Blog

Being a leader in hands-free driving can’t happen by standing still, and winning over more happy customers means expanding access to technology through both features — like available trailering — and drivable roads. GM has made extraordinary progress on that commitment and is adding an additional group of highways to its flagship hands-free technology Super Cruise, bringing the total to about 750,000 miles (1.2 million kilometers) of compatible roads across the U.S. and Canada. Safely deploying and expanding access to advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), like Super Cruise 2, is an important step in gaining consumer trust and excitement around the future of transportation. For perspective, 750,000 miles is like traveling one way from Earth to the Moon three times or taking a coast-to-coast road trip from New York City to San Francisco and back nearly 130 times. This new batch of compatible roads makes Super Cruise the largest truly hands-free operating domain in North America — nearly six times the coverage of other hands-free driver assistance technologies on the market today. “GM is all-in on safely deploying Super Cruise as we make the technology available on more vehicles, more roads and for more people to enjoy. A key part of that is expanding the road network — in this case nearly doubling it again — with LiDAR mapped highways.  High precision LiDAR mapping gives us an operating domain where we are confident in Super Cruise’s abilities.”– Anantha Kancherla, GM vice president of ADAS. Our Approach to Safe Deployment Super Cruise launched in 2017 as the industry’s first true hands-free ADAS on the market. GM has incrementally expanded its Super Cruise network, most recently to 400,000 miles (640,000 kilometers), to include major Canadian, U.S. and state highways. Today’s expansion adds minor highways that typically connect smaller cities and townships. What exactly does that mean? Soon drivers will be able to drive hands-free between more rural towns across the country — connecting families and destinations alike. Adding minor highways to the network gives Super Cruise customers more variety and better coverage of hands-free driving, regardless of where they live, work or vacation. We expect this to excite Super Cruise customers, particularly those with compatible trailers who camp, boat, and use recreational vehicles. And adding Super Cruise with trailering to models like the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse or 2024 GMC Acadia will put Super Cruise in the hands (or should we say not in the hands...) of more customers with these passions — helping more GM drivers get to and from their destination more relaxed than ever before. Super Cruise Fast Facts Growing to about 750,000 miles of compatible roads across the U.S. and Canada, including divided highways, major and minor highways. Over 80% of surveyed owners with Super Cruise have said it makes driving more relaxing, and it’s the second most important reason for choosing a vehicle. The industry’s first — and largest — truly hands-free ADAS on the market, and the only to offer trailering capability. More than 160 million miles (257 million kilometers) have been driven accident-free with Super Cruise. New or enhanced features and capabilities since Super Cruise’s launch include: Lane Change on Demand Automatic Lane Change Enhanced Navigation Industry-First, and only, Hands-Free Trailering Collaborative Steering Enhanced Driver Requested Offset Improved Curve Handling The new roads have already started to be added incrementally over-the-air, at no additional charge, and will continue to be added through 2025. Most Super Cruise-equipped vehicles will receive this expansion except for the Cadillac CT6, Chevrolet Bolt EUV and Cadillac XT6. The average eligible vehicle will update its map within about one month of the GM brand site maps showing updated roads. Super Cruise is powered by OnStar connectivity. For more about Super Cruise and how it works visit GM.com/safedeployment.

GM is making some of OnStar’s most sought-after technology even more accessible to retail and fleet customers. Starting with the 2025 model year, every customer who buys a new Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac vehicle will get Automatic Crash Response, remote vehicle commands, and navigation and voice assistance features at no additional cost above the vehicle purchase price. “By standardizing some of our most appealing OnStar features, we can deliver more technology and value at every price point, helping ensure our vehicles and customers stay connected for the long term,” said Marissa West, president, GM North America. “With this move, every new vehicle in our lineup will include a compelling set of safety and connected services that is distinct to GM thanks to nearly 30 years of OnStar experience and innovation.” Introducing OnStar One Essentials OnStar One Essentials, the new OnStar package, brings together the features in one convenient bundle for retail customers: OnStar’s Automatic Crash Response isthe industry’s first comprehensive automatic crash notification system, connecting customers to critical assistance in the moments after an accident, even if they are unresponsive. Specially-trained OnStar Emergency Advisors can immediately call into the vehicle to provide medical assistance and relay vital information to first responders. Remote vehicle commands allowcustomers to manage their vehicle wherever they are, using their smartphone. From the myChevrolet, myGMC, myBuick, or myCadillac mobile app, they can lock/unlock, remote start, and locate their vehicle, as well as get on-demand diagnostics and real-time vehicle status notifications, whenever they have those features enabled. Navigation and voice assistance adds simplicity to the drive withapps like Alexa Built-in, Google Assistant, Google Maps, Maps+, and Waze on eligible vehicles. OnStar One Essentials will be included for eight years with every new vehicle purchase at no additional cost. The 2025 Chevrolet Trax and 2025 Buick Envista, two of GM’s most affordable models, will be among the first to get the package. All Cadillac customers will get additional premium OnStar services for three years, starting from the time of vehicle purchase. GM Envolve fleet and business customers will receive these standard features for eight years with OnStar One Business Essentials. Retail and fleet vehicles in Canada will receive similar standard content.

GM's OnStar Emergency Advisors now have access to RapidDeploy technology for supplemental location accuracy, improved mapping options and a clearer picture of emergency needs. GM's OnStar Emergency Advisors are now using RapidDeploy Radius Mapping technology to help improve incident response outcomes, which can benefit both OnStar members and emergency responders. When OnStar Emergency Advisors are notified of car crashes, stolen vehicles, button presses from inside the vehicle, or calls from OnStar members, they will now have a supplemental, map-based view of both publicly available and proprietary data, simplifying and helping to expedite the delivery of necessary services. "We're combining 25+ years of OnStar's leadership with RapidDeploy Radius Mapping to enhance, digitize and modernize responses to incidences, streamlining our connection and awareness of members in times of need," said Mike Devereux, vice president of OnStar Safety and Connectivity at GM. "With more than 200 Emergency Advisors, OnStar acts as an emergency triage center. It's vital that we work with quick and concise data to help ensure a timely delivery of services to our members or connect them with public safety as necessary." OnStar is utilizing RapidDeploy's platform to help synthesize telematics data in a map-based format to provide timely and clear situational awareness for the wide range of services OnStar Emergency Advisors perform for customers who have consented to receive those services. Key features of Radius Mapping technology include: Additional layers of location accuracy: upon member consent, OnStar Emergency Advisors can ping precise locations through the member’s mobile device. Improved mapping options on a single screen: providing supplementary information on potential evacuation routes, local emergency shelters and weather data during severe events. Access to publicly available street cameras: offering a view of emergency incidences for situational awareness. “We are honored to continue our work with OnStar as they bring RapidDeploy technology into the OnStar call centers,” said Steve Raucher, CEO and co-founder at RapidDeploy. “Next generation technology, while originally designed for 911, has many applications where modern mapping is needed to be combined with supplemental data and we are excited to work with OnStar as our first major enterprise customer.” In 2021, OnStar started working with RapidDeploy to deliver vehicle telematics directly to 911 centers. That same year, GM Ventures announced its participation in the $40 million Series B funding round for RapidDeploy.

