“It looks like your car is leaking oil”. These are words which can strike fear into the heart of any automobile owner. Thoughts of an engine burning up can make their way into a person’s head very quickly when they hear that comment. Why exactly does a car leak oil when it’s parked, what can happen if it is leaking oil, and what can be done about it?

Causes of Oil Leaks

There are several causes of oil leaks in cars. They are:

• Oil pan gasket is overtightened

• Valve cover gasket is overtightened

• Tightness of the oil pan gasket and valve cover gaskets is not evenly distributed

• Oil filter is improperly attached

• Oil filter is loose

These are some probable causes that the certified oil change and service technicians at Taylor and Sons Chevrolet will examine to determine the exact cause of an oil leak, and take the right course of action to fix the problem.

An oil leak left unfixed can cause seals or rubber hoses to wear prematurely, further amplifying the problem of leaking oil. What starts as a small problem can quickly become a large problem when hot oil is leaking over other hot engine components.

Leaking oil as a fire hazard is a very serious problem and clearly shows the need for an oil leak to be attended to by a professional immediately upon seeing it. Too much is at stake to have a do-it-yourselfer, or well-meaning friend or relative, volunteer to fix the leak.

Oil leaks can also cause a vehicle to fail without warning. Few things are more frightening than driving on a busy highway and having the engine stop running, also causing the power steering and brake to fail. A small, persistent leak can add up to big danger for drivers and passengers.

Probably the thing that most drivers think about when it comes to an oil leak is the expense of a new engine. Many people know, or have heard about, an absent-minded teenager or a procrastinating adult that has needed to pay for expensive repairs because a small oil leak problem became a very big, expensive engine problem.

A car shouldn’t be leaking a little oil, as some people say it should. Much as it shouldn’t be leaking a little gasoline, an engine leaking any oil is dangerous and avoidable.

What are the signs of an oil leak problem?

Other than leaving a puddle of oil in the driveway underneath where the car is parked, how else can a car owner know that they need to address an oil leak?

Some of the other signs are:

• The oil pressure warning light has come on

• The smell of burning oil is present

• The engine is making a clunking sound

• The car is performing less efficiently than it did in the past

One of these signs alone is all that is needed to signal trouble under the hood.

As the old commercial by a famous oil filter company said, “Pay me now, or pay me later.” There is no reason to pay much more later that could have been saved by taking care of the problem today. Visit Taylor and Sons Chevrolet to get fairly priced repairs done to prevent a major, unnecessary expense.

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For many people, the difference between a wheel alignment and a front-end alignment can be confusing. The shimmying and shaking of a car when being driven is a caution flag that something is wrong and needs to be attended to.

Many people have just enough familiarity with the terms “getting the wheels aligned” or “getting the front-end aligned” that they can make an educated guess that one of these familiar terms is the problem.

At Taylor and Sons Chevrolet we will diagnose the problem before proposing a solution. But which repair will be needed, and what exactly is the difference between the two? Here’s a look at each.

Front-End Alignments (also known as two-wheel alignments)

When thinking about wheels getting out of alignment, there are three terms to describe the cause:

1. Poorly maintained roads. With states, cities and towns having very limited funds for road repair nowadays, drivers are finding themselves most frequently on uneven, cracked roads. These conditions can be found on highways and backroads alike throughout the country. Harsh winters and frequent heavy vehicle traffic on roads can also cause excessive wear and tear on a vehicle’s alignment.

2. Potholes. Few things are as exasperating to drivers as potholes. The harsh sound when a wheel(s) hit a pothole is a tip-off that something damaging to a vehicle has occurred. It is also frustrating to drivers that most of the time potholes can’t be seen until the seconds before the car is engulfed by one, not giving the driver the chance to avoid it. Heavy rains are one of the main culprits that cause potholes to develop and enlarge, along with snowplows and other heavy- duty vehicles driving on the roadways.

3. Curbs. No one wants to admit it, but drivers sometimes will cut a turn too sharp and will hit the curb. This is normally not caused by someone being a poor or unskilled driver; it’s frequently caused by someone being fatigued or distracted. Sending or receiving calls and text messages is a major cause of distractions nowadays, often causing damage to vehicles.

Why should a car with a little shaking at higher speeds get an alignment?

There are several reasons to get the vehicle aligned.

First of all, it’s a safety concern. If a vehicle is out of alignment and the driver must slam on the brakes, the car is going to pull to the right or the left. This is a safety concern, for example, when a driver may need to swerve to the left, but the wheels are causing the car to pull to the right.

Fuel economy is a second reason for driving a car with the wheels aligned properly. For maximum fuel efficiency, a car that is misaligned will not brake evenly, which will affect gas mileage. The shaking of the care as it accelerates will also have a negative effect on fuel efficiency.

A third reason is tire wear. A car with the wheels out of alignment will cause uneven tire wear, normally the inside of the tire will wear out quickly, which also causes a vehicle to drive even more unevenly as mileage on the tire increases.

What can a driver do to keep the wheels aligned properly?

While things like potholes are sometimes unavoidable, good wheel maintenance will help keep wheels aligned for longer periods of time.

