If you do a lot of driving in the summer months, as many people do, you may run the risk of having your vehicle overheat on a hot highway. As temperatures soar into the 90s and beyond, it can be hard to keep your vehicle cool if you are facing a long drive – and that’s especially true if you are covering hilly terrain. So, it’s important to have a game plan for how you will respond if your vehicle does overheat, and we’ll discuss that topic in the content below.

Are you in the market for a new or used vehicle to explore the area with this summer? Or maybe your current vehicle is in need of some basic repair and maintenance work? Whatever the case, Taylor & Sons Chevrolet is here to serve you. Give us a call or stop by today to learn more.

Watch for the Warning Signs

Before you find yourself dealing with an overheated car, it’s a good idea to keep track of warning signs as you travel that the temperature in your engine might be getting too high. Fortunately, you don’t have to be an expert on this topic to watch for things that point to an overheating vehicle.

First and foremost, pay attention to the temperature gauge on your dash. The location of this gauge will vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle, but it’s always in a spot that is easy to see. It’s normal for the temperature gauge to hang somewhere around the middle of the range as you travel, but you should start to pay attention if it jumps up near the high reading. Make it a habit to check this gauge periodically as you drive to watch for signs of elevated temperatures.

Another sign of overheating is some steam escaping from under the hood of the vehicle, or unusual odors making their way into the cabin. If possible, pull the car over to a safe location if you suspect that it is starting to overheat. This is the kind of problem that it is better to get ahead of and be proactive rather than waiting until it potentially gets worse.

Playing the Waiting Game

If you have decided to pull over because the engine of your vehicle was getting too hot, the best thing you can do is simply to wait. You might be frustrated while not making any progress on your trip but do your best to set that to the side and just let some time pass. With the engine off, it will gradually start to cool. It will be tempting to open the hood to let the engine cool off faster, but that is a move that could put you in danger. Given the extreme temperatures in place under the hood, you’ll want to do nothing and just let the heat dissipate naturally.

Take a Look

Once the engine has cooled down to a more manageable temperature, you can carefully open the hood and see what is going on. Often, an overheating engine is a symptom of a coolant leak, so you might find that you are running low on coolant at this point. Opening the radiator and adding coolant could make the rest of your journey much easier to manage. If you have coolant on board and ready to use, this is a pretty easy job to complete by yourself.

Before you do anything, however, remember that the engine is still very hot! Yes, it has cooled down some from its hottest state, but it is still way too hot to touch with your bare hands. The radiator cap can easily burn your hand, so use something like a thick glove or a folded towel to protect yourself when opening it. Also, don’t look down into the reservoir while opening, as there could still be steam waiting to escape. Fill the radiator to the full line, and also top off the overflow tank nearby.

Proceed Carefully

If you are able to add coolant and your vehicle seems like it is ready to move on, get started slowly and watch how things go. Hopefully, the temperature will now stay down in an appropriate range, and you can make it the rest of the way. However, if the temperature does jump right back up, you’ll want to stop again and possibly call for help. At some point, it will be necessary to get to the bottom of what is going on so the cooling system can be corrected, and you can stay away from this problem in the future.

An Unusual Tip

We need to offer up one other piece of advice – as surprising as it may be – for when you find yourself facing an overheating vehicle. As soon as you notice that the engine is starting to overheat, turn the heater inside the cab all the way up to its highest setting. While it might seem like the last thing you would want in this situation is more heat, you’ll be heating up the cab, and that just might help to keep the heat from rising too high in the engine bay.

The idea here is basically to pull the heat from the engine area into the vehicle. This will obviously create quite the uncomfortable situation inside the cab, but you might have to deal with that discomfort and a bit of sweat for a while until you can resolve this situation. Also, don’t turn back to the air conditioner for relief, as this will only serve to move the engine temperature higher.

With proper planning and preparation, you may be able to avoid entirely the issue of your vehicle overheating. If it does happen, however, we hope this article will help you respond appropriately and get back on the road as soon as it is safe to do so. Thank you for stopping by and we hope to see you at Taylor & Sons Chevrolet soon!

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One of the great things about living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest is the endless road trip possibilities that are waiting at the end of the driveway. If you feel like getting out and exploring the world, you have plenty to pick from in this part of the world – and you won’t even need to drive that far to find something incredible.

As road trip season nears, take some time to care for your vehicle and get it ready for these adventures. A good starting point would be to bring it in to Taylor & Sons Chevrolet for a basic service visit as soon as possible. With service checked off your to-do list, you can get down to work on planning your next road trip getaway with family or friends. Have fun out there!

Clean It Out
Road trips have a way of filling your car up with junk. Along the road, you’ll inevitably pick up some snacks, souvenirs, and random other items that just cause your vehicle to get more and more crowded as you go. You might not be able to avoid this outcome on your next road trip, but you can get a head start by cleaning it out properly before you leave.

For starters, simply take everything out of your vehicle – and we mean everything. Make organized piles of what was in your car at the start of this exercise and then you can gradually start to put things back as you go. There will be some things that obviously need to go back in, like documentation and some safety supplies, but other things will likely get left behind in the interest of saving space. Also, while the vehicle is emptied out, vacuum up the carpets and wipe down the hard surfaces to get it as clean as you can. Few things feel nicer at the start of a long road trip than leaving in a clean, comfortable vehicle.

Get Up to Date on Service
If there are any routine service visits coming up for your vehicle, make it a point to have them performed before you go on your road trip. Even if the actual date for the service hasn’t quite arrived, or if you haven’t reached the recommended mileage, consider moving this up on your calendar just to get it done ahead of time. You’ll be racking up the miles on your road trip, so get ahead of the service visit game instead of blowing past that milestone while out on vacation.

Of course, you’ll want to take your vehicle to a trusted service department in the area, and that means stopping by Taylor & Sons Chevrolet at your convenience. We would be happy to help you decide what services need to be performed now and we’ll check out your vehicle to see if any other repairs are in order. If possible, get your service visit scheduled at least a week or two before you are supposed to leave so you don’t add any stress to the process by trying to squeeze this in at the last minute.

Are Your Tires Ready?
You’ll want to head out onto the open road with tires that are up for the challenge. If this is a summer road trip and you don’t expect to encounter any wild weather conditions, a standard set of all-season tires should be an appropriate pick. Of course, those tires should be in good condition and have plenty of tread left to grip the road. Also, be sure you have a spare onboard and check to make sure that spare is in good condition, as well.

If you need to replace your tires before your road trip, do so with enough time to spare that you’ll be able to break in the tires before setting off. You don’t really want to head immediately out of town on a long road trip on brand new tires, just in case any issues come up. By having the new tires put on a couple of weeks or more in advance, you can use them for day-to-day outings and see how things go. Then, you’ll feel a lot more confident when leaving for your road trip, knowing your tires are up to the task.

Shopping for Accessories
While not necessary in most cases, you might want to think about shopping for some road trip accessories that you can add to your vehicle. Some of the many possible ideas out there include the following –
• Power bank. You’ll probably rely on your phone quite a bit during your travels, and it’s easy to burn through your battery while using GPS, making calls, watching videos, etc. Picking up a power bank that you can keep in your car is a great way to have a mobile power source available that you can lean on when your devices start to dip into the red.
• Seatback organizer. While this is an accessory commonly used by parents to keep track of all the stuff their kids need for a road trip, you don’t have to be a mom or dad to put it to good use. Strap it over the back of one of the front seats and suddenly you’ll have plenty of storage space available for all sorts of small items.
• Phone mount. Driving safely means keeping your hands off your phone while on the road, but you still may want to use that phone for directions or even to play music. With a mount in your vehicle that will hold your phone nicely in place as you travel, you can keep it out of your hands but still harness the many functions that it offers to make your trip more enjoyable.

Serving the Ponderay and Sandpoint areas for years, Taylor & Sons Chevrolet is a trusted name in the community, and we will be happy to get your vehicle ready for road trips or whatever else might be on your agenda. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment. Thank you for your time!

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By the time spring rolls around in Idaho, it is usually welcomed with open arms by local residents. Even if you love the cold weather and look forward to winter each year, you are probably ready to thaw out a bit and see the world around you turn green once again. As spring arrives, it’s a good idea to think about taking some steps to get your car ready for what is likely to be a busier time of year.

With this post, we’d like to provide some quick tips on how you can get your car ready for the warmer weather to come. Of course, if you need any help with maintenance or repair projects, reach out to Taylor & Sons Chevrolet for assistance. We have a talented service staff ready to serve you, and we also offer a great inventory of new and used vehicles if you are ready to make a change in your driveway. We are excited to serve you!

Start with Your Tires
Living in such a harsh winter climate, many drivers in our area switch to winter tires for the cold part of the year. This might just mean something with an aggressive tread pattern and more flexible rubber compound, or it could mean tires with studs for additional traction. Either way, that set of tires will serve you well from roughly November through March or April, but soon enough you’ll need to switch back to the set of tires you use for warmer weather driving.
When you switch back, check on the condition of your summer tires to make sure they are ready for another year of use. If they have been stored properly through the winter, they should be in roughly the same condition as you left them – but it’s still smart to give them a quick review and look for any signs of trouble. After all, if they do need to be replaced, it would be more convenient to do that at the start of the season than to have them put back on and then make a change shortly thereafter.

How’s the Air Conditioning Working?
It’s easy enough to forget that your car even has air conditioning while living through an Idaho winter. As spring moves in and the temperatures creep up, however, you’ll find yourself reaching for that dial soon enough. Even if you don’t quite need it on a given day, get the air conditioning running and see how it works. If you don’t get as much cold air as you would expect after letting it run for a bit, consider having the system checked and topped off to make sure it can get the job done once the true heat of the summer arrives.

Have Your Battery Level Checked
The frigid nights that are typical during winter in this part of the world can take a toll on your car’s battery. This probably won’t be a big deal if your battery is relatively new, but an older battery might start to struggle to recharge while you are driving around. Spring is a perfect time to have the battery level checked to see if it should be replaced or if it has enough juice to serve you for another year. Given the relatively modest price of a car battery, this is one of those things that is better to get out ahead of than to have to scramble later on once the battery is completely wiped out.

