All-New 2014 Impala: Revealed

Totally redesigned. Aggressively refined.
This is Impala like you’ve never seen before.

How does a legend that runs more than 50 years deep become the pinnacle of style, innovation and performance for the next generation? The answer lies in the all-new
2014 Chevrolet Impala.^†

Impala has always been a flagship for Chevrolet. But a leader should never rest on the laurels of its past — especially when it wears the Chevy bowtie. So, when it came time to reinvent one of the brand’s most iconic nameplates, Chevy designers and engineers reached far into the future and shaped it in the present. The end result is a stunning new interpretation of the Impala that’s only recognizable by its signature badge.

Sculptural, athletic, head-turning design

Form and function thoughtfully converge in the 2014 Impala design. The exterior is characterized by smooth, flowing contours that are as visually stunning as they are aerodynamic. Poised on standard 20-inch wheels, the stance of the 2014 Impala is both aggressive and confident — a reflection of the power, efficiency and comfort drivers will enjoy when they take the wheel.

Upscale, refined, spacious interior

When you first step into the 2014 Impala, you immediately notice how roomy and quiet it is. Yet, at the same time, you also feel uniquely connected to the environment. That’s because the design of the interior is deliberately driver-centric. The instrument panel flows around the cockpit. The controls are ergonomically placed. Rich chrome and wood accents, sumptuous available leather-appointed seating and unique available ambient lighting elevate the luxurious feel. Overall, it’s the type of experience that makes driving truly rewarding.

Dynamic, spirited, efficient performance

No one wants to sacrifice power for fuel efficiency. That’s why the 2014 Impala offers three engine choices to suit your needs: the available 303-horsepower 3.6L V6 engine that goes from 0 to 60 in 6.8 seconds and offers 28 MPG^† on the highway, the standard 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that delivers 31 MPG^† on the highway and 195 horsepower, and the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine with E-assist that delivers and estimated 35 MPG^† on the highway and 182 horsepower. Either way, enhanced driving dynamics and premium rack-mounted electric power steering make for a nimble, responsive ride.

Advanced, intuitive infotainment technology

The 2014 Impala is equipped with the newest Chevrolet MyLink^™† in-car infotainment system, which seamlessly integrates Bluetooth^®† wireless for select phones, advanced touch-screen technology and natural voice recognition. It allows drivers to make calls, stream music from online services like Pandora,^®† operate USB^†-connected devices —and so much more — with ease. They can even customize the high-resolution 8-inch color touch-screen for quicker access to the features they use most. It’s advanced technology that makes connectivity a whole lot simpler.

Smart, proactive safety features

Impala also gets numerous safety enhancements for 2014. Its structure incorporates more high-strength steel than before along with 10 standard air bags^† to help mitigate the impact of a collision. Advanced safety technologies are also available, including Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert and Full-Speed Range Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Mitigation Braking,^† Rear Park Assist with Rearview Camera and Side Blind Zone Alert with Cross-Traffic Radar Alert. These available features proactively help protect against the unexpected.

Coming in early Spring 2013

The arrival of the 2014 Impala is a milestone for Chevrolet, as it demonstrates how the brand’s longstanding commitment to excellence is advanced by uncompromising vision and continuous innovation.

“The momentum at Chevrolet continues to build with the debut of the 10th generation of the Impala, one of the brand's most enduring and cherished nameplates,” says Chris Perry, vice president of Global Chevrolet Marketing. “The new Impala further strengthens Chevrolet’s passenger car lineup by giving consumers a full-size sedan that balances the desire for distinction with engaging driving dynamics.”

Welcome To The Open Road - And The Beginning of Adulthood

By Brandon Gorrell

Everyone remembers their first car—not only the make and the model but how the steering wheel felt in our hands, the scent of the interior, the friends who rode shotgun. First cars make for more than just nostalgic memories, though—they’re often the first “big thing” we’re responsible for. And as with many firsts, our first cars were the tools of our learning experiences, from the minute we laid eyes on them before purchase to the moment we realized we had outgrown them and it was time to move on.

If you’re lucky, you’re looking at the Chevrolet Cruze, a vehicle that embodies everything that’s great about the journey, on the road and in life. And with the Chevrolet College Discount Program* for students and recent graduates, you can get a lending hand as you take your first steps and log your first miles in the real world.

First cars can teach us many things; here are a few that really stuck for me:

Responsibility. When you assume ownership of your first car and begin to do all the fun things that come with having your own method of transportation, you quickly learn that you’re not only responsible for its upkeep and your own safety, but you’re also responsible for the safety of your passengers and the fellow drivers in your immediate proximity. Your first car teaches you to be vigilant and mindful of yourself—and your surroundings—to ensure that the road is a safe place for everyone.

Budgeting. Gas and maintenance certainly aren’t free, and many of us got our first jobs to be able to afford our first cars. There’s really nothing like a healthy amount of financial obligation to motivate you into getting smart about your spending. Paying for your first car is one of your first lessons in money management, helping you on your way to becoming a budgeting pro.

Self-Reliance. Getting safely from point A to point B is easy when you’re riding in the passenger seat, but when you're driving your own vehicle, the job is all up to you. Whether it’s by changing your first spare tire on the side of the rod, learning how to replace your own oil, or figuring out how to read a map on your first long trip, your first car puts you in charge, building in you a self-reliance that’s an integral part of becoming an adult.

Selflessness. When you finally get your first car, you’re finally in the position to give friends a lift, offer a jump-start in the grocery store parking lot, help friends of the family move into a new home and more. In general, your first vehicle gives you the ability to help people out like never before. For this reason, your first car teaches you how to be selfless—it teaches you how to give to others what you can, when they’re in need.

Joy. There’s nothing like the open road to give you a sense of total freedom and joy, and to make you appreciate what a privilege it is to be able to get up, get out and drive anywhere you want to go. Your first car offers you these newfound moments of happiness—unconfined opportunity, a world that knows no bounds—and the ability see anything and do anything, as long as you know how to get there. Your first car is one of your first experiences with the expansive freedom that driving offers, teaching you the joy of the open road.

*Eligible participants for the Chevrolet College Discount include college students (from any two- or four-year school), recent graduates who have graduated no more than two years ago, and current nursing school and graduate students. Excludes Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.

Chevy Silverado - Lowest Cost of Ownership for Full-Size Pickups

Chevy Silverado Earned The Vincentric Lowest Total Cost Of Ownership Honor For Full-Size Pickups For The Third Year In A Row.

For everyone who owns a Chevy Silverado, you already know that you have the most dependable, longest-lasting full-size pickup on the road. Vincentric has now recognized Silverado for a third straight year as having the lowest total cost of ownership of any full-size pickup.

Just like a lot goes into making Silverado, a lot goes into calculating the cost of ownership. The Vincentric lowest cost of ownership award takes into consideration the costs of insurance, maintenance, fuel and more. So whether you are buying or selling, you are getting the biggest bang for your buck. On top of that, the 2013 Silverado 1500 also has the Best Pickup Coverage in America with its 2-year/24,000-mile scheduled maintenance, 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, and a 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty – 40,000 more miles than Ford offers – letting you know Chevy is keeping you in the drivers seat for as long as possible. Each of these things means that you save more money over time when you buy a Silverado. And that means a lot.

Now that you’re ready to head to the dealership and pick out your favorite color and style of Silverado, it’s important that you know all of the models that won this title. Every single one of the Silverado models, including the 1500, 2500 and 3500, has the lowest total cost of ownership of any full-size pickup in its class. The Silverado 2500 and 3500 were also given the 2013 Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America Award.

Like driving through the dirt? Want more money to get away and play? Then Silverado was made for you. Click here to view Silverado inventory at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet.

Is Your Car Road-Ready?

Before you pack your car and hit the road for your driving trip, you can conduct a pre-vehicle inspection to help avoid the inconvenience and potential safety hazards of breaking down miles away from home.

A pre-trip vehicle check can determine how road-ready your vehicle is so you can take steps to have the problems fixed before your road trip.  Having a thorough inspection done on your car will give you peace of mind as you travel and help make your journey safer.

Here is a pre-trip vehicle check to follow: 

• Schedule a tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.

• Check the brake system and make sure the battery connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free.

• Check filters and fluids, including engine oil, power steering and brake and transmission, as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant. Dirty air filters can waste gas and cause the engine to lose power.

• Check the hoses and belts that can become cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or show signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and the cooling system.

• Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Underinflated tires reduce a vehicle’s fuel economy and uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.

• Check that the gas cap is not damaged, loose or missing to prevent gas from spilling or evaporating.

Interior Car Cleaning

Cleaning your car or truck like a pro is easier than you think.  Here are some helpful cleaning tips from real auto detailers to get and keep your vehicle clean

By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine

Step 1: Slide seats forward to clean out the junk Remove the big junk by hand then vacuum the rest. You’ll be surprised by what you find. We found a lost cell phone, enough pens and pencils to equip a small office, and enough change for several vending machine lunches. Vacuum the seats, remove the mats and vacuum the carpet. Use a brush attachment for the dash and door panels. Don’t forget to clean out and vacuum those handy door pockets (another source of buried treasure).

Step 2: Deep-clean carpet and upholstery A carpet-cleaning machine removes the deep dirt, and cloth seats, too. Use a carpet cleaning machine to get the deep dirt that settles into the fibers of the carpet. (Clean cloth seats this way as well.) It sprays the carpet with a solution of water and cleaner and then sucks the dirt and grime into a reservoir. A machine like this pays for itself after just a few uses. You can also rent one from a rental center or use a spray-on cleaner and a scrub brush instead.

Step 3: Clean and condition leather or vinyl seats Use specialized cleaner, then follow later with conditioner. After a couple of years, you’ll notice that the color of the leather seats no longer matches the rest of the interior. It’s not enough just to condition the leather. First spray on leather cleaner and rub vigorously with a clean terry cloth towel. To avoid rubbing the grime back into the seats, keep flipping the cloth to expose a fresh surface. Let the seats dry for an hour and then rub in a leather conditioner like Lexol to keep the leather supple. It’s available at discount stores and auto stores.

Step 4: Remember to clean nooks and crannies A flat screwdriver and a rag cleans most dash details. Detailing means just that—finding and dealing with all the trim lines and recesses that a quick once-over cleaning job misses. Wrap a cloth around an old, worn screwdriver (without sharp edges) and spray Simple Green or other all-purpose cleaner on the cloth. Move it gently along the trim lines to pick up the gunk. Keep refreshing the surface of the cloth. Go around all the buttons and controls as well. Follow up with a rejuvenator like Armor All.

Step 5: Brush out the air vents A long-bristled artist’s brush and furniture polish removes dust well. These louvers are a real magnet for dust, and a vacuum with a brush attachment just won’t get it all. Take an inexpensive paint brush and give it a light shot of Endust or Pledge furniture polish. Work the brush into the crevices to collect the dust. Wipe the brush off with a rag and move on to the next one.

Step 6: Wash the windows, including the top edges Don’t forget the grime at the top of all windows. Ever notice that line of grime on the tops of windows when they’re partially rolled down? Most people overlook this detail when giving their vehicle a quick wash. A few minutes with Windex and a clean rag is all it takes.

Step 7: Scrape off those annoying stickers A plastic putty knife helps you pull off stickers. While all of your national and state park stickers may call to mind great memories, they can be a visual hazard as they accumulate. The high-quality stickers will pull off if you can get under a corner and carefully pull them free at a 90-degree angle. Others will leave a gummy residue and require a bit more attention. Cover your dash with an old towel and dab on Goo Gone. Then scrape and wipe it off.

Step 8: Kill bad odors One pump of Odor Gun eliminates odors. Whether your vehicle smells like a Big Mac or cigarettes, one pump of the Odor Gun will solve the problem.

Spring Showers Bring Driving Safety Hazards

Worn out tires and windshield wiper blades are symptoms of neglected vehicle maintenance that put drivers and passengers at serious risk during the typically rainy months of spring.

Thin tire treads create hazardous driving conditions when water builds up on the roadway, according to the Car Care Council. Deep tread accommodates accumulated water; thin tread does not. Thin tread causes the tire to hydroplane – ride up on a film of water, losing contact with the pavement, similar to driving on ice.

The simplest way to check tire tread depth is with a penny. Insert the penny into the grooves of the tread. If you are able to see all of Lincoln’s head, the tire needs replacement.

Rainy weather also affects driver visibility. Because 90 percent of driving decisions depend on good vision, a clean windshield is imperative. Streaking and smearing impair vision and are caused by worn windshield blades. One out of every five vehicles that went through the Car Care Council’s check lanes had worn wiper blades.

“Replacing worn wiper blades is easy and inexpensive,” said Rich White of the Car Care Council. “Why put it off until there’s a downpour and your blades are chattering and smearing the windshield?”

Schedule an appointment with our service department to make sure your vehicle is ready for the spring showers to start, or contact our parts department with any questions.

Car Care: The Key to a Long-Lasting Vehicle

National Car Care Month in April is the time of year to give your car some extra attention. Basic car care is the key to a long-lasting vehicle, improving its safety and dependability.

“Neglected vehicle care almost always means much higher costs down the line in the form of more extensive repairs or lost resale value,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Following a routine maintenance program makes financial sense, extending useful vehicle life and helping avoid costly repairs down the road.”

The Car Care Council recommends 10 basic maintenance procedures to keep your car operating at its best for the long haul:

1. Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.

2. Check the hoses and belts to make sure they are not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing signs of excessive wear.

3. Check the battery and replace if necessary. Make sure the connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free.

4. Check the brake system annually and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change.

5. Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.

6. Schedule a tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.

7. Check the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons such as defrosting.

8. Inspect the steering and suspension system annually including shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.

9. Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.

10. Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.

To schedule service with Rick Hendrick Chevrolet click here.

MPG Ingenuity

No matter which kind of Chevrolet you drive, you can probably do a few things to help it get better gas mileage, thus saving you time and money. On their own, none of these tips will save you much, but when you implement several of them, you'll start to notice that you are getting more miles on your odometer before filling up.

Here are seven tips to get more miles out of each tank of gas:

1. Check your tire pressure

Tires that are under-inflated can't roll along easily, thus your car needs to burn more gas in order to keep going. Buy, and learn how to use, a tire gauge and make it a habit to check the pressure at least once a month and add air if necessary.

2. Keep your air filters clean

Dirty air filters slow down the flow of air into the engine, thus causing economy and performance to nosedive. Checking, and changing, the filter only takes a few minutes. To save even more, and help the environment, buy a reusable filter that gets cleaned, not changed.

3. Learn from the big guys

Have you ever noticed that big trucks tend to drive at the same pace, not speeding up and down like smaller cars tend to do? Keeping a constant speed helps fuel economy since it takes less fuel to keep the car in motion, than it does to slow down and speed up.

4. Run some tests

There may be a reason why that gas station across from where you regularly fill up prices it's gas two-cents higher--your car may utilize it better, thus saving you money in the long run. Higher quality gas is better for your car and, if it causes your car to get better gas mileage, it's a simple choice to buy the more expensive option.

5. Slow down

Aside from it being the law, driving at the speed limit will make your tank go further. And, contrary to popular belief, you don't save all that much time by going a few miles faster.

6. Lighten up

Take an hour this weekend to give your car a good cleaning and take out unnecessary items that are weighing it down. Find things that can be taken out and see how much better your car runs once it loses 20 pounds or more.

7. Slow down before red lights

If you see that a light is about to change to green, slow down and coast so that you won't have to come to a full stop before it changes. By not having to accelerate back to your full speed, you'll get better mileage.

These tips work for any car or truck, even hybrids and fuel-efficient models. If you're looking for a new car, head on over to Rick Hendrick Chevrolet to check out the selection and find one that's right for you!

Oscar Meyer Wienermobile visiting Charleston

That big hot dog on wheels, the Oscar Mayer wienermobile, is visiting the South Carolina coast.

The vehicle shaped like a giant hot dog will be visiting supermarkets in Mount Pleasant on today (Thursday), then stop by the Cooper River Bridge kids run Friday.

It will be at the Cooper River Bridge run Saturday before visiting more area supermarkets Sunday.

During the stops there will be family activities and free wiener whistles.

There are six wienermobiles.

Here’s the Weinermobile schedule for the Charleston area.

The Thursday and Sunday dates are at local Bi-Lo stores:

Thursday, April 4, 11 AM – 2 PM, 1440 Ben Sawyer Blvd., Mt. Pleasant and 3 PM – 6 PM, 774 S Shelmore Blvd.

Friday, April 5, 11 AM- 4PM Hampton Park, Charleston

Saturday, April 6, 8 AM- 12:30PM, Marion Square, Charleston

Sunday, April 7, 10 AM – 1 PM, 1909 US Hwy 17 Bypass, Mt. Pleasant and 2 PM – 5 PM, 860 Folly Rd. Charleston