Taking a test drive is standard procedure before purchasing a new vehicle. Even if you love everything about the vehicle on paper, and you are impressed when looking at it on the lot, you still need to get behind the wheel and make sure it is exactly what you expect it to be. Going for a drive that lasts just a few minutes can tell you a lot about what the vehicle is like and whether it will be a good fit for you and your family.

But how do you get the most out of that test drive time? It can go by quickly, and if you aren’t paying attention to the right things, you might not remember much when you are done. In this article, we’d like to present some basic tips for how you can make the most out of your test drive, so you can make an informed, confident buying decision in the end. When you are ready for a test drive, be sure to stop by Taylor & Sons Chevrolet to check out what we have available and head out for a drive in the vehicles that interest you the most. We’d love to serve you!

Don’t Think Too Much
Perhaps the best piece of advice we can give you about test driving a vehicle is to keep things simple and don’t overthink the process. Too many people obsess over making the “perfect” purchase – and as a result, they stress about the little details, get caught up in the process, and fail to see the big picture. What you really want out of a test drive is actually quite simple – you just want to know if you enjoy driving a given vehicle. You can check out the other factors while still on the lot, such as cargo space, the look of the car or truck, the comfort of the seat, etc. Most of that stuff can be evaluated without even pulling out of the parking lot. When you are actually behind the wheel and driving down the road, just think about whether or not this is a vehicle you would like to drive day after day.

Listen Carefully
One aspect of a vehicle that can get annoying during the daily commute is a lot of road noise coming into the cabin. So, on your test drive, make sure to have some time when you turn the radio down, stop talking, and just listen to how it sounds while you drive. A quality vehicle from a top manufacturer like Chevy will likely feel nice and quiet, with only modest road noise making its way in. It’s easy to get caught up in conversation while on a test drive, but taking a moment of quiet to really pay attention to road noise is a worthwhile consideration.

Find Various Types of Roads
If at all possible, make it a point to drive on different types of roads during the test drive. The experience of driving in stop-and-go traffic on city streets is quite different from the experience of getting up to full speed on the freeway. You might find that a particular vehicle is perfectly comfortable on the freeway but you don’t really like driving it in traffic, for instance. Try to plan a route that mixes up the settings nicely so you can experience a blend of conditions that is representative of what you will encounter when driving this vehicle in your regular life.

Try Out the Parking Experience
Along the same lines as our previous point, you also want to try out parking this vehicle to see how it feels to find your way into a crowded lot. Does it feel like it’s easy to move in and out of spaces, or are you struggling to find your way? Of course, you can expect to get more comfortable parking any vehicle as you gain experience, but struggling to park on the test drive might be a sign that this particular car or truck is not a good fit for the way you drive.

Visibility is a Big Key
Part of being comfortable behind the wheel of any vehicle is being able to see easily out of the vehicle in all directions. Even with the aid of the cameras that are present in many modern vehicles, you still want to be able to see what is around you when looking out the windshield and windows. While some vehicles inherently have better visibility than others, this can also be a point that varies from person to person. Depending on your height, driving position, posture, and more, you might find that you struggle to see out of a vehicle that some people can see out of just fine. So, keep this variable in mind during your test drive and think twice about cars or trucks that make it hard for you to see what you need to see.

Get Some Help
Lastly, you might want to consider bringing someone else along for your test drive process. This could be a friend, family member, or even a co-worker – just someone else who can give you an opinion and point out things that you might not have noticed otherwise. There is a lot to take in during a test drive that might not last very long, so having another set of eyes and ears to pay attention to everything and offer input can be a big help.

Buying a vehicle – whether new or used – is a big decision. You want to gather all of the information you need before signing on the dotted line, and that includes taking test drives in any of the cars or trucks you are considering. This article should give you some good ideas for how you can make the most of an upcoming test drive and make a confident buying decision as a result. Come see the team at Taylor & Sons Chevrolet today to get started!

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One of the great things about modern vehicles is the relatively minimal maintenance that they require from month to month and year to year. For the most part, there isn’t a lot that you have to do in order to keep your vehicle in good condition out on the road.

But that’s not the same thing as needing to do no maintenance at all. There are still some important maintenance points to check off, such as changing the oil at regular intervals (unless you drive an electric vehicle). Another maintenance point you’ll want to keep on your list is tire rotation and balancing, and that’s the topic at hand in this article. We’ll take a look at what these services are, why they are important, and how you can have them completed regularly.

For help with tire rotation and balancing, or any other type of maintenance that your vehicle may require, get in touch with Taylor & Sons Chevrolet today. We would be proud to serve you!

What is Tire Rotation?

Before we get into the specifics of why these services are so important, let’s back up for a minute and cover the basics of what both of these services include. This might be review for you, but it’s still worthwhile to make sure we are on the same page.

