We're moving!

Our blog is moving to Tumblr! We'd love for you to continue to follow us on our new platform.

4 faux paus you’re probably making when you wash your car

Using Dishwashing Soap.  If you’re constantly struggling with soap scum, take a closer look at the product you’re using!  Be done with Dawn and invest in soap meant for washing cars.

Using the Wrong Cloths. If it’s not microfiber, you’re doing it wrong.

Rolling Down Windows Before They’re Dry.  We’ve got two words for you: water spots.

Over-Washing Your Car.  Yes, there is such a thing.  If you care about preserving your paint job, don’t wash your vehicle obsessively.

Catch Some Z's & Ditch the Road Rage!

Are you guilty of getting angry at other drivers while in the car? A national epidemic of sleepiness is a contributing factor to road rage, according to the National Sleep Foundation. We all know how cranky we get without enough sleep. It makes us prone to feelings of annoyance, resentment and even anger. Eight hours is still the recommended daily dose of sleep for adults!

Vacation Fund

Do you wonder how you will be able to save for the family vacation this year? Sometimes saving money can be difficult because it feels detrimental. We've come up with a way you won't even notice you're stashing money away!

Say you go to the grocery store once a week. If you pay with your debit card, you have the option to get cash back. We recommend paying with your card, then requesting $20 back. That $20 can go straight into your Vacation Fund. $20 a week can add up fast! You'll be vacationing in no time.

How to Successfully Keep Your Kids Occupied on a Road Trip

Got two little ones squabbling in the back seat? Have them play against each other instead! This iOS app combines I Spy with Bingo by randomly displaying a picture of an object — a horse, an airplane, etc. — and having kids tap the appropriate pictures on their bingo cards. The first player to spot five objects in a row gets to shout “Bingo!”

5 Things You Need to Do Before Your Summer Road Trip

Road trip season is here again!  There’s no doubt about it: one of the best parts of summer is hitting the road on an adventure.  But before you start your car and set out for unfamiliar horizons, make sure you have these things checked off your to-do list.

1. Top off coolant.  Seems pretty obvious, but many forget this one!  Make sure you stay cool out on the road and remember to be proactive about air conditioning care to prevent future problems.
2. Refill windshield washer fluid.  You’re bound to gather a few hitchhikers like bugs and dust on your journey.  Make sure your windshield wiper fluid is topped off so you can deal with these obstructions on-the-go.
3. Inspect your belts. As your car ages, belts become dry and brittle. This is made worse by heat and the last thing you want is to deal with a broken belt in the middle of your trip.
4. Check your tires. This is a good idea to do regardless of season, definitely not just a summer must. The easiest at-home method for this is performing the penny test.
5. Get your brakes checked out. Bring your car into our service department and let us take one final look before you head out! Even though you hope this summer never stops, you want your car to, eventually.

5 Reasons the C7 Corvette Z51 Crushes Its Competitors

Where would you take the C7 Corvette Z51 on a spin if you were handed the keys?  With features like this, the possibilities are endless.  Introducing Chevrolet’s reminder to keep dreaming big.

• The technology is impressive without being excessive
• The interior is stunning
• Exterior styling appeals to all ages
• The torque in this thing!  Its V8 engine chews up and spits out anything in its path
• The Z51 package means unmatched performance, unbeatable handling, and an overall 5-star driving experience

Texting & Driving Isn't As Harmless As You Think

As the number of texting induced accidents rise, some states are passing laws making it illegal for you to be on your phone while you drive and it comes with a hefty fine.

• If you think your insurance premiums are high now, wait until your insurance company hears that you caused the accident by texting. You should notice an immediate rise in your premiums and in some cases you may be dropped completely.
• Consider other people before you pick up your phone, not only do you endanger the people around you but you put the people in the car with you at extreme risk.
• The driver puts bikers and walkers at extreme risk when they aren’t even looking at the road.
• Hands free technology is widely available nowadays and not outrageously expensive. If you simply must reply to someone at that moment, do it without touching your phone. Please drive responsibly.