Something simple a driver can do is to keep the trunk of the vehicle free from carrying heavy loads for long periods of time. Excessive weight in the back of the vehicle will cause misalignment over time.

Keeping the tires at the right pressure will also help. Under, or over-inflated tires, will result in uneven wear, causing a vehicle to pull to one side instead of driving straight. Over time this will result in wheels getting out of alignment.

Lastly, driving more conservatively will help immensely. Both the steering and suspension components of a car are impacted by misaligned wheels, which can result in costly repairs. Driving at the speed limit will also help a driver avoid some pot holes, which will ultimately result in better gas mileage.

Wheel Alignment (all four wheels)

The difference between a wheel alignment and a front-end alignment is the number of wheels being aligned. A “front-end alignment” will require the front two wheels to be aligned, while a “wheel alignment” will require all four wheels to be aligned.

 All-wheel drive vehicles will most often require all four wheels to be re-aligned, if they have independent suspensions. Typically, the front wheels will require a toe and caster adjustment, while the back wheels will require a toe and camber adjustment. Taylor and Sons Chevy has the tools, and expertise, to do this adjustment professionally and accurately.

The causes, and prevention, of both types of alignments doesn’t differ. Whether it’s a two-wheel drive vehicle or an all-wheel drive vehicle, conservative driving and watching the road conditions ahead will result in fewer alignments being needed over the life of the vehicle. Some road hazards just can’t be avoided, especially if a vehicle is off-roading, and will necessitate occasional re-alignment.

Taylor and Sons Chevrolet does both two and four-wheel alignments. It is recommended to get the alignment checked each time the oil is changed, or no later than 6,000 miles between checks.

 It takes specialized equipment and skilled labor to get a vehicle re-aligned and road ready. Like a physician, Taylor and Sons Chevrolet will never treat without first diagnosing, and they’ll get the job done right the first time.

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It’s an exciting time for you. You’ve pulled into Taylor and Sons Chevrolet (the premier Sandpoint Chevy Dealer)and you see dozens of the vehicle you’ve got your heart set on – the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. You’re approached by a friendly and professional sales representative who wants to help you find the right vehicle – for you. As you talk, you discover that there are in fact a number of different trim levels of Silverados. You’re excited about having so many to choose from. This is going to be fun!

At Taylor and Sons Chevrolet, we make it easy for you to discover the vehicle that is just right for you. With our extensive inventory, you can be confident that we’ll have what you’re looking for. You’ve chosen the right Chevy dealership, you’ve decided you want the award-winning Silverado, now it’s time to select the right trim level. Let’s take a look at the various trims and see which one will best meet your needs.

Chevy Silverado WT

The WT is the base trim and is the work-horse of the Silverados. To make your work most enjoyable it includes:

• 17-inch Ultra Silver painted steel wheels

• Tire pressure monitoring system

• Rear vision camera

• Electronic stability control

• CornerStep rear bumper

• Chevy Infotainment 3 system with 7-inch color touchscreen

• Six speaker audio system

• Vinyl seat trim

• Four-way manual front seats

• 60/40 split-folding rear seats

Silverado Custom

The rugged exterior of the Silverado 1500 Custom fits perfectly. While having the features of the WT, it also offers:

• 20-inch Bright Silver aluminum wheels

• Front and rear bumpers matching the body color

• Deep-tinted glass

• Heated power outside windows

• LED tail lamps

• Polished exterior tip

• Remote keyless entry

• Cloth seat trim

• Available hitch guidance

• Available OnStar and Chevrolet Connected Services capable

Silverado LT

You’ll get advanced technology and stylish features with the LT. Along with getting the features of the Custom, you’ll get:

• 17-inch Bright Silver painted aluminum wheels

• Body-color door handles

• Tailgate with EZ lift and lower assist

• LED reflector headlamps

• Chrome front and rear bumpers

• LED reflector headlamps

• Chrome front and rear bumpers

• Available 40/20/40 split-bench front seat with under-seat storage

• Available Chevy Infotainment 3 System with 8-inch color touchscreen

• 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capable

Silverado RST 

You’ll enjoy the pure driving pleasure of the RST. Along with having all of the feature of the LT, it also has:

• 18-inch Bright Silver painted aluminum wheels

• Cargo bed LED lighting

• Keyless open and start

• Theft-deterrent unauthorized entry system

• LED fog lamps

• Available ten-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support

• Available trailering package

Silverado LTZ

You’ll enjoy your drive with the LTZ. It includes the features of the RST, and:

• Advanced trailering system

• Chrome front and rear bumpers

• Chrome door handles

• Driver’s side power-folding heated outside mirrors

• Ten-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar

• Perforated leather-appointed front seat trim

• Driver memory

• Dual zone automatic climate control

• HD Radio

• HD rear vision camera

Silverado High Country 

The High Country takes you to the next level. Its features will get the job done while you relax in its comfortable interior. Along with the features of the LTZ, it offers:

• 20-inch painted aluminum machined face wheels

• Dual-outlet exhaust

• Wireless charging

• Ventilated front seats

• Perforated leather-appointed seat trim

• Rear cross traffic alert

• Power sliding rear window and rear defogger

• Lane change alert with side blind zone alert

• Heated rear outboard seats

• Front and rear park assist

There are several other options you’ll be selecting from for all of our Silverados. They are:

Cab Options

• Regular Cab – seats up to three

• Crew Cab – seats up to six

• Double Cab – seats up to six also

Bed Options

• Short Bed – 69.92 inches

• Standard Bed – 79.44 inches

• Long Bed – 98.18 inches

Engines

Just how much power do you want? You have five powerful engines to choose from.