Here in Western Washington, we're used to the rain. We have to learn to play, work, and drive in the rain because life can't stop when we get some (more) of that liquid sunshine. But it's important not to become complacent while driving in the rain and to remember a few important key tips to keep you driving safely on your way. Here are 5 things you can do to driver more safely in our rainiest seasons: Prepare Your Vehicle Make sure your windshield wipers work or replace them if needed. Make sure you are able to defrost your vehicle so you can see clearly out all the windows. Replace any head or tail lights as necessary and keep plenty of gasoline in your tank. If you aren't 100% confident in your vehicle, give us a call to make an appointment with our service department! Don't Drive Through Standing Water You see the signs and hear the warnings: don't drown, turn around. Already this rainy season we have been hit with a couple serious rain storms that have left many roads underwater. Do NOT try to drive through water on the road or go around signs blocking roads. It isn't worth the risk to your life or your vehicle. It seems that no matter how many times we read/hear the warnings, there are always people who ignore them and require rescuing by first responders. Slow Down If you've been driving for any length of time, you know the terror that comes from hydroplaning, which occurs when your car is driving a high rate of speed and goes on top of standing road water...and results in you losing control of your vehicle. Sometimes it is difficult to see where there might be standing water on the road, so it's a good idea to slow down no matter what. Driving slower also makes it so your vehicle can slow down without sliding/skidding on the wet road, which has less traction. Don't Use Cruise Control It's tempting to use your vehicle's cruise control option whenever you can, but it is important NOT to use it when driving in the rain. Why? The cruise control will keep your wheels turning at the same speed no matter what is happening...even if you hit standing water. Instinctually, we can feel when our vehicle goes over standing water and, hopefully, can slow down quickly enough that the vehicle stops hydroplaning and we regain control. Or if we feel the water is suddenly slippery, we can instantly slow down by taking our foot off the gas a little. When we use cruise control, it is always full-steam ahead. Use Headlights Even in the middle of the day, using your headlights makes your vehicle easier to see in the rain. Those dark rain clouds and reflections off the rain/wet road can make it difficult for you to see...and for people to see you! Help prevent someone from turning out in front of you at the last minute or stepping off the curb in front of you by turning on your headlights any time it starts raining.

Chevrolet today announced important safety information regarding the Chevrolet Bolt EV. Visit www.chevy.com/boltevrecall for more information.

Now more than ever, cleanliness is of the utmost importance. And top of mind thoughts naturally lead us all to think about how I might sanitize my car. That's why Chevrolet is committed to using enhanced vehicle cleaning measures, with CDC-approved cleansers before delivering your vehicle after purchase or service - including cleaning your instrument panel, hard and plastic surfaces, seats and carpet. Nothing can be 100%, but we do follow protocols for the use of sanitzer. Ask us for details 206.243.5800. Click to schedule service. Ask us about the Chevy Cares Program In these uncertain times, we’re doing our best to be there, any way we can. From answering questions about your vehicle to helping you shop for a new Car, Truck or SUV from home, see all the ways we’re here to help. Because at a time like this, your vehicle should be the least of your worries. And speaking of being a dependable vehicle, Chevrolet has consistently ranked among the JD Power Quality Award winners. Read more about them here.  The Chevy Equinox, Malibu, Silverado and Tahoe models all ranked highest in their respective segments in initial quality in 2019! The Equinox SUV has also been an IIHS "Top Safety Pick" ( LINK) - so it's not only how do I sanitize my car that matters in the safety category. Chevrolet has put alot of thought into its designs and quality control. Read more about the Equinox here. Research Silverado here. Malibu here. And Tahoe here. Thank you! As part of the Chevy Clean Program, we follow recommended protocols regarding the cleaning of facilities and vehicles. Neither the Chevy Clean Program nor a dealer’s enrollment in the Program should be deemed to state or imply that any dealer’s cleaning activities can eliminate or  prevent transmission of any virus, illness or disease.

