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Spring is here and that means it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start checking off your to-do list! With so much to do to get your house, yard, and yourself ready for spring, we wouldn’t blame you if you forgot to add your vehicle to your list of things to do! But this week we want to help remind you to top off your vehicle’s fluid levels and remind you why it is so important to do so! We understand that not everyone knows their way around the inside of a vehicle, and that’s okay! That’s why we’ve taken the time to list out all the fluid levels you should check and why it’s important that those fluids are always where they should be. Changing you fluids is very simple and can be a DIY project that should only take a few minutes, but if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, we would be more than happy to do it for you! All you have to do is head over to our site and use our online service scheduler! If you have any questions feel free to give us a call and don’t forget to check out our service specials to see how you can get your ride in tip-top shape and save big doing so. Engine Oil: Your engine needs oil in order to keep moving parts lubricated and working properly. To check your oil, make sure your engine is cool before popping open the hood. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it on a clean rag, reinsert the stick all the way back into the tank. Pull out the stick and see where the oil line hits, there will be a notch that indicates what a safe oil level is. If your oil hits below the notch, check for the specific type of oil and add some yourself. Transmission Fluid: Transmission fluid is important because it keeps your transmission lubricated and will save you from expensive repairs. The second dipstick in your engine is for this fluid. Like we did to check the engine’s oil, you will have to remove the dipstick, wipe it off, and reinsert it back into the tank. Pull it back out and examine where the fluid hits on the stick, it’s also a good idea to check the quality of your fluids. Wipe a small amount onto your fingers, if the fluid has a pink or clear look to it, it is fine. If the fluid smells burnt or has particles in it, it is time to swap it out. Brake Fluid: From a safety standpoint, this is one of the most important fluids. Brake fluid basically keeps you from running into other cars and objects. You’ll find the brake fluid reservoir toward the back under your hood, be sure to clean off the outside of the compartment so any dirt or dust doesn’t enter the reservoir. Open up the cap and look inside to see where the fluid level is. It should be about a half-inch from the cap. If it is lower than that, check your owner’s manual for what fluid you should use. Also, if the fluid has a dark tint to it, bring your vehicle into our service department for a change of fluids. Power Steering Fluid: It’s important to have control over your car and this fluid keeps the right parts lubricated to ensure a safe driving experience. This reservoir is typically found under the hood, on the passenger side with a cap that will likely say “steering” on it. Many cars have a light colored reservoir so you can see the level of fluid without removing the cap. If your car has a dark reservoir, clean off the cap before opening to avoid dirt particles from entering the system. Open up the cap and use the dipstick the same way as we did before, if the fluid is low, you can easily add more. Also, if your fluid level is low check for a leak in the system. Windshield Washer Fluid: One important part of driving is being able to see out the windshield, this fluid is key to ensure that happens. Most vehicles have a clear washer fluid tank that will be labeled either “washer” or “windshield.” If you need to add more, simply pop the cap off and pour into the tank. Do not use soap and water if you are completely empty!! But, window cleaner that you use at home can work until you fill up with the real stuff. Schedule Your Service Appointment Now

As a beloved Chevy driver, we can only assume that you love your vehicle very much. I mean, why wouldn’t you, it’s a Chevy!  But not all of us take proper care of our vehicles. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad car owner, it just means we have to start paying more attention to our vehicles if we want them to remain as reliable as they are. Regular maintenance is important to keeping your vehicle in tip-top shape, and even though there are some services that we cannot perform and should be left to the professionals, doesn’t mean there isn’t some DIY service we can do. A very important service task that you must do to make sure your vehicle remains in good shape is topping off your vehicles fluid levels. This task is simple enough that you can do it from the comfort of your own home! But if you feel that you need assistance topping off your vehicle fluid levels, just schedule an appointment with us and we would be happy to service your ride for you! Take a few minutes to check out all the fluids you should be check and why they’re important below. Oil Your oil cools your engine, lubricates moving parts, and keeps the moving parts clean. You should change it regularly based on dealer recommendation and check it monthly! Coolant Coolant regulates your vehicle’s temperature. It is located in a reservoir near the radiator. If the level is low (level is indicated on the reservoir) take the vehicle to the shop to get your coolant topped up. Power Steering Fluid This helps you steer the vehicle. It’s located in a reservoir at the base of your windshield. Do the same as above, if the level is low take your vehicle to the shop to get the fluid topped up. Brake Fluid Brake fluid helps braking mechanisms work properly. If the level is chronically low, your brakes could be wearing out. Windshield Washer Fluid As you probably know, this helps clean your windshield of dust, debris, bug guts, etc. If you run out, get more at your local gas station and just refill the clearly labeled tank. Let Us Service Your Ride

