2016 Chevy Colorado vs Silverado vs Silverado HD

What is the difference between a mid-size, full-size, or heavy-duty truck? While the details of that answer may vary widely by brand, generally speaking a heavy duty model is for serious towing, hauling, or work site effort, while a mid-size model offers impressive fuel-efficiency. Full-sized models hold the middle. Keep reading to compare the 2016 Chevy Colorado vs Silverado vs Silverado HD and see which Canadian model in the three-truck Chevy lineup is ideal for you.

Read More: New Chevy Air Intake on Diesel Heavy Duty Trucks

When comparing the 2016 Chevy Colorado vs Silverado vs Silverado HD, it’s important that individuals and families know what they need in a truck. Someone who just needs a commuting vehicle with the ability to haul things occasionally does not need a Silverado 2500HD. Likewise if you regularly need to transport large amounts of cargo (like take a trailer to one of the fairs and festivals around Manitoba this summer), the Colorado may not meet your needs.

If you have any questions about this comparison, or would like to test drive one of these Chevy trucks near Winnipeg MB, feel free to contact us at Craig Dunn Motor City in Portage La Prairie.

Tomorrow is the official first day of summer this year, and we couldn’t be more excited! Our team at Craig Dunn Motor City is committed to keeping you safe during the summer season, so we’re giving out some of our best tips for safe summer driving in Canada. Read on for details! 

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Summer driving tips Canada

Focus on the road 

This may seem fairly obvious, but it’s easy to get distracted while on the road in the summertime. Whether you’re surrounded by beautiful Canadian landscape or you’ve got a delicious milkshake in your cupholder that’s demanding your attention, make sure you keep your eyes on the road at all times. This is especially important in construction zones, where lanes may be closed or workers may be close to the edge of the road.

Keep the interior of your car cool 

Leaving children or pets in the car while you run inside a store is a huge no-no, as headstroke is common when kids or pets are left unattended in a parked car. Temperatures inside a parked car can reach deadly levels in just 10 minutes even when it’s only 80 degrees outside. In fact, even if the windows are rolled down or the air conditioning is turned on, it’s still unsafe to leave kids or pets in the vehicle unattended.

Follow your vehicle’s regular maintenance schedule 

It’s easy for your vehicle to overheat or malfunction in the warm months, so make sure to stay on top of your vehicle’s regular maintenance schedule. This includes receiving oil changes on time as well as replacing filters or other equipment as necessary.

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

Have additional summer driving tips that would be helpful for our readers to know? If so, please drop us a line in the comments below so we can add the tip to our list! Drivers in need of a vehicle service to keep their cars happy and healthy are encouraged to schedule a service appointment at Craig Dunn Motor City online today!

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

What if my car gets stuck in the snow?

Many people know basic etiquette rules and practice good etiquette daily, but for some reason, as soon as we hit the road, we sometimes seemingly throw our good manners right out the window. Road rage is very common, and whether its triggered by slow or reckless drivers or something else, we’ve all been there. Luckily, there are a few great tips and tricks for controlling that rage while behind the wheel. Do we have your attention yet? Read on, and we’ll teach you some of our favorite ways to keep our blood from boiling while on the road! 

You might also be interested in: Tips for traveling with pets in summer 

Three tips for controlling road rage

Read more: Tips and tricks for preventing your vehicle’s engine from overheating 

Do you have a way to control road rage that’s not listed above? If so, let us know your secret in the comments so we can pass it along to the rest of our readers!

You might also be interested in: How often do I need to change the oil in my 2017 Chevy Silverado?

If your vehicle is in need of some regular maintenance, feel free to schedule a service appointment online and our team at Craig Dunn Motor City will get your vehicle back on the road in no time! Drivers with additional questions about keeping their Chevy, GMC, or Buick in tip-top shape are encouraged to contact a member of our team today!

Sudden Loss of Engine Power? We Might Have An Answer

Is My Pickup Truck Overloaded?

Now that summer is here there are a few more things you should be keeping an eye on. The sun causes a few extra risks, especially during this time of year. One major risk has to do with your electronic devices. Heat can be very dangerous for items that have batteries. Today we’re going to take a look at some ways to prevent your phone from overheating.

It is important to prevent your phone from overheating, because this can cause serious damage to your device. When your phone overheats, it can cause permanent damage to the lithium ion batteries that power smartphones. One common way phones tend to overheat, is when they are in hot vehicles. That’s why engineers have added a cold air vent in select 2016 Chevy models. This air vent will keep smartphones wirelessly charging the car from overheating. This feature will be available in the 2016 Chevrolet Impala, Malibu, Volt and Cruze.

