A differential, when one is talking about vehicles, is a mechanical piece of the car, truck, or SUV which allows the powered-wheels to turn at different speeds. This would be the front wheels in front-wheel-drive, the rear in rear-wheel drive, and all wheels on all-wheel drive. This is necessary because when taking turns the wheels need to go different distances, and if they both always moved at the same speed you would end up damaging your tires and possibly other mechanical parts.

Read More: All-Wheel Drive vs Four-Wheel Drive

Why Is a Locking Differential A Good Thing

While in general driving you want your wheels to be able to spin independently for comfortable turning, this can result in a loss of traction in some circumstances. If one wheel slips on ice, the differential may continue sending power to that wheel, causing it to spin, while the wheel that has not slipped may have less power.

Also if one wheel gets stuck, but the other is free (like what might happen when off-roading in mud or over rocks) then the differential might continue sending power to that wheel, making it spin wildly, while not really helping you get out of the mud.

With a locking differential (whether automatic, or activated by the driver), the powered wheels can be united. This allows drivers to have better traction, and can be extremely helpful either for getting out of mud and snow, climbing rocks on the trail, or maintaining traction in a snow storm.

While a driver shouldn’t keep their differential locked in highway driving, it can be very useful when off-roading, or in some high-performance driving situations. Some vehicles that feature locking differentials include off-road models of the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado, and the 2017 Chevy Camaro ZL1.

What’s inside the 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD?

New Changes for 2020 GMC Models!

Today’s Flashback Friday is something of a combination of a flashback and flash present, because we are going to look the history of GM automotive artistry and design. However, that wouldn’t be worth mentioning unless we also looked at some of the beautiful automotive architecture coming out of the General Motors design team today. If you’ve ever wondered who decides how a car looks, keep reading for a few snippets, and some great historical pictures.

Read More: The Distinctive Style of the Chevy El Camino Coupe Utility Vehicle 

Who Decides How a Car Looks?

GM Automotive Design Today and Yesterday

From the earliest days of the automotive industry, design has been acknowledged as one of the key reasons customers flock to a brand. While premium dependability and features will make drivers stay with a brand long-term, it is the elegant look of the 2016 Chevy Camaro, or the solid lines of the 2016 GMC Sierra truck that first attracts customers to a vehicle. If you have ever admired the lines of a vehicle, you may say thank you to Harley Earl, who revolutionized GM Automotive artistry and design.

The RemoteLink Key Fob system from OnStar available in Chevy, Buick and GMC vehicles can do some pretty neat things (you can learn more about what in our post on the subject) but now it’s time to get real. This is a pretty neat device but how can you set up RemoteLink? We have some step by step instructions, and a neat video on some of the cool things you can do with this system.

How Do I Set Up RemoteLink?

First of all, make sure that your vehicle and phone are compatible with the RemoteLink system. Most 2015 and 2016 Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC vehicles have this capability. Apple, Android, Blackberry and Windows phones are compatible, depending on the operating system.

Read More: Best Features of the 2016 Chevy MalibuSecond, if you are not yet registered at OnStar.com with a username and password, you will have to set that up (remember, some of these services may only be included with an internet plan, and others may not be available in some regions). You can set up your OnStar username and password here, on the top where it says “Sign Up” (you can also find a complete list of compatible cars and phones on that page).

What can you do with OnStar RemoteLink? Check out this video!

Next, download the RemoteLink App. It is available on iTunes, Google Play, Blackberry App World or the Windows app store. Be sure to have your username and password ready to go.

Once it is downloaded, you will launch the app and enter your onstar.com username and password. You will also have to enter your OnStar account number and zip code. This can be emailed to you if you don’t remember it.

In the last step you will be encouraged to create a new username and password just for RemoteLink, and then you should be good to go with your new smartphone-to-car connection!

Even though it’s important to have salt on the roads during winter to protect drivers and passengers from slipping on the road, the salt can cause some major damage to your car. We’ve been in the automotive industry for a long time, and we’ve picked up some tips and tricks to help protect your car’s paint from being damaged in the winter. Read on for more details!

Read more: Is your window frosting on the inside? Learn how to stop it here!

