3Fond du Lac Reporter | 2010 Spring Auto guide | February 17, 2010

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Left to Right: Joe Kosloske, Dik Suszek, Kyle Figard, Art Rauls

• Brakes, Exhaust, Transmissions• Complete Engine Overhaul• Fuel Injection & Computer Diagnostics• Oil Changes, Coolant Flushes, Tune-Ups• State-of-the-Art Equipment & Technology• Large Selection of Quality Tires• Custom Exhaust Bending

This big (4,700-pounds big) V6-powered SUV carries over from last year with exactly one new enhancement: a USB port in the centre console for connecting to portable music players.

GM has done a better-than-average job of making the vehicles look and feel unique between the brands. Chevrolet is the latest of four General Motors divisions to get a version of this full-size tall wagon platform. It is more fuel efficient than GM’s traditional body-on-frame V8 models such as the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, even though they’re about the same size and can transport nearly as many passengers. The bold split grille now seen on nearly all Chevy cars and trucks is bracketed by a pair of neatly integrated headlight pods plus a set of fog lamps that look as though they were lifted from the Malibu sedan. The roofline and side glass is similar to that of the Buick Enclave, while the rear is distinctly Chevrolet. The interior displays a passenger-car-like quality, with large, legible gauges and controls that are housed in an attractive dashboard that won’t require extensive study of the owner’s manual to decipher. Traverse’s passenger and cargo roominess trumps that of the Tahoe, whether all three

rows of seats are folded flat or left upright. An extra-large folding floor console can be ordered that fills the gap between the optional second-row chairs. Traverse has a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 281 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque or 288 ponies and 270 pound-feet of torque with the optional dual exhaust. The engine operates through six-speed automatic transmissions with a “steep” first gear that helps to better launch the vehicle from a standing start. The optional all-wheel-drive system seamlessly distributes power to either the front or rear wheels, depending on road conditions and driver input. Stability control, a system that reduces the likelihood of a skid or spin, is standard equipment as is traction control. The Traverse comes in LS, LT and LTZ versions, with the expected air/cruise/tilt and power controls as part of the base package. On the long list of available content, of which some will be standard on the LT and/or LTZ, are 18 or 20-inch wheels (17-inch alloys are standard), perforated leather seats, heated and cooled front buckets, power liftgate, rear-view camera, power-folding outside mirrors, premium audio system and individual sunroofs for the first two rows.

Chevrolet TraverseNew for

2010!

If there were a congeniality award for automobiles, the Equinox would rank as one of the leading contenders. Chevrolet’s popular mid-size utility wagon has attracted buyers since 2005 with its handsome looks, roomy surroundings and solid construction. General Motors’ “Bowtie” division has taken a bold-is-beautiful approach for model year 2010; taken as a whole, the Equinox appears closely related to its 2009 Traverse sibling. More muscular-looking sheetmetal and a widened stance make the Equinox appear larger, but in fact the vehicle maintains a slightly modified version of its previous platform. Curiously, storage space with either the rear seat in place or folded flat has decreased by close to 10 percent. Integrating the rocker panels with the doors reduces entry step-over height and helps keep pant legs from brushing up against the vehicle’s lower body area. Chev’s designers created a gorgeous interior that includes dual gloveboxes, easy-to-read twin gauge pods and plenty of handy storage bins. Retained from the previous model is a versatile split folding rear seat that can be adjusted fore and aft over an eight-inch range to optimize legroom or cargo

capacity. A 182-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder becomes the new base engine. Although not as torquey as the outgoing 185-horsepower 3.4-liter V6, the four’s 21/30 mpg estimated city/highway fuel economy blows away the 3.4’s 17/24 rating by a whopping 33 percent. Chevrolet expects that fully two-thirds of Equinox customers will opt for this powerplant, even if it trades off quite a bit of pep. Optional is a 3.0-liter V6 with 255 horsepower that earns an estimated 18/25 mpg rating, only slightly better than the outgoing 3.4. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard with both the I4 and V6, and all-wheel-drive is available no matter the powerplant. A wide assortment of standard equipment (air conditioning, cruise control, keyless remote entry and power windows/locks/mirrors, etc.) is included on base versions; moving up into the top-line LTZ adds climate control, heated leather seats, 18-inch wheels, extra trim, and premium audio. With its new skin, friendly interior and thriftier power choices, the Equinox projects a more fashionable presence and one that appears eager to pack up the gang and tackle the tasks at hand. It’s tough to get more congenial than that.

Stylish wheels have become standard equipment on a majority of today’s cars and trucks. But, if your rims are scratched or damaged, their appearance can be embarrassing and bring down the value of your vehicle. Regardless of where you drive and how careful you are, wheel damage is hard to avoid. Your wheels can easily suffer dings and scratches from stones, road debris and potholes, as well as dulling, pitting and corrosion from car wash chemicals and the effects of weather.

Fortunately, there is an easy solution to the problem, and you don’t have to lay out big bucks for new wheels or take your damaged ones to a repair shop. You can fix your wheels yourself to a “like new” condition and save hundreds of dollars in the process with an easy-to-use Wheel Restoration Kit developed by Permatex, a leading innovator of automotive repair and appearance products.

The Permatex Wheel Restoration Kit can help you fix the damaged surface on your wheels and restore the original silver metallic finish and overall appearance. The kit comes with simple, step-by-step instructions and everything you need for a professional looking

restoration, including a premium, high performance wheel paint. The finished repair is permanent and resistant to chemicals, brake dust, heat, and chipping.

To help ensure an easy, high quality repair, Permatex has developed three demonstration videos in English and Spanish: Dents and Grooves; Curbside Rashes, Scuffs and Scratches; and Corrosion, Rust and Minor Scratches. Each video covers the entire repair process, step by step. All of the videos are free, and can be viewed online at: www.permatexrepair.com.

Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or a pro, you can make wheels look new, without special tools or training. The kit works on all types of metal wheels, including aluminum, alloy, steel, and mixed metals. It’s not recommended for chrome wheels, plastic wheel covers, or structural damage.

You should be able to get Permatex’s Wheel Restoration Kit at leading auto parts stores for less than $25.00. For the finishing touch, give your tires a high tech shine with No Touch Turbo Wet, a new shinier, longer lasting tire dressing, also from Permatex.

for ragged rimsrelief

Chevrolet EquinoxNew for

2010!