This new exciting feature is called the Active Phone Cooling feature and it works when the car’s heating, ventilation and cooling system is on. Most smartphones do have built-in thermal protection features that can cause the phone charging or turn off until it has cooled down. This is extremely inconvenient if you are using your smartphone to stream music, receive phone calls or navigate while you’re on the road. With the Active Phone Cooling feature, you won’t have to worry about your phone shutting off from getting too hot.

If you are interested in learning more about the Active Phone Cooling feature or any other innovative feature that new Chevy vehicles have, call or visit Craig Dunn Motor City in Portage la Prairie MB. We will be able to answer any questions you have about our current lineup or upcoming models. We also invite you to check back here often for more Chevy news.

What Safety Features Are Available on GM Vehicles?

Does Chevy or Ford Have The Toughest Construction?

Certified pre-owned vehicle near Winnipeg

Each certified used car at Craig Dunn has gone through an extensive selection process to meet only the highest quality standards for GM vehicles. Keep reading to find out more what it takes to receive the stamp of a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle on our lot near Winnipeg.

150 Point Vehicle Inspection

Each Certified Pre-Owned vehicle has gone through an extensive 150+ point vehicle inspection which covers every aspect of the vehicle. If the used car fails in any of these categories, then it does not meet the Certified Pre-Owned requirements and it will not appear on our lot with that title. Some of the places that are checked by official service technicians in this inspection include the engine, instrumentation and interior components, and the exterior. Each vehicle is also checked to be sure that it has not been a part of a recall and is taken for a test drive before it can get the GM stamp of approval.

Manufacturer Warranty

After passing the inspection, each Certified Pre-Owned vehicle receives a GM Warranty which covers the vehicle for a minimum of three months or 5,000 kilometres. Buyers can also choose to upgrade to a longer term Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Protection Plan, and that warranty can be transferred to a new owner if you choose to sell the car before the term expires.

Roadside Assistance

Covered for the same three months or 5,000 kilometers as the regular warranty, GM offers to help you should the worst happen and your certified vehicle have a flaw that we couldn’t find. This includes trip interruption coverage and trip routing service. If the breakdown happens within the time frame of your original warranty, we will extend that warranty an additional three months or 5,000 kilometres for additional peace of mind.

Used Car Inventory

Exchange Privileges

And if, for any reason you are not totally happy with your GM Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle, you have the right to exchange it within the first 30 days or 2,500 kilometres of ownership. We at Craig Dunn want you to be completely happy with your new purchase, which means we are proud to offer the quality of Certified Pre-Owned vehicles.

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

What if my car gets stuck in the snow?

We are so glad that the weather is finally getting warmer in Portage la Prairie, but potholes seem to be everywhere after the harsh winter. Hitting a pothole can be extremely damaging to your vehicle, so we want to fill you in on some tips and tricks for how to minimize pothole damage to your vehicle as well as giving you some advice on what to do if you do happen to hit a pothole in Portage la Prairie. Continue reading for more information!

Related: Three bad driving habits that decrease your car’s engine life

Pothole damage repairs in Portage la Prairie

If you hit a pothole, regardless of whether you hit it head-on or barely nicked it, we recommend bringing it in for an inspection. Aside from obvious damage such as a popped tire, potholes can cause a punctured undercarriage, damaged exhaust, dented rims, or a bulged tirewell. If you have any concerns about your vehicle’s well-being, make sure to bring your vehicle into Craig Dunn Motor City for an inspection!

How to avoid pothole damage

The best way to prevent potholes from damaging your vehicle is to avoid hitting the pothole altogether, but we realize that may not always be possible. Sometimes potholes may be hard to see, making avoiding them nearly impossible. We recommend maintaining a safe driving distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to help identify potholes before it’s too late. If you do identify a pothole, it’s important to try to maneuver out of the way, but make sure you check your surroundings before changing lanes or slamming on the brakes. If hitting the pothole is unavoidable, we recommend slowing down as much as possible prior to hitting it and rolling through the pothole rather than rapidly braking.

You might also be interested in: Tips and tricks for spring cleaning your vehicle

If you have recently hit a pothole, you’re going to want to have your checked out by a professional ASAP to make sure none of your vehicle’s vital parts have been damaged. For a complete inspection of your vehicle, simply schedule a service appointment at Craig Dunn Motor City or bring your vehicle in to see us at our location in Portage la Prairie. For more information about our service department or the services offered at our dealership, feel free to give our team a call today!

Tips for safe winter driving

As the snow starts to pile up, it is important to remember some safety tips for driving on snowy or icy roads. That is why we have created a list of tips for safe winter driving. This list will offer some suggestions that will help you stay in control of your vehicle. Let’s get started. 

READ MORE: Easy Ways to Prepare your Car for Winter

Drive Slowly

Perhaps the most important safety tip of this entire list is to slow down. If you are going fast down the road and hit a patch of ice, then it is easier to slip and lose control of your vehicle. This is especially true when turning, so take it slow so you can reach your destination safely.

Roads

Map out your route to wherever you are going and try to avoid back roads. Snow plows don’t always reach these less used roads so avoiding these roads is a great way to avoid hazardous driving conditions. If you can’t avoid using unplowed roads, then you should drive slowly and cautiously.

Maintenance

As the snow falls, you should do some basic maintenance on your vehicle to make sure it is running in top shape. If your brakes are squeaking or the brake pedal is stiff, you should see if your brake pads need to be replaced. This is important for keeping control of your vehicle, especially when other drivers brake unexpectedly.

READ MORE: How to stay safe on a road trip

As you can see, there are many things to keep in mind to help you drive safely in the snow. We hope these tips for safe winter driving help. If you would like to learn about any of our available Chevy, Buick, or GMC models, check out 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?

2017 Chevy Equinox vs 2018 Chevy Equinox

We’ve already written a little about the 2018 Chevy Equinox and its likely release date here in Manitoba. But what new features and capability can we look forward to in this excellent compact crossover? Turns out there are quite a few changes! Check out our 2017 Chevy Equinox vs 2018 Chevy Equinox comparison highlights below.

New Appearance on the 2018 Chevy Equinox

The 2018 Chevy Equinox has several new visual touches that differentiate it from the 2017 model. All models now features chrome trim, and projector-beam headlamps are standard. Other new features like a low windshield base, available denim-style upholstery material, and a new kneeling rear seat (which folds flat to offer up to 1,798 litres of easy-loading cargo space) meet high standard for both form and function.

2017 vs 2018 Chevy Equinox Powertrain Options

The 2017 Chevy Equinox was available with two engine options: a standard 2.0-litre four-cylinder and an available 3.6-litre V6. The 2018 Chevy Equinox will come with a choice of three turbocharged engine options, each of which is optimized for fuel-efficiency and responsive power. These include a standard 1.5-liter turbo, a 2.0-litre turbo mated to GM’s new nine-speed automatic transmission, and a 1.6-litre turbodiesel. Each of these engines will bring unique advantages to the table, but customers seeking the same, or better, power and fuel efficiency as the 2017 model will be able to find their match.

Explore Powertrain

Safety Features on the 2017 and 2018 Equinox

The 2018 Chevy Equinox will benefit from many driver assistance safety features for the new year. The all-new Surround Vision camera system will increase drivers’ awareness of their environment, while the new rear seat reminder will help owners keep track of valuables in their vehicles. Features that were available on the 2017 Chevy Equinox, like lane change alerts, blind-side alerts, and rear cross-traffic alerts will also be available in the new model.

Explore Safety Features
Interested in a Chevy Equinox? Check out our new Chevy Equinox inventory to view in-stock 2017 models, or fill out the form on our 2018 Chevy Equinox interest page for updates on that model.

Summer is a popular time for traveling, and many people prefer to bring their pet along on the trip instead of leaving them at home. If you’re heading out on the road for a cross-country road trip, weekend adventure, or anything in between and your furry friend is making the trip with you, we’ve got a few tips for you. Keep reading to learn more! 

You might also be interested in: Tips and tricks for summer driving in Canada 

How to safely travel with your pet

Read more: What causes a car to overheat? 

Have additional questions about traveling with pets when the weather is warm? If so, drop us a line in the comments below!

Filling out a credit application can be stressful, especially if you don’t know if the website is secure. You don’t want all of your personal information getting stolen, after all! If you’re thinking about applying for credit approval on a car dealership’s website, you are probably wondering if it is safe to do so or not. Keep reading, and we’ll fill you in on everything you need to know about submitting a credit application online! 

You might also be interested in: How to determine if you should lease or finance a vehicle 

Applying for credit approval online for a new car

One of the biggest perks of filling out a credit application prior to arriving at a car dealership is convenience. Applying for credit approval once you’re at the dealership can be a time-consuming process, but is convenience worth risking having your identity being stolen? When you apply for credit approval on our website here at Craig Dunn Motor City, you have nothing to worry about. Our credit application is verified and secured by GoDaddy, so you have nothing to worry about when you apply online.

Worried about not being approved for credit? Our specialists are trained to find a financing package that fits your needs. So whether you’ve got good credit, bad credit, or no credit, our team at Craig Dunn Motor City is here to help. Simply apply online or in person today and get one step closer to owning the car of your dreams!

Read more: Tips for controlling road rage while driving 

Interested in shopping for a new car at Craig Dunn Motor City? Save yourself some time at the dealership and apply for financing online on our secure credit approval form! Car shoppers with additional questions about how to apply for financing online or in store are invited to contact our team today!

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

What if my car gets stuck in the snow?

The GMC Sierra truck, available here at Craig Dunn Motor City, is one of our favorite trucks. It offers impressive towing power (with plenty of premium towing features) and a top-of-the-line interior with premium technology. But for truck owners who want to push their vehicle to the next level, one of the available 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 packages can bring this truck to the next level.