Memory Lane Behind the Wheel of a Corvette

It would almost be an understatement to call the Chevrolet Corvette a classic car.  Since its debut in 1953, it has served as an icon of American culture and each year, it is introduced to the market with new and innovative features.  One thing is for certain: the Corvette has always been a game-changer.  Let’s take a look back at the most notable years in its history.

1953:

1963 – 1967

1968 – 1982:

1983 – 1996:

1997 – 2004:

2005 – 2013:

And, of course, the Corvette of the Future.

2014 C7 Stingray

 

Here’s to many more years of this stunning roadster.

Motorists & Cyclists: Unite! Here’s the key to sharing the road in peace.

It seems like the grass is always greener on the other side.  When you’re behind the wheel of a car, it’s easy to let yourself view cyclists as a source of stress–even an obstacle.  When you’re on a bike, the feeling is as uncomfortable but from an opposite perspective.  The good news?  We can all hit the road and reach our destinations safely!  The secret is just a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T!

Rules of the road: Many fail to realize that bikes and cars must abide by the same regulations during their commutes.  Each side has an equal right to their own space. 
Exit your car carefully!  Make sure there’s not a cyclist rushing up behind you–remember they have no reaction time if you swing it open without warning. 
Situational awareness is necessary for everyone on the road.  Pay attention to your surroundings so you can avoid accidents before they happen. 
Perspective: It’s important to take into account that a car running a red light or a pothole in front of you out of nowhere is an even bigger deal if you’re on a bike. 
Exercise safety precautions!  Cyclists are more vulnerable targets for the dangers of the road so it’s important to plan accordingly.  Wear appropriate safety gear. 
Courtesy wave: whether you’re a cyclist or motorist, turn signals are vital!  Now more than ever, be sure to let others on the road know where you’re planning to go next. 
Time is never worth risking a life.  It seems like we’re always in a race against the clock.  Plan ahead for your day, ensure your things are ready to go the night before–do whatever you have to do.  Just make sure you never hit the road in a hurry.  It’s just not worth the risk.

James Wood

The James Wood name has stood for quality, commitment, and reliability for close to three decades! It’s every automotive dealer's dream to sell a new car or truck to everyone in his community – and the Decatur dealership is close to that goal.
 
“Some of our customers drive for more than an hour to get to our dealerships in Decatur and Denton,” Wood said. “They have discovered – as our advertising slogan said for years that, ‘The difference is worth the distance.’ Our philosophy is that ‘We’ll beat any deal.’ There’s nothing more straightforward than that."

Head down to James Wood to be treated like a customer should be treated! We'd love to show you that buying a new or used vehicle is a pleasurable experience. http://bit.ly/1f91Dpy

Reasons Why You Should Consider an Electric Vehicle

There are many reasons why one might choose to drive an all-electric vehicle, from environmental concerns to saving money on gas. Keep reading for the five reasons why you should consider an electric car.

1. Never fill up a gas tank again. Just think about how nice it would be never to have to worry about the price at the pump again! All-electric vehicles liberate you from having to dole out more money as gas prices soar.

2. Keep the environment in mind. The U.S. Department of Energy says that all-electric vehicles don’t emit any pollutants from their tailpipes, so your car won’t contribute to air-quality issues.

3. Maintenance and additional savings. EVs have no costs associated with oil changes, transmission fluids and fuel exhaust system maintenance — because they don’t need these services.

4. Tax incentives. There are also some tax incentives of which electric vehicle drivers can take advantage. The U.S. Department of Energy says electric vehicles purchased in 2010 or later may be eligible for a federal income tax credit.

Easter Egg Decorating Tutorials

If you're anything like me, your Easter egg-decorating skills are not up to par. Fear not! We found a great website with 20 different egg decorating tips and tutorials to guide you along the way. Your Easter eggs will look store-bought in no time! http://bit.ly/1ldjmuz

Going Green - Earth Day 2014

With Earth Day coming up on the 22nd of this month, going green is looking even more appealing. Hybrid vehicle emissions are significantly less than those of a conventional car. This makes them an attractive option when looking to go green! Turn in the keys to your truck and think about reducing your carbon footprint this month.

