevrolet Spark here with us at Art Gamblin Motors in Enumclaw Washington; and experience something unexpected. We promise that you will enjoy our welcoming pressure-free environment, with plenty of expert sales associates available to handle all of your needs. Above all we are committed to treating you like family, something that is natural for us being family owned and operated for over 43 years. Come see the difference for yourself and see why we are the highest online rated Chevrolet dealer in the state!

2012 Chevrolet Volt Review & Overview

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We are confident here at Art Gamblin Motors that the Chevrolet Volt is a revolutionary vehicle in its own right. The Volt is also clearly unparalleled by all its competition. The Volt is capable of running totally on its battery for 35 miles. After that the Volt seamlessly transitions to it’s high efficiency gas powered generator and energy extrapolating brake system; charging the Volt’s battery while running and easily allowing the Volt to travel another 344 miles. That means the Chevy Volt can travel 379 miles before its needs to be charged or filled up again! This means the Volt will never give you “range anxiety” of running out of energy and being stranded. This is a real concern for drivers of the Nissan Leaf and Ford Focus Electric, which do not use any kind of range extenders like the Chevy Volt’s on-board generator. At the same time, you can easily commute 35 miles a day with the Volt and never use a drop of gasoline or produce any tailpipe emissions; all for about 1.50$ a day in electricity costs. While the farthest the Toyota Prius can travel on battery only is one mile. And even this must be done at low speeds!
  

The Chevrolet Volt is also capable of going 0-60 in less than 9 seconds and can achieve speeds of 101 Mph with its 149 horsepower electric motor. This means that the Chevy Volt handles like a midsize sedan equipped with a 250 horsepower V6! None of the Chevrolet Volt’s competition even comes close to offering this level of power, performance and efficiency. Regardless of the Volt’s inferior competition—it is an excellent vehicle in its own right. The Chevrolet Volt has a 5-star National Highway Traffic Safety Administration overall safety rating and an Insurance Institute of Highway Safety Top Safety Pick award—making the Volt a very safe vehicle to drive. The Chevy Volt offers excellent handling and comfort with ultimate media connectivity, which makes the Volt responsive and fun to drive!

            All of this excellence in design is packaged in a sleek high-tech style, making the Volt a unique and beautiful sedan. The future of driving is here at Art Gamblin Motors in Enumclaw Washington. Come experience the incredible Chevrolet Volt for yourself with a test drive in our pressure free environment and have all your questions answered by our expert and friendly sales associates. We treat all of our customers like family here at Art Gamblin Motors; its second nature for us, being family owned and operated for over 40 years now. Discover for yourself why Art Gamblin Motors is the top online ranked Chevrolet dealer in the state! 

2012 Chevrolet Sonic vs Honda Fit

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2012 Sonic vs Honda Fit  The Honda Fit is available only as a 5-door hatchback in two trim levels: Base and Sport. All Fit Models use the same 1.5L SOHC 4-cylinder engine and are limited to either 5-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

 Style: The Chevrolet Sonic comes in either a sedan or hatchback and has a standard rear spoiler available only in the more expensive Sport model of the Honda Fit. The Honda Fit also only comes in the hatchback body style. The Fit comes with standard steel wheels and covers. The Sonic comes standard with superior aluminum-alloy wheels. And the largest wheels the fit offers are 16” compared to the Sonic’s 17”. 2012 Chevrolet Sonic Sedan  
Power and Performance: The Honda Fit uses the same engine in each of its models. Both of the Sonic’s engines produce greater horsepower and torque than the Honda Fit’s engine. The ECOTEC engines in the Sonic are also have a much superior design with dual overhead cams instead of the one in the Fit engine and variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust—while the Fit only offers this feature on the intake. The Chevy Sonic offers both 6 speed manual and automatic transmission options, both with the hill holder function, while the Fit has only 5-speed manual and automatic, with no hill hold technology offered. Moreover, the Fit’s steering system doesn’t offer variable-assist as the Sonic does. The Sonic also delivers a greater maximum fuel range and almost two more gallons in fuel capacity than the Fit. 2012 Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback  

Interior: The Sonic is wider than the Fit, allowing the Sonic greater hip and shoulder room than the Fit. The Sonic also has more than 3” of additional leg room in the rear-seats than the Fit. Heated seats are also completely unavailable on the Fit, unlike the Sonic which does offer this option.

