Blog

What to do when you're stuck in traffic It happens to all of us at some point. We're cruising along in traffic, maybe en route to or from Chicago, and suddenly... things start to slow down. And the vehicles around you get slower, you tap on your steering wheel impatiently, hope it doesn't happen, and then... it happens. You're not moving, sandwiched on both sides by the vehicles around you, and no one's going anywhere. Then the inching starts. You fumble through the radio stations looking for reports, trying to ascertain whether it's going to be a long one or not. So, what to do? Here you are, and you can't will anything else to be the case. Here are our best tips for what do do when you're stuck in traffic: more 1. Relax. Okay, it's easier said than done if you've got places to be, but there are a few things that should ease your mind, particularly if you've got a vehicle with start-stop technology like Buick's eAssist. That way you know you're not also wasting fuel while you idle -- normally a pretty major and annoying gas-suck while you're stuck. Put on some soothing music while you're at it, especially if you've got SiriusXM radio. Or if you really want to relax, check out how the latest Cadillac XTS can make that happen for you -- it's pretty next-level. 2. Entertain yourself! Speaking of SiriusXM, there are plenty of talk radio programs as well to keep you entertained. From comedy to politics (maybe not those, though; they're not exactly stress-reducing for most of us), there's plenty of programming to distract you from the situation at hand in a way that maybe music wouldn't do quite as well. In lieu of those options, give someone a call that you haven't talked to in a while through your Bluetooth system -- it's probably the safest time to do so, and your mom will be ever-so-happy to hear from you. 3. Got kids along for the ride? Now that can be tricky. Surely they want YOU to either magically make the cars start going again or entertain them some way in the meantime. This might be a good time to play "The Quiet Game." You know the one, and you probably know to only use it when absolutely necessary to keep it from wearing out. Now might be one of those times. Hope you're back on the move soon, and come see us here at Palmen Buick GMC Cadillac when you are!

Does the GMC Terrain have AWD? While you look for a vehicle that can help you manage the winter roads here in Wisconsin, there are probably a number of key criteria that come to mind. Today we're going to tell you some of the best features of the GMC Terrain compact crossover that make it a great choice for cold climates like ours here in Kenosha WI. For example, does the GMC Terrain have AWD? How about comfort and convenience features that make your driving life easier during winter months? We've got all the details, and we'll also tell you how to get behind the wheel of a Terrain today to see if it's the new vehicle for you and your family. more Best Winter Features of the GMC Terrain: All-Wheel Drive: Yes, the GMC Terrain has an available all-wheel drive system that can help you maintain traction and control on icy winter roads, and it can also come in handy in other situations and conditions year-round. It's an optional system, though, so if two-wheel drive is more in line with your preferences or budget, you're covered. Remote start/heated seats: Standard on the high-end SLT-2 model, these features can really ease the frigidity of winter by making sure you've always got a warm Terrain to climb into, and your rear will be plenty toasty with the three-level heated seats. All-Weather rear cargo mat: This available feature has deep ribbing and premium rubber material that helps protect your interior no matter what you're lugging around -- ice-clumped boots and skis, a snow-covered dog, you name it, you can throw it back there and not worry about dirt and water damage to your cargo area. How about coming in to see us here at Palmen Buick GMC Cadillac one of these days for a test drive of the 2015 GMC Terrain? Our friendly and knowledgeable sales team will be happy to help you learn more about this winter-ready model here in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

What does the Buick LaCrosse eAssist System do? When it comes to comfort and convenience features, the Buick LaCrosse is a well-established leader in the luxury sedan realm. Did you know that the LaCrosse also takes a top spot in terms of fuel-saving technology as well? The eAssist system is a multi-component suite of technologies and features that help you to seamlessly maximize fuel economy on every journey. What does the Buick LaCrosse eAssist system do? We'll give you a breakdown of the components and let you know how you can get behind the wheel of a LaCrosse yourself to try it out. more Regenerative braking: One of the driving forces behind eAssist is the regenerative braking system. As you come to a stop after braking, the forward energy gets converted to help recharge the lithium-ion battery in the LaCrosse's hybrid system. In many hybrid vehicles, battery charge is supplied by the engine alone, so this process helps save on fuel by providing energy that would otherwise go to waste. Stop-start technology: Idling is one of the biggest fuel-sucks of all time, so getting stuck in traffic can make you feel like you're just throwing money away -- and the very cash that's supposed to get you from place to place is being spent while you sit there, already frustrated by the time being wasted. While the Buick LaCrosse can't completely eliminate traffic jams (we wish), what it can do is save you from wasting fuel dollars while stopped via stop-start technology. Simply put, your engine automatically turns off while you're at a complete stop and turns back on when you hit the gas. And it's so seamless you probably won't even notice it's happening. What you can do to save even more gas: If you really want to make the most of the system and achieve great fuel economy numbers like the LaCrosse's 25 city/36 hwy mpg, make sure your driving habits are in line with the recommendations for conserving fuel. Questions? Want to test drive a new LaCrosse? Stop in or give us a call here at Palmen Buick GMC Cadillac!