Spring Cleaning Tips & Tricks

We oftentimes associate the word "spring" with "cleaning." After all, they do go hand in hand. If you're feeling a little overwhelmed, we have some tips to help you get the job done!

Make a list of what needs to be cleaned in each room. Lists will help you to stay organized, especially if you have a huge project on your plate. Walk through each room and write down what needs to get done. Writing a list out will also help to ensure you have all the cleaning materials needed before you get started, saving me tons of time later.

Make a playlist. Listening to music while you clean will help take your mind off of the task at hand. Not many of us associate cleaning with the word "fun," but music does indeed make cleaning a little bit more thrilling.

Get a trash and donate box/bag. As you go through each room, make sure to declutter. Throw away old magazines and papers from the previous year. Put items you no longer use or need, like that book you bought 10 years ago but never read, in the donate box. Once you’re done cleaning your whole house, itemize your donate pile because you may be able to deduct those donations on your taxes.

Work on one room at a time. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you want to clean your entire home all at once. Try writing down all the rooms in your home on a piece of paper and checking each one off as you go. If you can work on a couple rooms each weekend, you’ll get a lot more done and still have free time on the side.

Set an amount of time to work on each room. It's easy to get distracted. Before you know it, you're looking at items you've forgotten or old photographs. Set a timer so you don’t fall into this trap. You can also use the timer to give yourself a little break here and there. Much like a list, it will help you stay on track.


Do you have any spring cleaning tips you'd like to share with us? Leave us a comment down below!

Get More Bang for Your Buck with the 2014 Corvette

The Chevrolet Corvette has long been associated with horsepower value. The 2014 model is no different; boasting a minimum of 460 horsepower at a price that can't be beat. You’ll also get a comfortable and greatly improved cabin, lots of torque, and nearly 30 miles per gallon on the highway. If you're looking for a powerful sports car with impeccable value, check out the 2014 Corvette!

James Wood Autopark

The History of Road Signs

The first stop sign appeared in Detroit in 1915, but it didn’t look anything like it does today. The New York Times reports that the first stop sign was a 2-foot square metal sheet that had black letters on a white background. The stop sign, and many of the other signs created to help guide motorists and provide important information, evolved over the decades into the recognizable shapes we’re accustomed to today.

In 1923, the shapes of signs started to evolve. After the first square stop sign, other signs with more sides were designed to indicate a higher level of danger. A circular sign denoted the most risk, thanks to what can be seen as its infinite number of sides. As a result, circular signs were recommended for railroad crossings. The stop sign adopted an octagonal shape, which signaled the second-highest level of danger. Diamond-shaped signs were designed to provide warnings, while rectangular signs were intended to provide information. Setting standardized shapes for certain signs made sense since lighting wasn’t always ideal at that time. The thought was that it would be easier for drivers to react to known shapes, even if they couldn’t read the signs at night.

Color is also an important part of road signs today. Many drivers know what a sign means simply by those factors alone. Some of those sign colors go all the way back to 1924, when officials began discussing which color combinations to use on various types of signs. Stop signs were originally yellow in color, and the nationwide change to red didn’t come until years later in 1954. Now, stop signs have been red for so long that many people don’t remember it any other way!


James Wood Autopark

Why Bother Taking Two Cars When There's the Traverse?

If you're heading out with a crowd, why bother taking two cars? The Chevrolet Traverse can comfortably seat up to eight people. With its powerful V6 engine and refined maneuverability, you won't even notice you're driving an SUV! Check out our inventory here: http://bit.ly/1qA6vGX

How to Budget for Gas During Your Spring Break Road Trip

Regardless of how far you’re traveling, it’s always a good idea to make sure your car is in good working order before a road trip. The U.S. Department of Energy says things like low tire pressure and dirty air filters can reduce a car’s gas mileage, so make sure your car undergoes proper pre-trip maintenance.

In addition to making sure your car’s ready, it’s also a good idea to have a rough idea of how many gallons of gas you’ll need to get from Point A to Point B so you can estimate your gas costs. Online calculators are one good way to do this. For example, GasBuddy.com’s Trip Cost Calculator can help you estimate how much you’ll spend on gas by taking into account your route, your car model’s gas mileage, and gas prices you can expect to find along the route.