First, let’s talk about tire rotation. As the name suggests, this is the act of moving the tires around your vehicle so they land in new positions. The tires on your car or truck can work in any of the four positions (for most standard passenger vehicles – there are exceptions for specialty vehicles and tires). The pattern of how the tires are typically moved will depend on the vehicle in question. Here’s a quick primer –
• Front-wheel drive. This is the most common type of vehicle on the road, so we’ll start here. If your vehicle is front-wheel drive, you’ll generally move the front tires straight back while the rear tires cross the vehicle as they move forward. In other words, the front left tire will move to the back left position, while that back left tire will come up to the front right.
• Rear-wheel drive. The pattern is just the opposite in this case, so it’s the back tires that come forward on the same side of the vehicle while the front tires cross as they go back.
• All-wheel drive. Finally, when all four wheels have drive power, they are going to cross in both directions. The back right tire will become the front left tire, and so on.

Of course, while this is good information to have, you likely aren’t going to handle this task on your own. When you take your vehicle to a qualified service department like the one at Taylor & Sons Chevrolet, the professional technicians will understand these patterns, and everything will be handled for you.

What About Tire Balancing?

It’s easy enough to look at a tire and wheel assembly and think that it is a perfect circle, but that’s typically not quite true. The center of gravity often does not match up with the center of the wheel, and as a result, you might notice that your vehicle vibrates while heading down the road. Tire balancing service uses weights to counter any imbalance that is occurring in the tires. This is not a DIY project – proper tire balancing requires the proper equipment to both measure the tire and apply weights correctly.

The Many Benefits

So, with those explanations complete, let’s take a closer look at what you stand to gain from these services. We already mentioned above that having your tires balanced can help with vibrations that you might be experiencing on the roads, but that’s really just a starting point. Other gains you can enjoy from these two services include –
• Better grip on the road. The first, and most important, benefit of having your tires serviced is to maintain a firm grip on the road while you travel. You might take traction for granted while driving, but it only takes a momentary slip to lead to a major problem. You want to make sure you have good tread on your tires, and you want that tread to be making as much contact with the road at any given time as possible. Both of those objectives will be served by keeping up with tire rotation and balancing over time.
• Longer useful life. By rotating your tires, you’ll even out the wear to the tread pattern that takes place as the miles add up. This is because tires in the four positions on the vehicle wear in different places and at different rates, so rotating them will even things out and allow you to use as much of the tread as possible. That speaks to the previous point about maintaining a grip on the road, and it is also why you can look forward to a longer useful life from each tire. In this way, ongoing tire service can save you money in the long run by delaying the time when you’ll need to purchase a new set of tires for your vehicle.
• Spot other issues. If you are having your tires rotated at regular intervals, that means the tires will be in the hands of trained professionals, and other issues that might be developing can be spotted. Often, this will mean treads that are wearing down and may need to be replaced soon, but other tire health issues could come up that you might not notice while going through your day-to-day life.

Thank you for taking a moment to stop by Taylor & Sons Chevrolet, and we hope this article has helped to highlight the importance of having your tires rotated and balanced regularly. Whether you need this service completed, or any other kind of service for your vehicle, our team will be proud to assist. Get in touch right away to get started!

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When the time comes to change the oil in your vehicle, you’ll have two basic options – conventional or synthetic oil. As the names would suggest, conventional oil is the type of automotive oil that has been used for generations. The synthetic option is a more recent entry into the market, and it has helped to provide a number of performance advantages. But is it right for your vehicle? Let’s take a closer look.

At Taylor & Sons Chevrolet, you can count on the team in our service department to offer all of the guidance and support you need. We are always focused on delivering the best possible results for our customers, so come in or give us a call today to learn more and schedule your first appointment.

The Benefits of Synthetic Oil

It’s not by accident that synthetic oil has become such a popular option for motorists across the country. There are plenty of benefits associated with this option, including the points listed below –
• Fewer changes. Simply put, synthetic oil lasts longer than conventional oil, meaning you will need to change the oil in your engine less frequently when you use synthetic. The ideal interval will vary from one vehicle to the next, but you may double the number of miles you can drive on one oil change before needing to have it replaced. That means fewer trips into the service department for an oil change, and less interruption for your day to day life.
• Improved protection. Not only does synthetic oil remain useful for far longer than conventional, but it also does a better job protecting your engine. Keeping quality synthetic oil in your engine as the miles add up will help protect various engine parts while providing you with excellent performance along the way.
• Reduced friction. The entire point of having oil in your engine in the first place is to reduce friction. The oil dramatically cuts down on friction between moving parts by lubricating everything in the engine and allowing it to slide back and forth freely. Both types of oils will lubricate, but synthetic does it better.
• Stability at extreme temperatures. This is a helpful point in Idaho, where we can deal with quite hot weather in the summer and very cold days in the winter. With a synthetic oil, you’ll have better protection against those wild swings in temperature, as it is not going to be as affected by the conditions as a traditional oil. This is another reason you should expect to get a longer useful life from an oil change when synthetic is used.

This all sounds pretty good so far. You’ll get better performance, and a longer lifespan, out of a synthetic oil than you will from conventional. So, why would anyone still pick synthetic oil over conventional when so many benefits are on the table? That question brings us to the topic at hand for our next section.

A Matter of Cost

You probably won’t be surprised to learn that synthetic oil is more expensive than conventional oil. This stands to reason, of course, as more is required to produce synthetic oil and prepare it for the market than is needed for standard oil products. Depending on the brand of oil, and the specifics of that product, you can expect to spend quite a bit more – in the end, the cost of changing your oil may roughly be doubled if you decide to go with synthetic.

If you are thinking about your next oil change in terms of price and nothing else, you’ll probably go with conventional oil. But that might be a decision that actually costs you more in the long run. As mentioned above, there are plenty of performance benefits that will improve the way the oil works in your engine and could help you get a longer overall useful life from your vehicle. If you are providing your engine with better protection through the use of this type of oil, that added cost for each change could wind up being a great investment in the end.

Also, remember to think about the frequency of your oil changes when doing the math on this matter. If an oil change costs roughly twice as much with synthetic as it would have cost with conventional oil – but you only change your oil half as frequently – you will come out even in terms of the actual price of this service. Then, when you add in those protective and performance benefits, the choice actually becomes an easy one.

It Might Be Required

The case for using synthetic oil is a strong one. With so much to gain, and with the cost coming out pretty much even thanks to the reduced frequency of changes, it’s not hard to understand why synthetic oils have gotten so popular.

With that said, this might be a choice that isn’t really a decision at all. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the use of synthetic oil might actually be required in your owner’s manual. More and more vehicles are being designed and built with synthetic oil in mind to keep the engine functioning properly. So, before you let anyone change the oil in your vehicle, be sure that they have consulted the specs for that make and model and are using the right kind of oil for the job.

Is synthetic oil right for your vehicle? You don’t need to make that decision on your own. Reach out to Taylor & Sons Chevrolet to talk to a member of our friendly team or to schedule an appointment with our service department. We’ll let you know if synthetic oil is required for your vehicle, and if it isn’t, we’ll talk with you about whether or not this choice would make sense in your situation. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and we are excited to serve you!

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One of the best things about being a Chevrolet dealer is the wide range of vehicles that are offered by this world-famous manufacturer. When a customer comes to explore our lot and find something that will suit their needs, we are able to deliver thanks to the diversity of what we have available. In other words, if you are in the market for a new vehicle, there is sure to be something in the Chevy line that will be a great fit.

With that said, Chevy trucks are particularly popular, and those are going to be the focus of this article. We’ll take a closer look at the top selling Chevrolet trucks and why you should consider adding one to your driveway. When you are ready to check out some trucks – or other vehicles – for yourself, be sure to visit Taylor & Sons Chevrolet and we’ll be glad to show you around.

Two Big Names in the Truck Industry

When you talk about Chevrolet trucks, you are likely to be talking about one of two models – the Chevrolet Silverado or the Chevrolet Colorado. Each of these attractive, capable trucks commands a big share of the market thanks to an impressive list of features and excellent value. We certainly aren’t going to be trying to decide which of these trucks is “best” in this article, because they are simply two different machines. The right truck for your needs will depend on how the truck is going to be used as the months and years go by.

One thing you can know for sure is that each of these trucks is sure to deliver the kind of build quality, innovation, and driving experience that has made Chevy famous. Of course, you don’t have to take out word for that – you are welcome to set up a test drive so you can sit behind the wheel for yourself and experience what so many other truck drivers already know about the Silverado and Colorado.

Chevrolet Silverado Spotlight

Given its extreme popularity, let’s start by looking a little closer at the Silverado and what it has to offer. For buyers looking for a full-size pickup truck that is capable of getting serious work done – while still offering a comfortable, relaxing ride at the same time – the search ends with the Silverado.

One of the many incredible things about the Silverado is just how many options are available within this model. Simply saying that you drive a Silverado doesn’t really tell the whole story, because there are tons of options under this umbrella that can be used to make the truck truly a perfect fit for your needs. Some of the variables to keep in mind while shopping for your next truck include –

• Packages. From the basic Work Truck level on up to the downright luxurious High Country, you can pick the package that includes the various features you want while staying within your budget.
• Engine options. If you are specific about the type of engine you’d like to have in your truck, there are four options to weigh when looking for a Silverado. The smallest engine for the Silverado, a 2.7L turbo, will provide great gas mileage for drivers who spend a lot of time out on the road day after day. On the other end of the spectrum, buyers can optimize for power by picking the biggest gas engine available, a 6.2L V8 that creates 420 horsepower. Also available is a 3.0L turbodiesel with a 10-speed transmission.
• Plenty of tech. As you would expect from a modern truck and a leader in this space, the Silverado has tons of technology available, including up to 8 cameras, a trailering app, and power tailgate, and much more.
• Safety features. No matter what Chevy vehicle you decide to purchase, you can be sure that safety has been high on the priority list during the design and development process. Plenty of driver assistance technology is available as well as a long list of safety features that are present on every truck regardless of the package you select.

When shopping for a full-size pickup truck, your job is not done until you have considered the Chevrolet Silverado. This is not only one of the most popular trucks on the road today, it is one of the most popular vehicles, period.

Chevrolet Colorado Spotlight

Yes, the Silverado is a great truck and an excellent value. But a full-size pickup is not the right choice for all buyers. If you are in the market for a smaller truck that is still highly capable and enjoyable to drive, you’ll want to look instead at the Colorado. Downsized from the Silverado, the Colorado gets great gas mileage and features a smaller footprint out there on the road.

• Still plenty of options. While there aren’t as many packages and options present with the Colorado as the Silverado, you won’t exactly be limited on choices. You can pick from three engines including two gas and one diesel, and there are four packages to consider.
• Get off-road. There is plenty of wilderness to explore in Idaho and the rest of the Pacific Northwest, and the Colorado is uniquely suited to do just that. The Z71 and ZR2 models specifically are great picks for driving beyond the end of the pavement.
• Tech savvy. Like all new Chevy vehicles, you’ll enjoy access to plenty of great technology to make your time on the road as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.
• Keep pulling. You don’t have to automatically pick a full-size truck if you need to do some hauling. Equipped with the diesel engine option, you can pull more than 7,000 pounds with this powerful truck.

Picking the right Chevrolet truck for your needs comes down to thinking about how the truck will be used and which model best aligns with those plans. If you aren’t sure which truck is going to be the right choice, or if you simply want to see them for yourself, stop by our dealership at your convenience and our team will be happy to serve you. Thanks for considering Taylor & Sons Chevrolet!

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Driving around Idaho in the middle of a hot summer without a working air conditioner is no fun. Even if your air conditioner is technically “working”, it might not be functioning up to its potential – which means you will still be left feeling sweaty behind the wheel. In this post, we’d like to offer some basic troubleshooting advice for how you can try to get to the bottom of this frustrating issue.

If you need help with your vehicle’s air conditioner or any other component, turn to the team at Taylor & Sons Chevrolet for assistance. With plenty of experience and a great reputation throughout the area, you’ll be in good hands as soon as you come to see us. We are excited to serve you!

Signs of Trouble with Your Air Conditioner

Before trying to figure out what is wrong with your vehicle’s air conditioner, you’ll need to note that there is a problem in the first place. This might sound obvious, but it’s actually easy to miss signs of trouble if you aren’t paying close attention. Here are some things to watch for –

• No cold air. Okay – so this one is obvious and you won’t have any trouble noticing if your air conditioner simply isn’t working anymore. As you drive along, you’ll notice that the air coming out of your vents continues to be just as hot as the air in the cabin, and it will be clear that you need to make an appointment to have the A/C system examined.
• Slow to get cold. If your air conditioner is still working, but not as well as it should be, you might find that you will eventually get cold air – but only after a long wait. That’s better than nothing, but it’s still frustrating and you could find yourself feeling pretty sweaty before the air actually cools you off. This is a particularly frustrating experience if you are getting in a hot car that’s been parked in the sun and you are hoping for immediate relief.
• Only gets slightly cool. Another issue to watch for during the summer months is air that just gets a little cooler than the ambient temperature but never really gets cold. You might start to feel some cool air and assume that everything is working okay – but the temperature never falls any further and you stay pretty warm throughout the drive. This is another one that is particularly noticeable on a hot day, as the system won’t have the power needed to bring the cabin temperature down sufficient when outside temps are soaring.
• It’s loud. You probably know by now what it sounds like when your air conditioner is running. If there are unexpected sounds occurring after you turn on the A/C, there might be an issue that is going to get worse as time passes. When you hear unusual sounds, do your best to avoid using the air conditioning system until you can have it inspected by a qualified technician.

Many Possible Problems

One of the tricky things about dealing with a faulty air conditioner in a vehicle is that there are many possible issues that could be at the heart of the poor performance. While we tend to take them for granted in the modern world, air conditioners are rather complicated devices that require a number of parts to come together properly in order to produce ideal results. Here are some of the many potential issues that you could be facing –

• Lack of refrigerant. Your air conditioner won’t be able to produce any cold air if there is no refrigerant in the system. It’s possible to have a leak develop somewhere in the system that will allow the refrigerant to escape so you could wind up with no cooling power. This one can be tricky because there often is no sign of the leak and the car or truck will still be blowing air around – it just won’t be cold. Confirming that this is the underlying issue will require the help of a qualified technician with the right equipment. If your system is only producing modest cool air and never quite gets cold, it’s possible that you have some refrigerant left in the system but not enough to bring the temperature all the way down to where you’d like it to be.
• Blower problem. If there simply isn’t any air coming from the vents – cold or otherwise – the blower may be to blame. There would be a problem with the blower motor, and as a result, your vehicle won’t have any way to propel air into the cabin as you drive. Again here, it’s a visit to a service center that will enable you to confirm that this is the problem you are facing.
• Compressor failure. Should the compressor happen to fail in your vehicle’s air conditioner, you’ll be looking at a relatively costly fix – but getting the compressor back up and running is the only way to enjoy cold air once again. The compressor is an essential component in any kind of air conditioning system so this is something that will immediately be considered when you have your vehicle looked at for air conditioning problems.

The reality of air conditioning problems is that there isn’t much you can do as a car owner to address the problem on your own. Air conditioning systems are complex and they required a trained professional with the right tools to fix them correctly. The best thing you can do is pay close attention to the system’s performance and get help when something is wrong.

If you are getting tired of climbing into your vehicle and knowing you’ll arrive at your destination feeling hot and sweaty, turn to Taylor & Sons Chevrolet to get the cold air flowing once again. Whatever the required fix happens to be, we’ll jump into action and get you back on the road with proper A/C as soon as possible. We appreciate your time and hope to have the chance to serve you soon.