Engine Power Specs

2.7L Turbo • 310 HP

• 348 lb.-ft. of torque

• Max. towing of 6,800 lbs.

3.0L Duramax® Turbo-Diesel • 277 HP

• 460 lb.-ft. of torque

• Max. towing of 9,300 lbs.

4.3L V6 • 285 HP

• 305 lb.-ft. of torque

• Max. towing of 7,900 lbs.

5.3L V8 • 355 HP

• 383 lb.-ft. of torque

• Max. towing of 11,600 lbs.

6.2L V8 • 420 HP

• 460 lb.-ft. of torque

• Max. towing of 13,400 lbs.

Power, functionality and comfort are features of all of the Silverados at Taylor and Sons Chevrolet. There are many to select from, and we’ll clearly show you what all of your options are. Our highly trained staff will guide you through a seamless selection process, which will ultimately result in the selection of your dream Silverado.  

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Most vehicle owners understand the importance of ongoing maintenance. Providing your vehicle with the care it needs is important whether you have a gas- or diesel-powered engine is essential. By following the instructions provided in your owner’s manual regarding maintenance, you will give yourself an improved chance to get along and useful life out of the machine.

If you own a diesel vehicle, it’s a good idea to work with a service department that frequently cares for these kinds of cars and trucks. With this post, we’d like to talk about the importance of diesel maintenance and why an experienced hand caring for your vehicle is a big advantage. Of course, if you need to make a service appointment, please give us a call at Taylor & Sons Chevrolet right away.

Some Key Maintenance Points

Before we talk more specifically about the service department that will be caring for your vehicle, we should discuss a few of the important elements of diesel maintenance. As you might expect, some of the maintenance points for a diesel engine are going to be just the same as they are for a gas engine, while others will be a bit different. Proving your vehicle with the appropriate, relevant care based on its needs is crucial if you are going to get the most from your investment.

• Change the oil. This is a point that remains the same between gas and diesel engines. No matter which of these two fuels powers your vehicle, it’s important to keep up with consistent oil changes. The appropriate oil change interval for your car or truck will depend on a number of factors, including what is recommended by the manufacturer and the age of the vehicle. It’s a good idea to work with your mechanic to determine how frequently the oil will be changed.

• Engine coolant. This one sometimes flies under the radar for the average vehicle owner, especially when compared to oil changes, which most drivers understand to be crucial. The condition of the engine coolant in your diesel vehicle needs to be monitored frequently so it can be flushed when necessary.

• Fuel filters. Another key element of diesel engine maintenance is changing the fuel filter periodically. In fact, your engine may have two fuel filters, so monitoring their condition and changing them when needed is a key piece of this overall puzzle.

• Air filters. Replacing an air filter is typically a pretty easy task, but that doesn’t mean it should be taken for granted. Like so many other things involved in the operation of your diesel engine, the air filter needs to be monitored on an ongoing basis and changed out when its useful life has run its course.

The quick list above is far from a complete accounting of the maintenance that will need to be performed on your diesel engine. It is a start, however, and should give you some idea of the kinds of work that should be completed consistently. For a full list of the work that needs to be performed, start by reading your owner’s manual. Additionally, talk to an experienced diesel service department to talk specifically about your vehicle and what can be done to help it stay healthy over the long run.

Experienced Hands

Taking a step back from the topic at hand for a moment, you can probably appreciate the value of experience in a broader sense. Whenever you want to have some task completed, it’s likely that you will turn to experience in one form or another. Maybe you have personal experience with the task, so you can easily complete it yourself. Or, if not, you will seek out someone who does have that experience, either to teach you or to do it for you. Experience allows things to get done.

So, when talking about your diesel vehicle, why would the story be any different? A service department that frequently works on diesel engines is going to be a far better selection for your needs than one which rarely sees this kind of maintenance task. You want a technician under your hood who will know what to look for, what to listen for, and how to respond to the problems that are discovered. Confidence goes a long way in the world of auto repairs, and nothing builds confidence quite like the experience of doing a task over and over again.

Beyond Basic Maintenance

Make no mistake – basic, ongoing maintenance for your diesel engine is extremely important. If you pick a good service department to perform your maintenance, and you keep up with your maintenance schedule, you may be able to avoid problems down the line. However, teaming up with an experienced diesel service department is about much more than ongoing service – it’s also about the other issues that will need to be addressed in the future.

Even with ongoing maintenance, engines are likely to develop problems eventually, as nothing lasts forever. When your engine starts to develop problems, it will be incredibly valuable to already have a relationship established with a team of technicians who know what they are doing with regard to diesel vehicles. You won’t have to go searching for an expert or ask around for advice on where to go. You’ll know exactly where to go, and you will be able to trust what you are being told about your vehicle’s condition.