The winter weather sure keeps us on our feet. One day its snow the next it freezing rain, but whatever the winter might throw at us you have to keep your vehicle regularly service to withstand any weather that we might get hit with. Many people will go get oil changes, change their tires, make sure their heaters are working, all which is very important for your vehicle to run properly. However, many drivers overlook one important aspect of your vehicle, and that is visibility. I think we can all agree that our ability to see the road is very important and that’s why our vehicles were made with windshield wipers. Your wipers are just like everything else, they have a lifespan and need to be replaced after a certain period of time. However, many drivers won’t change their wipers for years...this impairs your driving and can cause accidents. This week, I want to go over the importance of windshield wipers and inform you on when is the best time to change your wipers and how you know it’s time. I also want to help give you some tips on how to prolong your wipers so you’re not buying them serval time through the year. If you need new wipers for your Chevy, check out our parts page and schedule a service appointment so we can replace them for you. If you have any other question feel free to give us a call and we will do our best to answer your questions! Wipers 101 It’s time to change your wipers if…. Streaking occurs when the rubber squeegee dries, hardens, and cracks Skipping occurs when the blade develops a curvature from lack of use Wearing occurs with extensive use and is when the rubber edges are rounded instead of squared Splitting is caused when the sun’s rays penetrate the rubber squeegee, causing it to break down Bent frames are caused by inconsistent contact with the glass surface, creating streaking or skipping If you’re running outside to go inspect your vehicle to see if it’s time to change your wipers be sure to look for the following! Broken frames Metal corrosion Visible cracks Rounded squeegee edges Loose or unsecured wiper blades Check that the squeegee is secure in the wiper frame Visibility is extremely important to safe driving. Although drivers depend on their wiper blades to clear rain, sleet, snow, etc., many wait too long to replace them. Do yourself a favor and be sure to maintain wiper blades regularly which can maximize your visibility, efficiency, and reliability! If you want some tips on how to maintain the life of your wiper blades check them out below! When you get gas, be sure to clean your windows too Clean your squeegee often Never use your wipers to de-ice your window Pull your blades up during snow/ice storms Snag Your Parts Here!

It’s officially time to say goodbye to summer altogether. It might be a sore subject for some but as the summer tans fade and the warm summer air fades into a chilly breeze, we have to come to terms with the fact that winter is coming. It might be a little bit of a stretch this early on but it’s the first week of October and before we know it the snow will be here. It might be time for you to switch those summer tires to winter tires and get your vehicle prepared for the winter months ahead of us! If you thinking to yourself “I have to change my tires for the winter,” I’m going to take the guess that you’ve never had winter tires. There is a lot of debate on whether winter tires are better than all-season tires, or if you really need to change them at all. Unsure what you should do check out the info below and make an informed decision. The basics about winter tires: Winter tires, marked with a snowflake symbol, are made with special low-temperature resilient rubber compounds and have deep treads that grip the unplowed snow, ice and other inclement conditions under your wheels. All-season tires, regardless of being branded with M+S for Mud and Snow, might not be suitable in heavy snow. Winter tires are important for you and your vehicle's safety during the winter months; they help keep a better grip on the road to help reduce sliding, skidding, spinning, etc. Without the grip, most of your car's safety functions - like all-wheel drive and anti-lock brakes - can't do their jobs correctly. When should you change to winter tires: There are no clear answers as to when you should put on your winter tires, mainly because every area is hit by weather at different times and different severities. Aim for changing them when the weather worsens, but don't wait too long! The earlier you get them changed, the less waiting at the shop you'll have to do. While you can technically leave winter tires on your wheels year-round, I’d recommend against it. How to change your tires: When you buy winter tires it is suggested that you change the rims Doing this will save you tons of time when you need to change them. Having a second set of wheels for the winter also means your nice, clean wheels will be protected during the rough weather months. Change them the same way you’d change a normal tire Be sure to store your other set of tire in a safe area Find the perfect vehicle for the winter here!