Cadillac XTS Massage Seats Car seats have really come a long way in terms of comfort, with more and more models offering power adjustable seats, lumbar support, and premium materials for a ride that's a great deal less fatigue-inducing than those of years past. Now Cadillac, a regular front runner on the luxury technology scene, is introducing new seats that go above and beyond what you'd expect to see, even on a high-end model: massaging seats. Available on two new models, the XTS and Escalade, these seats have the potential to greatly improve life on the road for drivers. Today we'll tell you a bit more about the Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac XTS massage seats -- maybe you'll want to try them out sometime. more Why massage seats? Believe it or not, it's not just about over-the-top luxury. There are many benefits to massage, especially for those who work in offices or spend long hours on the road for work. Relieving muscle tension and stress through massage can help people feel less fatigued and improve overall feelings of well-being. How it works: You can actually choose the massage settings you prefer and store them in your XTS or Escalade's memory just like you store the information for your seat positions. You'll be able to see in your infotainment screen the details of the massage as well as the level of intensity. There are settings for rolling, kneading, and anti-fatigue. A button on the base of the seat will activate your preferred settings. About the XTS: The Cadillac XTS is a large luxury sedan with a spacious, inviting interior and a refined, elegant style inside and out. Today's top technology gives you access to what Cadillac calls "The Three Cs": convenience, connectivity, and control. The standard engine is a 304-horsepower V6 and there's an available 410-hp Twin Turbo V6 in case you really want to turn it up. Give us a call to learn more about the Cadillac XTS massage seats or if you'd like to test drive on of the models we've got in stock now.

GMC Canyon Towing Capacity The new Canyon has drummed up a lot of excitement in recent months, making up a huge part of the small truck's big comeback that's sweeping the nation. What makes the Canyon such a vital part of the segment's resurgence? Since the smaller truck's former heyday, auto technology has really stepped it up, and now Canyon drivers can reap the benefits. If you're interested in learning about the GMC Canyon's towing capacity, fuel efficiency, or features, we've got the scoop for you right here. more Towing capacity: One of the best things about the new 2015 GMC Canyon is its ability to tow your trailer or recreation equipment. It's not as heavy-duty as a full-size in that regard so it won't be appropriate for you if you've got a lot of major jobs to do -- that's when you might want to look at the Sierra -- but the Canyon can tow up to 7,000 pounds when properly equipped. So, a great deal of toys and gear will be along for the ride without a hitch (well, with a hitch, actually) when you drive the versatile GMC Canyon. Fuel Efficiency: There's a prevailing idea in the pickup world that poor fuel economy is a necessary trade-off for capability and strength. That notion is fading, though, and it's in part thanks to new small truck models like the GMC Canyon. With the two-wheel drive model you can get up to 26 highway miles per gallon (18 in the city), and the four-wheel drive model gets you up to 24 on the highway (17 city). Features: Standard features in the GMC Canyon base model include a rear vision camera, 4-way power driver's seat, LED daytime running lamps, and the innovative CornerStep rear bumper that helps you access your cargo with ease. The SLE model includes the OnStar system with 4G LTE and available Wi-Fi, and the SLT has even more premium features such as heated front seats and a remote start system. Want to test drive the 2015 GMC Canyon here in Kenosha? Give us a call and we'll make it happen.

Kenosha Breakfast With Santa 2014 Breakfast with Santa is a great family tradition here in the Kenosha area. Whether you're an every-year attendee or thinking about showing up for the first time, it's a great opportunity to get out in the community during these cold winter months and celebrate the festive season with your friends and family. Today we'll bring you the details of this year's Kenosha Breakfast with Santa 2014 so you can make sure to put it on  your quickly-filling holiday calendar. more Save the date: Breakfast with Santa 2014 will be held on Saturday, December 13 at 9:00am Where is the Kenosha area Breakfast with Santa 2014? This Breakfast with Santa event actually takes place in nearby Pleasant Prairie, which as you know is just a short drive out of town. It'll be held at the popular RecPlex facitlity at 9900 Terwall Terrace in the Donald Wruck Beach Pavilion on site. What's the cost and what's included? It's $17 for the general public and $13 if you've got a RecPlex membership. Guests will be able to enjoy a full buffet that includes pancakes, sausage, donuts, milk, coffee, and juice. Children will receive a goody bag to take home, and a visit with Santa is of course the highlight of the morning! Do I need to register? Indeed you do! Pre-registration is required for this event, so make sure to get signed up right away. You can got to the RecPlex website here or call 262-947-0437 for more information about the event. Looking for a new car, truck, or SUV to keep your holiday schedule on track? Come see us here at Palmen Buick GMC Cadillac and we'll be happy to show you any vehicle in our expansive selection of new and used options that are winter-ready and priced to move! Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will take you for a test drive and answer any questions you may have.