Building a relationship with a trustworthy service department can make your life as a vehicle owner much easier. You won’t have to wonder where you are going to take your car or truck each time you need to have work performed – you’ll just make a call and set an appointment. If you give our service department a try at Taylor & Sons Chevrolet, we think you’ll find that we offer everything you need, including fair prices and friendly service. Give us a call today!

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Owning a vehicle comes with some responsibilities. You need to make your car payments and keep your insurance up to date, for starters. You also need to care for the vehicle if you hope to get along and useful life from it before moving on. Toward that end, monitoring your vehicle’s oil consumption is a good step toward keeping the engine healthy.
Why does oil consumption matter? How can you monitor it easily? We are going to take a look at the answers to those questions and more in the content below. Let’s get started!

An Overview of Engine Oil

In a gasoline or diesel-powered engine, oil is used to keep everything properly lubricated. Without oil, the engine’s various moving parts would quickly grind to a halt. That’s obviously not the outcome you are looking for, so maintaining a proper level of oil should be one of your main maintenance concerns. Unfortunately, you can’t just assume that your engine has enough oil because you’ve had it changed relatively recently. Engines can consume oil, leaving them with less and less as each day goes by.

So, you don’t want your vehicle to be burning through its oil too quickly. But here’s where it gets tricky – all engines are going to consume at least a little bit of oil. Consuming some oil is not necessarily cause for concern but going through a lot of oil is likely a sign of trouble. Knowing where to draw the line isn’t always easy, but there are some guidelines you can follow to hopefully make the right decisions.

Start by Asking Questions

When you have your oil changed, the technician will drain the old oil out of the engine before refilling it with new oil. As the old oil is drained, it will be collected and can be measured. So, by tracking how much oil is collected out of the engine, and by knowing how much should be in there, it can be determined how much has been consumed since the last change.

Often, the technician will simply offer up this information to the vehicle’s owner, just out of courtesy and habit. If your technician does not provide the info, be sure to ask. Even if you don’t exactly know what numbers would be good or bad, it’s worthwhile to ask the question and jot down the answer. Then, when you return for another oil change in the future, you can compare the new consumption number to the old one. As a pattern starts to emerge, you can decide if you have a problem with burning too much oil.

A Big Warning Sign

Regardless of the consumption numbers you get when having your oil changed, there is one big sign that you shouldn’t ignore – blue-tinted smoke emerging from your tailpipe when the car is running. If you see that your exhaust smoke has taken on a slightly blue color, it’s quite likely that the engine is burning oil along with the gasoline. That’s not what should be happening, and prompt attention is warranted.

Watch for the Pattern

When your vehicle is new, the engine should be working pretty efficiently, and it should be burning a minimal amount of oil. As the car ages, wear and tear will make things a bit less efficient, and it wouldn’t be surprising to find that it is consuming more oil between changes. That’s not necessarily a big deal but monitor the pattern and take note of any big shifts. For instance, if you have seen that the engine consumes about the same amount of oil each time between visits, and then suddenly it consumes a lot more, there is a reason to have the engine checked out. A break from your vehicle’s typical pattern could be an indication that something changed in the engine, so have a mechanic take a look and have maintenance performed as necessary.

Open Communication

The matter of oil consumption is one of many reasons to build an ongoing relationship with your mechanic. If you take your vehicle to the same place for service time after time – such as Taylor & Sons Chevrolet – you can get to know the people who do the work and you’ll feel more comfortable asking them questions. If you are worried about oil consumption, for instance, you can simply ask about it and have a discussion about what to watch for, what’s going on currently with the engine, etc. The more information you have at your disposal, the easier it will be to make informed decisions.

Change Your Oil On-time

In addition to monitoring oil consumption, the other important topic with regard to vehicle maintenance and oil is to make sure it is being changed on time each interval. The interval you need to observe will depend on your specific vehicle, so be sure to consult the owner’s manual or ask your mechanic about how frequently the oil should be swapped out. While 3,000 miles used to be the standard for oil changes, modern vehicles which use synthetic oil sometimes have intervals of 5,000 or even 7,500 miles.

It’s easy to think you can just skip an oil change or two from time to time, but that decision isn’t worth the savings. Having your oil changed is a quick process, it’s not particularly expensive, and it can greatly help to extend the life of your vehicle. If you know how many miles you tend to put on your vehicle each month, you can make your oil change appointments well in advance, knowing roughly when you should be due for another change.

At Taylor & Sons Chevrolet, we offer a trustworthy service department in addition to vehicle sales. To keep your vehicle running its best well into the future, be sure to keep up with your maintenance schedule by making regular appointments with our team. To get started, simply give us a call during business hours. We would love to serve you!

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There are few names in American automotive history that carry as much weight as ‘Corvette’. The Chevrolet Corvette has a history that dates back to 1953, and over the decades it has become the most popular sports car in history. Driving enthusiasts have long appreciated the Corvette line for both its great looks and thrilling performance.

For the 2020 model year, the Corvette is all new. This is the eighth generation of the iconic vehicle, and it is known as the Stingray. In this post, we’d like to take some time to highlight some of the exciting features included in the 2020 Corvette Stingray.

