Every year, automakers work to develop new technology to offer an even better driving experience to all their customers. Magnetic Ride Control is one such enhancement. But what is Magnetic Ride Control? Available on the advanced trims of GM vehicles like the GMC Sierra 1500, Magnetic Ride Control adjusts the shocks of the vehicle real-time in response to changes in the terrain to offer a luxury smooth ride even when on rough roads or trailering.

This dampening system was first offered on the 2015 Sierra Denali as a standard feature for both the 5.3-litre or the 6.2-litre V8 engine options. Combined with other chassis and suspension alterations, this system made the Sierra an even better option for a full-size truck.

Read More: Features and Powertrain of the 2016 GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate

How Does Magnetic Ride Control Work?

Magnetic Ride Control pairs electronically controlled shock absorbers and sensors that read road conditions every fraction of a second, for a ride that can be tailored to driving conditions approximately every five milliseconds.

The electronic shock absorbers which replace traditional mechanical-valve shocks are filled with a magneto-rheological fluid which can behave like a regular liquid some of the time, but become stiffer when exposed to a magnetic field. The fluid contains tiny iron particles that will line up in that field. These shock absorbers can be carefully calibrated to offer precise levels of dampening.

This technology is also being used in things like washing machines, and may lead to advanced reactive body armor in the future. Check out the video below to see magneto-rheological fluid in action!

In addition to the GMC Sierra Denali, Magnetic Ride Control is available on several other premium GM vehicles like the ZL1 and SS trims of the Chevy Camaro. Contact Craig Dunn today to schedule your test drive and feel the difference for yourself.

Every time a new truck comes out, it seems like it’s built more and more capable of handling serious towing and payload, especially on the advanced diesel options. Features like backup camera assist for easy hitching, and Digital Steering Assist on heavy-duty models help hook up trailers and keep the driving even no matter the terrain. And then there is diesel exhaust braking now on vehicles like the 2016 Chevy Silverado 2500HD and 2016 GMC Sierra 2500HD, which can greatly assist on hills. But how does diesel exhaust braking work?

Quiet braking using the power of the engine

Traditional brakes on a passenger car require rotors and brake pads which are pressed together to produce the friction to slow or stop a vehicle, but on a large truck, especially one that is loaded down with a trailer or a large payload, that sort of braking may not work. That is where diesel exhaust braking comes in.

Read More: Advantages of Diesel Fuel

Diesel exhaust braking works by using the power of the engine itself to slow a heavy vehicle. When the exhaust braking is activated, exhaust is forced back into the engine, which causes the engine to run more slowly, or even reverse itself. This can slow, or even stop a vehicle without needing to use the mechanical brakes. This can reduces the wear on traditional brakes, especially when taking heavy loads up and down hill, and help those brakes last up to three times longer (which can safe you a lot when it’s time to get servicing).

On the new Duramax turbodiesel engine available on the 2016 GMC Canyon midsize truck (which has the best gas mileage of any truck when outfitted with diesel power), or various heavy duty trucks, the exhaust brake can even be used when a truck is in cruise control. It will help maintain the correct speed without needing constant corrections from the driver. The diesel exhaust braking on the Duramax diesel working with the Allison transmission always delivers the perfect amount of braking no matter the load or the incline.

Understanding new vehicle technology can be tough, especially if you aren’t particularly tech-savvy. But that’s what you have us for! We want you to feel comfortable using all types of new vehicle technologies, so we’re breaking down how to connect your Bluetooth® enabled device to GMC’s IntelliLink Infotainment System.

Check out more How-to blog posts!

Pairing your Bluetooth® device with GMC IntelliLink

Before you can pair your Bluetooth® enabled device to GMC’s IntelliLink System, you’ll want to make sure your device’s Bluetooth® is turned on. It’s also important to turn on “discoverable” mode so your GMC will be able to find the device. Once this is done, you’re ready to connect your device. You now have three options for connecting your device: using voice commands, using the radio screen, or using the infotainment system. It’s important to note you may not have all three of these options depending on which GMC vehicle you own.

