Fall Auto Care

Fall is in full swing! Time for chilly football evenings, and dark and foggy school mornings. Changes in the your environment mean changes for your car's environment as well. October is also Car Care Awareness Month. Here are some tips to prepare you and your car for the change in weather and help you be Car Care Aware:

•         School's in session -- With the fall semester in full swing, children are out on the streets earlier than during the summer. Some almost never look for traffic and have a bad habit of bolting out from between parked cars. Keep your eyes peeled and slow down. School zones have reduced speed limits and most police won't allow any speed leeway in these areas.

•         Allow more travel time -- You should always drive slower when it is dark and visibility is reduced. That means your traveling time is increased, especially during inclement weather. Leave a few minutes earlier in the morning and increase your following distance by about a second.

•         Inclement weather -- Indian summers, clear skies and cooler weather may lull you into a false sense of security but fall weather conditions can change abruptly. Thunder storms, sleet, hail and even snow are not that unusual. Roads covered with a summer's worth of grease become slick when wet or covered with early morning frost, so anticipate those conditions.

•         Check the lights -- In Sweden, Norway and Canada, where fall driving conditions are similar to much of the U.S., there are mandatory-lights laws -- and not coincidentally, a lower accident rate. See and be seen. Drive with your headlamps on, even if it's not dark. Before starting out on any trip, walk around the car and make sure your taillights, parking lights, stop lights, directionals, emergency flashers and headlights are all working properly. Have one of our skilled mechanics aim and adjust your headlights. New cars are equipped with bright-burning halogen headlights that increase visibility. If you own an older vehicle with standard sealed-beam headlamps, consider converting to halogen lamps. The cost is more than offset by improved visibility and safety.

•         Change the wiper blades -- Safety experts say wiper blades should be changed every 5,000 to 6,000 miles, or twice a year. Most of us don't change the blades even once a year. Check front and rear wipers. Examine the rubber; it should be flexible, without any missing chunks and should clear the glass without leaving any streaks. If the blades aren't performing perfectly, replace them.

•         Check the brakes and tires -- If tires and brakes aren't in good condition, you won't be able to stop on slick roadways. Tires should have plenty of tread on them; if the wear bars are showing, it's time for new rubber. 

•         Heater and defroster check -- Fogged-up windows limit visibility and are a safety hazard. Make sure both front and rear defrosters are working properly. Front blower hoses sometimes get knocked off the defroster vents and the electric wire in the rear defogger can break. You can schedule a service appointment online to have your heating and defrosting units inspected by clicking here. A cold car is uncomfortable, and a distraction to safe driving.

•         Look under the hood -- Don't get stranded in the dark. Have our service department check the condition of the coolant, belts and hoses. Get the chassis lubed, air filter replaced, oil and filter changed and battery inspected. A little work now can save a big towing bill later.

•         Wash and wax -- A vehicle's first line of defense against the elements is a good wash and wax job to protect the metal surfaces from pitting and corroding, and keeps your car looking its best. Get rid of that summer grime and apply a thick coat of protective wax.

•         Relax -- This may seem like a lot to get done before the Monday morning commute, but it really adds up to just a few minutes for the self-inspection, and to make an appointment with your shop if needed. For safety sake, check lights first, then do the tires, brakes, and wiper blades. And in general, simply begin your day 10 minutes earlier, have that second cup of coffee (decaf, please!) and start your commute in a relaxed a state as possible -- good advice at any time of year.

Be sure to stop by our service department at 1500 Savannah Hwy., Charleston, SC 29407, with a print-out of one of our online service coupons, and get ready for a ride through golden and rust-colored rides in the chilly evening air!

American As Chevy and Major League Baseball

Nothing is as American as baseball, and today is a proud day for the MLB and Chevy, as Nominees for the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet were announced on Monday by Major League Baseball, in honor of today's 12th annual Roberto Clemente Day and the start of fan voting to help determine the recipient of this prestigious honor.

