The 24 Hours of Le Mans is one of the iconic races in automotive history. This classic race goes back generations and has been home to some of the most exciting, memorable moments in all of auto sports. The 2023 version of Le Mans was no different, as the Corvette Racing team came through in a big way and took home a class win for the ninth time in the history of the event.

To many people, the Chevrolet brand is associated with reliable, comfortable commuter vehicles, along with pickup trucks that are capable of getting the job done day after day. Chevy’s certainly fit that bill, but there is plenty of performance in this bloodline, as well. Through Corvette Racing, Team Chevy has accomplished some impressive feats, and this article will take a closer look at how Chevy plays a prominent role in racing on the global stage.

If you’d like to check out a new Chevy to add to your driveway, or if you want to look through our extensive used inventory, please feel free to visit Taylor & Sons Chevrolet at your convenience. We have a knowledgeable and friendly team that is ready and waiting to help you understand your options and pick out the right car or truck for your needs. It would be our pleasure to serve you!

A History of the 24 Hours of Le Mans Race

Those who aren’t particularly passionate about auto racing might not be familiar with the long and storied tradition of this vent. The 24 Hours of Le Mans race is a legendary endurance race held annually near Le Mans, France. It was first organized in 1923, with the aim of pushing the limits of both drivers and cars in a grueling 24-hour competition. Over the years, the race has evolved and grown, attracting manufacturers from around the world to showcase their engineering abilities. Chevy is an annual participant, along with other manufacturers such as Ford, Ferrari, Porsche, and Audi.

Not only is the race meaningful for the exciting competition it fosters, but also for the benefits that it has delivered to the automotive world as a whole. Many technological advancements, including hybrid technology, have been tested and developed at Le Mans. The 24 Hours of Le Mans race has proven to contain a global appeal, drawing fans from across the globe who gather to witness the thrilling spectacle and experience the unique atmosphere. For many in the world of auto racing, competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans is the accomplishment of a lifetime and a great source of pride – no matter where they wind up finishing in the results.

Coming Back from the Brink

You don’t need to be an expert in auto racing to know that a 24-hour race is pushing the limits of both man and machine. Most traditional auto races last no more than a few hours, depending on the distance that is marked out for the event. With a race that runs around the clock from one day to the next, there are sure to be countless obstacles that need to be overcome along the way.

That was certainly the case for the Corvette Racing team as they fought their way to victory in their class at Le Mans. This wasn’t a case of everything going right from start to finish, which would be rather unlikely in a race this long, even for the winner. Rather, it was about a team effort coming together to find ways around the issues that came up – including a notable problem that popped up almost immediately.

Shortly into the race, it was discovered that the right-front damper was not working as it should. This component was going to need to be replaced if the team was to continue, but such a job takes valuable time that would be better spent on the track racking up the laps. By the time the damper work was finished, the team was two laps behind the leaders and facing an uphill climb for the rest of the 24-hour period.

To come back from such a deficit was going to require consistency and outstanding driving, and that is exactly what was turned for the rest of the race. In the 24 Hours of Le Mans, teams use a rotation of drivers, as it would not be practical – or safe – for a single driver to handle the entire race. As the race continued, the three-driver team performed beautifully, and the support crew kept things running nicely as ground was made up. By the time the last few hours were ticking away, the Corvette Racing team has built a comfortable lead and was able to hold onto it all the way across the finish.

A Strong Season

The performance turned in at Le Mans by the Corvette Racing team was not an anomaly, but rather a continuation of a season-long trend in 2023. This team has now won three races during the 2023 season, out of just four tries. As a result, the team is in the points lead and has a great chance to capture the season title. Not only are those results proof of the quality equipment that has been provided to the team, but they also speak to the resiliency and commitment of the entire team to get the job done – even when things don’t start out well, as happened at Le Mans.

A Winner for All Drivers

You don’t need to have auto racing aspirations to benefit from what the Chevrolet brand brings to the road. With generations of development and improvements under the hood, you’ll be in command of a quality vehicle anytime you slid behind the wheel of a Chevy. Take a moment today to browse our selection online or set aside some time to come see us in person.

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If there is one piece of automotive advice that is given more than any other, it is this one – you need to have your oil changed regularly. Assuming you own a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, that engine uses oil, and the oil needs to be replaced on a regular, consistent basis.

Despite the popularity of this tip, there are still plenty of vehicle owners who push back on the importance of this maintenance task. Whether they just let it slide for a while or completely ignore the need to go in for an oil change, some car and truck owners aren’t convinced that oil changes are all that important. With this post, we’d like to explain a bit about why it is important to keep up with your oil change schedule and just how frequently you should be coming in to have it changed.

When the time comes to have your oil changed in the Sandpoint area, Taylor & Sons Chevrolet should be your first call. We make oil changes easy and affordable, and our service department is also
ready to take care of any other maintenance needs you may have. Take a moment today to give us a call and schedule an appointment.

Why Engines Need Oil

Let’s back up for a moment and look at the bigger picture – why do engines need oil in the first place? Engines are complex machines with numerous moving parts that operate at high speeds and temperatures. Engine oil serves as a lubricant, reducing friction between these components, which prevents excessive wear and tear. Without fresh oil, and enough of it, the friction in the engine would quickly lead to serious damage.

Additionally, oil acts as a coolant, absorbing heat generated by the engine and transferring it away. The oil also helps in sealing gaps between the piston rings and cylinder walls, ensuring optimal compression and preventing loss of power. As if all of that wasn’t enough, it also helps to keep the engine clean by trapping dirt, debris, and combustion byproducts, preventing them from accumulating and causing damage.

The Value of Regular Oil Changes

Now that we have a clearer picture of what the oil is doing in your engine and why it is so important, we can get back to the topic at hand. Why are regular oil changes so important? The advice to keep up with oil changes is handed out regularly, over and over again, and for good reason. It’s accurate advice, and it is rooted in the science of how engines and oil work together to move vehicles down the road.

Over time, engine oil becomes contaminated with impurities, loses its lubricating properties, and breaks down due to heat and friction. This deterioration affects its ability to protect the engine effectively.

Here are some key reasons why old oil needs to be changed regularly –
• Reduced Lubrication. As oil ages, it becomes less effective at lubricating engine components. This can result in increased friction and wear, leading to premature engine failure and costly repairs.
• Accumulated Deposits. Oil circulating through the engine accumulates dirt, sludge, and other contaminants. These deposits can clog oil passages, restricting the flow and compromising the engine’s performance.
• Increased Heat. As oil breaks down, its ability to absorb and dissipate heat decreases. This can cause the engine to overheat, leading to potential damage to vital engine components.
• Poor Fuel Efficiency. Dirty and degraded oil can increase friction and drag on engine parts, resulting in decreased fuel efficiency. Regular oil changes help maintain optimal engine performance and maximize fuel economy.

These points make it clear – you have a lot to lose if you decide to skip out on oil changes. Between diminished performance in the short term and potentially a shorter life span for your vehicle in the long run, making the time to have regular oil changes performed seems like an easy choice.

Oil Changes Aren’t the Only Maintenance Needed

Yes, it’s easy to argue that oil changes are the single most important aspect of caring for your vehicle over the long run. But that doesn’t mean that oil changes alone are going to get the job done.

There are other elements at play here, including the following –
• Fluid Checks and Changes. Regularly inspect and replace other vital fluids such as coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid. These fluids play critical roles in the vehicle’s various systems and need to be in good condition to function properly.
• Air Filter Replacement. The air filter prevents dust, dirt, and other contaminants from entering the engine. Over time, it becomes clogged and restricts airflow, reducing engine performance and fuel efficiency. Regularly replacing the air filter ensures optimal engine operation.
• Tire Maintenance. Proper tire maintenance is essential for safety and longevity. Regularly check tire pressure, rotate tires, and inspect for tread wear. This not only enhances vehicle handling and performance but also improves fuel efficiency.
• Battery Care. Keep the battery terminals clean and free from corrosion. Inspect the battery regularly and replace it when necessary. Extreme temperatures and age can impact battery performance, so ensuring a well-maintained battery is essential for vehicle reliability.
• Regular Inspections. Schedule regular inspections with a trusted mechanic to identify potential issues before they become major problems. These inspections should cover various vehicle components, including belts, hoses, suspension, and brakes.

Staying ahead of the maintenance demands of your vehicle is an important part of owning a car or truck. Once you get into the habit of addressing ongoing maintenance consistently, you’ll find that it doesn’t actually take up that much time, and it can be rather affordable.

Consistency is Key

Are regular oil changes important? In a word, yes. Keeping up with your oil change schedule is one of the best things you can do for your vehicle, and Taylor & Sons Chevrolet will make it easy to do so. Trust our team to handle your oil changes and other maintenance and repair tasks and you’ll always be treated fairly. We appreciate your time and hope to have an opportunity to serve you soon!

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While electric vehicles are certainly getting a lot of attention in the automotive market today, the vast majority of cars and trucks still run on gas engines. And, if a vehicle has a gas engine, it is going to require oil to run properly mile after mile. Getting regular oil changes is one of the most important maintenance points for any vehicle owner to manage.

In this article, we are going to look at the differences between synthetic oil and regular engine oil. While you don’t need to be an expert on this topic as the average vehicle owner, it does help to understand the basics so you can make the right choices for your vehicle’s care. Let’s get started!