The Power You Expect

You probably have plenty of thoughts that run through your mind when you think of a Corvette, including things like great looks, excellent handling, and more. However, before you get to those points, you probably think about power first and foremost. After all, what is a great sports car without a powerful engine at the heart of the matter?
With the 2020 Corvette Stingray, power is not something that will be lacking. The numbers you are interested in go as follows – the Stingray uses a 6.2L LT2 V8 engine to produce a whopping 495 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. If you learn nothing more about the new Corvette other than those numbers, you’ll already know that it’s worthy of your attention. That’s a lot of thunder at your disposal when pressing down on the gas pedal, and the thrills that will follow can hardly be described.

A Driving Experience

Raw power is one thing, but a big engine alone isn’t enough to have a great day on the roads or on the track. The vehicle that is being powered by that impressive engine needs to handle well enough to keep you on track, and it needs to feel like the sports car you’ve been dreaming of. Thanks to the mid-engine placement used in the 2020 Corvette, you’ll find that this car drives like almost nothing else on the road today.
The emphasis on offering the driver an unforgettable experience is clear as soon as you open the door and take a seat. Simply put, the driver’s seat and surrounding controls are something that needs to be seen in order to be appreciated. The interior design was specifically tailored to meet the needs of the vehicle’s driver, something that you will continue to appreciate mile after mile.

Three Attractive Trim Options

The 2020 Corvette Stingray, like virtually every other car on the market, includes a variety of trim packages for you to consider. Specifically, there are three options, known as 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT. Even at the 1LT level, you are going to find that the Stingray is nicely equipped, but you’ll be able to focus clearly on the driving experience. Some of the features included at this trim level are a set of all-season performance tires, a 10-speaker system from Bose, and a driver mode selector.

If you decide to move up to the 2LT trim level, you’ll still get everything included at the previous level, but you’ll pick up some important additions. Those include various interior color options, a head-up display, a heated steering wheel, and an upgraded 14-speaker audio system.
Finally, by going with the top-of-the-line 3LT trim, you’ll be getting everything that the Stingray has to offer. Included in the high-end touches this trim offers are a leather-wrapped instrument panel, GT2 seats with Napa leather, and suede microfiber upper interior trim. Not only will this version of the 2020 Corvette bring your driving dreams to life, it will also do it in impressive comfort and style.

A Performance Car You Can Live With

There is no doubt that high-end sports cars are thrilling to drive, and beautiful to look at as they roll down the road. However, they don’t necessarily have a reputation for being the best cars to own on a day to day basis, as some versions can be a little hard to handle, and they don’t have the conveniences found in traditional commuter vehicles. While the 2020 Corvette Stingray is without-a-doubt focused on performance and excitement, it still delivers an experience that will serve you well day in and day out.

One of the nice conveniences included with the 2020 Corvette is the presence of storage areas both in the front and back of the vehicle. The new front storage compartment would make for a great place to stash your groceries after a quick trip to the store, or a small piece of luggage when headed out for a trip. Walk around to the back of the car and you’ll find a truck capable of holding more cargo. In all, this is a sports car that has more storage than most, without sacrificing a single ounce of performance.

The Look

It’s a Corvette – it has to look great. And it does. There are many features included in this newest Corvette that are sure to turn heads, and you might even find yourself staring at it in your own driveway. A rear hatch window allows you to get a peek at the powerful V8 engine that powers the machine. The overall sleek appearance of the car is helped by the fact that door handles have been hidden away, preventing them from breaking up the flow of the vehicle from front to back. It would be easy to go on and on about the design features that make this car look great, but the details really aren’t important – just take one look and you’re likely to fall in love.

The excitement surrounding the release of the 2020 Corvette Stingray is as understandable as it is predictable. There is always a certain level of buzz when a new generation of Corvettes hits dealer lots, and this version is deserving of the attention, to be sure. Whether you are interested in purchasing a 2020 Corvette or any of the other quality vehicle in the Chevy lineup, please stop by Taylor & Sons Chevrolet right away to learn more.

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As a vehicle owner, it’s easy to get into the habit of just using your vehicle day after day without as much as a second thought. After all, as long as there is gas in the tank, it’s good to go – right? Not so fast. Part of owning a vehicle is providing that vehicle with regular maintenance to give it a better chance of remaining in working order over the long run. It’s easy to fall into the trap of skipping out on your vehicle maintenance, but don’t make that mistake. Regular maintenance is reasonably affordable, doesn’t take much time, and can help your vehicle’s performance tremendously.

Let’s take a look at some of the key reasons to keep up with ongoing vehicle maintenance. When you are ready to schedule maintenance for your car or truck, call Taylor & Sons Chevrolet right away to make an appointment.

Protect Your Investment

One of the best motivations to keep up with your maintenance schedule is to protect the investment you have made in your vehicle. As you are aware, buying a vehicle can be rather expensive – depending on the make and model you select, it’s certainly possible that you spent more than $30,000, $40,000, or even $50,000 on your car or truck. With that lofty total in mind, it only makes sense that you would do what you can to keep your vehicle running at its best.