New Wipers are a Quick Upgrade
The windshield wipers on your car can take a surprising beating during the winter months. This is because any bits of ice that are left on the windshield when you run the wipers will wreak havoc on the rubber blades, potentially taking out small chunks and leaving them unable to wipe the windshield cleanly when rain arrives. It’s best to try and not run the wipers over an icy windshield, but it’s bound to happen from time to time in this type of climate.

So, it makes sense to check out the condition of your wipers in the spring and think about replacing them. Wipers are very affordable and swapping them out is a job you can probably do on your own. As long as you know the make, model, and year of your vehicle, you can get the appropriate wipers from any auto parts store, or online. And, if you switch them out just as spring is arriving, you’ll know that you can count on a nice clear windshield to see through even in a heavy downpour.

A Detailed Wash
Lastly, spring is a great time to wash your vehicle thoroughly. Winter is hard on the exterior of a car or truck, as things like sand and deicing chemicals are applied to the roads in the winter and then wind up getting blasted up onto the sides of your vehicle. Since winter weather doesn’t particularly compel you to get outside and wash your vehicle with a hose, you probably just let it go throughout the cold months.

With those winter driving conditions in the past, give your car or truck a good wash and get it ready for nicer weather. You may choose to do this wash on your own, or you could head to a local car wash to have it done for you. Either way, this will be a good step toward protecting the condition of your vehicle over the long run, and it will help your vehicle look its best. Make it a point to wash it periodically throughout the coming spring, summer, and fall, so you can go into next winter with a clear car that is ready to take a beating once again.

You shouldn’t need to do a lot of work to get your car ready for spring but managing the simple points above will go a long way toward helping you have good experiences on the roads of northern Idaho and beyond. Thank you for stopping by and we wish you safe travels!

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When the need arises to have your vehicle repaired or serviced, you’ll have a couple of different options available. On the one hand, you could head to a private auto shop to have the work completed, and there are plenty of reputable ones in the greater Ponderay area. Alternatively, you could come to the dealership to get the service you need. If you are currently trying to make this decision, we’d like to present five compelling reasons to choose the dealership as your preferred partner.

At Taylor & Sons Chevrolet, you are sure to be impressed by the reliable and experienced service department that is ready and waiting to care for your car or truck. Give us a call to find out more or to schedule your first appointment.

#1 – Excellent Training
When you trust someone – anyone – to work on your vehicle, you want to be sure they have the right training and experience to get the job done correctly. At a dealership like Taylor & Sons Chevrolet, you can have that confidence right from the start. All of our technicians are fully trained and well qualified to perform the tasks that you need to have completed.

So, does this mean that all technicians at independent shops are not to be trusted? Of course not – there are plenty of good ones who have been trained and have years of experience. But it can be tricky to find them, and hard to know how you can steer clear of the bad ones. By working with a dealership, you can be sure you are in good hands, and you can look forward to getting your vehicle back and out on the road once again.

#2 – The Right Parts
A big piece of the service and repair puzzle is making sure that the right parts are used in your vehicle. At an independent shop, you might need to ask about whether the shop is using OEM – original equipment manufacturer – parts, or third-party components that may not quite live up to the same quality standards. After all, even if the work is done properly, using a cheap part in your vehicle is likely to have implications later on down the line.

This is not something you need to worry about with a dealership. In a dealership service department, authentic parts will be used, and the dealership should have a plentiful supply, so you don’t have to wait very long for the job to be completed. And while it’s true that OEM parts are typically a little more expensive than third-party components, that difference is often not nearly as much as you might think. Given the importance of using good parts in your vehicle, it’s worth the minor upgrade in price to get something that you can expect to last and do the job correctly.

#3 – A Lasting Relationship
If you choose to work with a dealership for your service and maintenance needs, you can build a relationship with that dealership that lasts for years – and extends to other areas of the business. For example, the time will come when you are ready to trade your current vehicle in for a new one, and you can do that at the same dealership where you’ve been bringing it for service all along. Basically, you’ll have a partner in the automotive industry who will be ready to serve you, no matter what may come up. This is a nice alternative to hopping around from one auto shop to the next, always looking for a good deal but never settling in and building a relationship with a team that will have your best interests in mind.

#4 – A Well-Equipped Shop
In a dealership service department, you can expect to find all the equipment needed to take on any repair or maintenance challenge. Often, smaller independent shops will not quite have the same budget or resources as a dealership, meaning they won’t have the same level of equipment available to work on your vehicle. While they’ll still be able to get the job done most of the time, there might be certain services they can’t provide, or it might take a little longer to finish some tasks.

This is a matter of convenience for you as the customer. By working with a dealership, you can rest assured that they already have what they need inside the shop, so they’ll get down to work immediately. That should translate into fewer delays and fewer surprises along the way. In the end, you get your vehicle back when you expected to get it back, and you can go about your life without worrying about lingering car maintenance issues.