You might also be interested in: Where are there auto shows in Canada in 2017?

Have another new vehicle technology you would like us to teach you how to use? Let us know in the comments below and your question may be featured in an upcoming blog post! Those with additional questions about pairing your compatible smartphone with GMC’s Bluetooth® system? Feel free to give our team a call, and we’ll get all of your questions answered! Drivers interested in getting behind the wheel of any vehicle in our inventory with Bluetooth® capability are invited to schedule an obligation-free test drive online today!

If you own a trailer, boat or camper, you know how important it is to have a vehicle that’s capable of towing your weekend toys. When you’re shopping for a new truck, it’s important to keep the vehicle’s maximum towing capacity in the back of your mind, but when you choose the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500, you don’t need to stress that the truck won’t be able to tow what you need it to. Wondering about the 2017 Sierra 1500’s maximum towing capacity? Keep reading and we’ll give you all the details!

You might also be interested in: 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 packages and options

2017 GMC Sierra 1500 towing capacity

The 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 comes in a variety of configurations, and all configurations have their own unique maximum towing capacities. So instead of exploring maximum towing capacity by configuration, we’re going to take a look at the 2017 Sierra 1500’s engine options and look at maximum towing capacity through the lens of the equipped engine. It’s important to remember that you shouldn’t try to tow more than the vehicle’s maximum towing capacity, and determining the weight of the cargo you’ll be pulling, as well as any additional cargo or passengers, is vitally important.

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Read more: What are the differences between the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 and GMC Canyon?

Drivers interested in seeing the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500’s brute strength in person are encouraged to stop in and see us at our location in Portage la Prairie or schedule an obligation-free test drive online! Have additional questions before hopping in the driver’s seat? No problem! Feel free to give our team a call today!

2019 GMC Canyon Engine Specs and Towing Capacity

The 2019 GMC Canyon is a mid-size truck that packs a punch. This vehicle offers a lot of horsepower and can tow a lot for your next adventure. We want to tell you more about the 2019 GMC Canyon engine specs and towing capacity to show you what this vehicle can do. Let’s get started. 

READ MORE: 2018 GMC Canyon Colours

Performance Equipment

The 2019 GMC Canyon has three engines for you to choose from. The 2.5-liter engine offers 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque. If you’re looking for a diesel option, you can choose the 2.8-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine that delivers 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The last option is the 3.6-liter V6 engine with 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. Now that you know what kind of power you’re dealing with, let’s take a look at how much it can tow.

Hauling Power

When you are traveling for the holidays, or a vacation, or for a sporting event, it may be a good idea to know how much your vehicle can tow. The 3.6-liter V6 engine can tow up to 7,600 pounds and the 2.5-liter and 2.8-liter diesel engine can tow up to 7,700 pounds. Have fun and pack up the trailer with everything you need on your next trip.

READ MORE: How much space is in the GMC Canyon?

After looking at the 2019 GMC Canyon engine specs and towing capacity, you can understand what this vehicle can do and if it is the right one for you. If you would like to learn more about the 2019 GMC Canyon or any of our other GMC, Buick, and Chevy models, you can check out our online inventory to see what we have available and schedule a test drive with us at Craig Dunn Motor City today.

Vehicles these days all have different grill sizes, from the lean lines of the Chevy Camaro to the wide intake lines of the GMC Sierra, and the shape of the grille can define the style of the car, from stylish, to aggressive, to downright weird. But looking at the array of different shapes and sizes of grilles even on the Chevy, GMC, and Buick vehicles on the lot at Craig Dunn begs the question “Why do cars even need grilles?” We investigated, so keep reading for the best answer we could find.

New GM Inventory

What do car grilles do?