If you find yourself feeling a bit ‘cheap’ about vehicle maintenance, not wanting to spend the few hundred bucks it might require to check off all of the service tasks, think about that upfront investment. Compared to how much money you spend initially, the cost of service is a modest outlay.

Stay as Safe as Possible

While we don’t like to admit it on a day to day basis, driving comes along with some degree of risk. To minimize your risk level, you obviously need to drive in a reasonable and safe manner, but it also helps to provide your car with the care it needs. If you are good about keeping up with your maintenance schedule, you will have a better chance to get good performance from your car or truck in return – and in the end, you will hopefully be able to stay out of dangerous situations. There is nothing that can be done to take all the risk out of hitting the road, but proper maintenance is a nice step in the right direction.

Save in the Long Run

Sure, it might be hard to swallow the idea of spending some money on your vehicle when nothing is wrong at the moment. But that’s precisely the idea – to spend the money before something is wrong, in an effort to stay out ahead of trouble. If you fail to keep up with ongoing maintenance, and you just wait for issues to pop up in order to address them, those repairs are very likely going to be more expensive than what you would have spent on the preventative maintenance. By looking at the big picture instead of thinking only about the present moment, you’ll do yourself a favor in the long run.

Keep on Rolling

When you buy a car, you probably do so with the goal of driving for as long as possible. That way, you’ll get to enjoy the vehicle you picked out for many years, and you will also delay the expense of having to buy another one. There’s no reason to move up the replacement date on your current vehicle if you can at all avoid it, and periodic maintenance is perhaps the best thing you can do to keep that date as far in the future as possible.

Schedule on Your Terms

When you plan vehicle maintenance, you get to pick the time and date based on what is available at the auto shop. That means you can select something which will work well for your day to day life, minimizing the inconvenience of the visit. That certainly isn’t the case when you have to take your vehicle in as a result of an unexpected issue. In that case, the work will need to be done as soon as possible, whether or not it’s convenient timing for your life.

A Few Final Notes

By this point, we hope that you are clear on the importance of ongoing vehicle maintenance for your car or truck. Once you get into the habit of having this work performed, it won’t be any big deal at all – you’ll just go in when you come up to a mileage milestone, have the work done, and move on. Before we wrap up this point, let’s touch on a few final points.

• Use your manual. It’s easy to determine what kind of ongoing maintenance your vehicle requires simply by looking in your owner’s manual. This is something you should do shortly after taking ownership of your vehicle, so you aren’t surprised by the maintenance needs that it comes with.

• Ask questions. The team at your chosen service shop should be ready and willing to answer any questions you may have about your vehicle’s service needs. There’s no reason to remain ‘in the dark’ when you can simply ask and get the information you desire.

• It’s not too late. Don’t worry if you haven’t done a good job of keeping up with your maintenance schedule so far. There is still time to get started! Make an appointment with your shop, have some work completed, and move on from there.

Thank you for visiting Taylor & Sons Chevrolet, and we hope this post has provided you with all the encouragement you need to make a vehicle maintenance appointment. By taking just a bit of time out of your schedule to have this work completed, you can drive around from day to day with increased confidence in your vehicle. If you have any questions about the services we provide or what is needed for your vehicle specifically, please contact us right away. We look forward to serving you!

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For those in the market for a small SUV, the Chevy Equinox is a great option. With all of the quality you would expect from the Chevrolet brand, and many modern touches and features, this is a vehicle that everyone in the family can love. The 2019 model year is part of the third generation of the Equinox line, which was just introduced last year (in 2018). There are certainly plenty of small SUVs to consider on the market these days, but we think you’ll love what you find in the Equinox when you come to check one out for yourself.

Starts with Great Looks

You are sure to be impressed with this vehicle before you even have a chance to open up one of the doors. In fact, it will probably grab your attention from across the lot, because this is a great looking vehicle that was obviously styled carefully before it was sent to the production line. For drivers who think the appearance of their vehicle is just as important as some of the other features, the Equinox is not going to disappoint. You will be proud to drive this one around town, and don’t be surprised if you turn a few heads along the way.

Engine Choices

There are three engines available in the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. With three great choices offered, you will be able to select the one that best suits your needs. For those who aren’t worried about having a bit of extra power under the hood, the base 1.5-liter engine will be a good pick, and it will come with the lowest price tag. However, to add 80 horsepower to the engine’s capabilities, you can opt to upgrade to the 2.0-liter engine. For drivers who are particularly concerned with the fuel efficiency of the Equinox, the third engine – a 1.6-liter diesel – is an intriguing possibility. Many other small SUV models don’t make a diesel engine available, so this is another benefit of considering the Equinox.

Enjoy the Ride

Most of the time, you don’t get into your vehicle for pleasure – you use it to get from one place to another. Maybe you are heading to work in the morning, or maybe you’re dropping the kids off at school. While enjoying the ride along the way might not be your main focus, there is no reason you can’t look for a vehicle that will make it possible to do just that. SUVs traditionally have not been known for their comfortable or enjoyable handling, but that reputation is starting to change. The Chevy Equinox offers drivers a great experience behind the wheel, providing quality handling as well as a smooth ride. Of course, you don’t need to take our word for it on this point. Come by Taylor & Sons Chevrolet to set up a test drive and experience it for yourself!

