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Are you a hands-on kind of person? Maybe you like popping open the hood of your Chevrolet and getting a little grease on your hands. Yet, you may not know how exactly to change the battery under the hood of your precious Chevrolet. If so, this week’s blog is one that is perfect for you! This week, we have come up with a guide on how to change the battery in your vehicle. Take a look below and give it a go when you feel confident and your Chevrolet is begging for a new life, battery we mean! Park your vehicle on a flat, leveled surface and give your vehicle’s engine ample time to cool down. Pop open the hood, locate the battery, and decipher the positive cable from the negative one. The positive cable often has a plus sign and usually is red, the negative will have a negative sign and is usually black. Disconnect the negative terminal first, loosen the bolt and remove the cable from the port, push toward off to the side. Repeat this step for the positive port. ALWAYS disconnect the negative terminal first because you can end up shorting your circuit if you disconnect the positive cable first. Once the cables have been disconnected, unclamp the battery. Now, you can remove your battery from the holding tray; be careful, can be heavy and difficult to lift. Clean off the terminals and the new battery before placing it back into the battery tray. Use a battery-cleaning solution and a wire brush to clean the terminals. If there is any excessive corrosion to the clamps, consider replacing them. Let everything dry completely before re-inserting the new battery back into your vehicle. Once the battery is back in the tray, secure it once again with the clamp we removed prior. Reconnect the positive terminal first and do the same with the negative - tighten all clamps with a wrench to secure that you have a strong connection. To avoid corrosion, apply an anti-corrosion solution to each of the terminals. Close the hood and try to start your car - if it starts up, you are good to go. If your vehicle doesn't start, check the connections and ensure your battery it tightly secured. If you are still having problems, contact our service department. If you’re unsure if your battery is still in good standing, give us a call to schedule a service appointment for one of our mechanics to test your battery. You can also ask to test your battery when you have your oil changed. This is a proactive way to know where the life of your battery may be. New Chevy + New Battery = Happy You

This month we have some pretty great specials on some pretty fantastic vehicles! But how do you know which car to choose? I have listed out a few of our vehicles with specials this month and why they would be a great match for you! Take a look and see if your match is below! Up first is the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado - If you are someone who plans to tow, haul, or work until the day is done, you’ll want a truck with the same goal in mind. Not only is the Silverado a dependable pickup truck, it is strong and capable of any job you want to test it with. Plus, with Best-In-Class horsepower, this pickup will prove that is has a lot of power under the hood. The Silverado also comes equipped with a multitude of available advanced technology features like 4G LTE Wi-Fi connection for up to seven devices. This pickup truck is nothing short of impressive. Next, we have the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox - This crossover has been beautifully crafted with you in mind. From style to technology to performance to safety - your needs and wants did not fall on deaf ears. The all-new Equinox offers versatility like never before and with ten available safety features, you can depend on the Equinox. So, if you plan to take on the unbeaten path, do so in this eye-catching crossover. Whether you plan to hit the mall, cruise around city streets or pack up the kids for a road trip - you can do-it-all in the Equinox! Thirdly, we have the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze - Does your life move fast? Faster than others? The Cruze is the match for your lifestyle then. In this sedan, you will have the cargo room, technology, and efficiency you’ve once longed for. And if you like to be bold, the Cruze is your perfect match. This sedan offers bold looks that will make heads turn on every corner. There is room for everything, camping gear, pets, DIY projects - your Cruze can hold whatever you need it to! Lastly, there is the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro - Want to go fast in a sporty styled car? Then the Camaro is just right for you. With a design that was precisely sculpted to offer great performance, its presence on the road won’t go unnoticed. Your Camaro is smartphone compatible and comes equipped with advanced safety features to keep all your passengers safe when inside. And if you’re looking for a little more fun, check out our convertible Camaro options! Have you decided which is the perfect match for you? Stop in to see us today for a test drive or check out our specials page to see the rest of our great choices for the month of May! Special Deals On Special Cars

Servicing your vehicle can be a pain in the butt, expensive, and time-consuming. Keeping your car up-to-date with its service it a very important part of owning a car, our tips below can help ease the pain on your life as well as your wallet. The first tip is having your vehicle serviced at your dealer can save you time and money. Our technicians are properly trained to work with the makes and models that are sold on our lot. Loyal customers have the opportunity to gain the support of our techs when it comes to unplanned maintenance. Unlike places like Jiffy Lube - we don’t rely on money from service, we offer specialized service at lower prices. How could you say no to that? Know when to schedule your service - stay away from days like Friday. This tends to be the busiest day for shops due to trying to finish the week’s repairs and get cars out of the shop. Monday morning is a great option, you’ll receive better service and your car will thank you! Checking your engine yourself can save you some money. Routinely check the oil and transmission fluid, know your MPGs, and treat your car to that extra car wash it deserves. The little things can make a huge difference down the road, especially when you’re exposing your car to dust, hot temperatures, and other environmental factors. It doesn’t hurt to ask, don’t resort to a YouTube video or article on the internet if you think there may be a problem with your vehicle. Give us a call or stop in to make an appointment, your car’s health is just as important as your own. Don’t ignore things that may seem wrong - your car will thank you! Our Service Center Does It All!

Is there anything more intimidating than rocking up to Cottonwood Mall or the Coronado Center and looking at the sea of cars in the parking lot? Especially in August, when you want to park as close as possible so you don’t have to spend too much time out of the air conditioning? Well, maybe it wouldn’t seem quite so terrifying if everyone was on the same page about parking lot etiquette. It’s horrible to go into a crowded parking lot in the first place, but then when you have to contend with all kinds of crazy drivers taking up the whole lane, people stealing your spots, pedestrians acting like they own the whole place, and people honking to high heaven… well, let’s all agree that this is not the ideal situation. Here at Galles Chevrolet, we believe in politeness and common sense. Take a look at our Rules Of The Parking Lot (yes, that’s what this is) and then share it with everyone you know. Who knows, maybe Albuquerque will become the epicenter of a worldwide parking lot etiquette shakeup! First, make sure you’re parked straight. Always check to make sure you’re inside the lines of the space you’ve chosen. A good idea is a couple of cheap convex mirrors stuck to the bottom outside corners of your side mirrors. These are usually inexpensive at the store and make a world of difference when parking. They also let you see if you’re in the middle of the lane on the highway, as well as letting you see the curb when you’re parallel parking in the city. The next thing to do is don’t abandon your shopping cart. Usually, stores have corrals for their carts, and it’s just a matter of good citizenship to put your cart into one of them after you’ve finished unloading your purchases into your vehicle. It’s usually not a good time for anyone if you don’t see it in time and hit it - your paint can get scratched, your sidewalls can get dented… not fun. If you spot one in a parking space and you’re not battling for territory with other vehicles, have your copilot get out and move the cart so you can take the spot. That’s two birds with one stone - the spot is yours AND you’ve returned the cart to where it belongs. Make sure you use your turn signals. If you’re in a busy lot and see a spot you want, just turn on your signal. It’s easy and lets people know what you’re trying to do. Parking can be confusing - make it easier for your fellow drivers by signaling. Don’t park too close to someone else. Or park too far into a spot. Or across multiple spots. There’s a golden rule of parking - be the driver you want to encounter. Think about how you’d like everyone to park, and then do it. Maybe you’ll start a trend of great parking! You’ll be a national hero! It starts with a single decision to park well. Park far. We’re all trying to get out and get active more and more these days. So maybe instead of duking it out for the closest spot to the entrance, park farther away. There are fewer cars to contend with, more spots to choose from, and you’ll get a little physical activity in as a bonus. Park A New Chevy In Your Driveway!

The calendar says that spring is officially here, and what better activity to do with the family (or just by yourself, it can be super calming) than washing the car? The sun is out, the air has a certain springlike je ne sais quoi, there’s a nice breeze… yep, it’s car wash season! However, there are definitely some tips and tricks for getting the car clean correctly. Check them out below, and then get that automobile squeaky clean! There are some supplies that you’ll need for washing your car. These are: Automotive soap/shampoo Microfiber cloths (yes, multiple) Wash mitt Wheel brush Buckets Water The first thing you should do is park your car in the shade and then give it a good rinse with a strong blast from the hose. If you have a pressure washer, you can also use it. Just make sure you’re standing a few feet away from your vehicle… but it’s a great way to literally blast off dirt, mud, grime, and other things that might stick to your paint. It’s important to get as much junk off your car before you start washing so that you don’t scratch the paint with anything that stuck to the surface of your vehicle. Next, start soaping up your vehicle. Use long straight strokes with the washing mitt or designated washing cloth and wash your vehicle panel by panel. Let the soap hang out for a minute and tackle the wheels with the wheel brush and another cloth. After you’ve soaped the whole thing up, give your vehicle a final rinse. Do not let it air dry! After you’ve rinsed off all of the soap, dry your vehicle panel by panel with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. The last step, if you want to, is to apply a protectant spray or wax to your vehicle to maintain the good work you’ve just done and to prevent future damage between this wash and the next. It’s A Joy To Keep A Corvette Clean

Your oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle, and every so often it needs to be changed. That’s just a part of vehicle ownership! But how often do you need to get your oil changed, really? You might think that the common adage of every 6 months or 3,000 miles is law, but that is definitely not true. Depending on these factors, your oil might need to be changed more or less frequently: The age of your car The type of oil you use How many miles are on your car What conditions you usually drive in How hard you drive your car The best source of information about this? Your service team at Galles Chevrolet! Come see us for oil changes, consultations, questions, and any other service you might need. Here are some handy links for you! Lube, Oil, Rotation & Inspection Synthetic Oil, Rotation & Inspection Four Tire Rotation / Four Tire Rotation and Balance Front End Wheel Alignment / Four Wheel Alignment Coolant Service Emissions Test Nitrogen Tire Inflation This Month’s Service Specials Schedule Your Service Now!