#5 – Warranty Considerations
If you would like to have some warranty coverage on your vehicle, or if you already have a warranty in place and want work done under that coverage instead of out of pocket, heading to the dealer is the way to go. The dealership will work together with the manufacturer to manage the warranty side of things so you can get the work you need done as soon as possible.

It should be mentioned that you might find some smaller shops that will cover their work for a period of time, but those terms will vary from place to place. Always ask about what kind of warranty comes with repair work before you allow anyone to perform work on your car or truck. By just coming to Taylor & Sons Chevrolet for all your service needs, you can rest assured that you are in good hands, and we’ll get you back on the road as soon as possible.
No matter who you choose to do the work on your vehicle, make an appointment right away to get it done as soon as possible. We pride ourselves on offering prompt service to our many loyal customers, so reach out today to find out when we can get you in. Thanks for stopping by!

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Owning a car offers the kind of freedom that few other possessions can deliver. With a car, you always have a quick, efficient mode of transportation close at hand – and that’s something that shouldn’t be taken for granted. With that said, owning a car alone is not quite enough to optimize your time on the roads. In this article, we’d like to talk about five other things every car owner should have available.

Of course, if you don’t yet own a car, or if yours is about ready to be replaced, turn to Taylor & Sons Chevrolet for assistance. With a friendly and experienced team of professionals and an inventory of new and used options, we’ll be glad to help you find the right ride for your lifestyle and budget. Come see us right away!

#1 – An Emergency Kit
No one expects to run into an emergency when they head out of the house for the day. Yet, these kinds of things happen regularly, especially in a place that can have volatile weather conditions. It’s easy to fall into a false sense of security when you leave in your car for the day, and that’s only gotten more common in the age of smartphones. Sure, your phone may be able to help you call for help, but don’t think of that as a sure thing. Instead, assemble a basic emergency kit that can help you get through a difficult time while waiting for help to arrive.

So, what should be in your emergency kit? You are free to create it as you see fit, but some good starting items are a first aid kit, a couple of bottles of water, and some shelf-stable snacks. When driving in the winter months, it’s also a good idea to have a blanket in your kit. You may want to put in a flashlight, as well, in case the emergency situation occurs at night. If any batteries are in your kit to power things like flashlights, be sure to check those batteries annually to make sure they are still good.

#2 – A Tire Plan
Okay, so this one isn’t exactly something you purchase, but it’s an important point to have on the list. One of the most likely issues you may run into on the roads is a flat tire, so you want to have a plan for how you are going to deal with that situation if it should occur.

For some people, that plan will mean changing the tire and putting on the spare. That is a good option if you are comfortable doing the work and know how to do it properly. If you aren’t comfortable changing a tire, however, don’t put yourself in a dangerous situation by trying to do it anyway. In that case, your plan should be to have a phone number on hand – maybe even written down in the glove box – that you can call for roadside assistance. Knowing in advance how you will respond to a flat tire will make it easier to think clearly in the moment.

#3 – Documentation
This is something you learn when you first go through Driver’s Ed classes, but a reminder is always a good idea. There are three basic pieces of information that you will need to present if you are pulled over or if you get in an accident and deal with the police – your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration. Of course, you need to make sure these three documents are always up to date. It’s easy to forget about your registration and drive around with a copy in the glove box that expired two years ago. Also, make sure these items are easy to find if you are pulled over, as you’ll likely be a little nervous or anxious and may not remember if you have tucked them away in an unusual spot.

#4 – Jumper Cables
There really isn’t any good reason not to put a set of jumper cables in your vehicle. They are an affordable item to purchase, they don’t have a shelf life, and they take up very little space under the seat or in the trunk. However, just like we mentioned with changing a tire, this is something you should only do if you are comfortable with the task. If you don’t know how to perform a jumpstart, don’t mess around with electricity – get help from someone who knows how to do it instead.

Even if you don’t plan on doing the jump start on your own, carrying cables is still a good idea. With cables on board, all you will need to get a jump is another driver that is willing to help out. The last thing you want to do is find a driver willing to give you a jump only to realize that neither of you has cables. Also, having cables in the car will allow you to be a Good Samaritan in a case where someone else needs a jump and you can help out.

#5 – Your Phone – Out of Reach
We mentioned earlier that you can’t 100% rely on your smartphone to get you out of trouble when driving, and that’s true. With that said, there is no denying the incredible utility of a smartphone, and it’s perhaps the single best piece of safety equipment that you can have with you on a journey.

Of course, your phone improving the safety of your journey is entirely dependent on one thing – not using it while you are actively driving. Get in the habit of always bringing your phone with you but keeping it out of reach while in the driver’s seat. The glovebox is a great place for it to live while you drive, as you won’t be able to see any notifications that may pop up as you travel. It will still be there when you arrive at your destination, and if a need to use the phone comes up before you get where you are going, you can safely get off the road and then use it to make a call or send a message.

At Taylor & Sons Chevrolet, our goal is to make our customers happy and safe by providing quality cars and trucks and a skilled and qualified service department. Contact us today to find out how we can make you a happy customer!