While the look of a grille is certainly vitally important for customer satisfaction, each grille also plays a very important role in cooling the vehicle’s engine, specifically the radiator. Without some way for air to flow into the engine compartment, a car would pose a major risk of overheating. While many modern cars could get enough air cooling through vents underneath the vehicle (and so could skip the front grille) it’s more effective and cool to have a grille in the front.

So while the grille is important, that leave a lot of leeway for how it actually looks. Just by looking at grille designs through the ages (and a handful of modern options) it’s easy to see that the grille can define the style of the car.

New grille technology can improve performance

While grilles come in all shapes and sizes, some technology using them can even improve performance. Many modern cars like the 2016 Chevy Volt and the 2016 GMC Canyon have aerodynamic technology that will close some of the grille grating when the vehicle is moving at top speeds. This reduces drag and improved aerodynamic flow. Other vehicles like the elite performance trims of the Chevy Camaro have specializes airflow paths built into the hood so that air can easily move through the engine and out in such a way that the Camaro can maintain its tight hold on the track and efficiently cool the radiator.

Basically, cars do still need grilles, and every year they are getting cooler than ever.

The 2017 GMC Acadia has already knocked our socks off with its powerful engine and spacious interior, but when we heard that the SUV comes in eight exterior colour options, we were even more impressed. Interested in seeing all of the 2017 Acadia’s colour options? Keep reading! 

You might also be interested in: New back seat notification on 2017 GMC Acadia 

2017 GMC Acadia colour options

The 2017 GMC Acadia comes in eight colour options: Crimson Red Tintcoat, Dark Sapphire Blue Metallic, White Frost Tricoat, Ebony Twilight Metallic, Sparkling Silver Metallic, Iridium Metallic, Quicksilver Metallic, and Summit White, shown respectively below. Take a look at all eight colour options, and let us know in the comments below which is your favorite!

Crimson Red Tintcoat

Dark Sapphire Blue Metallic

White Frost Tricoat

Ebony Twilight Metallic

Sparkling Silver Metallic

Iridium Metallic

Quicksilver Metallic

Summit White

View our 2017 GMC Acadia inventory!  

Drivers interested in viewing the 2017 GMC Acadia’s various colour options in person are encouraged to stop in and see us at Craig Dunn Motor City or schedule an obligation-free test drive online today. Have additional questions about the vehicle before getting behind the wheel? No problem! Simply give our team a call today!

What colours are available on the 2020 GMC Acadia?

New Changes for 2020 GMC Models!

We think the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 is a great choice for drivers in the market for a truck, and the 2017 Sierra’s Kodiak Edition takes our love for the truck a step further. Not only is the Kodiak Edition of the 2017 Sierra easy on the eyes, but it also adds on a variety of special features to the regular trims. Read on for details!

Read more about the 2017 GMC Sierra Kodiak Edition

2017 Sierra 1500 Kodiak Edition standard features

The 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Kodiak Edition adds on a few special features not found on any other trim levels in the 2017 Sierra 1500’s lineup. That being said, it’s important to remember that the 2017 Sierra 1500 Kodiak Edition only comes on Crew Cab or Double Cab models and is not available with the SLE Preferred Package. Now without further ado, take a look below at the special standard features offered on this truck!

You might also be interested in: 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 packages and options

Drivers interested in learning more about the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Kodiak Edition are encouraged to contact a member of our team today or stop right in and see us at our location in Portage la Prairie. Those ready to get behind the wheel and see what this great truck has to offer firsthand are encouraged to schedule an obligation-free test drive online!

The new Buick Avista concept recently made its Canadian debut, and our team here at Craig Dunn Motor City couldn’t be more excited about the new vehicle. Not only does the 2018 Buick Avista offer an attractive styling, both inside and out, but it boasts some serious power under the hood as well. So without further ado, we want to introduce you to the all-new Buick Avista!