Roberto Clemente Day was established by MLB to honor Clemente's legacy and to officially recognize 30 nominees, one for each club. The annual award, won last year by Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw, goes to the player who best represents the game of baseball through positive contributions on and off the field, including sportsmanship and community involvement.

The Roberto Clemente Award, presented during the World Series, pays tribute to the namesake's achievements and character by recognizing current players who truly understand the value of helping others. Clemente, a 15-time All-Star and Hall of Famer, died in a plane crash on New Year's Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.

American League nominees include Adam Jones of the Orioles, Craig Breslow of the Red Sox, Hector Santiago of the White Sox, Justin Masterson of the Indians, Miguel Cabrera of the Tigers, Jose Altuve of the Astros, Billy Butler of the Royals, Jered Weaver of the Angels, Justin Morneau of the Twins, David Robertson of the Yankees, Sean Doolittle of the A's, Raul Ibanez of the Mariners, David Price of the Rays and J.P. Arencibia of the Blue Jays and Ian Kinsler of the Rangers.

National League nominees include Aaron Hill of the D-backs, Tim Hudson of the Braves, Anthony Rizzo of the Cubs, Bronson Arroyo of the Reds, Todd Helton of the Rockies, Adrian Gonzalez of the Dodgers, Logan Morrison of the Marlins, Jonathan Lucroy of the Brewers, David Wright of the Mets, Chase Utley of the Phillies, Andrew McCutchen of the Pirates, Carlos Beltran of the Cardinals, Mark Kotsay of the Padres, Barry Zito of the Giants and Ryan Zimmerman of the Nationals.

"It's an honor to be nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award," said Masterson. "So many people have been nominated in the past have done such great things. To whom much is given, much is required, and I try to live by that."

"Look at Roberto Clemente, at what he did," McCutchen said. "I don't want people to know me because I played baseball. I want people to know me for other things I did outside a baseball field. Yeah, Clemente was a great baseball player, but the things he did off the field said more about him. That's the person that I admire, and that's how I want to be."

The finalist selection process is nothing new for Hudson, who has garnered his seventh nomination in the past eight years, but he has yet to win the overall MLB award. Hudson was also nominated four times (2001-2004) while playing for the A's.

"Giving back and helping children is something that my wife, Kim, and I have enjoyed doing throughout my big league career," Hudson said previously. "We know how fortunate we are, and the importance of giving back."

"Any time you get mentioned for anything about the Roberto Clemente Award is a tremendous honor," said Hall of Famer Al Kaline, who received the honor in 1973. "Certainly after they renamed it and I was the first recipient, I was thrilled and honored."

Willie Mays won the first of these honors in 1971, when it was known as the Commissioner's Award, to recognize community service around the game. He is one of 14 Hall of Famers on the distinguished list of recipients. After 1972, the award was dedicated in Clemente's name.

Helton announced over the weekend that he is retiring at the end of this season, following a 17-year career spent entirely with Colorado. Morneau, meanwhile, is the only nominee not currently with the club he represents, as he earned the Twins honor but now plays for the Pirates.

The winner of the fan vote will receive one vote, with the rest cast by a selection panel that includes Commissioner Bud Selig; MLB Goodwill Ambassador Vera Clemente, Roberto's widow; FOX broadcasters Joe Buck and Tim McCarver; Hall of Fame Broadcaster and the "Spanish Voice of the Dodgers" Jaime Jarrin; Hall of Famer and TBS analyst Dennis Eckersley; TBS analyst Buck Martinez; MLB Network analysts and former Clemente Award winners Al Leiter and Harold Reynolds; Hall of Famer, ESPN analyst and former Roberto Clemente Award winner Barry Larkin; ESPN analyst and former Roberto Clemente Award winner Rick Sutcliffe; MLB.com senior correspondent Hal Bodley; and Chevrolet national promotions manager Mike Weidman.

Clubs playing at home on Tuesday will recognize their local nominees as part of Roberto Clemente Day ceremonies, while visiting clubs will honor their nominees at a home game before the season ends. As part of the league-wide celebration, the Roberto Clemente Day logo will appear on bases and the official dugout lineup cards.

As part of the balloting to help decide the award, participating fans will be automatically registered for a chance to win a trip to this year's World Series. You can do your part to vote and register to win the 2013 Malibu and tickets to this year's World Series here.

View our inventory of the cutting edge 2013 Chevy Malibu online here, or stob by 1500 Savannah Hwy., Charleston, SC 29407 for a test drive today!

The Iconic Impala Turns Heads At TechCrunch

Since 1958, the Impala has been an icon of innovation and of what 1950s chief engineer, Ed Cole called a "prestige car within the reach of the average American citizen.".  Its sleek design  and use of modern technology has kept this model, deriving its name and iconic symbol from the south African antelope, at the head of the class for the large sedan category.

Since its production launch on March 4, 2013, the 2014 Chevy Impala has topped the foreign and domestic competition in Consumer Reports testing of large sedans, setting standards just like its predecessors. This week, the 2014 Impala is being showcased at the TechCrunch Disrupt, a cutting-edge technology conference being held in San Francisco this year.

You can find our selection of Chevy's innovative 2014 Impalas here or come by 1500 Savannah Hwy., Charleston, SC 29407 to take a test drive and see for yourself what all the hype is about!  

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

From the Department of Labor: 
"The History of Labor Day
Labor Day: How it Came About; What it Means
 
Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

A Nationwide Holiday

The character of the Labor Day celebration has undergone a change in recent years, especially in large industrial centers where mass displays and huge parades have proved a problem. This change, however, is more a shift in emphasis and medium of expression. Labor Day addresses by leading union officials, industrialists, educators, clerics and government officials are given wide coverage in newspapers, radio, and television.

The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker."

We want to thank all of our Chevy Tough customers who have to come to us at 1500 Savannah Highway, Charleston, South Carolina from Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Goose Creek and the surrounding areas to pick out a brand new truck to handle the workload and to supply all of their Chevy needs.

Happy Labor Day to all of our customers!

Hit The Books In Style In A New Sonic!

As we begin to get prepped and ready to head back to school, we can all get a little nervous. New classes, new teachers, new lab partners and on top of that we have already began to stress about that first round of exams. In order to ease those nerves, Kelley Blue Book has just released their top 10 back-to-school picks that will make all your friends jealous of the style, comfort, fuel economy and safety of your new whip.

Each year, Kelley Blue Book rates new cars recognizing the “10 Best Back-to-School Cars of 2013.” This year, our favorite 2014 Chevrolet Sonic made the list as one of the most spacious, safe and low-cost new sedans on the market! Not only did it make the list, it ranked in the top 5!

“Available as a sedan or hatchback, the sonic is a surprisingly exciting subcompact whose price starts a hair under $15,000,” KBB.com explains. “We also appreciate that the Sonic brings sensibility with its style, boasting 10 airbags for the safety-minded and impressive fuel economy that reaches 40 mpg.”

TheCollegeDriver.com also boasts about this sleek new Sonic, calling attention to it's two new limited edition colors, a chromatic plum called Deep Magenta Metallic, available August through October, and Cool Blue - a greyish, dirty blue - will be available on Sonic from November until March. Dragon Green will come to the lineup as a permanent addition to the Sonic palate the first quarter of 2014.

Check out our latest selection of Chevy Sonics here and hit the books in style this year!

Time To Get Your Head In The Game!

Beyond food, drinks and tunes, the right mix of hardware can make or break a tailgate party. Chevy has noted the 2014 ChevroletTraverse as being the ultimate in tailgating vehicles, both for the room it provides for all the right tailgating accessories, and for the navigation and entertainment provided by the Chevrolet MyLink Radio.

Here's a checklist of things you will want to be sure to pack into your new 2014 Traverse on your way to the Big Game!