It’s nice to plan a few sightseeing stops along the way, but keep in mind that the further you travel off the beaten path, the more you’ll wind up paying for gas.

No matter how carefully you budget, it’s your right foot that’ll help decide how much gas you burn. Take a hint from the U.S. Department of Energy and go easy on the accelerator when the light turns green. Also, keep to the speed limit. Not only does this promote safer driving and more fuel efficiency, but it also helps prevent you from getting a speeding ticket!


James Wood Chevrolet Cadillac

Chalkboard Map Travels

Are you an avid road-tripper? What better way to keep track of all the places you've been than with a chalkboard map? You can color in each state so you know which one is next on your list! It's also a great way to show off your travels to your friends and family. Leave us a comment letting us know which states you've driven to!

James Wood Chevrolet Cadillac

Use a Pool Noodle to Protect Your Car Door

Do you find yourself constantly hitting your car door against your garage wall? We have a solution for you! This works especially well for vehicles parked in tight spaces. Keep reading to find out how to prevent this from happening.

Take a pool noodle and cut it in half. Use your car door as a guide and measure the pool noodle to size. Cut the noodle to match the length of your door. Use the adhesive of your choice to attach the noodle to your garage wall, parallel to where your door would be when the car is parked. Now when you open your car door, it will come in contact with the noodle, not the wall!


James Wood Chevrolet Cadillac

Tailfins

Tailfins were created by General Motors design chief, Harley Earl. The first fins appeared on the 1948 Cadillac, inspired by the WWII Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter plane. By the late 1950s, many vehicles on the market looked like they jumped right out of the space-age. Tailfins grew to enormous proportions, giving cars a futuristic look. Do you wish cars still had tailfins? Let us know!

James Wood Autopark

Forward Collision Warning Safety Feature

Think of forward collision warning systems as a second set of eyes, which are looking ahead to make sure that you’re not approaching an object too quickly. These systems use radar, lasers, or cameras to scan the road and warn the driver if there’s a risk of a collision. More advanced forward collision warning systems can use the car’s brakes to slow it down if a crash is unavoidable. Research shows that choosing this system could help reduce your chances of a collision. Vehicles such as the 2014 Cadillac SRX and 2014 Chevrolet Impala are both available with forward collision warning systems!

James Wood Chevrolet Cadillac

Cadillac ELR - What's Next?

The Cadillac ELR is the provocative embodiment of imagination and inspiration. An uncompromising luxury coupe for those who ask, “What’s next?” For those who recognize the possibility of “what if” and dismiss the thought of what can’t be done. It’s for those who seek opportunities to move the world forward. And who believe that only by working hard are we able to experience the best life has to offer. Piece the puzzle back together to see its interior in all its glory.

provided by flash-gear.com

James Wood Chevrolet Cadillac

Which Alternative Fuel Do You Prefer?

If you're looking for a fuel-efficient ride, it's likely that you've spent some time considering hybrids and diesels. Both powertrains are good on gas, widely available, and easy to maintain. So what's the difference? It might surprise you to learn there are quite a few differences, and depending on your driving style, one engine might be a far better choice than the other.

Hybrids use the combustion engine and a process called "regenerative braking" to restore battery power. As a result of regenerative braking, which converts kinetic energy from stopping into battery power, hybrid cars are a good choice for drivers who live in big cities or do lots of stop-and-go driving. Due to their battery technology, hybrids are also a good choice for in-town drivers who travel shorter distances.

Diesel engines, meanwhile, are more similar to traditional gasoline powerplants. Drivers who choose a diesel car likely won't notice many differences between their vehicle and a gas-powered car. You may have to pay a little extra for diesel fuel, but it burns far more efficiently than gas-powered cars.

Due to their increased efficiency, diesels allow drivers to keep engine speeds lower, which results in a much improved fuel economy compared to traditional gas-powered cars. The result is mildly improved fuel economy around town but vastly increased mileage on the highway, where the engine can run more efficiently for longer periods of time. Thus, diesel tends to be a better choice for motorists who do a lot of highway driving.

Which alternative fuel type vehicle is best for you?


James Wood Autopark