 Connectivity: The Chevy Sonic offers an entire suite of OnStar services including turn-by-turn directions, hands free calling and remote diagnostics of your vehicle—just to name a few of OnStar’s features. The Fit offers no equivalent to this. The Sonic offers remote start options—the Fit does not. Satellite radio is standard on the Sonic—it is not offered on the Fit.

 Quality, Durability, Reliability: The Sonic is the only subcompact car made in the United States. The Fit is imported from Japan. The Sonic’s warranty is superior to the Fit’s, offering an additional 40,000 miles of powertrain protection; and emergency roadside assistance and courtesy transportation, neither of which is offered with the Honda Fit.

 Safety: The Chevrolet Sonic has 10 airbags standard. The Honda Fit only offers 6 airbags. The Sonic’s OnStar automatic crash response system is standard. The Fit offers nothing comparable to the Sonic’s crash response system. The Fit also fails to offer child safety locks comparable to the Sonic’s power rear child safety locks. We at Art Gamblin Motors know that the Chevrolet Sonic is superior to the Honda Fit.

So we invite you to come test drive a new Sonic with us here in Enumclaw Washington and experience the difference for yourself. You will surely appreciate our welcoming pressure-free environment staffed by friendly expert sales associates. We have been family owned and operated for over 40 years and have always treated our customers as family. Come and see the why Art Gamblin Motors is a superior place to buy a car and you will understand why we are the top online rated Chevrolet dealer in the state!
  

2012 Chevrolet Sonic vs Hyundai Accent

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2012 Chevrolet Sonic vs Hyundai Accent The Hyundai Accent comes in either a sedan or hatchback body and offers three trim levels: GS for the hatchback, SE also for the hatchback and GLS for the Sedan. All of the Accent’s models use the same 1.6L DOHC 4-cylinder engine with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. 

2012 Chevrolet Sonic Sedan and Hatchback Style: The Accent has steel wheels with covers on its standard model. The Sonic offers aluminum-alloy wheels standard. The largest wheels on the accent top out at 16” compared to the Sonic’s 17”. Chevy Sonic offers a rear spoiler standard. The Hyundai Accent only offers a rear spoiler in its more expensive models.

 2012 Chevrolet Sonic Power and Performance: The Chevy Sonic offers buyers two engine choices including a turbo and both choices produce more torque with more efficiency than the Accent. The Accent offers only one non-turbo engine choice. The Sonic has a larger maximum fuel range than the Accent and holds almost a gallon more fuel.

 Interior: The Sonic has available heated seats, while the Accent does not even offer this feature. The Sonic’s steering column is not only tilting, but telescopic as well for maximum driving comfort. The Accent’s steering column only tilts. The Sonic has more front and rear hip room than the Accent, offering a much more comfortable ride for the diver and passenger. 2012 Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback and Sedan 
Connectivity: The Chevrolet Sonic offers OnStar, which includes turn-by-turn directions, hands-free calling and remote diagnostics—just a small sampling of the many features OnStar offers. The Hyundai Accent offers nothing comparable to any of these features.

 Quality, Reliability and Durability: The Chevrolet Sonic is the only subcompact produced in the United States. The Accent is imported from Korea. The Chevy Sonic’s warranty offers 40,000 more miles of emergency roadside assistance than the Accent. The Sonic’s warranty also offers convenient courtesy transportation. The Accent offers nothing like this in its warranty.

 Safety: The Chevrolet Sonic has 10 airbags standard. The Hyundai Accent only offers 6 airbags. The Sonic’s OnStar automatic crash response system is standard. The Accent offers nothing comparable to the Sonic’s crash response system. We all know at Art Gamblin Motors that the Chevrolet Sonic outperforms the Hyundai Accent in every category. But we invite you to come see this for yourself by test-driving a new Sonic with us in Enumclaw Washington. You can’t find a friendlier pressure-free sales environment than Art Gamblin Motors. We have been family owned and operated for more than 40 years; so all of our expert sales associates are committed to treating every customer like family. Discover the difference here at Art Gamblin Motors and find out why we are the top online rated Chevrolet dealer in the state!
 