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For many people, buying a new car is an intimidating process. While they are excited about the prospect of owning a new vehicle, they are also nervous about going through the buying process and spending such a significant amount of money. In this post, we’d like to break down some of the myths around buying a new car, so you can set your fears to the side and go into this purchase feeling positive about the experience.

When you are ready to make a new car purchase, or if you’d just like to look around the lot and ask a few questions, be sure to make Taylor & Sons Chevrolet your first stop. We have a friendly staff that will be happy to work with you and help you gather the information you need to make an informed choice. Come see us today!

#1 – Buy on a Bad Day

One of the oldest pieces of “advice” in the book is that you should head to a car dealership on a bad weather day to make your purchase. The thinking goes like this – not as many people will be wanting to go out and shop for a car in the rain, so the dealerships will be empty, and the salespeople will be anxious to close a deal. In the end, they offer you a discount, and you spend less on the purchase.

This just isn’t how it works in the real world. It might be true that a few less people come out to shop in the rain, but plenty of people still show up. And, more importantly, the rain doesn’t change what the dealership had to pay for the vehicle, or anything else about the underlying economics of the business. Dealers can’t afford to offer you a great deal just to make a sale when the weather turns ugly.

#2 – Keep Your Trade-In Quiet

Some people think it is a good strategy to not say anything about the fact that you want to trade in an old vehicle until you are close to closing a deal. That doesn’t make any sense, honestly, and it will only serve to complicate the situation. When you arrive at the dealership, simply explain your situation to the salesperson and get on the same page right from the start.

The roots of this myth seem to come from the idea that a dealership won’t want you to have a trade-in, or that they won’t give you a fair deal if you do. That’s not accurate. Dealers are generally happy to have trade-ins presented, as this allows them to stock up on their used inventory, and selling used vehicles is a big part of the business model.

#3 – The Dealer is Out to Get You

A car dealership is simply a business. Some people have this notion that the dealership is doing whatever it can to take advantage of the customer, but that’s a bad way to operate and will not succeed in the long run. To look at this myth from another perspective, do you think that a restaurant is out to get you when you stop by for a burger and fries? No – you just see the restaurant as a business trying to earn a living by selling a product. It’s the same thing at a dealership. Of course, that doesn’t mean you go into the process blindly and just go along for the ride. You pay attention, ask questions, and agree to the deal when you are comfortable with the offer on the table.

#4 – You Should Make Up a Good Offer from Another Lot

This is along the same lines as not revealing your trade-in – it’s an attempt at deceiving the salesperson and it just isn’t going to pay off in the end. In this case, the idea is that you make up an offer from a nearby lot in the hopes that the salesperson you are dealing with will offer you something even better. The problem here is that something you make up will be too good to be believed, and it will likely be dismissed out of hand.

Also, in the modern internet age, it is easy for anyone to check on vehicle prices at countless different locations. Are you really being offered a price that is dramatically lower than what is being shown online? Probably not. Your bluff won’t get you anywhere, and it will simply make it harder to negotiate in good faith to arrive at a deal that is fair to both parties.

#5 – It’s Hard

Buying a car doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, it doesn’t need to be much different than making any other kind of purchase. Sure, there is more money involved than would be the case for most other things you buy, but the idea is still the same. You do your homework, figure out what you want, and determine how much it should cost. Once you find someone who is willing to sell it to you for a fair price, you complete the purchase and move on. If that sounds simple, it’s because it is.

One of the easy steps that can make your car buying experience more enjoyable is to take some time to do your homework in advance. This isn’t difficult as long as you have access to the internet – just browse around, read about various models, and check out a few reviews. This way, before you even step foot on a dealer lot, you’ll already have a good idea of which models you might be interested in. Then, you can take the contenders for a test drive and quickly make up your mind.

We hope the information above helps you see the bigger picture when it comes to car buying. The most important thing here is that you come away with a vehicle you love at a price that works for your budget. Our team will help you achieve that outcome, so stop by Taylor & Sons Chevrolet right away to get started.

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If you tend to rack up a lot of miles during the year, you already know that those miles don’t come free. Driving regularly can get expensive, so any steps you can take to save money are going to be worth the effort. This article is a collection of ten tips toward that end – even if not all of these tips apply to your situation, we hope at least a few of them will save you some money in the months ahead.

For all of your automotive needs in the Ponderay area, turn to Taylor & Sons Chevrolet for assistance. We have a great selection of new and used Chevrolet vehicles to purchase, and we also have an excellent service department for your repair and maintenance needs. Get in touch today to learn more!

#1 – Always Use Navigation
Buying gas is one of the biggest expenses associated with driving, so you don’t want to use more fuel than necessary for any given trip. One way to make that happen is to use a navigation system each time you head out for a destination. By putting in your destination on your phone or GPS device, you can simply follow the step-by-step instructions to make sure you are taking the best path. Get into this habit and you’ll not only save some gas but you’ll also avoid the frustrating outcome of getting lost along the way.

#2 – Don’t Speed
That’s right – obeying the speed limit can help you save money. Fuel usage is optimized within a reasonable range of speed that coincides with how you are supposed to be driving on most roads. If you regularly floor it much faster than the law allows, you’ll burn up extra fuel along the way – and you will probably pick up a few speeding tickets that you have to pay for, as well.