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Potholes are an unfortunate reality that comes along with the driving experience. While we have plenty of great roads here in Idaho, we also have our share of potholes – that comes with the territory in a climate that experiences dramatic temperature changes throughout the year. It’s easy enough to think your car or truck can just roll right over those potholes and keep going, and often it can, but it’s best to avoid them when possible.
This article will discuss the dangers of potholes and why you’ll want to avoid them if you can. If you’ve recently hit a pothole and your vehicle needs some service to get back on track, get in touch with Taylor & Sons Chevrolet today for help. We have a reliable service department that offers honest work to drivers from throughout the Sandpoint, Ponderay, Bonners Ferry, Sagle, and other outlying areas. Make your appointment today!

Safety First
The first, and most important, reason to pay attention to avoid potholes while driving is for your own personal safety, and for the safety of those around you. Going over a pothole doesn’t always result in a dramatic impact on the vehicle, but it can. If you are traveling at a significant speed and you hit a severe pothole in the wrong way, it’s possible to lose control of the car or truck. Not only that, but the impact alone could be enough to cause injuries to those inside the vehicle.
So, avoiding potholes is helpful for keeping people safe. However, there is a word of warning to add here – you don’t want to create a dangerous situation in the process of trying to avoid the pothole. For example, if you swerve out of the way while traveling at a high speed, that action could lead to a loss of control, or you could impact another vehicle nearby. So, when approaching a pothole, it’s best to attempt to avoid it while also paying close attention to what is around your vehicle and how any movements you make will affect others. Basically, it’s the same common-sense advice that applies to any sort of driving situation – be aware, pay attention, and focus on safety above all else.

Considering the Health of Your Vehicle
The health of humans should always be the top priority in a situation like this, but there is also the matter of the health of the car or truck to consider. The violent impact that can occur when a tire strikes the inside of a pothole is not a minor issue, and it can do real damage in just an instant. Some of the possible outcomes include the following –
• Pop a tire. This is probably the most likely potential outcome when you strike a pothole, and it may be the first one you think of when considering this kind of incident. If you hit a pothole at the wrong angle, or at a high enough speed, the impact may be sufficient to pop your tire and leave you with a flat. When you feel such an event happen in the driver’s seat, don’t just assume that your tire made it through okay. Instead, make it a point to find a safe place to get off the road so you can check the tire’s condition for yourself.
• Body damage. Depending on the type of vehicle you drive, and whether it has been modified in any way, you could wind up doing body damage to your car when impacting a pothole. For example, if you have bumpers that ride very low to the ground, it might be that the bumper catches the edge of the pothole before it even gets to the tire. This form of damage may be cosmetic in nature, but it will still be frustrating and likely quite costly to fix.
• Handling problems. It’s relatively easy for a pothole strike to knock your steering out of alignment, and you may soon find that your vehicle is pulling to one side as you drive down a straight road. Again, this is something you might be able to live with for a while, but you’ll want to have it fixed at some point to continue driving safely.
• Wheel denting. The first concern is usually tires when you hit a pothole, but you might go so far as to do wheel damage as well. As you might imagine, it’s important for a wheel to be nicely round, so any damage that takes it out of round will need to be addressed.

This is not an exhaustive list of everything that can occur when you strike a pothole, but these are some of the main issues to keep in mind. It’s always best to avoid potholes, when possible, but be sure to have your vehicle checked out promptly if you do hit one and you suspect that something is wrong in the aftermath.

Pay Attention to Your Route
It can be hard to avoid potholes when you only notice them at the last moment. After all, you might not be able to see it coming until the vehicle in front of you swerves around it, so you can’t be blamed if you aren’t able to miss every one you encounter. However, you can help your chances by paying attention to the condition of the road surfaces on the route you typically travel day after day. You probably use many of the same routes routinely to get to work and other common destinations, so make a mental note if you see any potholes on those roads. Knowing what is coming will help you get your vehicle in a position to steer clear safely.
We hope you are able to avoid any potholes that come your way as you go about day-to-day life. If you do suffer some pothole damage, reach out to Taylor & Sons Chevrolet right away to make an appointment with our service department. It would be our pleasure to take care of any issues and get you back out on the road promptly. Stay safe out there!

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Graduation is an exciting time for any young person. Hitting this milestone and heading off into the “real world” can be intimidating, to be sure, but it is also a time that is filled with many possibilities. And, to explore those possibilities, this is often a time when a car purchase will be made. With so many models and options out there to consider, we thought we would use this article to offer some basic advice to grads on picking out the right car for their life ahead.

At Taylor & Sons Chevrolet, we offer an excellent selection of new and used vehicles for grads and anyone else who may be in the market for a set of wheels. If you are ready to make a purchase, or if you would just like to check out what we have available, stop by soon and speak to a member of our friendly team. We are excited to serve you!