If you’re anything like me, you have a habit of topping off your gas tank when you stop at the pump. Like, if it ends on $20.32, I’m gonna try to get it up to $20.50 or an even $21. You might not think that there’s any harm in it, but you shouldn’t be topping off your gas tank after all. It’s a hard habit to break, but I’m working on it. Check out why this is a bad practice below! So, first, it can overwhelm your evaporative system and break something or even cause a leak because of built up pressure. If your gas tank is too full, the pressure builds past the safe level when the gas heats up as your car moves. If there’s excess fuel, that gets sent to the evaporation system, and if you make a habit of overfilling your engine, you cut the life of that system way short. Another thing is that it is actually a waste of money! Gas stations nowadays have systems where if too much fuel is going into your car, it just goes right back up the hose and back into the station’s tank. This means that you’re spending money on gas that’s not even going into your car. Save money, save your engine - don’t top up! Fuel Efficiency Is The Name Of The Game

10 Things You Might Not Have Known About Chevrolet Vehicles - 100th Birthday Edition In 1918, the Chevrolet you could buy was the One-Ton, which was just a flatbed truck - you had a choice between the “express body,” which was the flat bed, or the “cowl and chassis,” which was the flat bed with an eight-post curtain top over it. The 1929 Chevrolet International Series AC Light Delivery truck was the first-ever truck in the industry with a 6-cylinder engine. It was also one of the first trucks with steel wheels, instead of wood. The 1938 Chevrolet Half-Ton had an MSRP of $592… which in 2017 dollars is equal to roughly $10,300. Still a great deal! In 1947, the Chevy 3100 Series truck was the first Chevy to have enough room for 3 passengers… and also was the first to feature side mirrors and a radio - in the dash! If you were in the market for a truck that meant business, the 1955 Chevy 3124 Series Cameo Carrier was marketed to customers as the “executive truck.” It was also a close ancestor of the El Camino! The 1973 Chevrolet C30 One-Ton Dually was the first Chevy truck with a Crew Cab - which meant that you could take the whole family along for the ride! Under the Reagan presidency, you could impress your friends and family in the 1988 Chevrolet C/K1500, which not only featured independent front suspensions, but also allowed drivers to shift in and out of four-wheel drive at any speed. 1999 marked the year the Silverado became its own model (it appeared as a trim in 1975), paving the way for all the amazing Silverado trucks on the road today! In 2007, the second-generation Silverado was named the North American Truck Of The Year™ at the North American International Auto Show… how about that!! The 2018 Centennial Special Editions feature a vintage Chevrolet logo that’s a throwback to 1918, when it all began, and the bowtie those first One-Tons featured! Start With Silverado! * Photos courtesy Chevrolet

You’re driving around, minding your business when out of your periphery you see the gentle flicker of dashboard light lighting up. Take a deep breath, which light is it. HOW BAD IS THIS SITUATION?? One glance and immediate dread, the check engine light is on. You don’t even know what the problem is, and already your wallet hurts. But WAIT, there isn’t need to panic just yet! There are a whole host of issues that could be causing your check engine light to come on that won’t make you weep over your bank statement. One of the most common issues that will cause your check engine light to turn on is your gas cap being loose. So before you go panicking, go ahead and give that a quick check. Many people don't know this, but a loose, cracked, or faulty gas cap can cause fuel to evaporate, thus cueing your check engine light. If it is indeed loose, just tighten that bad boy up and carry on with your business. See not so bad, friend! Aside from a loose gas cap, all other reasons for your check engine light coming on are much more complicated, and therefore aren’t things you’ll be able to diagnose on your own or fix on the side of the road. Other causes can range from a damaged vacuum hose or ignition coil(s) to a failing catalytic converter to worn out spark plugs, and that’s just a few. If those words look like some sort of foreign language to you, don’t worry. There’s a reason we’re all not mechanics. The GOOD NEWS is that the qualified professionals at Galles Chevrolet will be able to diagnose and fix the problem for you in no time. BUT HOW DO THEY FIGURE IT OUT?!  Most modern cars have an on-board diagnostic system that provides a code identifying the specific issue at hand. So when you bring your vehicle to Galles Chevrolet they can read the code and sort out what the code means so that they can fix the issue. So while that light in the corner of your dash means you will have to seek the help of the professionals in our Galles Chevrolet service center in the near future, there’s absolutely no need to panic. If it’s not a simple fix, like your gas cap, we’ll be able to sort out the problem and get you back on the road in no time. Get Your Vehicle Checked Out Today!