You might also be interested in: Buick announces the Avenir Luxury sub-brand

While we don’t have an exact release date for the 2018 Buick Avista quite yet, we do know that the vehicle will begin arriving at dealerships around the country sometime in the second half of 2017. Wondering about the features the new Avista will offer? A 400-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 engine will be featured on the 2018 Avista, as will an eight-speed automatic transmission. Ready to see what the 2018 Buick Avista is going to look like? Check out the gallery below!

View our new Buick inventory!

Although the 2018 Buick Avista isn’t scheduled to arrive at dealerships around the country until the second half of this year, make sure to keep an eye on our blog and we’ll update you with more information about this great vehicle as it becomes available to us! We’ll also be sure to let you know when we welcome the 2018 Avista into our inventory here at Craig Dunn Motor City. Drivers with additional questions about the 2018 Buick Avista, or any vehicle in our inventory, are encouraged to contact a member of our team today!

The 2018 Chevy Silverado has a lot of trim levels to choose from and shoppers may be a little confused about what each trim has to offer. That is why we are going to talk about the 2018 Chevy Silverado LT vs the 2018 Chevy Silverado LTZ. Let’s get started. 

READ MORE: 2018 Chevy Silverado Specs and Features

Similarities

Both of these trim levels have a lot of similarities and differences. They both have a Chevrolet MyLink® audio system with 8″ Diagonal Color touch-screen, which allows drivers to enjoy music from a variety of sources like AM/FM radio, Bluetooth® streaming, and a SiriusXM free trial for three months. Drivers can also enjoy the leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls. If you need an extra eye behind you, the LT and LTZ have a rear view camera system to help you exit and park with ease.

Differences

The 2018 Chevy Silverado LTZ has some advantages over the LT trim level. It has an improved 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine that delivers 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet. The LTZ also features front, leather-appointed, heated, 40/20/40 split-bench seats. You can sit comfortably and enjoy your time on the road inside the cabin of the Chevy Silverado LTZ. If you need to warm up from the winter cold, you can utilize the driver and front passenger heated seats.

READ MORE: How does the 2018 Chevy Silverado compare to the 2018 GMC Sierra?

After comparing the 2018 Chevy Silverado LT vs 2018 Chevy Silverado LTZ, you can see that these models are built with drivers in mind. We hope we helped you find everything you were looking for. If you would like to learn more about the 2018 Chevy Silverado, check out our online inventory and schedule a test drive with us at Craig Dunn Motor City today.

What’s inside the 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD?

How powerful is the 2020 Chevy Silverado HD?

What is eAssist?

The big news in the last few months has been the release of eAssist technology on a limited run of the 2016 GMC Sierra and the 2016 Chevy Silverado. But what is eAssist? First appearing on Buick and Malibu sedans, GM eAssist technology is a combined gas and electric powertrain system which allows eAssist-equipped GM vehicles to offer exceptional fuel consumption without compromising on performance. Keep reading for a breakdown of some of the eAssist efficiency technology that we will see in the 2016 Sierra and future eAssist cars, trucks, and (hopefully someday) SUVs.

Light Electrification Powertrain

The beauty and genius of eAssist is how it combines both a traditional gas engine and an electric motor, and reaps the advantages of both. In the 2016 Sierra with eAssist, for example, a 5.3-litre V8 engine matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission will work with a compact induction motor to provide top efficiency without compromising on horsepower or torque. Indeed, the motor functions like a electric torque booster, and can add up to 44 pound-feet of torque and 13 horsepower to the already impressive engine performance, when that extra oomph is required, like when accelerating or passing.

Read More: 2016 GMC Canyon Diesel Offers Best Fuel Efficiency

Thanks to efficiency technology like direct injection, variable valve timing, and cylinder deactivation (which allows the engine to run on fewer cylinder when they are not needed for towing or hauling), the eAssist V8 on the new Sierra is already extremely efficient, but the electric motor can even add to that. Electric power boost means that the electric engine can take some of the load at certain times, allowing the gas engine to continue operating more efficiently with fewer active cylinders.