How to protect your car’s paint from salt

You might also be interested in: 2017 Chevy Equinox Canadian Colour Options

Want us to take a look at your car and make sure all is functioning properly now that we’re at the halfway point of the winter season? No problem! Schedule a service online at Craig Dunn Motor City, and we’ll get you taken care of. Those interested in learning more about protecting their vehicle’s body paint from the harsh winter weather are encouraged to contact a member of our team or leave us a comment below!

Winter is upon us, and with it the ever present question of how to treat your vehicle when that thermometer dips down to the scary-cold scale. Many folks let their cars run anywhere from 1-10 minutes to get the old engine running well when the snow is on the ground, but is that necessary? Keep reading to answer the eternal question “Do I have to warm my car up in the cold?”

Depends on the age of your vehicle

Reasons to Idle Your Car (Briefly) This Winter

All that said, there are a few reasons to let your car run a little bit before zooming off this winter.

• Waiting about 30 seconds allows the oil in your engine to warm up and flow where it needs to go before you put stress on the engine.
• Turning the engine (and the defrost) on while you are getting ice and snow off the windows.
• Warming up the interior so you don’t freeze while you drive.

Just for Fun: What Are The Best Ice-Fishing Vehicles?
There are a lot of reasons to let you car sit, but know that as far as the engine goes, a 5 minute (or longer) idling period is unnecessary and will just cost you money in gas.

How can I keep my car’s cabin from getting too hot?

What if my car gets stuck in the snow?

If you are thinking about buying a new truck or SUV for off-roading or rough country roads (like the 2017 GMC Sierra All Terrain, you may have seen phrases like “electronically locking differential” or “limited slip differential” being thrown around. But what is a differential on a car or truck, and why is locking one useful for off-road adventuring? Keep reading to find out more.

What Is a Differential on a Car or Truck?

A differential, when one is talking about vehicles, is a mechanical piece of the car, truck, or SUV which allows the powered-wheels to turn at different speeds. This would be the front wheels in front-wheel-drive, the rear in rear-wheel drive, and all wheels on all-wheel drive. This is necessary because when taking turns the wheels need to go different distances, and if they both always moved at the same speed you would end up damaging your tires and possibly other mechanical parts.

Read More: All-Wheel Drive vs Four-Wheel Drive

Why Is a Locking Differential A Good Thing

While in general driving you want your wheels to be able to spin independently for comfortable turning, this can result in a loss of traction in some circumstances. If one wheel slips on ice, the differential may continue sending power to that wheel, causing it to spin, while the wheel that has not slipped may have less power.

Also if one wheel gets stuck, but the other is free (like what might happen when off-roading in mud or over rocks) then the differential might continue sending power to that wheel, making it spin wildly, while not really helping you get out of the mud.

With a locking differential (whether automatic, or activated by the driver), the powered wheels can be united. This allows drivers to have better traction, and can be extremely helpful either for getting out of mud and snow, climbing rocks on the trail, or maintaining traction in a snow storm.

While a driver shouldn’t keep their differential locked in highway driving, it can be very useful when off-roading, or in some high-performance driving situations. Some vehicles that feature locking differentials include off-road models of the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado, and the 2017 Chevy Camaro ZL1.

Fall is in full effect, and that means winter isn’t far away (we’re sorry to be the bearers of bad news). Just because winter is near doesn’t mean you can’t plan a road trip! We thought that now would be a good time to get a refresher on a few safety tips to ensure that your road trip is as enjoyable as possible. Read on to see how your fall or winter trip can be safe and fun at the same time.

Read more: Strangest driving laws in Canada 

Road trip safety tips

There’s never a bad time to go over a few driving safety tips. When you’re on a road trip, it’s probably safe to assume that you aren’t the only one in the car. So, you are responsible for the safety of yourself, others in the car, and others on the road. Here are three simple tips to make sure your road trip journey safely leads you to your destination.

1.) Keep your phone away from you

Of course, if it’s not your turn to drive, having your phone out for entertainment isn’t a problem. If you’re behind the wheel though, stow your phone or give it to a passenger. We know that phones are often used for navigation and music, so if the driver’s phone is responsible for either of those, just give it to someone else and let them manage it. Even if you’re not texting and driving, fidgeting with the GPS or music on your phone is still unsafe while driving.