Whether you’re driving a Chevy Tahoe or a Spark, there’s a way for you to make the most of what’s left of summertime and go camping… in your car! Of course you should find appropriate places to park and set up for the night (or weekend, or however long you’re camping for) and bring the appropriate supplies, but car camping is a great way to experience the great outdoors on a budget! In this blog, you’ll find our recommended list of things you should have on hand to enjoy a great car camping experience in your Chevy vehicle from Galles! For sleeping: Sleeping bag Pillow Blankets Sleeping pad You can lay down your back seats and set this up in the back of your car for a great experience that keeps you safe and off the ground! Other supplies: Map and/or compass Headlamp, flashlight, or lantern Spare batteries or solar power charger First aid kit Clothing repair kit Nylon cord or rope Duct tape Multi-tool or pocket knife Axe, saw, or hatchet Kitchen supplies: Charcoal, lighter fuel (if grilling) Firewood, kindling (if allowed) Long-handle lighter or matches Water jug (5 gallon) Cooler, ice Kitchen storage bin Pots, pans Pot holders, hot pads Coffee pot, tea kettle, or coffee or tea press kit Plates, bowls, cups, and mugs Eating utensils (spoons, knives, forks) Cooking utensils (kitchen knife, spatula, serving spoon, tongs, peeler, skewers) Can, bottle, and wine openers Cutting board(s) Large mixing bowl(s) Measuring cups Dishwashing bins (2) or collapsible sink Dish soap, towels, sponge, scraper Food storage bin(s) Paper towels Aluminum foil Trash bags, resealable bags Hygiene supplies: Toiletry bag Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss Shampoo, conditioner Camp soap, baby wipes, hand sanitizer Toilet paper in resealable bag Face towel Bath towel or pack towel Brush or comb Lotion Deodorant Razor and shaving cream Sunscreen and lip balm Insect repellent And of course, don’t forget your clothes and some food! Your car can be a comfortable home away from home for a bit, and what better way to see the beauty of our national parks and open spaces than from inside your awesome Chevy from Galles Chevrolet? And if you notice that your car needs a little TLC, we’re more than happy to service and repair your campsite - uh, car, that is! Keep Your Car In Tip Top Shape

Well, it happened. I was on my way to work and my 2018 Chevy Equinox decided that right now, in this very moment, was the best time for it to just stop working. My car is brand spankin’ new, so you can imagine my frustration. Now, it’s not like my car up and exploded on me, but it slowly but surely stopped moving, despite my vigorous efforts to make the pedal work. For good measure, I got out of my car and popped the hood as though I had ANY idea what I was even looking for. I sat there for a solid 5 minutes, hand on my hip looking over all of the caps, pipes, and what I suspect was the engine, but I’m not even confident of that. Eventually, I just slammed the hood down and kicked the tire. Pro tip: Don’t kick the tire. I may have broken my ankle kicking the tire. Another pro tip: swearing at your vehicle also isn’t going to make the thing magically start up again. So there I sat, with a sore ankle and a stationary car. I didn’t have a choice but to call to have my car towed. I had no idea what was wrong with the thing, and clearly, violence wasn’t going to startle it to life. When the tow company brought my car to Galles Chevrolet (where I got the vehicle), I was a less-than-pleasant person to work with. After delivering a few choice words I sat down in the waiting room when a technician came in and summoned me. The man, as gently as he could, said “Um, ma’am. Did you happen to check your gas before you left for work?” I quickly answered no, and then the technician just looked at me, and said, “You see, Ma’am, your car wasn’t working because it ran out of gas. My entire person went absolutely beet-red. How is it possible that I didn’t think to check there first? I felt so foolish. I started apologizing profusely. Some of the things I had said to this man about my car not working were just mean, and he was kind enough to bring me away from the eyes of the other patrons to avoid further embarrassment. He couldn’t have been kinder and polite to me, even after I was acting like a total troll. Things we learned: 1.) Check yourself before you wreck yourself. I was so rude and the fault was entirely mine in the first place. He was only trying to help me, despite my jerky behavior, and I was still treated with the utmost respect and kindness. I seriously didn’t deserve it.  2.) The service department at Galles Chevrolet is filled with extremely patient people. I can safely say that they will have my business for years to come. If you find yourself in need of service, Galles Chevrolet is the place to go. Get Your Car Serviced Today