Buick Lacrosse GL

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The Buick LaCrosse GL isn’t about sport, rather it’s about luxury, and swaddling its passengers in a richly appointed “Chocochino” colored cabin. That is how one would describe the Buick Lacrosse GL. According to a Buick representative, the exterior of the LaCrosse GL Concept is essentially a stock LaCrosse with the optional 20 inch wheels  from the Regal GS slapped on, and then bathed in a beautiful cabernet red hue. Instead of the usual chrome trim surrounding the windows, doors and grille, the LaCrosse GL Concept gets a satin-silver finish which looks worlds more distinguished than the usual gaudy chrome. Underneath the wine-red paint, the Lacrosse GL gets the stock Lacrosse’s 3.6-liter 303-horse V-6. Sounds like you get the best of the buick seris as you have the option of some Regal GS parts.Inside is where the LaCrosse GL gets most interesting. Buick worked hard to get the Chocochino interior to both look and feel like a luxury cars’s interior should. The LaCrosse GL’s interior featured contrasting Choccochino and cocoa brown leather that looks jarring at first, but is actually quite visually pleasing once you sit in it a bit. Buick also color matched the center console, using a warmer-colored soft-touch plastic than it normally does on the LaCrosse, making the whole interior come together pleasantly. Buick finishes off the LaCrosse GL Concept’s interior with ice blue French stitching, warm-wood trim, and a gorgeous suede headliner. Art Gamblin Motors is your Seattle Buick Dealer and we are very excited to get this new model next year so be sure to stop by when the vehicle hits he market to come check it out!

Enumclaw Cross Country

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‘Fabulous!’ is how the 2011 Enumclaw Cross Country teams trip to state was described by head coach Jeff Jacobson. However on there adventure down to Pasco they rented two vehicles from Gamblin Motors (a Van and a Traverse). Most people do not know that Art Gamblin Motors has a Rental Department.

Jacobson says that he ‘loves renting cars from Gamblin because the vehicles are always clean, good shape and ready to roll.’  The vehicles were not the only thing ready to roll as the girls ended up finishing 13th in whole sate ofWashington and the guys finishing in the middle of the pack of 3A SPSL. Another statement from Jacobson was ‘there was enough room for everybody.’ That is quite a compliment seeing they had 8 girls, 2 boys and 2 coaches! On a last note he also when it comes time to rent a car for state again he would choose a Gamblin Motors Chevy!

2012 Buick Verano

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2012 Buick Verano White

This new 2012 Buick Verano is in the race for the motor trend of the year car and it definitely has facts to back up why. This new Buick adds a 2.0-liter turbo late in the model year, and GM’s new 190-horsepower, 2.5-liter four by 2013. The 2012 Buick Verano’s EPA highway rating is no better than the V-6 Chrysler 300’s, though it achieved 25.2 mpg for the Buick and just 21.9 mpg for the Chrysler. You can tell it has potential to be good but it also has the aqua stitching on beige leather seats had detractors, though it’s only an option, and no judge confused its sense of style with the old Buick Blandmobiles that targeted the geriatric set. Probably quietest among the contenders, the Verano also has a plush ride without any annoying Roadmaster wallow. You got to like that! Keep your ears open as the award will be announced November 16th!  Art Gamblin Motors can not wait to get their hands on their first 2012 Buick Verano.  The Buick Verano will be a great addition to the Buick family.

2013 Chevy Cruze Gets Diesel Engine

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It was announced the 2013 Chevy Cruzewill be manufactured at the Lordstown, Ohio plant. GM is slated to retool the facility’s body shop and assembly line next year through a $5.5-million investment, according to Tom Mock, a spokesman for GM. The diesel Chevrolet Cruze is set to arrive in 2013, and though GM hasn’t released any official power plant decisions or fuel-economy estimates as of yet, the vehicle is expected to return somewhere around 50 miles per gallon when it arrives. You can’t argue with that 50 miles to the gallon sounds good to me. This is the first legitimate diesel passenger car effort from a domestic manufacturer in years, and rumors indicate the vehicle will come boasting a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel with around 147 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. Not to shabby be sure to check out gamblin motors when the vehicle is released.  What we are really excited to see with this new Diesel is the EPA Gas Mileage Numbers!

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

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                There hasn’t been much said or released from Chevrolet’s crew about making the new 2012 CamaroZL1. Ladies and gentlemen the wait is over and now some details are out. The model will reportedly arrive with a blistering 580 horsepower and 556 pound-feet of torque under its wide hood. Also there will be two wheel options will be available, including a five-spoke and a 10-spoke design, and buyers can pick from a total of nine colors. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard equipment, though a six-speed automatic will also be available for those buyers who wish to leave the cog-swapping to the car. The situation with the gauges is there will be the same 4 pack console gauges as the SS model. Sound like a good deal to check out and consider. Check out our Olympia area Chevy dealer early 2012 for the release of this car.