A High-Tech Dream

If you are someone who loves to use the latest in technology in all aspects of your life, it makes sense to find a vehicle that keeps up with the times. You’ll find that in the Equinox, with the excellent tech available, some of which comes standard and some that is available optionally. For instance, both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, meaning you should have little trouble integrating your smartphone with the vehicle. You’ll also appreciate the presence of six USB ports, so you can keep everything charged up nicely, even on your long drives.

Still looking for more technology? No problem! There is a quality infotainment system with excellent graphics and you can choose to upgrade to a Bose premium audio system if you are particularly serious about your music. On the safety side of things, there is a forward collision warning system, as well as a land keeping assist feature. When you buy a new vehicle, you want to feel like that vehicle is up to modern standards and will remain relevant for many years to come. That’s exactly what you’ll find with the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox.

Room for Passengers and Possessions

When shopping for a small SUV, you are basically trying to walk a fine line between a couple of different goals. On the one hand, you want a vehicle that is compact enough to offer an enjoyable driving experience and good gas mileage (along with offering a lower price thanks to its smaller size). Those are all great attributes, but at the same time, you still want to have enough room for passengers and any cargo you may need to take with you. The Equinox does a great job of balancing these points, with the end result being a configuration that can work for a variety of people in a variety of situations.

The cargo room in the back should be sufficient for most of your needs on a day to day basis. On those occasions when you do need more storage, there are self-folding rear seats that can be put down to really open things up. There is also underfloor storage to use, and you’ll find a number of bins and pockets around the vehicle to catch little items. If you have small children to transport, it will be easy enough to find and use the LATCH anchors to attach their car seats securely. In the end, if you opt for the Equinox, you will come away with a vehicle that nicely balances all of the various desires that the average small SUV buyer has in mind. With enough space for real life and yet the benefits that come with a compact design, it’s easy to love what the Equinox provides.

Think the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox might be the right vehicle for you? If you’d like to check one out for yourself, along with any other vehicle in the Chevy lineup, stop by Taylor & Sons Chevrolet during business hours. Our team would be happy to show you around, answer any questions you may have, and set up a test drive. We are excited to serve you!

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There is tremendous freedom that comes with owning an automobile, but that freedom is not cheap. In addition to the cost of purchasing your vehicle initially, you’ll also need to pay for ongoing maintenance, insurance, and more. So, with that in mind, any opportunity to find to save some money is one that you should consider taking.

In this post, we are going to highlight 5 money-saving features that you should look for when car shopping. You might not wind up finding a vehicle which has all of these features installed, but even tracking down a car or truck with two or three of them would be a nice bonus. Of course, when you are ready to shop for a vehicle in the Ponderay area, be sure to stop by Taylor & Sons Chevrolet to kick your search off right. We look forward to seeing you on the lot!

A Small Engine

Okay – so this one might go against your initial thinking when looking for a vehicle. After all, you want a big engine that cranks out a lot of horsepower and can propel you down the road in a hurry, right? Not necessarily. If you are simply using your vehicle for daily commuting on city streets, you might not want to prioritize power when picking out your engine. By opting for a smaller engine, you should be able to improve your gas mileage and save money at the pump week after week.
Before you purchase a new vehicle with a relatively small engine, make sure to do your research to confirm that small engine is going to translate into fuel efficiency. Some engines are more efficient than others, so don’t just assume that a small four-cylinder will automatically save you at the pump.

Navigation System

Again, we are focused here on saving fuel. With a reliable navigation system installed, you should be able to successfully head straight for your destination time after time. That means you won’t be driving around aimlessly trying to get where you need to go, wasting gas along the way.
Of course, having a navigation system on board is about more than just saving money. It’s also a big boost to convenience, as you can just enter the address of your destination and let the system tell you how to proceed. To be fair, this is a technology that is more useful for some people than others. If you usually drive only the same routes to the same places, you may find that you don’t need navigation very often. However, if you like to explore new cities, or you drive around a lot for business, a navigation system is a great advantage.

Backup Camera

Another good way to save money is to avoid causing accidents. Out on the road, that usually comes down to paying attention, maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, not driving while impaired, etc. In a parking lot, however, simply backing up is something that can lead to a minor accident. If you were to accidentally back up into another vehicle, you’d likely be covered by your insurance for the damage, but then your rates will almost certainly go up as a result.

Looking for a vehicle which includes a backup camera is a great way to make this type of accident far less likely. As vehicles have gotten bigger and bigger in recent years, it’s become more difficult to see what’s behind you as you back up. With a backup camera, of course, that challenge is removed, as you’ll have a live video feed of what is behind the vehicle right there on the dash. You still need to exercise caution and common sense while backing up, of course, but having the camera can make things a lot easier.

Adaptive Cruise Control

We are coming back again to the idea of improved fuel economy as a way to save money, this time thanks to the use of adaptive cruise control. When on the freeway, you can engage this feature and the vehicle will automatically manage your speed based on traffic, which is likely to result in far more efficient use of your fuel than if you were controlling the speed yourself.