Let’s face it - our cars could all use a little TLC. It was in great condition when we first drove it off the lot and now, well, maybe we have been slacking on the entire service part of owning a vehicle. But just because your vehicle was once in great condition then doesn’t mean it has and will stay that way. The more you use your vehicle the more wear and tear you put on it. Regular service will help maintain your car’s health and you won’t have to worry about a multitude of things going awry since you’ve been taking care of your vehicle. This week I have the top five reasons why you should regularly service your vehicle. Check it out! Safety Is Everything: Regular servicing of your vehicle will keep you, your family, and other driver’s on the road safe. It is important to bring your vehicle in to make sure everything is in proper working condition and your vehicle is safe for driving conditions. Many auto collisions occur due to vehicle neglect, faulty braking and steering systems, improper fluid levels, tire neglect, and worn windshield wipers are known for causing fatal accidents. Don’t let this happen to you, service your vehicle. Performance Is Important: Keeping an eye on your vehicle’s fluid levels is a great way to ensure your vehicle is performing properly. If you let your fluids diminish, you can do damage to your engine, steering, or brake systems - and this will be a hefty price tag. Your vehicle will reward you with a smoother ride if you attend to its fluid needs. Efficiency is key. Keep your vehicle running efficiently by changing the oil regularly. Maintenance Records Are A Good Thing: If you ever thought about selling or trading-in your vehicle, you will want a maintenance record to show that your vehicle has been well maintained and there are no major problems. Maintenance is really in your best interest - it can help preserve the vehicle’s resale value, which will ultimately help sell your vehicle and at a higher price. Lower Cost Of Operation: Some people believe that regular servicing is an unnecessary expense. But in the long run, a well-maintained vehicle can avoid major problems that can end up having a hefty price. Plus, if your car breaks down you are inconvenienced with not only shelling out cash but finding a replacement car and a mechanic to fix it. Regular servicing will take the pressure off of your wallet and you will have more flexibility when it comes to service appointments. Peace Of Mind: Regular service will put your mind at ease knowing that there are no hidden issues within your systems. You will know that your vehicle is running properly and efficiently, plus you won’t have to deal with the stress of lurking car troubles. Service Your Vehicle At Galles

We all have to replace our tires at some point... theoretically... in the very distant future. It always feels like the distant future, right? I kind of think of my tires as a static thing - like, they're there but they're not really THERE. I have a vague idea of what they are and what they do and that I am, in fact, supposed to replace them every so often, but there's never a fully formed idea of what I am actually supposed to be doing about that. So, if you feel the same way, keep reading. Let's get our acts together and talk about tires. Okay, so, you are supposed to be replacing your tires every five years at the earliest. That's so long - I mean, you could give birth to a child and it'd be in kindergarten by the time you need to replace the tires you bought before the kid was born. Just think about that! So understandably a lot of us forget about the tire stuff. Of course, your dealer will have their own recommendations about how often you should replace your tires - maybe it's every ten years, or maybe you've contributed somehow to their decline in health. Regardless, you should be making sure that your tires are still doing well and have tread left. This is really easy to do with a penny - just stick the penny into your tread with Lincoln's head facing directly down. If you can see the top of his head, you should replace your tires ASAP. There are a lot of factors that go into your tires' lifespans and how long (or short) they might be. Some things that you can do to shorten your tires' lives are to not properly inflate them, to drive hard and take corners hard, and to do a LOT of braking. Some good ways to counter these are by checking your tire pressure at least once a month, taking corners at a reasonable speed, and to slowly approach stops so that you're not slamming on the brakes. You should also get your tires rotated every time you get your vehicle serviced. The weight distribution in your vehicle can affect the wear patterns on your tires, as can your vehicle's alignment (so, yep, get your vehicle's alignment checked as well). Replacing tires is an expensive prospect, sure, but a lot of dealerships have consistent coupons or deals on tire replacement. For example, Galles Chevrolet has a lot of tire related deals on until August 31st! These include a 50% off tire rotation and brake inspection coupon, a free alignment, battery, and tire tread check (you don't even have to buy anything!), and a 30-day price match on tires - this means that if you replace your tires and see someone else selling them for cheaper, let the folks at Galles Chevy know and they'll refund the difference. Seriously, these deals are awesome and they'll help you keep your vehicle as healthy and driving as well as possible. How could you say no? Stay On Track With Galles Chevrolet