The Grill

Your grill can be anything from a tiny hibachi to a 30,000-BTU burner, so long as it cooks enough meat for your crowd. Charcoal grills are still the reigning champs, but gas grills are making a comeback, since startup and cleanup tend to be easier.

Coolers

Bring at least two coolers — one for beverages, the other for meat. Models range from basic Styrofoam boxes all the way to thermoelectric mini-fridges that plug into a vehicle's auxiliary power outlet.

Folding Chairs

Unless you want your guests winding down 45 minutes into the festivities, give them a place to sit. We find that folding chairs are easier to store than plastic lawn chairs.


Folding Table

While fold-down tailgates serve as a good perch for food and beverages, many vehicles have ditched them for raised liftgates. Stand-alone tables provide the extra room you'll need for a winning spread.

Power Inverter

Consider bringing a power inverter if you want to plug in a television, radio or anything else that uses a conventional alternating current. Inverters can turn a vehicle's direct-current outlet (the cigarette lighter in many cars) into a power source for twin-pronged AC plugs. If you're looking to include lots of heavy artillery — multiple TVs, a parking lot speaker system or an outdoor heater — bring a stand-alone generator to the event.

Flags

In a crowded parking lot, flags provide a beacon for your tailgaters to meet up. Bring at least two flags: one with your team's colors, the other with a distinct design so stragglers can find you when they finally show up.

Games

When plates are clean and cups run dry, keep guests entertained with poker (if you remembered the folding table and chairs) or a beanbag toss.

Check out our selection of  2014 Chevrolet Traverses here or come by 1500 Savannah Hwy., Charleston, SC 29407 to pick out your perfect tailgating ride! GO Team!

The Importance of Oil and Filter Changes

An oil change is one of the most important things you can do for your car

Regular oil and filter changes are among the most affordable, and at the same time most important, scheduled maintenance services you can do to keep your vehicle running reliably for many years. Without proper lubrication, the combustion engine becomes little more than an expensive boat anchor.  Engines are made up of hundreds of moving parts that have to slide and spin against each other, and without a reliable supply of clean oil, those parts will grind to a halt before you get to the end of the block. In addition to its primary function of reducing friction between moving parts, engine oil also acts as an additional coolant to help take some of the combustion heat away from the cylinders.

To properly do its job, oil has to flow freely through dozens of passages in the engine. The larger passages are cast into the cylinder block and heads, while many smaller ones are drilled into crankshafts and piston pins. While oil does help minimize wear of bearings and other metal parts, tiny metal particles eventually contaminate the oil over time. A mix of unburned fuel and exhaust gases can also slip past the piston rings, mixing with the oil and diluting it.

If oil isn’t changed according the vehicle’s maintenance schedule, it will get thicker and turn into a sludge that can’t do the intended job. The oil filter, which helps to remove dirt and other particles from the oil, will also get filled up over time. When that happens, the pressure increases and a bypass valve opens that lets unfiltered oil run through the engine. If this happens for an extended period, it can cause very expensive damage.

Until about the mid-1990s, it was generally recommended that drivers get their oil and filter changed every three months or 3,000 miles. Since then, a number of technological improvements have allowed oil change intervals to be extended to 10,000 miles or more, depending on the make, model and powertrain of vehicle. Driving style, frequency of towing, and weather and road conditions also play a big role in how often the engine oil in your vehicle should be changed, so you should check your owner’s manual for guidance. Your dealer’s service technicians are also a great resource for recommendations that are personalized for your particular vehicle and driving conditions.

Oil formulations have improved, making oil more stable so that the thickness, or viscosity, doesn’t change as much over time, and detergents added to oil help break down contamination from fuel and exhaust. New fully synthetic and synthetic blends reduce engine friction and improve fuel economy while lasting longer.

Modern engine electronics also help to extend oil life. Most new engines have sensors that can detect the condition of the oil, and systems built into the electronic control unit monitor driving conditions. By keeping track of conditions like temperature, average speeds and engine loads, oil life monitors can determine if your vehicle is subjected to conditions that can accelerate oil break-down––like frequent or heavy towing; extreme heat; lots of stop-and-go driving––or if most of your driving is highway cruising.