#3 – Don’t Overwork the A/C
Air conditioning is a great feature to have in your vehicle, and you’ll certainly want to use it on those hot summer afternoons. With that said, running the air conditioning too long or too high will take a toll on your fuel efficiency. Try to use the A/C in shifts, running it for a while to cool off and then giving it a break.

#4 – Tire Pressure is Important
Another tip with an eye toward fuel efficiency is to pay attention to your tire pressure. Keeping your tire pressure in an optimal range will reduce the resistance you encounter on the road, meaning you won’t have to use as much gas to move along. Over time, your tire pressure may gradually drop, so check on it from time to time and have it topped off when needed to keep it at the right level.

#5 – Keep Up with Service
Often, when it comes to owning a vehicle, you have to spend money in order to save money. That is particularly true when it comes to ongoing service for your car or truck. Keep up with the schedule of maintenance that is required on your vehicle so you can catch any issues before they turn into bigger problems down the line. Taylor & Sons Chevrolet will be happy to get you on a consistent service plan that is both affordable and convenient.

#6 – Don’t Get Lazy
If you packed some heavy gear in your vehicle for a trip, don’t just leave it in your car or truck because you don’t want to do the work to take it out. Carrying extra weight is a sure way to use up more gas, so you’ll be paying for leaving those things in your vehicle every time you pull out of the driveway.

#7 – Cruise Control is Your Friend
Holding a steady speed is ideal on the freeway because you aren’t coming on and off the throttle and burning up extra fuel for no reason. It can be tricky to hold a steady speed manually, but vehicles with cruise control can do that job for you. Of course, you still need to pay attention to the road and be ready to adjust the speed when necessary, but smart use of cruise control is another way to tighten up your fuel consumption.

#8 – Pick the Right Vehicle
It’s not worth the expense to buy a new vehicle only with fuel costs in mind, but it is smart to keep this factor in mind when you are shopping for a new vehicle anyway. Buying a model that gets good gas mileage can save you thousands of dollars over the years, especially if you tend to drive a lot of miles. Of course, the vehicle will also need to meet your other needs, so use fuel economy as one of many factors when making your decision.

#9 – Consolidate Trips
The best way to cut down on fuel costs is to simply stay off the road. That isn’t always possible, of course, but you can cut down on how often you drive by planning ahead. Try to accomplish more than one task each time you head out, as that may allow you to stay home on a future day and not spend any money at all on fuel.

#10 – Behave Yourself
One cost of driving that we haven’t yet covered is insurance. You’ll need to carry insurance as a driver, and the cost of that insurance can add up – especially if you have a spotty record and look like a risky driver to the insurance company. Obeying the rules of the road and staying out of trouble will go a long way toward keeping your premiums down and minimizing the cost of carrying insurance month after month.

The tips above aren’t going to make driving free, but hopefully, they’ll take away a bit of the expense you incur each month to get from one place to another and back again. We appreciate the time you have taken to visit our site and please reach out to Taylor & Sons Chevrolet at any time if we can serve you.

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The oil in your vehicle’s engine is one of the most important components in the entire system. Engine oil is needed to keep everything lubed up and working properly, and that oil will only work for so long before it needs to be replaced. As a car owner, tracking the condition of your oil is an important step to stay on track over the long run.

If you need an oil change or any other kind of service or repair, turn to Taylor & Sons Chevrolet right away for assistance. We have a talented team of technicians and always offer fair pricing on our services. Give us a call or stop by today to schedule your appointment.

Why Check Your Oil?

There are two good reasons to check on the oil in your vehicle. First, checking the oil will reveal how much is left in the reservoir, which is important to make sure there is enough oil to keep everything properly lubricated during operation. If the oil is low, you can add a quart or two to bring it up to the right level and avoid any trouble related to this issue.

Also, checking your oil will show you what condition the oil is in and how much it has broken down as the miles have added up. You shouldn’t expect the oil to look as it did when it was new, but oil that has badly degraded should be replaced promptly – and it might be indicative of a bigger issue that needs to be addressed.

A Basic Process

It’s not complicated to check on the oil in your vehicle, but there are some common mistakes that you need to avoid. First, we’ll walk through the steps of the process, so you understand how to go about viewing the status of your oil. In the next section, we’ll touch on the key mistakes you don’t want to make.

• With the engine off, find a safe place to park and open the hood of your vehicle. If you drive a large vehicle like a pickup truck, you might need a stepstool to get up high enough to access the right spot in the engine bay.
• Look for the end of the dipstick, which is what needs to be removed so you can review the oil. Typically, the end of the dipstick will have a plastic coating and it will feature a bright color – often yellow – that makes it easy to spot. While the precise location of the dipstick will vary from vehicle to vehicle, it is measuring the engine oil so it will not be too far from the center of the space under the hood.
• While it might seem silly, the first thing you are going to do when reviewing the dipstick is to wipe it off and put it right back into the engine. You want to get a fresh reading, so cleaning off the stick and then dipping it back in is the best way to do just that. You can wipe it off with a rag or a paper towel. When the stick is clean, you’ll notice that there is are minimum and maximum markings on the stick. This is the range where the oil level should come to when filled to an appropriate level.
• After dipping the stick back in the engine, pull it out and see how far up the oil goes. If it is within that range, you saw earlier, you are all set for quantity. If it’s below the minimum mark, some oil needs to be added. Also, look at the color of the oil during this check. If it’s very dark – dark brown or even black – consider having the oil changed right away.