#1 – Think Practical
We get it – you want to make a statement with your first car purchase. It’s easy to get caught up in the various bells and whistles that can be found on modern vehicles, and you want something that you can show off to your family and friends. There is nothing wrong with that, but it’s important that you slow down and first think about practical matters before getting carried away.
At the very least, this car purchase should be something you can afford and something that will meet your needs. If you can find something that serves your practical requirements while also being fun to drive or having some cool features, that’s all the better – but start with practical and work out from there. Remember, the excitement of some of the extras you find may wear out quite quickly, and it’s the ongoing performance of the vehicle that will mean the most to your life.

#2 – Need vs. Want
Along the same lines as the practical discussion, it’s a good idea to think about what you really need in this vehicle purchase, and what would just be nice to have. For example, if you are going to be commuting a significant distance to a new job, buying a vehicle that gets good mileage would probably fall into the “need” category. You don’t want to be spending too much of your salary on fuel each month, after all.
Alternatively, something like leather seats may fall into the “want” category. Yes, they would be nice to have if you like the feel of leather, but they are far from a requirement. Other examples of things that are “wants” could include an upgraded stereo system, a large touchscreen display, etc. Do your best to make a list of both needs and wants and then use that list to help organize your shopping process.

#3 – Start with a Monthly Budget
While the overall price of the vehicle you purchase is important, it’s arguably more important to think about what the monthly cost of ownership will be. That cost of ownership total includes the monthly payment on your auto loan, but that’s only a starting point. Other factors that you need to roll into the math include insurance, ongoing maintenance, and fuel costs. Knowing how much you can afford to spend each month on your car or truck will help you decide what is truly within your budget and what should be left for a day in the future when your budget has grown.

#4 – Plan for a Down Payment
You don’t necessarily have to make a down payment of any significant size to purchase a vehicle – but it sure does help put you in a better position moving forward. If you are able to save up money to use as a down payment, you can bring down the amount that you have to finance, and your monthly payment will be lower as a result. Or you might be able to take out a loan with a shorter term, allowing you to pay off the loan sooner and take ownership of your vehicle outright.
It might take a bit of patience and discipline to collect the money you need to make a solid down payment on your vehicle purchase. Whether you need to wait a bit longer so you can save up, or you need to pick up some extra work in your spare time, you’ll look back and be glad you did what you needed to do to have a down payment in hand when the time came to buy. And, as another bonus, you might qualify for a better interest rate on your loan if you are bringing some cash to the table.

#5 – The Big Picture
It’s easy enough to fall into a mode of getting focused on just purchasing a car – any car – and you can wind up losing sight of the big picture along the way. Why are you purchasing this vehicle? Likely, the answer starts with needing to get back and forth to work, or even just to run basic errands and keep up with your day-to-day life. But there is probably more to your life than those routine patterns. What else do you do? For example, do you have a favorite hobby that you like to engage in? If so, make sure your new vehicle is suited to help you enjoy that activity moving forward. You don’t want this purchase to just work for part of your life – you want it to serve you well across the board.

One of the great things about shopping at Taylor & Sons Chevrolet is the friendly and experienced team that we have waiting to help you through this process. You aren’t going to feel rushed or pressured when you shop with us. Our goal is to sell you the right vehicle for your life, meaning that it fits all your needs from your budget to your lifestyle. Stop by at your convenience to see how we can help!

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The Chevy Silverado has been one of the most popular vehicles on the road for many years, and for good reason. As a reliable, comfortable, versatile pickup truck that is offered with countless options and features, the Silverado is a smart pick for anyone who is serious about their work or play.
With that said, the 2022 version of the Silverado is an exciting new model that elevates the name to an even higher level. In this post, we’d like to take a closer look at some of what you can find on this new model. If you’d like to see one for yourself, or if you are interested in anything else in the Chevy lineup, stop by Taylor & Sons Chevrolet right away for help from our friendly team. We look forward to your visit!

Start On the Outside
If you are familiar with the appearance of Silverado models from the past, the new 2022 model will look familiar – yet refreshed. The front end offers updated styling, yet the truck as a whole remains true to the appearance that has been so popular with so many truck owners. This is a good-looking truck that you will be proud to drive around town and out into the country.
It’s true that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but it’s hard to imagine anyone taking issue with the exterior appearance of the new Silverado. While the standard version of the Silverado looks outstanding on its own, there is also the ZR2 option available for those who want something that looks ready for off-road exploring. Of course, the ZR2 not only looks the part of an off-roader, but it can get the job done in that setting, as well.

Moving Inside
Driving a truck that looks good on the outside is important to most buyers, but it’s inside where you will be spending most of your time. So, what’s the view like from the driver’s seat? It’s a similar theme to the outside of the truck, as you’ll recognize the interior as distinctively Chevy yet updated to meet modern expectations. Other than the basic Work Truck trim, the rest of the lineup has an updated interior design that is centered around a large infotainment screen.
Another feature you have come to expect from Chevy is an interior that feels nice and comfortable, with quality materials throughout. That’s not going to change in the 2022 Silverado, and you can opt for the nicest of high-end finishes by upgrading to some of the loftier trim packages like the LTZ or the High Country. We are sure that you will find this truck to be a nice place to spend your time, whether you are commuting back and forth to work or taking it for adventures throughout Idaho and beyond.