You might also like: Four tips for preparing your vehicle for a long road trip 

2.) Drive in shifts

If your road trip is expected to take, six, seven, eight, even nine or more hours, it’s a good idea to make a driving schedule. For example, if you have a ten-hour trek and five people are in the vehicle, just drive in two-hour shifts. Driving can wear you out more than you might think, so don’t tire yourself! Take a load off and relax in the shotgun seat for a while.

3.) Don’t over fill your car

Driving with friends and family is great, but if you only have room for four passengers, don’t carry more than four passengers. While carpooling is fantastic, it’s okay to travel in a pair or trio of cars if it means each car won’t be too cramped. Too many people in one car can cause too many distractions like noise, conversation, and clutter.

Be safe out on the roads! Especially with winter weather approaching, keep your eyes on the road and have fun!

You may also be interested in: Where to see fall foliage near Portage la Prairie, MB 

Tires are expensive, so the last thing you want to do is replace your tires more than necessary. But what can you do to keep your tires in tip-top shape for years down the road? Keep reading, and we’ll fill you in on some of our best tips and tricks for making your tires last as long as possible! 

You might also be interested in: Tips for controlling road rage while driving 

Top 5 tips for making your tires last as long as possible

Read more: Do you save or burn more fuel using cruise control?

In need of new tires? If so, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Craig Dunn Motor City or visit our online tire store! While you’re at it, feel free to peruse our tire protection plan, and let us know if you have any questions!

How can I keep my car’s cabin from getting too hot?

What if my car gets stuck in the snow?

What to do if you see a dog locked in a car on a hot day

With a hot summer like this, it can heat up inside your car very easily and quickly. We want to help people know what to do if you see a dog locked in a car on a hot day. Let’s take a look at these steps to show you what you can do in this situation.  

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

READ MORE: What is the difference in cabin size for trucks?

Make sure to look up any laws about saving animals from hot cars to make sure your actions are in line with the code of law. If you are looking for a vehicle this summer, you can visit our online inventory and schedule a test drive with us at Craig Dunn Motor City today.

How can I keep my car’s cabin from getting too hot?

What if my car gets stuck in the snow?

Winter is just around the corner, and it’s the prefect time to start putting together your ideal gear for those great winter activities like ice fishing. But what is the best ice fishing vehicle? Depending on what you are looking for (and how much you are willing to spend) will determine the sort of transportation you take into the great frozen fishing adventure.

While many folks may opt to tackle on their own two feet (hopefully aided by skis or snowshoes) others may want to haul a little more creature comforts out onto lake. While plenty can be said for toughing out the cold for that perfect winter-caught fish, it’s also nice to have a place to warm up. Here are a few features to look for in the ideal ice-fishing machine.

Preparing for winter? Check out our Winter Tire Program

Four-Wheel Drive on Ice

One certainty about snow and ice is that it’s slippery, so be sure and stay safe out there. Four-wheel or all-wheel drive offer greater traction on all terrains. Pickups and sport utility vehicles  are probably your best bet. And if you can fit the vehicle with sleds or chains for even better traction that would offer even greater safety.

Space for your Ice Fishing Supplies

No matter how minimalist you enjoy your ice fishing adventure, you’re always going to need a few things. From basics like your rod, fishing line, and ice auger to extravagances like a mini-grill to prepare a hot snack while you are out on the ice, you’re going to want somewhere to store your stuff. A pickup truck like the 2016 Chevy Silverado or 2016 GMC Sierra has plenty of space for all your stuff and a nice high ride for getting over those snow drifts as well.

Warm Cabin to keep the chill off your bones

If you’re the sort of tough soul who just wants to get out there, a smaller vehicle like a snowmobile might be enough to get you to the best fishing grounds, but if you are going to be out for long periods of time it’s nice to have a place to warm up. Really any truck or SUV will work as long as your heater works (and if it doesn’t our service department would be happy to fix it for you). If you’re really ambitious (and daring) you can even cut a hole in the bottom of your vehicle (hopefully a very low-priced used truck) and fish on the lake without ever needing to leave the comfortable interior.