Does OnStar include WiFi? It's kind of amazing to think that not too long ago, the idea of having WiFi in our homes was pretty wild -- and now we can have it in our cars, too! Is it the kind of cutting edge technology you'll only find in the super high-end models in our line-up like the Cadillac Escalade? Well, you can certainly get it in your Escalade, but it's also available in almost every 2015 Buick, GMC, and Cadillac model that we have. If you've ever wanted to know, " Does OnStar include WiFi? ", the answer is that as of the 2015 model year, most GM vehicles will include WiFi capability, which means you can subscribe or unsubscribe to the actual WiFi service depending on your needs at a given time. more Every year, Popular Science magazine comes out with a "Best of What's New" list, honoring those innovations that "surprise and amaze" the judges. From thousands of entrants, Popular Science chooses just one hundred winners to represent the best of what's newly available in science and technology that will improve the lives of consumers. We're proud to be offering OnStar's high-speed 4G LTE connectivity which allows for WiFi hotspots in just about all of our 2015 vehicles. More about the WiFi hostpot: When you buy the vehicle, you get your first three months/3GB of data included as a free trial subscription. That way you can determine whether the WiFi hotspot is something you and your passengers will get enough use from. There are flexible plan options for you from there, starting from as low as $5. You'll be able to make one-time or monthly subscription data purchases with ease. You and your passengers will be able to use up to seven mobile devices at a time. so whether it's a tablet, smartphone, or even a laptop in the backseat, you'll have the connectivity you want no matter where you are.

When should you get your brakes checked? When it comes to vehicle systems that are most crucial for safety on the road, not enough can ever really be said about brakes. The problem is, it's one of those car problems we don't always detect in a timely fashion. Or maybe we sense that our brakes aren't as tip-top as they once were but we're putting off having them checked out at a service center because we think it's okay to ride it out a bit before things get bad. We strongly advise against waiting, as brake issues can be among the most dangerous to you and the other drivers with whom you share the road. When should you get your brakes checked? Here are some signs that it's time: more 1. You feel a pull toward one side while you're braking. 2. Your brake pedal needs to get pushed almost all the way to the floor in order to come to a stop, or you feel as though you're having to apply more pressure than usual when braking. 3. You hear any strange noises whatsoever when you step on the brakes. This might be a grinding, squeaking, screeching, clicking, or clunking. Whatever it sounds like, it means you need to have your brakes looked at. 4.  You feel a vibration or pulsating feeling when you apply the brakes. The key with all of these warning signs is to stay alert and have them looked at as soon as possible. If you ignore these issues, you run the risk of starting to get used to them and forgetting what healthy brakes feel like. That's not something we want you getting out of touch with! If you have any questions at all about whether your brakes are in need of replacement or repair, please schedule an appointment with the professionals here at Palmen Buick GMC Cadillac. We're here to help!

How to winterize your car It's that time of year again for us here in the Midwest when taking our vehicle out becomes less of a joy and more of a nerve-wracking necessity. That said, the Wisconsin and Illinois winter ahead of us doesn't need to be as dreadful as we may be making it out to be. Sure, it'll be cold and potentially unpleasant, but with a little planning you'll be able to make the most of your circumstances and feel like you're on top of your game. Today we're going to offer some of our top tips for how to winterize your car so that being out on the road is a safer and less stressful endeavor during the chilly months ahead. more 1. One thing that's easy to do here at Palmen Buick GMC Cadillac, if you'd like, is to have a winter check-up performed. What we'll do is go in and look at the various systems, in particular those fluids, belts, hoses, and battery, to make sure everything's running smoothly and ready to take on winter. Check out our coupons page for the most recent service deals. 2. Check your heating and defrosting systems. These are the types of things you don't want to get caught without while you're out and about, so test these systems early in the season. Have a friend help you check all of your lights as well to make sure everything's working properly for maximum visibility (a huge part of safe winter driving). 3. Tires, tires, tires. From tread to proper inflation, your tires play a major role in your winter driving safety. Whether or not you think you're due for a new set, definitely make sure your tires are in great working order before the major ice and snow is upon us. As far as pressure, make sure you're checking on that regularly, even if you have a tire pressure monitoring system built in to your vehicle. 4. Finally, make sure you've got an emergency kit in your vehicle that includes a charging method for your phone, extra warm clothes, rock salt or cat litter,  jumper cables, and flares.