What’s Under the Hood?
The parts of a truck that you typically see – like the interior and exterior – only tell part of the story. What is found under the hood will naturally have a lot to do with how the truck performs, and whether or not it is a good fit for your needs. Whether you are technically inclined and understand the detailed differences between engines or you just want one that will get the job done, you still need to know what’s available.
It’s nice to know that there are several different options offered in the 2022 Silverado. The one you pick is going to depend entirely on how you plan to use the truck. Are you going to be logging lots of miles on the highway, meaning gas mileage is a top priority? In that case, look to the turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine or the 3.0-liter diesel. If you are looking for power and towing capacity, turn your attention to one of the V8 engines offered – either the 5.3-liter or 6.2-liter.

Other Interesting Notes
Shopping for a new 2022 Silverado pickup truck is an exciting experience simply because there are so many possibilities. No matter what you have in mind for your next truck, it’s almost certain that the Silverado can fit the bill. Before we wrap up this article, let’s touch on a few other points featured in this new model.
• The inclusion of tech is a focal point of the new Silverado, and you won’t have to go up to the top trim levels to find it. For everything from the LT package up, you will get a big 13.4-inch touchscreen that offers some of the latest tech features in the business. Whether you want to enjoy your favorite music or control vehicle functions with your voice, it’s all here.
• You are probably already familiar with the reputation for durability that Chevy carries. While these are certainly trucks you can rely on, they also come with solid warranty protection to cover your investment, like a powertrain warranty that extends to five years or 60,000 miles.
• For those who plan on towing heavy loads, the Silverado is ready to take on the challenge. Depending on the exact truck you select, it’s possible to achieve a towing capacity in excess of 13,000 pounds.
• Many safety features come standard on every 2022 Silverado. You shouldn’t have to upgrade to high-end packages to enjoy safety technology, and you won’t need to when picking out your new Chevy truck. Some of the many features included on this truck are automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. No matter where you head in your adventures, those safety features will be right along with you for the journey.
• If you are serious about the sound in your vehicles, the available Bose Premium audio system will be an appealing option to consider as you shop.

What’s not to love about the new 2022 Silverado? While it all sounds great in an article, it’s even better when you see it in person. Given the tremendous popularity of this impressive truck, they tend to go quickly after arriving on the lot. Stop by Taylor & Sons Chevrolet to learn more about pricing and availability. We hope to see you soon!

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Getting an oil change is one of the fundamental maintenance activities every car owner should endeavor to partake in periodically. It will ensure that your vehicle runs fairly for as long as you need it. This is because the failure to change or improperly change your vehicle’s oil can lead to fundamental damage to the car engine or even cause physical damage to the driver.

Types of Engine Oil
There are three different engine oil types: synthetically blended oil, conventional oil, and full synthetic oil. Generally, conventional oils are the most reasonably priced, and the only disadvantage is that they break down faster than the other blends. The full synthetic blend is composed both conventional and synthetic oil, so it appears thicker. Finally, for pure synthetic blends, it is the densest and does not break down as fast as the other options hence why they don’t require to be frequently changed.

The age of your vehicle should determine your choice of oil, for instance, for a new automobile that you want to maintain for the longest possible period. It is highly suggested that you bear the extra expense by paying for the full synthetic blend as it saves you the hassle of frequently changing its oil, and your engine would run better and smoothly.

However, in the case where your car is much older or worth at most $2,000, then you might not be inclined to undergo a lot of expense on your engine oil. In this instance, conventional oil would be more cost-effective and functional.

Most car manufacturers have established that after 3,000 to 5,000 miles, an oil change is expected. You could visit a dealership or do it by yourself. There is no hard or fast rule for these statistics because these numbers can differ based on the kind and model of your vehicle. To be better informed, you can learn from your manufacturer or your mechanic. Even though it is basic car knowledge, many car owners intentionally neglect to maintain their car engines, particularly oil change.

Reasons to Get an Oil Change

● For Extended Gas Mileage
A person who is always on the road or constantly travels long distances would better appreciate the significance of good gas mileage. The first thing to establish is that gas mileage and the quality of engine oil go hand-in-hand. Adequately and consistently changing your vehicle oil will only help strengthen the vehicle’s gas mileage capacity. Therefore, failing to change your oil when necessary, will only reduce your gas mileage and make you fuel your car more frequently.
● Lower Engine Wear and Tear
A well-maintained vehicle would last longer. A regular visit to a dealership for regular oil changes will help your vehicle retain its vitality. Oil changes decrease and eliminate any excess dirt or sludge built up in the vehicle engine. Essentially, oil changes ensure that your car engine is clean and working in a pristine condition; a sterile engine will run well as a smooth engine.
● Lengthier Lifespan of Vehicle
When a car owner consistently changes the engine oil in the vehicle, the engine’s lifespan is extended, ensuring that the car’s value is maintained. A car that has good gas mileage, adequate lubrication, and undergoes actions that prevent the compiling of dirt and sludge will surely last long. Although certain things are unavoidable in the use of your vehicle, one can be intentional about ensuring that the vehicle’s engine life is extended with periodic oil changes.
● Keep Engine Lubricated
Without adequate oil changes, a vehicle engine is more vulnerable to overheating. The primary way to ensure the safety of your engine is by properly lubricating it, and proper lubrication is only achieved with periodic oil changes.