What We’re Doing Right Now… Service & Parts Departments are OPEN 8am - 5pm Monday – Friday and Saturday 9am – 2pm (closed Sunday). As a Chevrolet dealer in the Seattle area, we are maintaining a heightened awareness of  Covid-19 mitigation response. Make your appointment as usual by calling us at 206.243.5800 or online, the easy way - click here!  We offer low contact service! Our Service Technicians are here for you to wipe, swipe and sanitize your vehicle before and after service. Concierge Service: we'll pick up your vehicle, service it and return it to your home or office. Please arrange for our Concierge by phoning 206.243.5800. Geographic restrictions apply (complimentary within 10-miles). Sales... Virtual Vehicle Appointments - Schedule a virtual meeting and get a video tour of the vehicle you're looking at on our Website. And then, visit our Shop Click Drive Store, where you can get excellent pricing, calculate payments & downpayments, get a value on your trade in and more! Complimentary test drive at home - Try a no-commitment, no-strings test drive at home. Car will be dropped off (within 10 miles of the dealership) so you can safely test drive on your own. Dealership Appointments - If you fall into a specific consumer category, per the Governor's Order, we are practicing social distancing and setting a specific time for you to visit Burien Chevrolet to enjoy a solo test drive and personal buying experience. Contact us for a list of the Governor's Consumer Categories. No Contact Purchase - Pay or finance a vehicle remotely—either by phone or email. You'll just have to sign a few quick docs in a private room at the dealership. Done in a jiffy, lickety-split! (Governor's Order applies) No-Charge Home Drop-off - Ready to buy? We'll drop your new car off at your home, no charge! (Geographic 10-mile limits & Governor's Order apply) General 10-mile complimentary pickup and delivery area for auto service. Please ask your advisor for details. 206.243.5800

Image via Flickr by Rob Wilko If Friday rolls around and you're planning a quick trip out of town to the mountains or the beach, you'll want to make sure you have enough energy for the ride. You'd be surprised by everything that will make you tired when you jump behind the wheel. Not Drinking Enough Water Even a mild level of dehydration can change your mood. Mental functions and energy levels can also decrease if your body isn't properly hydrated. With less water in your system, your blood volume can lower, making your body work harder for nutrients and oxygen and causing fatigue. Counteract this by carrying water with you and sipping throughout the day. Pack an extra bottle for the ride. more Drinking Alcohol at Night While alcohol can make you tired, it can also impact the quality of your sleep. A nightcap or glass of wine can cause you to sleep lighter and wake more frequently during the night. As a result, you wake up tired rather than well-rested. For a few nights before you plan to drive, have a glass of milk instead of alcohol at bedtime to have a better impact on your nightly sleep. Cell Phones and TV at Night Blue light emitted from cell phones and televisions inhibit melatonin production, making it more difficult to fall asleep. Using your phone at night just before bed can actually keep you awake and cause feelings of restlessness and fatigue. For a better night's sleep, give the TV and phone a rest after 9 p.m. and place your phone face down after you set your alarm. Not Enough Exercise If you think you're conserving energy by skipping your workout, you're actually doing the opposite. Your body will feel even more tired without a simple 20-minute workout. Three days of short workouts each week will combat fatigue and give you more energy. The week of your trip, be sure to get in a walk, jog, or quick trip to the gym so you can keep your energy up for the entire ride. Prescription Medication Effects Certain prescription medications can cause lethargy and drowsiness. Some blood pressure meds are designed to block adrenaline hormones, which decreases the activity of the heart and causes additional feelings of tiredness. If you're taking a new prescription, check with your doctor about any concerns you may have regarding side effects. The doctor could prescribe an alternative medicine or something to help with the lethargy. It's best not to make long road trips until you've got this resolved. Caffeine Crash While caffeine is a popular stimulant, your body will remind you that for every up, there's always a down. The caffeine sends signals to your body to produce adrenalin to keep your brain awake and alert. Once the adrenalin wears off, you could feel irritable and drowsy. To avoid caffeine affecting your sleep, limit your intake to small amounts and drink it early enough in the day to regulate your levels before heading to bed. This will help you get a full night's sleep before taking any road trips. Use these tips to keep your body more energetic and vibrant in the afternoon and evening and keep yourself safer behind the wheel. https://www.flickr.com/photos/138178876@N06/40267336920/sizes/l Image via Flickr by Rob Wilko