2015 GMC Yukon Denali mpg rating Need a large SUV that can haul your passengers and gear, achieve great towing capacity, and offer plenty of luxury and convenience features? The 2015 GMC Yukon Denali is truly one of those models that's got it all, and if you're trying to decide whether to take the plunge you probably have some additional questions. For example, what's the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali mpg rating? You might be pleased to know that the numbers have actually improved substantially from previous model years! Today we'll tell you about the improved fuel economy for the Yukon Denali as well as some other highlight of the model. more First, let's just compare the numbers between the 2014 Yukon Denali and the 2015 in terms of fuel economy to see how big of a difference is in play here: 2014: Rear-wheel drive gets 14 city/18 hwy. Four-wheel drive gets 13 city/18 hwy. 2015: Rear-wheel drive gets 15 city/22 hwy. Four-wheel drive gets 15 city/21 hwy. As you can see, the numbers increased by about fifteen percent. How did they do it, especially when the 6.2-liter EcoTec V8 engine is the same? In this case, the improvement was achieved primarily by switching over to an 8-speed automatic transmission from the previous model's six-speed. What else might you enjoy about the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali? From leather eating to tri-zone climate control, the interior of this capable, fuel-efficient model is really all about comfort and convenience for you and your passengers. With adjustable pedals, heated and cooled front seats (there are even heated second-row seats on offer), and active noise cancellation, your experience inside the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali is sure to be exceptional. Why not come on in and test drive the new model with us here at Palmen Buick GMC Cadillac? Our friendly staff will happily help you learn anything you'd like to know about his all-new and seriously improved new full-size SUV.

Is the Buick LaCrosse reliable? When you're shopping for a new or used car, one thing that's definitely on your mind is whether or not it's going to be dependable for you in the long term. Many of us turn to trusted sources such as Consumer Reports to learn about how the vehicles we're interested in stack up to others that are in the same or a similar class. If you're wondering, " Is the Buick LaCrosse reliable?," a recent article from Consumer Reports says that the popular sedan has improved in its most recent model and Buick overall ranks in the top ten brands for reliability! more So what else is there to love about the new Buick LaCrosse in addition to its high ranking from this trusted research source? This capable five-seater comes in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive, so if you're a driver who prefers the advantages that come with all-wheel drive, particularly for winter, this is a model that's versatile enough for you. There's also a five year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty, giving you plenty of peace of mind when it comes to GM backing up its work on this popular model. If you do encounter any trouble with your engine, just bring your LaCrosse in to our service center here for warranty-covered repairs and we'll be glad to get you in and out in no time. Your engine options with the Buick LaCrosse consist of a 2.4-liter that gets 184 horsepower or, for those of you who like a little more oomph behind the wheel, there's also a 3.5-liter V6 which yields an impressive 303 horsepower. Think the Buick LaCrosse might be the dependable new ride you've been looking for? Come on in and see us here at Palmen Buick GMC Cadillac in Kenosha and we'll gladly help you schedule a test drive and answer any questions you may have.

Bad Driving Habits Everyone thinks they're a good driver -- at least to some extent. Maybe we acknowledge a few things we do that aren't ideal -- habitual speeders have probably seen enough of those cherries and berries to know there's room for improvement, or maybe we're guilty of a little distracted driving, like eating or fiddling with the radio too much. But with all bad habits, there are consequences, and when it comes to driving it's especially important to work on keeping those things in check. Today we're going to list some bad driving habits that might end up costing you in the long run. more 1. Aggressive driving might make you feel like you're king (or queen) of the road in the moment, but usually people who are irritated are also doing a lot of slamming on the brakes, quick-jerking turns, and roaring up to speed from a standstill. You might also be following other drivers to closely and passing at inadvisable times. While there's a clear physical danger associated with these maneuvers, it's also going to cost you over the long haul in terms of wear and tear on your systems. Your car will last longer if you can find a way to calm those nerves. 2. Running on empty. Do you frequently find yourself at the bottom of a tank of gas? See that little warning light quite a bit? It's not without consequences, and not only because you run a higher risk of running out on the road. This practice can also cause clogging of your fuel system over time, leading to deterioration that will not be pretty when you get your estimate back from the mechanic. Think your system could use a flush before resolve to never let it go under a quarter tank again? Bring it on in to our service center. 3. Idling. Once in a while it feels appropriate to sit in idle -- maybe you want to let your car "warm up" before you get going in winter (not necessary - give it 30 seconds and just start out gently), or you're just stopping for a few minutes while your friend runs in to grab some cash. Whenever possible, just turn the engine off and wait. Too much idling can be a big strain on your engine. Questions about how to better maintain your vehicle? Next time you're in our service center for an oil change just ask us about some ways to improve your vehicle health and we'll be happy to offer suggestions.