At Taylor & Sons Chevrolet in Ponderay, Idaho, you are assured of swift yet productive car oil maintenance services. Count on us for the best oil change of any dealership in the area. We have seasoned technicians for all your car’s problems, so whether it is due to a poor oil transmission, oil leakage, or an overall engine check, we are the dealership to trust with your vehicle. Having been carrying out these services for several years, we have built up a remarkable reputation for customer-friendly pricing and great solution in all things automobile, particularly the sale and maintenance of vehicles. We are located at 476751 HWY 95 N, PONDERAY, ID 83852. Call us today to schedule your next oil change and thereby increase the longevity of your car’s engine.

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Modern cars and trucks are computers on wheels. Automobiles have come a long way since their humble beginnings, as the machines on the roads today are smarter than anyone could have ever imagined just a few decades ago. The ability to self-diagnose issues is one of many important advancements that have taken place – but that ability is only valuable if you choose to heed the warnings you are given.

Those warnings, of course, come in the form of lights on your dash. When you are presented with a warning light by your vehicle, it’s best to respond quickly to have the problem addressed. For help, stop by or call Taylor & Sons Chevrolet for assistance from our expert staff. We’ll help you understand what the issue is and what needs to be done to get back on track. It would be our honor to serve you!

What Are Vehicle Warning Lights?
Every modern vehicle includes a set of lights that can come on when an issue is detected by the onboard computer. These lights are typically displayed on the dash, and they will be dark when everything is operating as it should. There are warning lights for a variety of potential issues, and they include the following –
• Engine oil. This light looks like a small oil can with a drop coming out of one end, and it typically indicates that there is not enough oil in the engine. The reason for that low level is not determined by the light itself, so having the vehicle inspected by a professional is the logical next step.
• Tire pressure monitor. One of the lights that tend to come on most frequently is the tire pressure monitoring light. As the name suggests, this light is designed to come on when there is not enough air in your tires. Topping off the air pressure to the proper level should resolve this one, although you might need to consult your owner’s manual to figure out how to reset the warning.
• Check engine light. This is perhaps the most ambiguous of the lights that you may see come on in your car or truck. The symbol looks like an engine, but the reason for it coming on could be a number of things. When scanned by a service department, the code provided by the vehicle’s computer will tell a lot more about what is going on.
• Battery warning. Easy to identify because of the distinctive battery shape, this light may mean that your battery isn’t getting charged up correctly as you drive.
• Emergency brake. Okay, so this is an easy one – but we wanted to include it in our list just in case. When your emergency brake is engaged, a light will be displayed on the dash to remind you that it needs to be released before you head out. If that light doesn’t turn off even after you release the brake, you may want to have a service department take a closer look to see why that is the case.

This is, of course, not an exhaustive list of the warning lights you could see in your vehicle. If any light comes up on your dash that you are not familiar with, take a moment – when you aren’t driving – to review your owner’s manual and figure out what it indicates. Some issues that are indicated by the lights are things you may be able to rectify on your own, while others will require the help of a trained professional.

Don’t Just Let It Go
There are a couple of important reasons to take your warning lights seriously when they pop up. First and foremost, this is a matter of safety. Depending on what the light indicates, you could be putting yourself or others at risk by not having it taken care of right away. As one example, driving a vehicle that has compromised brakes is a recipe for trouble. If the light you ignored was alerting you to some kind of problem with the braking system, you’d be creating a dangerous situation by not looking into the matter as soon as possible.

The other consideration on this matter is financial. If you ignore warning lights, you could be allowing the problem to get bigger and bigger – until it becomes quite a costly repair. This won’t play out in every situation, but it’s best to get the information you need from the start to figure out what is going on and what action should be taken.
Working with the Right Team

So, you have decided to bring your vehicle to a service department to have the warning light issue examined and the underlying problem repaired? That’s good – now you just need to decide where to go. As you look around and consider your options, remember that you want to visit a business with a proven track record for honesty and reliable performance. Trusting your vehicle to a shop that hasn’t yet proven its worth in the local community might not be the best choice for this important task.

That won’t be any problem when you visit Taylor & Sons Chevrolet. We are an established business that has been trusted by customers from in and around the Ponderay, Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry, and Coeur d’Alene areas for years. You can be sure that your vehicle is in good hands when you come to our service department, and you’ll always get an honest assessment of the situation. Rather than wondering about what that warning light means or whether or not it is important, just stop by and get a confident answer.

It’s easy enough to just keep driving around with a warning light on your dash, and pretty soon you’ll just come to ignore it. That’s not the best plan of action, however. Take the time to have the issue reviewed by a professional team like the one at Taylor & Sons Chevrolet. Whether you need service or it’s time to shop for a new or used vehicle, we would love to help.

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