Washington roads can be dangerous in the winter. Ice makes for some tricky situations for vehicles and drivers. Know what preventative and reactive actions you can take before and while you're on the ice. Burien Chevrolet knows cars and how to drive them safely. We've put together a list of our top tips for driving on ice. Reduce Speed The best practices in avoiding bad situation are preventative ones. The best way to prevent sliding on ice? Drive slower. Once your vehicle starts sliding on ice, the forces that were moving your car forward will be used against it. It sounds like more simple advice, but driving slower ensures your car will have less force to flow through when it starts sliding. Watch for any signs that warn of ice when you're driving through wintry weather. If you think there might be even the slightest chance of black ice on the road, slow down. Always slow down to a safe speed when taking turns. Don't Panic If you feel your vehicle hit a patch of ice, the best thing you can do it stay calm. Panicking is a sure-fire way to lose control over your vehicle. Don't slam on the brakes when you hit that ice. Even if your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes, it's likely your wheels will lock regardless. Once they do, there's no stopping your vehicle. You'll have to ride it out. If your vehicle does start to slide, try to keep your car facing forward by turning your steering wheel to make your wheels face the direction you want to go. This will help keep your car from spinning completely out of control. Take your foot off the brakes and let the vehicle coast to a slower speed until you can safely handle it again. Know Before You Go Before you head outside and take a drive, analyze the situation. Start by checking the weather reports. Your local news source is a good one to check for inclement weather. If you're taking a longer trip, research your route to know what you're dealing with. If ice is going to form, it'll happen during the night and early morning. Aim to drive during the warmest parts of the day, especially when it'll be above the freezing point. However, never assume there won't be any black ice along your path. Make Safe Turns When you see a turn coming up, slow down to a safe, manageable speed. The best way to do this is simply taking your foot off the gas pedal ahead of the time to avoid using the brake. As you make the turn, do your best to not accelerate or brake hard. Curves in the road are where the most fish-tails happen. Again, if you start to drift while making the turn, stay calm. Turn your steering wheel the way you want to go, stay off the brakes, and don't over-correct. Be prepared, and be smart about your driving. If you don't have to go, don't. Ice is temporary, but accidents can change your life forever. Image via CappiT | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

It's a good idea to follow defensive driving tips each time you get behind the wheel. While every situation is different, defensive driving is a great way to keep yourself safe on the road and to reduce the chance of an accident. That's why we've put together this list of five fundamental tips for defensive driving. Keep Your Eyes Up Ahead Many drivers, both new and experienced, get into the bad habit of looking only at the car that's right in front of them. Maintaining this laser-sharp focus on that one car leaves you unprepared for what might lay ahead. To avoid potential hazards, keep your eyes as far ahead as you can see — for miles if the visibility is good. When you've got an expansive view of the road, you'll have plenty of time to react to potentially dangerous situations, such as a broken down more vehicle on the shoulder. Take In the Big Picture Many accidents happen when drivers lack situational awareness. People often become fixated on things, like the radio, and that driving habit could be deadly. Most people don't realize they're doing it, and they lose track of other vehicles around them. Have an Exit Strategy Formulating an exit strategy is a skill that's learned over time and with experience. While you might be the best driver on the planet, you can't control or predict what others on the road might do. Other factors, such as construction or emergency vehicles, may change a routine day on the road into a problematic situation quite quickly. What do you do if a dog runs into the street up ahead? What if the car in front of you slams on their brakes to avoid him? You need an escape plan — and fast. Maintain a Safe Distance If you decide to follow just one of our handy tips, this is it. Maintaining a cautious distance from the car in front of you is not only the safest habit you can practice, it's the one defensive driving tip that's broken the most. A safe following distance comes with its partner: a safe driving speed. If you're zooming down the highway at 100 mph, you're not going to have the same reaction time as you would if you were cruising at the posted speed limit. Reduce Distractions Today's modern cars and SUVs are loaded with all the conveniences. From an in-dash infotainment system to stereo speakers mounted in your headrest, there are a ton of distractions just sitting in the pilot's chair. Add in a quick drive-thru lunch, and a back seat loaded with half the soccer team, and who blames you for not keeping an eye on the road? Some distractions we can control, and others we just can't. Learning how to deal with driving distractions will help keep you and your passengers safe along the way. We've all made mistakes behind the wheel. Let's work to reduce them with these five fundamental tips for defensive driving. Image via TireZoo | Licensed by CC BY 2.0