With whatever vehicle you choose, be sure the ice is solid enough to take the weigh of you, your truck and supplies. Happy fishing!

How can I keep my car’s cabin from getting too hot?

What if my car gets stuck in the snow?

Does GM offer Student Discounts?

A new school year is upon us and do you know what hat means? It’s time to buy s new car! Well, okay, that may not the first thought that you have, in the rush of figuring out class schedules and making sure that there are enough pencils and pens and notebooks in your life, but in all of that it is also a good time to come down to Craig Dunn Motor City and check out our inventory of new GM vehicles. Student discounts are just one of the ways that we can help make a new vehicle purchase more affordable for you and your family.

Who qualifies for GM Student Bonus?

Almost anyone who is a full-time student or has recently graduated qualifies for the GM Student bonus. These include:

• Full-time students of a recognized high school
• Full or part-time students enrolled in an accredited college, CEGEP, university or apprenticeship program
• Full or part-time students of an Adult and Vocational Program
• Students that have graduated within the last four years from a recognized high school, college, CEGEP, university, apprenticeship program, or Adult and Vocational program.

What are the benefits of the GM student discount?

With the GM Student Bonus, you get a new Chevy, Buick or GMC vehicle and save up to $750 on the purchase price.

What vehicles are offered with GM Bonus Cash

If you can dream it you can get it. Both 2016 and 2015 models are eligible for the student bonus cash on vehicles ranging from the Chevy Cruze to the Silverado and every Buick Enclave and GMC Canyon in between.

In addition to the Student Cash Bonus, each GM vehicle comes with the guaranty of quality driving, backed by a solid GM warranty. Check out the opportunity today!

Christmas is nearly upon us, which means that it is time to decorate the house and start baking! If you haven’t yet secured a tree, this is a great time to do it. If you are looking for beautiful trees from around Manitoba, check out these Christmas tree farms in Manitoba near Portage La Prairie. These farms feature great trees, but they can also provide wonderful memories for kids and parents alike.

Christmas Tree Farms in Manitoba near Portage La Prairie

Mayfair Farms – Portage La Prairie MB

While we don’t think you can cut a Christmas tree at our very own Mayfair Farms, you can get a chance to get a tree in a beautiful farm environment. Hours as of November 30th were 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Christmas Tree Farms Near Winnipeg

Windrift Christmas Tree Farm – near Tyndall MB

Whether you want to cut you own tree, enjoy sleigh rides, hot chocolate or just a warm party and child-friendly atmosphere, the Windrift Christmas Tree Farm offers great options. With several varieties of tree and many children’s activities. This farm is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Learn more about Windrift and Christmas tree farming on the video below.

Hemmingers’s Trees and Wreaths – Lac du Bonnet MB

The Hemminger Farm opened for Christmas tree sales in late November, and planned to be open weekends from 10 a.m. until sunset. Located at 65 Tyndall Dr. Division No. 1, this tree farm is family-owned and provides excellent trees. Call 204-268-5024 for more information.

What Are You Doing for New Years 2016 Near Portage La Prairie?

Summer Fairs and Festivals 2016 Near Portage La Prairie MB

Spring is right around the corner, and we’re big fans of getting ourselves organized for the upcoming season by doing a bit of spring cleaning. We take our spring cleaning seriously, so we extended the cleaning duties outside of our house. We spend a lot of time in our cars, so giving them a little bit of TLC goes a long way. Read on for some of our best tips and tricks for spring cleaning your vehicle!

You might also be interested in: 3 driving tips for staying safe throughout the Canadian winter

How to spring clean your vehicle

Read more: Learn how to stop your windshield from frosting on the inside

Our last recommendation for getting your vehicle ready for spring is to have it checked out by professionals to make sure everything is functioning properly. If you are due for scheduled maintenance, now is a perfect time to have that taken care of as well. Drivers ready to bring their vehicles in to be checked out at Craig Dunn Motor City are encouraged to schedule a service appointment online or give our service department a call today!

How to reset the TPMS light in your Chevy

How to clean your car's cloth seats

South Central Manitoba Fairs and Festivals 2016

Summer is well and truly upon us, and it is the time to take advantage of some of the great warm weather opportunities that abound this time of year. Whether you would like to explore some of the hiking and biking trails around Winnipeg, enjoying Friday and Saturday Winnipeg farmers markets or want to check out a special event, we encourage everyone to head off the road and out of the house to take advantage of nice weather. Keep reading for summer fairs and festivals 2016 near Portage La Prairie MB.

Portage La Prairie Fair & Exhibition – July 8-10

We would be remiss if we didn’t list this one first and biggest. Featuring animal shows, 4-H achievements, rides, entertainment and much more, this is going to be a great bash and well worth checking out. We’re excited to celebrate our town with these great rides and opportunities. As one of Western Canada’s longest-running fairs, we have been doing it right for almost 144 years! You can learn more about the entertainment options and events here.

All of these promise to be community-building, low-cost and enjoyable family fun. Do you know of some other fairs and festivals 2016 near Portage La Prairie MB that aren’t on our list? Let us know in the comments!

What Are You Doing for New Years 2016 Near Portage La Prairie?

Celebrate Christmas By Finding the Perfect Tree

Whether you are looking for a rocking party, or something fun to do with the kids to celebrate the close of 2016, there are plenty of fun things to do on December 31, 2016 . Check out a few of our top picks for New Years Eve Events 2016 near Portage La Prairie MB below, and be sure to let us know in the comments if you have any suggestions we should include.

New Years Eve Events 2016 Near Portage La Prairie MB

Loose Unit – Portage La Prairie, MB

If you are looking for music and fun this Dec. 31, then check out Loose Unit, performing at the Army Navy Air Force Veterans Unit #13 at 25 Third Street NE in our very own Portage La Prairie. Featuring Ashley Olson, this group will help folks party for New Years from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets cost $10.

Kings Head Pub New Years Eve – Kings Head Pub, Winnipeg

Party all night long with one ticket. Visit four of the hottest nightclubs in Winnipeg by bus without worrying about lines or cover charges, and have a great time. Costume contests and prizes will also happen. The night starts between 6:30 and 7:15 p.m. and runs until the morning. Current pricing is approximately $34, but prices will increase as we get closer to the end of December.

Read More: Christmas-Themed Events Near Portage La Prairie

Winnipeg New Year’s Eve Murder Mystery Dinner and Dance – Fort Garry Hotel, Winnipeg

Do you enjoy a good murder with your New Years? Well, then you can enjoy the Murder Mystery Dinner and Dance in Winnipeg on Dec. 31, 2016. Running from 7 p.m. until 1 a.m. this evening features a three-course set dinner, a DJ and dancing. a murder mystery show, and complimentary hats and noisemakers to welcome in the New Year. Cost is $120 plus a booking event fee.

Family Fun On New Years 2016 in Winnipeg

There are also opportunities for families in the Portage La Prairie and Winnipeg area for New Years. Some of them include:

• Top Hats and Tiaras at the Manitoba Children’s Museum– 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Free with museum admission, includes snacks, souvenir family photos, music and activities
• Wawanesa Insurance Family New Year’s Eve – 5 p.m to midnight – This free event features live entertainment all day, fireworks at 8 p.m. and midnight, and plenty of kid-friendly activities and events

Celebrate Christmas By Finding the Perfect Tree

Summer Fairs and Festivals 2016 Near Portage La Prairie MB

The Chevy Cruze has long been a top choice for drivers seeking top fuel efficiency and style in a small car. The 2016 Chevy Cruze has officially made its arrival here at Craig Dunn, but there are two other Cruze models that won’t be arriving until this fall. One is a diesel model of the Chevy Cruze, and the other is the 2017 Chevy Cruze Hatch, the first hatchback form of this compact car. We are excited about the possibilities, but what will be different between these two vehicles? Keep reading for our 2016 Chevy Cruze vs 2017 Cruze Hatch comparison.

Celebrate the 2016 Cruze Launch: Get a Free Oil Change For Your Compact Car at Craig Dunn Motor City 

Cruze Trim Levels

While the 2016 Chevy Cruze will be available in L, LS, LT and Premier trim levels, the 2017 Chevy Cruze Hatch will only be available in the upper LT and Premier trims. A sporty RS package will be available on both.