All in all, it will only take a few moments to check the oil in your engine. As always when working with your vehicle, be careful to take safety precautions and don’t do anything you aren’t comfortable with. If necessary, take your vehicle to an auto shop to have the oil checked and any service performed.

Don’t Make These Errors

As you can see, inspecting your oil is fairly easy. As mentioned earlier, however, you can make some mistakes that will either give you incorrect results or put you in danger. Review the points below to avoid these missteps.

• Hot engine. If you have just been driving around for a while, it’s best to let your engine cool off before taking a reading. For one thing, everything under the hood is quite hot after you’ve been driving, so it’s easy to burn yourself when trying to check the oil. Also, you might not get an accurate reading until things settle down and cool off. With that said, check your owner’s manual to see if it is recommended that the oil should be checked when the engine is cold or warm.
• Parking on a hill. You want to be on a flat surface when checking your oil. Parking on a slope can tilt the oil either toward or away from you, leading to an incorrect reading. Also, it can be more dangerous to work under the hood while the vehicle isn’t on flat ground.
• Adding too much. If your oil reading comes back low, it’s a good idea to add some oil – but you don’t want to pour in too much. After you add a quart, give it some time before you take another reading and see where you are at. The oil won’t get all the way down to the bottom immediately, so checking quickly could cause you to add more than is required.

You can make a habit of checking the condition of your oil on your own, or you can simply get on a schedule of regular oil changes with Taylor & Sons Chevrolet. By coming in periodically for an oil change, you’ll be able to stay ahead of the game and avoid letting your oil degrade too far. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and we hope to serve you soon!

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Chevrolet is one of the most successful car brands in history. You won’t have to drive far on the roads of Idaho – or anywhere else across the country – before you spot a Chevrolet on the road with you. The combination of reliable performance, comfort, innovative design, and a great variety of models has served this brand well for generations.

In this article, we’d like to take a closer look at some of the top selling Chevrolet vehicles on the market today. If you want to check out one of these for yourself, feel free to visit Taylor & Sons Chevrolet at your convenience for help from a member of our friendly team. We’d love to show you around!

Chevrolet Silverado
Given the tremendous popularity of pickup trucks both here in Idaho and across the country, this was the obvious place to start our list. The Silverado is a huge seller for the Chevy brand, and for good reason. Whether you need to get things done on the job or you just want a versatile vehicle with plenty of space for your favorite people and your favorite toys, the Silverado won’t disappoint.

One of the many great things about this model is the way it can be customized to suit your needs. If you are looking for a truck that will offer respectable gas mileage blended with great performance, you can go with one of the smaller engine options and still be left with a very capable truck. On the other end of the spectrum, you can go with a big V8 engine to maximize power and up the towing capacity dramatically. Whatever you have in mind for your ideal truck, a version of the Silverado is sure to serve you well.

Chevrolet Equinox
Nothing has changed the vehicle landscape more in the past couple of decades than the emergence of SUVs. This vehicle category simply didn’t exist a generation or so ago, and now it dominates the roads thanks to the blend of features that the average SUV provides. Of course, the Equinox is not an average SUV, which is why it is one of the top sellers and has been for years.

Like the Silverado, you can pick out the right version of the Equinox to match up with what is important for your lifestyle. This vehicle can be impressively economical when it comes to fuel consumption, but it can also be surprisingly powerful with the right setup. Many buyers are drawn to the Equinox model because it has capacity for up to five, yet it doesn’t come with the large body that some other SUV options feature.

Chevrolet Suburban
Speaking of large SUVs, that might be exactly what you need to get your family around the area in comfort. If a big vehicle is what you are after, it’s hard to do better than the iconic Suburban. This sizeable SUV has beautiful interiors available, can offer more than 400 horsepower, and has plenty of legroom in both the middle and back rows. Whether you go with the base model to keep the price down, or you upgrade into the higher trims like the High Country or Premier to enjoy a luxurious experience, the Suburban is the ultimate family vehicle.

Chevrolet Trax
While this next option also technically is included in the SUV category, it’s a whole world away from the Suburban. The Trax is a compact vehicle that is designed to offer you a comfortable driving experience and outstanding fuel economy along the way. With that said, there is still a meaningful amount of cargo space offered, and you can select all-wheel drive if you want to explore some areas beyond where the roads end.

Another appealing feature of the Chevy Trax is the modest price tag. This is one of the most affordable Chevy vehicles on the market today, so you can purchase an SUV from this respected and proven brand without having to break the bank. If you are on a tight budget for your purchase and want to get a quality vehicle for your investment, the Trax is a good place to look.

Chevrolet Colorado
The Silverado is not the only truck in the Chevy lineup. For many buyers who want a truck, the smaller Colorado is a great blend of the features and performance of a bigger truck while occupying less room on the road – and taking a smaller chunk out of the bank. With the V6 engine, this truck is still more than capable of offering some solid towing power, so you don’t have to give up too much when opting for the smaller of the two Chevy trucks. And, if you happen to have a significant commute to deal with day after day, the fuel savings enjoyed with the Colorado will be a welcome break.