Conserving Electric Power at Stops

The motor will be powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. In the case of the new Sierra with eAssist, this battery back will add just over 45 kilograms to the vehicle’s curb weight, but will offer significant reductions in fuel consumption, especially in city driving.

Thanks to this battery pack and motor, the 2016 Sierra will be equipped with Stop/Start capability, which will allow the engine to shut down at a traffic light, or in the rush hour crawl, and seamlessly restart once the driver takes his foot off the gas.

Regenerative braking is another major advantage offered by this powertrain. With this advantage, energy lost when braking is turned into electricity that can recharge the battery and help run the electronic of the vehicle, like the lights and the radio.

Many of these eAssist technology pieces have been available previously in other GM vehicles like the Buick Regal, Chevy Malibu or the Chevy Bolt, but we are extremely excited to see these fuel-efficiency advantages appearing on the great Sierra and Silverado trucks. Contact a member of our Craig Dunn Motor City team today to learn more about this technology on vehicles that may arrive on our lot in the future.

If you own a 2017 GMC Canyon and are looking to tow some weekend toys up north this summer, you’re probably wondering how much your truck is able to tow. We’re happy to tell you that your vehicle is plenty capable to tow just about anything you need it to! Whether you’ve got a fishing boat, a small speed boat or some ATVs, the 2017 Canyon can handle it. Read on for more specific information about the 2017 GMC Canyon’s maximum towing capacity!

Read more: 2017 GMC Canyon trim levels off strength, durability, and reliability

2017 GMC Canyon maximum towing capacity

The 2017 GMC Canyon comes in variety of trim levels and cab configurations, which can affect maximum towing capacity. This is because different trim levels and cab configurations have different available engine options, and the top-of-the-line engine will have the highest towing capacity. Cab configurations include Extended Cab 2WD, Crew Cab 2WD, Extended Cab 4WD, and Crew Cab 4WD, and engine options include a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder, a 3.6-liter V6, and a Duramax 3.8-liter inline 4-cylinder. Take a look at the chart below to determine how much your 2017 Canyon is capable of hauling and towing!

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You might also be interested in: What are the differences between the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 and GMC Canyon?

Drivers interested in learning more about the 2017 GMC Canyon’s capabilities or specifications are encouraged to contact a member of our team here at Craig Dunn Motor City. Those ready to get behind the wheel of the truck can schedule an obligation-free test drive online or stop right in and see us at our location in Portage la Prairie!

2020 Chevy Equinox Colour Options 

The 2020 Chevy Equinox has plenty to colours for you to choose from. Choosing the right colour is an important part of the car buying process. You can find the kind you want at Craig Dunn Motor City. Let’s take a look at the 2020 Chevy Equinox colour options to help you choose the right one for you.

READ MORE: 2019 Chevy Equinox Interior Features and Sound System

READ MORE: How much space is in the Equinox?

The 2020 Chevy Equinox colour options are here to help you visualize what your future vehicle will look like. If you would like to learn more about the 2020 Chevy Equinox, you can check out our online inventory and schedule a test drive with us at Craig Dunn Motor City today. We hope to see you soon our showroom. 

If you have a growing family or sizeable crew, it’s probably pretty important to you that you have enough room in your vehicle to fit the whole squad or fam. If you’re in the market for a new SUV, we highly recommend looking into the GMC Yukon. But just how many people can fit in the Yukon’s three rows of seating? Read on to find out! 

You might also be interested in: What’s new for the 2018 GMC Yukon? 

GMC Yukon passenger space

The GMC Yukon comes standard with seating for up to seven passengers, but car shoppers who are looking for a higher seating capacity are able to op for the Yukon XL, which offers seating for up to eight passengers. Both seating options are spacious enough to be filled with fully-grown adults, and you won’t have to worry about hearing complaints of cramped legs as each row comes with plenty of legroom. Take a look at the chart below for details!

Read more: GMC named Most Ideal Popular Brand by AutoPacific 

GMC Yukon maximum towing capacity

To complement the GMC Yukon’s spacious interior, the full-size SUV also offers an impressive maximum towing capacity of 3674 KG (8100 lbs.), which allows drivers to tow heavy cargo like large speedboats, heavy trailers, and even other vehicles.

Car shoppers interested in seeing the GMC Yukon’s spacious interior are invited to stop in and see us at Craig Dunn Motor City or schedule an obligation-free test drive online. Have additional questions about the three-row SUV before getting in the driver’s seat? If so, feel free to contact a member of our team or drop us a line in the comments below! We’ll fill you in on all of the important details and answer any questions you may have.

When to change your vehicle’s engine oil has recently become the subject of a hot debate. The old adage that the oil needs to be changed every three months or 3,000 miles no longer applies now that technology has advanced, but just how often is an oil change required? It varies by vehicle, so read on to learn about the 2017 Buick Encore’s oil change interval. 

You might also be interested in: 2017 Buick LaCrosse colour options 

How often should the 2017 Buick Encore’s oil be changed?

The 2017 Buick Encore comes equipped with an advanced piece of technology designed to make the lives of Encore owners easier. The Oil Life System calculates oil deterioration and informs the driver when an oil change is required, but the driver is still responsible for keeping an eye on how long it’s been since the vehicle’s last oil change. If the vehicle isn’t driven often or hasn’t reached the necessary mileage for the system to alert the driver an oil change is needed, an oil change may still be required. The oil needs to be changed at an interval of 7,500 miles or six months, regardless of whether the system alerts the driver or not.

Read more: What happens if you don’t change your car’s oil on time? 

Drivers in need of scheduling a service appointment for an oil change are encouraged to do so online or by phone at 888-611-6021.

How spacious is the Encore?

How safe is the Encore?

Learning how to work advanced technology can be tough, not to mention frustrating, but our team here at Craig Dunn Motor City has your back. We’re going to give you a step by step guide, teaching you how to your Wi-Fi enabled device to your Buick’s 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot.

Connecting to Buick’s 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot

1. The first step to connecting to your Buick’s 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot is finding your SSID and password. You won’t be able to connect your device to the hotspot without these two things, and there are multiple ways to find your SSID and password. Probably the easiest way to find them is to hit the white voice command button on your rearview mirror. When the systems says “OnStar ready,” you’ll want to reply with “Wi-Fi settings.” Once you do this, your SSID and password will appear on your Buick’s display. Another way to find your SSID and password is to pull open your  RemoteLink® app and click the hotspot tab, and the information will be displayed. The final way to find your SSID and password is by pushing the blue OnStar button on your rearview mirror. You will be connected to an OnStar advisor who will walk you through the process.
2. Once you find your SSID and password, you’ll probably want to change both your SSID and password to something that is easier to remember. You can change your SSID and password in the settings tab of your RemoteLink® app or by pushing the blue OnStar button on your rearview mirror.
3. You are now ready to connect to Wi-Fi. Keep in mind that your Buick’s 4G LTE Wi-Fi can accommodate up to seven devices at any given time, and you won’t be able to exceed that number. To connect your device, go to your device’s settings menu and turn on Wi-Fi. Your device will automatically detect the Wi-Fi hotspot, and once it recognizes the hotspot, click on it. You will then need to enter in your password. Once that is done, you are all connected!

You might also be interested in: How to protect your car’s paint from damage in winter

Buick 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot limitations

The system allows users to easily stream movies, play games or read book, but if you’re out of service range or data, you’ll probably run into issues. You can purchase more data from an OnStar agent by pushing the blue OnStar button on your rearview mirror. For more information about Buick’s 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot signal strength, watch the video below!

Read more: How to stop your window from frosting on the inside

Drivers interested in learning more about this great technology are encouraged to contact a member of our team at Craig Dunn Motor City. To get behind the wheel of any Buick with the 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, schedule an obligation-free test drive online today!