Interior Space Cruze vs Cruze Hatch

One of the advantages of a hatchback five-door body style is that it offers more cargo space behind the rear seats. The 2017 Chevy Cruze Hatch will feature 524 litres of space behind the rear seats, which can expand out to 1,336 litres with the rear seats folded down. The 2016 Chevy Cruze has 419 litres behind the rear seats on the L and LS trims, and just 393 on the LT, Premier and RS.

Powertrain on the Chevy Cruze

We’re pretty sure that both the Chevy Cruze and the 2017 Cruze Hatch will boast the same 1.4-litre turbocharged engine, rated for 113 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. Thanks to features like direct fuel injection and engine stop-start this engine delivers stunning fuel economy in the 2016 Chevy Cruze sedan.We are hopeful that that will carry over to the hatchback model as well.

For more information on the Chevy Cruze in sedan or hatchback body style, contact a member of our Craig Dunn sales team today.

New Changes for 2020 GMC Models!

How can I keep my car’s cabin from getting too hot?

2016 GMC Sierra vs 2016 GMC Canyon

Truck shoppers in the market for a hard working truck may naturally lean toward the GMC brand, thanks to its premium power and refined interior and exterior quality. While many owners may know exactly the power and capabilities they want in their vehicle, some may be torn between a powerful full-sized model, or a midsize options. We’re going to compare the 2016 GMC Sierra vs the 2016 GMC Canyon so that truck shoppers can decide which model is best for them.

Body Style Options

Body style will be a significant difference between these two trucks, simply because of the distance between full- and midsize models. The 2016 GMC Canyon is offered in extended cab body style or a crew cab model with two bed-length options. The 2016 Sierra is available in two-door regular cab body style, double cab or crew cab models. Most of these body styles are available with a choice of bed lengths, most of which are longer than the beds available on the 2016 Canyon.

Maneuverability

While the 2016 GMC Sierra can certainly hold and handle larger payloads, truck owners often want a versatile vehicle that can also function well as a daily commuting vehicle. No matter what body style chosen, the 2016 GMC Canyon will be easier to park and maneuver through the press of city and town traffic when compared to its larger full-size sibling.

Read More: 2016 GMC Canyon Diesel Fuel Efficiency

We hope this 2016 GMC Sierra vs 2016 GMC Canyon comparison has helped you figure out which of these great trucks best suits your needs and lifestyle. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a test drive, feel free to contact us at Craig Dunn Motor City today.

While most GM vehicles excel in dependability, there are occasionally times when a vehicle or a part will have a recall placed on it, either because it doesn’t work or isn’t up to spec. But how do vehicle recalls work for GM Canada? Keep reading for GM vehicle recalls in Winnipeg MB and how to make sure that your vehicle is operating at top efficiency.

GM Vehicle Recalls in Winnipeg MB

If your GM (that is, a Chevy, Buick, GMC or Cadillac) vehicle has a recall, you will be notified by mail, and that mailer will have instructions how to accomplish the recall and get your new part or assistance.

GM Canada mails recall information to the last listed owner. If you receive information about a vehicle you no longer own, you can safely ignore the information or contact the Customer Service Centre to let us know you are no longer the owner of the vehicle.

Is My Chevy, GMC or Buick Part of a Recall?

Generally speaking, a limited number of vehicles will be included in a recall. Recalls by GM Canada are VIN-specific, so not every vehicle in make, model, or year will be included. For example, even if you know of someone who has a Chevy Silverado, it doesn’t mean that your 2016 Chevy Silverado is necessarily a part of that same recall.

If you have concerns that your vehicle may be a part of a recall, but you haven’t received any notice in the mail, there are a few things you can do to be sure your car is operating at top efficiency.

Who Should I Contact about my GM Recall?

If you think your vehicle may be a part of a recall, you can contact the GM Canada Customer Care Centre, or reach out to a dealership, like us here at Craig Dunn Motor City in Portage La Prairie near Winnipeg MB.

The Customer Care Centre is open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It can be contacted by phone in French or English, by email, Live Chat or by mail. More details are available here.

GM Canada Discounts Available at Craig Dunn

Help People Displaced By The Alberta Wildfires