Chevrolet Bolt EV
We can’t finish this article without mentioning the Chevy Bolt EV. As electric vehicles play a bigger and bigger role in the market, Chevy has certainly not been left behind. The Bolt can provide an estimated range of more than 250 miles, but it’s not all about being practical – this compact vehicle can also get up to 60 MPH in just 6.5 seconds. You might wish to completely make the switch to electric cars, or you might have one electric car and one gas or diesel vehicle in the driveway for a balance of capabilities. As a daily driver that will steer you clear of the gas pumps, the Bolt is worthy of a closer look.

So, which Chevy will be right for you? It’s hard to imagine that there isn’t something in the Chevy lineup that is perfect for your needs. With such a diverse menu of choices, and so many great features throughout the line, it’s only a matter of considering how each of the models lines up with your needs before you make a purchase. For help with that process, or to simply see these cars for yourself, come by Taylor & Sons Chevrolet today.

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Being prepared is one of the best ways to set yourself up for an enjoyable road trip. Whether you have taken countless long road trips in your life or will soon be heading out on your first one, it’s always a good idea to review what is going with you. Of course, the list of items you’ll want to pack is going to vary somewhat depending on the trip you have in mind, but there are some basics across the board.

In addition to packing wisely, you’ll also want to get your vehicle ready to go. For that, stop by Taylor & Sons Chevrolet to have some basic maintenance performed such as an oil change, fluids check, etc. Our professional team will get you all set up for an affordable price and with a quick turnaround time. We are excited to serve you!

Start with Practical Supplies

The first thing you want to think about is the practical items that you should have in your vehicle as a responsible traveler. These aren’t things that are meant to make your trip more fun – they are just there in case you need them. You’ll want to customize this list to suit your traveling plans, but here is a good starting point –

• Jumper cables. One of the possibilities you’ll want to prepare for is a dead battery in your vehicle. Whether you happen to leave something on and drain the battery, or maybe it’s just old and doesn’t take a charge well anymore, a battery that is out of juice can leave you stuck. With jumper cables in your vehicle, you’ll have the equipment you need to get started – you’ll just need another vehicle willing to help out. If you will be visiting particularly remote areas where others aren’t likely to be seen, consider also carrying a portable starter that can give your battery enough power to get the engine up and running.
• First aid kit. Of course, you don’t want to find yourself in a position where you need to use a first aid kit on a road trip, but it’s important to have as an insurance policy. And, it should be noted that you don’t need to be badly injured or anything like that to have the first aid kit come in hand. Perhaps you just get a small cut on your hand, or maybe you have a headache and need some medication – in both of those minor cases, the first aid kit could make you more comfortable.
• Water bottles. This is always a good idea to keep in your vehicle. If you happen to get stuck for a period of time – especially on a hot day – you will be glad you packed away a few water bottles to keep everyone hydrated. Having backup water could also come in handy if you find yourself dealing with an overheated vehicle.
• Blanket. Even if you will be traveling during the summer, it’s still a good idea to bring a blanket along for the journey. Nighttime temperatures can drop dramatically in many areas even when daytime highs are up into the 80s or 90s. When folded up neatly, a small blanket won’t take up much room in the vehicle and it will be there if you happen to need it.

Turn Your Attention Toward Comfort

With the practical stuff out of the way and packed for the trip, we can now turn our attention to some other things you might want to bring along to make the trip more enjoyable for everyone. You probably won’t deem the items on the list below as essentials but picking at least one of two of them to include could help you have a great time.

• Charging cords. In the modern world, this one is pretty much a must – and it can contribute both to safety and entertainment. With charging cords for your various devices, you can keep your batteries topped off and not run out of phone power when you need it to use navigation, make a call, or just play some music through your vehicle’s speakers.
• Something to read. If you will be traveling with at least one other person, and if you will be sharing the driving duties, there might be some time to read along the way. Having a good book, or even just a magazine, is a nice way to pass the time and enjoy something that you might not be able to fit into your schedule very often at home.
• Sunglasses. This is one that you don’t want to forget. Technically, you could get through the road trip without sunglasses, but that might make for a long day out on the road on a sunny day. The nice thing here is that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to check this one off the list – even rather cheap sunglasses will get the job done effectively.
• Some snacks. For road trips that are going to take you out into rural areas, you don’t want to find yourself hours from the nearest city and without anything to eat. Pack up some shelf-stable snacks as part of your travel kit so you always have something to reach for when hunger strikes.
• Some toiletries. These are items that you are likely taking anyway for your overnights, but it’s nice to keep them close at hand in the car, as well. Things like wipes, sunscreen, a hairbrush, and even your toothbrush can help make time on the road far more comfortable.
• Entertainment for the kids. Finally, if this road trip is going to involve children, be sure to think of them as an important piece of the packing puzzle. Kids are notoriously hard to entertain during a long car ride, so pack some games and other things that will grab their attention and help to pass the time until you reach your destination.

Take a little bit of time in advance of your upcoming road trip to collect what you need for the journey and organize it, so it doesn’t take up too much space in your vehicle. This small step can help you hit the road with confidence when the time comes to head out for your destination. Travel safe!

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