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How GM engineers are using diaper 'snow' to keep you warm

Testing how snow affects General Motors' vehicles isn't really a problem right now for the company's engineers, but in the dog days of summer the process isn't exactly easy. The only real option is for them to book time at the automaker's climatic wind tunnel. However, a flash of brilliance from an engineer allows snow to be simulated regardless of the temperature outside, and the discovery is all because of his daughter's wet diaper. The realization came to GM Thermal Systems engineer Nicholas Jahn while he was swimming with his daughter and noticed how her diaper ballooned in size in the water. He found out the substance that makes this possible is called sodium polyacrylate. When the material gets wet it grows and forms fluffy flakes that are a close imitation of snow. Best of all, the stuff can be prepared easily any time of the year, and it's reusable. The engineering team uses the material to test the effectiveness of the heating systems of GM's vehicles. They spread the sodium polyacrylate over the inlets at the base of the windshield to obstruct the airflow and then crank the heater. After some time, they can see how much is being sucked into the system and design more efficient systems in the future. See how the process works in the video above and read about the diaper discovery in GM's press release below. Diapers Change Chevy Cruze Winter Warm-up Time GM validation engineer uses diaper material "snow" to reduce frigid drives 2015-01-06 DETROIT – An item commonly found on an infant's changing table is helping General Motors' engineers simulate snow year round, ensuring heating systems in cars like the 2015 Chevrolet Cruze can quickly and efficiently warm its interior. Packed snow can prevent air from entering the inlet panel at the bottom of the windshield, obstructing the flow of air into the heating system and reducing the amount of air it can push out. This can lead to less efficient warming of the car's interior and windshield defrosting. "The last thing anyone wants to do when it's freezing cold out is scrape their windshield," said Nicholas Jahn, GM Vehicle Thermal Systems engineer. "The testing we perform on the Chevrolet Cruze with the diaper material allows us to maximize the car's heating capabilities." Ironically, Jahn stumbled upon his diaper-based testing method in the middle of summer. During a swim with his daughter, he noticed her diaper multiplied in size when it came into contact with water.

GM recalls 83,572 SUVs for ignition switch issue

General Motors is recalling 83,572 SUVs from the 2011 and 2012 model years over a potential ignition lock actuator issue. In affected vehicles, the actuator isn't the right size, which could cause the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position, and then either due to a jarring event or a "cool interior temperature" the ignition could switch back to the "Accessory" position. Doing so would cause a loss of power assistance and the airbags might not deploy. This is a different ignition issue than the one that's been ongoing for the past year. GM said it expects that less than 500 vehicles suffer from the problem, but that the pool could include vehicles from 2007 through to 2014 that have already been fixed, but with defective parts. The 2011-2012 SUVs included in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notice: Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. GM will notify owners and dealers will inspect the ignition lock housing to see if it needs a free replacement. RECALL Subject : Ignition Lock Actuator may Bind Report Receipt Date: DEC 30, 2014 NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V827000 Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Manufacturer: General Motors LLC SUMMARY: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position. CONSEQUENCE: If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury. REMEDY: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ignition lock housing, as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14696 for the original equipment, and 14912 for the service replacement parts.

Chevy Volt 'Drive My Way' test cuts out the dealership

Last month, the 2016 Chevrolet Volt won the 2016 Green Car of the Year Award at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Awards are nice, but General Motors is now offering to make some folks' familiarity with the second-generation Volt a little more personal. Chevy is enacting what it calls the "Drive My Way" program, where the automaker brings a 2016 Volt directly to some prospective buyers for a 30-minute test drive with no dealer required, according to Hybrid Cars. Kind of like Tesla, only different. RedCap Valet is administering the program and is helping to track drivers' behind-the-wheel behavior, including keeping records on speed, acceleration, and braking habits. General Motors representatives didn't respond to a our request for further details about how many people will be chosen for the program or how these folks were picked to participate in "Drive My Way." Through November, the Volt's sales were down 23 percent from a year earlier to about 13,000 units, so any momentum for the 2016 version is a good thing. If you're just looking for numerical improvements, the new version has got you covered. It can go as far as 53 miles on electricity alone (about 15 miles further than the previous generation model) and it's got better miles per gallon and MPGe ratings as well. Of course, numbers alone aren't usually enough sell a car. Experience counts. So we ask, dear readers, if having a 2016 Volt brought to you for a half-hour test drive might make it more likely that you'll buy one of these extended-range plug-in vehicles. While you're waiting for a new Volt to arrive at your house, you can take a look here for our First Drive review. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2016 Chevrolet Volt: First Drive View 24 Photos News Source: Hybrid Cars Green Chevrolet GM test drive volt extended-range plug-in