Vehicles equipped with oil life monitors provide an indication of oil condition in the instrument cluster and recommend when to get an oil change. Vehicles that are subjected to more stress might be recommended for an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, while those that see lighter duties might go a little more, saving money and time for the driver.

Speaking of saving time and money, while it’s not difficult to change oil yourself at home, the hassle of cleanup and properly disposing of the old oil (never dump it on the ground or in a sewer) can be avoided by having your oil changed by your dealer. As part of your dealer’s oil and oil filter change service, service technicians will also lubricate key chassis components, top off fluids as necessary, inspect other vehicle systems and discuss with you any problems or questions you may have.

A small investment in maintenance will keep your vehicle running reliably for many years to come, and will also save you money at the pump. 

 

 

 

 

Click here to schedule a service appointment with Rick Hendrick Chevrolet.

Chevrolet's Giving Customer's Quality they Want

Chevrolet Has Received More 2013 J.D. Power Initial Quality Awards Than Any Other Automotive Brand.

   

Chevrolet vehicles are giving our consumers the quality they deserve. According to the 2013 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study^SM, Chevrolet received five segment awards, more than any other auto brand.

These results highlight Chevrolet’s commitment to quality. Customers want inventive designs, advanced features, exhilarating performance and great quality-without any sacrifices. At Chevrolet, quality is at the center of every decision that affects the development of every vehicle.

The J.D Power study was redesigned for 2013 and provides manufacturers with information they can use to quickly identify problems and drive improvement. Chevrolet will take that challenge seriously.

“Customer satisfaction and quality are our top priority so these results mean a lot to us,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing. “We will continue to listen and learn from our customers as a way to improve quality even faster on all cars, trucks and crossovers that wear the Chevrolet bowtie.”

Chevrolet turned in an exceptional performance in the study. Segment leaders for Chevrolet were:

Segment Award Recipients

Camaro  – Midsize Sporty Car

Impala  – Large Car

Tahoe  – Large CUV

Silverado HD  – Large Heavy-Duty Pickup

Avalanche  – Large Light-Duty Pickup

Chevrolet’s commitment to quality and steady introduction of new, fuel-efficient products with the technology and features that more customers want helped the brand achieve record 2012 global sales of 4.9 million vehicles.

It’s American Ingenuity to Find New Roads.

Join the coversation with Chevrolet on Facebook and on Twitter @Chevrolet.

“The Chevrolet Impala, Camaro, Tahoe, Silverado HD, and Avalanche; received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles among Large Car, Midsize Sporty Car (tie), Large CUV, Large Heavy Duty Pickup, Large Light Duty Pickup (tie in the proprietary J.D. Power 2013 Initial Quality Study^SM. Study based on responses from 83,442 new-vehicle owners, measuring 230 models and measures opinions after 90 days of ownership. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of owners surveyed in February to May 2013. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.”

Gas Mileage Tip - Keep Your Car In Shape

Keeping Your Car In Shape

Keep Your Engine Properly Tuned

Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4 percent, though results vary based on the kind of repair and how well it is done.

Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your mileage by as much as 40 percent.

Fuel Economy Benefit:	4%
Equivalent Gasoline Savings:	$0.14/gallon

Keep Tires Properly Inflated

You can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.3 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer.

The proper tire pressure for your vehicle is usually found on a sticker in the driver's side door jamb or the glove box and in your owner's manual. Do not use the maximum pressure printed on the tire's sidewall.

Fuel Economy Benefit:	Up to 3%
Equivalent Gasoline Savings:	Up to $0.11/gallon

Use the Recommended Grade of Motor Oil

You can improve your gas mileage by 1–2 percent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. For example, using 10W-30 motor oil in an engine designed to use 5W-30 can lower your gas mileage by 1–2 percent. Using 5W-30 in an engine designed for 5W-20 can lower your gas mileage by 1–1.5 percent. Also, look for motor oil that says "Energy Conserving" on the API performance symbol to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives.

Fuel Economy Benefit:	1–2%
Equivalent Gasoline Savings:	$0.04–$0.07/gallon

Replacing a Clogged Air Filter on Modern Cars Improves Performance but Not MPG

Replacing a clogged air filter on vehicles with fuel-injected, computer-controlled gasoline engines—such as those manufactured from the early 1980s to the present—or diesel engines does not improve fuel economy, but it can improve acceleration.

Replacing a clogged air filter on an older vehicle with a carbureted engine can improve both fuel economy and acceleration by a few percent under normal replacement conditions.

Note: Cost savings are based on an assumed fuel price of $3.61/gallon.

Data Sources

Information on the impact of air filter condition on fuel economy is based on studies at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL):

• Thomas, J., West, B., Huff, S. 2013. Effect of Air Filter Condition on Diesel Vehicle Fuel Economy. SAE Technical Paper 2013-01-0311.
• Thomas, J., West, B., Huff, S., and Norman, K. 2012. Effect of Intake Air Filter Condition on Light-Duty Gasoline Vehicles. SAE Technical Paper 2012-01-1717.
• Norman, K., Huff, S., and West, B. 2009. Effect of Intake Air Filter Condition on Vehicle Fuel Economy. ORNL/TM-2009/021. Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Estimates for fuel savings from vehicle maintenance, keeping tires properly inflated, and using the recommended grade of motor oil based on Energy and Environmental Analysis, Inc., Owner Related Fuel Economy Improvements, Arlington, Virginia, 2001.

Summer Car Care Tips

This is an important time of year to keep your car clean and to have routine maintenance done. Summer is a very busy time for everyone and a busy time for your car. Excessive heat can be a drain on many of the components of your car. If you are planning a vacation where you will be driving your car, don’t wait until the last minute to have your service facility check the car for your trip. Summer is the busiest time for repair facilities as well and the heat that takes a toll on your car, can also take a toll on the technicians that work on your car. Remember, proper car care and maintenance can prevent a breakdown.

Summer Car Care tips:

1. If you have not visited your service facility in the last six months, it is time for a visit. Ask for a safety check. A well maintained car also gets better gas mileage.
   
   
2. Have the oil changed. Regular oil changes can double the life of your car.
   
   
3. Check your tires. Summer heat can affect the performance of your tires. Ask your service facility to let you know how much tread life you have left on the tires. An extremely worn tire can make stopping difficult. Check the tire pressures so that you get the best wear for your tires and better gas mileage.
   
   
4. Don’t run the needle down to empty. You put yourself in a risky situation that you may run out of gas while driving. Imagine getting stuck on the beltway, because you run out of gas. You could do additional damage to the fuel system which could be very costly.
   
   
5. Don’t wait to have that noise checked. You drive the car everyday, if you hear a strange noise, get it checked. Small problems can turn into really big expensive problems quickly.
   
   
6. Come to a complete stop. When you are backing out of a parking spot and put your car in drive while it is still rolling, you are doing damage to the transmission. Make sure the car is stopped before changing gears.
   
   
7. Have your air conditioning system checked. A marginally operating air conditioning system is likely to fail during hot summer months.
   
   
8. A dirty, streaky or smeared windshield can be a hazard. Replace worn wiper blades and replenish windshield washer solvent.
   
   
9. April showers bring May flowers, but what do May flowers bring: Pollen! The pollen that is covering your car is also being circulated through your vents. Have the air filter and all other filters check or replaced.
   
   
10. The greatest number of breakdowns occur during summer travel is due to overheating. Check the level and condition of your coolant. Remember to never remove the radiator cap until the engine is thoroughly cooled.

Last but not least, give your car a good cleaning. Clean out all the trash on the floor and in the pockets, vacuum the interior and then wash it. It just feels so good driving around in a clean car, doesn’t it? And have a great summer!