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New GMC feature reminds drivers to check for kids in hot cars

We see the stories every summer: Dozens of children die from heat stroke every year after being left inside hot cars. GMC has introduced a feature in the 2017 Acadia in an effort to help curb the problem. Simply called Rear Seat Reminder, it alerts the driver if the vehicle suspects someone might have been accidentally left behind. GMC's alert will trigger under certain circumstances. Five chimes will sound and a warning will display if the rear doors are opened and closed within 10 minutes of the vehicle starting or if those doors are opened while the vehicle is running. The system does not sense items or people in the rear seat like the front passenger seat would to trigger the airbag. Warnings will be displayed regardless of interior or exterior temperature; while the summer months are the deadliest, leave-behind deaths occasionally occur during cold weather. Drivers should be aware that temperatures in vehicles can quickly rise to dangerous levels, even if the ambient temperature seems cool and comfortable. View 23 Photos Unfortunately, a large percentage of children are intentionally left in cars. A negligent caretaker, whether it be a parent, grandparent, or babysitter, can leave a child behind while they go to work or run an errand, not expecting any problems. Some children unintentionally trap themselves in cars while playing in the cabin or trunk. The Acadia's system is unlikely to prevent these scenarios. While we believe that GMC should be commended for making an effort to put an end to these tragedies, we're not certain how effective the system might be until driver education improves. It's also possible drivers will come submit to warning fatigue and begin to ignore the messages. That said, if this software-based solution prevents just one death, it was worth the effort. Related Video: Image Credit: GMC GMC Safety Crossover gmc acadia

2021 GMC Canyon AT4 Off-Road Performance Edition is ready to hit the trail

GMC introduced a more capable Canyon AT4 named Off-Road Performance Edition that gains modifications like skid plates and a beefier suspension. It can venture further off the beaten path, but it won't get there faster. Based on the AT4, which is already better suited to venturing into the woods than the standard Canyon, the Off-Road Performance Edition gains a taller suspension and loses its sizeable front air dam to offer a 30-degree approach angle. GMC knows adventurers will be tempted to put that figure to the test, so it also added skid plates made with 5/32-inch aluminum to protect the radiator, the front differential, the steering gear, and the oil pan. Full-length rock rails on both sides shield the rocker panels from expensive encounters with boulders and other obstacles. Finally, the Off-Road Performance Edition stands out from the AT4 with specific 17-inch wheels painted in gloss black, black AT4 logos, and black exhaust tips. 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler tires come standard. Changes in the cabin are limited to floor liners. Out back, the cargo box receives a spray-in liner. Don't look for Ram 1500 TRX-like performance, because it doesn't sound like GMC made any major mechanical modifications to the Off-Road Performance Edition. Power comes from a 3.6-liter V6 that sends 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque to the four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission and an automatic locking rear differential provided by Eaton. AT4 buyers can order a 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel four-cylinder with 181 horsepower and a stout 369 pound-feet of torque on tap for an additional $4,375, but there's no word yet on whether this fuel-saving engine will be available on the Off-Road Performance Edition, too. GMC's 2021 Canyon AT4 Off-Road Performance Edition will go on sale later in 2020, though pricing information hasn't been announced yet. For context, the standard AT4 costs $39,395 in its most affordable configuration.  

GM recalls 3.6 million vehicles for airbag-software problems

The Basics: General Motors is recalling 3.64 million vehicles across its lineup for an airbag-related issue. The recall covers the 2014-2015 Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet SS, and Spark EV; 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Trax, Caprice PPV, Silverado 1500, Buick Encore, and GMC Sierra 1500; and 2015-2017 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, Silverado HD, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Sierra HD, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV. The Problem: Affected vehicles have a sensing and diagnostic module that controls the airbags and seat-belt pretensioners. The software it uses has a defect that can prompt the module to run a diagnostic test under specific driving conditions, which will also deactivate the front airbags and pretensioners. This means that it would be possible for those safety systems to not activate in a crash, potentially leading to injury or death. Injuries/Deaths: General Motors began an investigation that led to the recall after a 2014 Silverado was involved in a crash in which the airbags did not deploy. No information was given as to injuries or deaths. The Fix: Owners can bring their vehicles to a local General Motors dealer where a software update will be installed to fix the issue. The fix will be free of charge. If you own one: General Motors will contact owners of affected cars, and owners can check whether their vehicles are affected by visiting entering their vehicle identification numbers at either the GM Owner Center website or the NHTSA website. Owners can then schedule a time to have the update installed. Related Video: