Is Your Car a Canvas? Some People Think So.

For some, body art is form of self-expression. Others may see this as taboo, but the popularity of tattoos is rising and becoming more widely accepted. So what do some tattoo enthusiasts do when they run out of room on their bodies? They tattoo their cars!

5 Chevrolet vehicles to be redesigned for 2015

Spark: Expect a new 1.0-liter, three-cylinder engine and possibly a continuously variable transmission.

Sonic: Late 2015 will bring a freshening for the ’16 model year, and we can expect a total redesign for the 2018 model year.

Cruze: It will be the first car built on a new, lighter global compact platform, code-named D2XX. You’ll see evolutionary design change, with a more-rounded front end with a deeper grille, steeply raked windshield and fastback roofline.

Malibu: After a fast-tracked re-engineering for the ’14 model year, the mid-sized sedan is in line for a redesign in mid-2016 as a ’17 model.

Corvette: The racetrack-oriented Z06 goes on sale in early 2015.

The Compact Car That Packs a Punch

Spend any amount of time in a Chevrolet Sonic and you’ll see quite a bit of thought went into creating this small car. The Sonic might be cute, but it’s serious too. From its stellar performance in NHTSA’s crash testing (five stars overall) to its wealth of standard features (including Bluetooth and blind spot mirrors), as cute as it is, the Sonic is also a rational choice.

Power comes from a choice of two engines, a normally aspirated 1.8-liter inline four with 138 horsepower and 125 ft-lbs of torque, or a 1.4-liter turbocharged four with 138 horsepower and 148 ft-lbs of torque. The turbo engine can be had with a choice of a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic, while the normal engine gets a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. Fuel economy ranges from a low of 26 in the city to a high of 40 on the highway—depending upon the engine and transmission combination.

Cruze Back to School in a Chevy

Introduced in 2011, the Chevrolet Cruze has become one of the automaker's most popular products. Trunk room is respectable for this segment, and parents will be relieved to know their kids are in the hands of OnStar, free for the first six months and available 24/7. Those on a budget will also want to look at Cruze models from the past few years since they haven't changed too much from the current version.

Stay Cool with Tinted Windows

 

Did you know that window tint blocks harsh UV rays? Having your windows tinted will help prevent sunburn, reduces heat, and cuts glare for safer driving. If that’s not a cool summer accessory, we don’t know what is!

Important Items to Keep in Your Vehicle

Must-haves: 

Proof of insurance, copy of registration
Pen and pad of paper
Cell phone charger
Vehicle owner's manual
Tire gauge
Trash holder or bag

For emergencies:

Disposable camera
Kit with jumper cables, tire patch, flares
Spare tire and jack
Supply of nonperishable food and water
Jacket, hat and blanket
First aid kit
Spare change

Traveling with your pet isn't always easy. Check out our top tips!

It’s usually not as easy as you think it would be. Bringing your best non-human friend on the road with you seems simple enough, right? Not always so. Here are a few tips on how to make travel with your pet easier.


Healthy Start: The last thing you need on the road is a sick pet. Make sure your pet is all set on vaccinations and has the proper certificates if you intend to cross any international/province/state borders.

Frequent Pit Stops:  You pet can get stir crazy just like you! Stop at any designated waiting area or service stop and take it on a little walk. This may increase your travel time, but it is well worth it! Breaks like these also serve as a perfect time to hydrate.

Proper Restraint:  Whether your pet is calm and obedient in the car it is always important to make sure they are safe. No need to roll the windows down for fresh air, you don’t want any debris hitting them in the face. A favorite blanket or pet bed is perfect for a long road trip. Creating a normalcy and routine for car rides helps your pet stay calm.  There are lots of other ways to make you and your pet calm during a car ride lasting anywhere between 5 minutes and 8 hours.

Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon Top Segment in Power

The 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon will have the most horsepower in the midsized truck segment when they go on sale this fall.

The Colorado and Canyon’s available engines provide customers choices to fit their varied lifestyles. The 2.5L I-4 has been rated at 200 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.6L V-6 is rated at 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque.

The Colorado and Canyon will also provide class-leading maximum trailering capabilities, with the capacity to tow up to 7,000 pounds when properly equipped. That’s more than enough to take a truck full of friends, gear in the bed, and a trailer full of toys to your favorite weekend adventure.

Each engine features direct injection and variable valve timing to make the most of power and efficiency. Both engines are based on proven engine designs found throughout the General Motors’ family, but are optimized for the demands of truck use with the latest technology for improving performance and efficiency. This includes torque at lower RPMs for better towing power and a more confident feeling while pulling a trailer.

Both engines are matched to a six-speed automatic transmission; a six-speed manual is available on select extended cab 2WD models. The six-speed automatic is tuned specifically for the truck engines, offering features like auto grade braking and tow/haul mode.

“Every decision we made considered the wants and needs of midsize truck customers. The 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon are engineered to deliver class leading horsepower,” said Anita Burke, vehicle chief engineer for Midsize Trucks. “Not everyone needs the size or the capability of a full-sized pickup. Now customers have a viable option in a smaller package.”