2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Packages

The 2016 GMC Sierra in Canada is available with three special editions which can add premium features to this already excellent truck.

Read More: Compare the 2016 GMC Sierra vs the 2016 Ford F-150

Special Packages on the 2017 GMC Sierra

We don’t know yet for sure what special packages will be available on the 2017 GMC Sierra. We are guessing that the All Terrain and Elevation models will return for the 2017 model year. No news yet on if the Sierra All Terrain X will be available in Canada, or if the Kodiak edition will return on the new model.

Contact a Craig Dunn Motor City representative to get updates on 2017 and 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 packages as we learn more about them.

GM Off-Road Optimized Vehicles

Are you looking for a premium off-roading truck for those summer adventures? While any truck in our new vehicle inventory here at Craig Dunn Motor City can perform well on rough, back-country roads, true off-road enthusiasts want a little bit of extra pizzazz. Keep reading to check out the GM off-road optimized vehicles available here in Portage La Prairie.

New GM Inventory

GMC Acadia All Terrain

Of course, you don’t only have to opt for a truck to enjoy going onto the trails. Thanks to a refined all-wheel drive system, the 2017 GMC Acadia All Terrain can also handle some of the roughest territory. This means that families with large seating needs can also enjoy camping and adventuring.

Questions about these off-roading vehicle options? Contact a member of our Craig Dunn Motor City team to learn more.

There can be few things as frustrating as driving along from oil change to oil change and gradually realizing that your truck is going through more oil than a deep-fryer during the lunch rush. If you have an older GMC Sierra or other GM truck with a 5.3-liter engine, know that you are not alone. While having performance affecting flaws in your vehicle can be frustrating, know that there are solutions for the 5.3 GM engine burning oil that can keep your pickup running smooth (and don’t require you to start shopping for that brand new Sierra).

First off, the General Motors standard for acceptable oil usage in the Sierra is 0.946 liter every 3200 km. If you notice that your truck is regularly running above that (or it just feels high to you) it’s can never hurt to make an appointment at your local shop for an oil consumption test.

One common problem seen in the 5.3-liter engine is a failure of the valve cover to seal, which can cause heavy oil burn. Depending on the wear-and-tear on your vehicles, you may be able to get away with having the rings cleaned and getting a replacement valve cover that will seal again. Trucks that have been around the block a few more times (and built up the kilometer count) may need replacement rings and pistons to take care of the problem.

Here at Craig Dunn Motor City we are dedicated to making all aspects of vehicle ownership run as smoothly as we can. We offer a wide variety of repair and maintenance services, as well as an impressive inventory of new vehicles for your driving enjoyment.

Winter is upon us, which means it’s the time of the year when we need to start scraping windshields and bundling up. But what does it mean when your windshield is getting frost on the inside? Not only is this harder to clear off because of the shape of the windows, but it can mean too much moisture in the vehicle. If you’ve ever asked “Why is my windshield frosting on the inside?” keep reading to get the details and some ways to prevent or solve the issue.

Read More: What Is the Best Ice Fishing Vehicle?

Let us know in the comments if you have other methods that work for you! And if you are looking for a new, winter-ready vehicle, you can check out our selection of new Chevy, Buick and GMC vehicles, many of which are available with all-wheel drive.

Have you ever wanted to adjust your music, call someone, or ask for directions naturally without needing to remember specific commands that your vehicle will respond to? That’s what sweet dreams are made of, and with Siri Eyes Free technology coming out in multiple new GM vehicles you can have all that with the touch of a button (and without traveling the world and the seven seas). But how do you use Siri Eyes-Free on Chevy vehicles?

What GM vehicles have Siri Eyes-Free?

SUV like the 2016 Chevy Trax and 2016 Chevy Traverse currently have Siri Eyes Free capability as a part of their advanced Chevy MyLink system. Along with OnStar 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, this system allows drivers to take even more advantage of the benefits of the internet no matter where they are.

Read More: Chevy RemoteLink Allows You To Control Your Vehicle From Your Smartphone

How do you use Siri Eyes-Free?

You will first of all want to connect your Apple iPhone to your vehicle using Bluetooth connectivity. To activate the Siri voice recognition system, you will have to hold down a button on your steering wheel (note that you really have to hold it down, not just tap it) and then Siri will activate and help you do anything you need in response to natural language commands.

What can Siri Eyes-Free do in my Chevy?

While Siri Eyes-Free has been specially designed to be safe to use in your car, and to not require you to even pick up your phone, it (she?) still has a huge amount of capability just waiting to be used by you. Whether you want to check your text messages, make a phone call, or even find out what the weather is going to be like, Siri in your Chevy can help you out.

Siri Eyes-Free is a great piece of technology that just adds to the great interactive options of the Chevy MyLink.