It does need to be said that placing the vehicle in cruise control mode does not mean you can simply check out and quit paying attention to what’s going on around you. The vehicle might be automatically managing speed, but you are still steering and responsible for monitoring traffic and watching for any hazards that may present themselves as you travel along.

Plenty of Cargo Space

How does ample cargo space save you money? By avoiding the need to rent a bigger vehicle to handle the job you have in mind, or by avoiding paying someone else to move your things around. For instance, if you buy something at a store that does not fit in your vehicle, you will probably have to pay to have that item delivered. By having the ability to do it yourself, the delivery fee is saved.

The key here is to shop smart and think about what it is that you are likely to need to do with your vehicle. Are you frequently needing to move large items, or haul significant amounts of cargo? If so, owning a vehicle that is capable of handling that job is a smart move. On the other hand, if such occasions are rare in your life, you can probably opt for a smaller car and pay the associated costs when those situations do pop up.

Shopping smart can wind up saving you a significant amount of money in the long run. While some of the savings might seem marginal, every little bit counts when you are trying to keep your budget balanced month after month. Thank you for taking the time to stop by our blog, and we hope you will visit our location when you are ready to search for a new vehicle.

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Here in Idaho, the arrival of spring is an exciting time. Sure, many of us love the winter snow, but we are usually ready for warmer temperatures to arrive by the time March rolls around (if not earlier). As spring moves in, you might be thinking about giving everything in your life a good cleaning to get it ready for the busy months ahead. Many people go through a spring cleaning routine in their homes, and doing something similar for your vehicle is a good idea.

If you are planning to clean your vehicle this spring, we hope the tips in this article will be of assistance. Of course, at Taylor & Sons Chevrolet, we’d be happy to help in any way we can. A maintenance visit may be in order to take care of some key points, so give us a call to schedule an appointment. Or, if you decide now is the time to get started with a new vehicle, we would be happy to help there as well. We look forward to serving you!

Start on the Inside

One of the easiest ways to make your vehicle a more enjoyable place to spend time is to clean the inside thoroughly. This is a pretty simple task, as long as you have a few basic supplies and pieces of equipment. Specifically, you’ll want to have a vacuum that you can use for the carpets – a small, portable model is usually best – along with some wipes for the dash and other surfaces, and a trash bag to collect any garbage that has been left inside.

If your car is a bit of a mess at the moment, this first clean out may take some time. Once it is done, however, you can stay ahead of the game by making this a weekly routine. Try to pick out one day each week for a quick interior cleanup where you vacuum, wipe everything down and toss out any trash. By only letting a week go between cleanings, the vehicle won’t have time to get that messy, and each cleaning should be quick and easy.

A Thorough Wash

As you might have guessed, the next point we are going to address is washing the outside of your vehicle. After all, it would be a shame to drive around in a car that was clean on the inside but dirty on the outside from bumper to bumper. This is particularly important after a long winter, as it’s likely that the exterior of your vehicle has dealt with quite a bit of rough weather.

There are two options here, and each one of them can work nicely – wash the car yourself, or take it to a car wash. You will save time by just taking the vehicle to a car wash, but you’ll obviously spend more money in the process. On the other hand, washing it yourself is rather cheap (once you buy a few pieces of equipment, which can last a long time), but it does require some time and effort. There isn’t any right or wrong here, so go with the option that suits your needs best.

Make an Appointment

It’s easy enough to take care of what your vehicle needs inside and out – but what about under the hood? For most people, this is where things get a bit tricky. Unless you happen to be a trained mechanic, you’ll probably want to leave the work under the hood to a professional. With that in mind, spring is a great time to make an appointment for your vehicle to get caught up on the various service points it requires.

Obviously, an oil change is something that is usually near the top of this list, so you’ll want to have that done if it is time. Also, an overall inspection of your engine’s condition is a good idea, just to make sure things are on track and to correct any problems before they get bigger. By taking care of your vehicle’s needs as the miles go by, you’ll be more likely to get reliable performance over the long run.

Stay Organized

One of the reasons many car owners fall behind on car care duties is simply because they are disorganized. For example, let’s say you plan on washing your car yourself, once every few weeks. That’s a great plan, and you have already purchased everything you need to do the job. However, after the last time you washed the car, you didn’t wind up putting things back in a central location. You left the bucket outside, the towels you used are sitting up in the laundry room waiting to be cleaned, and you can’t seem to find the soap. Suddenly, what should be a relatively quick and easy job is much more time-consuming simply because you need to track everything down.

Whether we are talking about the inside of your car or the outside, staying organized with your supplies is an easy way to stay on track. You’ll be more inclined to do the jobs when they need to be done just because it won’t take so long to get started. If you have a garage, set aside a spot in the garage where your supplies can be stored when not in use. Then, when the time comes to do some work, you’ll be able to get started in just a matter of moments.

Spring cleaning for your vehicle doesn’t need to be a big chore. Sure, it will take a little bit of time and some effort, but you’ll be happy you did it when you get to drive around town and beyond in a clean, comfortable car or truck. And again, if you need anything in terms of service for your vehicle, or if you’d like to shop for a new one, Taylor & Sons Chevrolet is ready to assist. Thanks for reading!

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