Class-leading horsepower also comes with efficiency, courtesy of dual-overhead camshafts with variable valve timing, direct injection, and jet-spray piston cooling, while aluminum blocks and forged-steel crankshafts ensure a long-life cycle.

The Colorado and Canyon will be assembled at GM’s Wentzville, Mo., assembly plant with start of production in fall 2014.

Courtesy of: Chevrolet Newsroom

Kick That Summertime Sickness to the Curb!

There’s nothing worse than getting a cold this time of year.  The combination of chest congestion and hot weather seems to confuse your body far more than a winter bug would.  But there’s light at the end of the tunnel–light from a sunny beach and poolside fun!  The answer to health and happiness could be hiding in your car.


-SUCK IT UP! Itchy, watery eyes?  Trouble breathing?  Cough?  Could be dust mites.  You know the importance of preventing them in your home–remember to do the same for your car’s interior by vacuuming regularly.

-CLEAN THE VENTS!  Pollen builds in your car throughout the year–especially in the spring when everything is blooming.  Combat sneeze attacks by cleaning the vents in your ride every time you clean your car.

-STIFLE GERMS AT THE SOURCE!  700 different kinds of bacteria can be found inside cars. Only 60 types are found in the average public toilet.  Add it all up and what do you get?  Antibacterial wipes.  In the car.  At all times.

Ballads For Back Roads: 11 Songs That Make You Happy To Own A Pickup Truck

There’s just something about a pickup truck that begs you to turn up the jams.  Whether you’re zipping across city asphalt or cruising through country back roads, there’s a melody to set the mood.  Here’s a list of our favorite truck tunes of all time.  What’s yours?

“All I Do Is Drive”

Johnny Cash

“I Drive Your Truck”

Lee Brice

“Truck Yeah”

Tim McGraw

“Dirt Road Anthem”

Jason Aldean

“Pickup Man”

Joe Diffie

“Truckin’”

The Grateful Dead

“Something ‘Bout A Truck”

Kip Moore

“Rough and Ready”

Trace Adkins

‘That Ain’t My Truck’

Rhett Aikins

“Mud on the tires”

Brad Paisley

“Pickup Truck”

Kings of Leon

“American Pie”

Don McLean

THIS SATURDAY! 10th Annual Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall Charity DOG WASH

 

On Saturday, June 7th, Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall has teamed up with B103 “The Variety Station”, and local pet societies to bring you the 10^th Annual Charity Dog Wash located at Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall.  This event helps raise funds for PAWS Humane Society, Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, and the Rockford Career College Vet Tech & Grooming Program.

This amazing event goes from 12:00pm until 4:00pm.  You can bring your dog down to be washed in a nice warm water bath for a donation (prices are listed by size of your dog), get their nails clipped for only $5 and enjoy a cookout, raffles and prize drawings.  Please also take a moment to visit with local pet vendors and rescue organizations.  Many will be on hand including Stonebridge Kennels, Zoey’s Furry Friends Bakery, Homeless Hounds, Doggie Day Spa, Pampered Pet Grooming, Dogwood Pet Resort, Jones Natural Chews, Invisible Fence Co, Petco, Airport Pet Lodge, Cause for Paws Rescue, As Good As Gold Rescue, Meyers Tails Up Farm, OSF Saint Anthony Therapy Dogs, Dog Paddle Beach, The Canine Crunchery, Forest City Dog Training, and MANY, MANY more. 

There will also be a donation drive for Kibble Korner Pet Food Pantry.  Bring a donation of new, unopened, dog or cat food to assist them with their care.

Last year’s event had over 200 dogs leave happy and sparkling clean!  Bring your pooch down for some pampering and a day of fun!  You know you’ve heard about it, it’s time to come join in on the fun!

10th Annual Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall Charity DOG WASH

Join us for a day of dog fun in the suds!

On Saturday, June 7th, Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall has teamed up with B103 “The Variety Station”, and local pet societies to bring you the 10^th Annual Charity Dog Wash located at Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall.  This event helps raise funds for PAWS Humane Society, Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, and the Rockford Career College Vet Tech & Grooming Program.

This amazing event goes from 12:00pm until 4:00pm.  You can bring your dog down to be washed in a nice warm water bath for a donation (prices are listed by size of your dog), get their nails clipped for only $5 and enjoy a cookout, raffles and prize drawings.  Please also take a moment to visit with local pet vendors and rescue organizations.  Many will be on hand including Stonebridge Kennels, Zoey’s Furry Friends Bakery, Homeless Hounds, Doggie Day Spa, Pampered Pet Grooming, Dogwood Pet Resort, Jones Natural Chews, Invisible Fence Co, Petco, Airport Pet Lodge, Cause for Paws Rescue, As Good As Gold Rescue, Meyers Tails Up Farm, OSF Saint Anthony Therapy Dogs, Dog Paddle Beach, The Canine Crunchery, Forest City Dog Training, and MANY, MANY more. 

There will also be a donation drive for Kibble Korner Pet Food Pantry.  Bring a donation of new, unopened, dog or cat food to assist them with their care.

Last year’s event had over 200 dogs leave happy and sparkling clean!  Bring your pooch down for some pampering and a day of fun!  You know you’ve heard about it, it’s time to come join in on the fun!