A Quick Explanation

The names of these two types of oils will largely tell you what you need to know about how they are different, but we’ll quickly highlight the key points here. Regular oil, often referred to as conventional oil, is pulled from the earth as crude oil and then refined to create a product that can be used in vehicle engines (along with many other applications).

As you might imagine, synthetic oil is an engineered product that is designed in labs and created specifically for the task of lubing engines. As a result, there are some performance advantages associated with synthetic oil that are not seen in conventional oil. Picking the right one for your situation involves thinking about a few factors, so we’ll take a closer look below.

Three Advantages of Synthetic Oil

Now that you understand how these two products differ, let’s look at some of the ways that synthetic oil may be able to help your vehicle. The three points below are considered to be advantages of using synthetic oil as compared to a traditional product.

• Improved engine protection. Simply put, synthetic oils are able to do a better job protecting your engine that conventional oils. This is because the finished product of a synthetic oil has been purpose-built for exactly that job. It’s been designed from the ground up to properly keep an engine running smoothly, so it’s no surprise that it is able to succeed in that endeavor.
• Extended oil change intervals. If you don’t like taking your vehicle in regularly for an oil change, you’ll love the extended intervals that synthetic oils are able to offer. Instead of an interval such as 3,000 or 4,000 miles for an oil change, you might be looking at something like 6,000 miles or even more. That means you get to keep your schedule clear of oil changes more often and can simply go about your day to day life. You’ll still want to make sure that you are keeping up with the changes when they are necessary, but they won’t come around as often.
• Temperature stable. Even when the temperature inside of an engine reaches a rather high level, synthetic oils will resist breaking down, where conventional oils would be more likely to degrade and lose some of their effectiveness. It’s those high temperatures that cause oils to wear out and need to be replaced, but since synthetic oils are so good at resisting those high temperatures, they are able to deliver quality performance for a longer period of time (as discussed above).

These are not the only benefits of using synthetic oils, but these three points are a great place to start the discussion. When you factor in other potential benefits, like performance gains, it becomes easy to see why so many people opt for synthetic oil in their engines.

The Cost Factor

So, we’ve established that there are plenty of ways in which synthetic oil can outperform regular or conventional oils. Does that mean you should always reach for synthetic? Not necessarily – as you will need to also consider the cost factor as part of this equation.

Synthetic oil is going to be more expensive to purchase than regular oil. If you were to buy a quart at the auto store, you’d pay quite a bit more – and if you are coming to an auto shop to have the oil changed, you might pay around twice as much for the service. In other words, the performance advantages of synthetic oil don’t come free. They still might be worth it in the end when you weigh out the pros and cons, but the additional cost will at least cause you to think twice.

It’s the extended oil change intervals that we mentioned above that have the greatest potential to see the math work out in your favor. In other words, if you pay twice as much for an oil change, but you only go in for an oil change once every six months instead of once every three months, the cost difference would wind up being a wash in the end. And, if you are getting better performance from the oil for the same price, it’s an easy choice to go with synthetic.

Check Your Manual

One other factor that needs to play into this equation is the instructions for oil changes that are provided by the manufacturer of your vehicle. If you aren’t sure what oil is called for in your car or truck, just check the owner’s manual and you should have no trouble finding that information. Of course, if you come to a trusted shop like Taylor & Sons, we’ll be able to tell you precisely what type of oil is called for by the manufacturer, along with any other recommendations we might have based on the current condition of your vehicle and your driving habits.

Let Our Team Help

You don’t have to be overwhelmed by vehicle maintenance issues. The team at Taylor & Sons Chevrolet is here to help and will be happy to guide you through the oil change process along with any other kind of work that might need to be completed. Reach out today with any questions or to make your first appointment. We would love to serve you!

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When you think about adverse elements that might impact the health of your vehicle, you probably think first about the winter season. We in the North Idaho region are no strangers to tough winter weather, and you need to prepare your vehicle for those driving conditions in order to get through it without any issues.

While summer is far more comfortable for people, it can also be hard on your vehicle. This article is going to look at some of the ways that the summer elements can damage your vehicle in the Sandpoint area, and what can be done to combat those potential problems. By getting ahead of the game and taking action right away, you might be able to avoid issues later on.

The Primary Threat is the Sun

During the summer, it’s the heat that you’ll want to protect your vehicle from more than anything else. While we get to enjoy plenty of nice summer days in this part of Idaho, we also experience some serious heat from time to time – and those soaring temperatures can do harm to the condition of your vehicle.

Specifically, when the sun beats down on your windows, it will dramatically warm up the interior of the vehicle, and the materials inside could be damaged as a result. This might mean just some cosmetic fading of colors, but it could also mean the degrading of surfaces that you touch regularly while operating the car or truck.

Having the sun beat down on the exterior of the vehicle can do damage, as well. The paint may fade quickly and the durability of the exterior finish could be compromised. If you ever visit a desert environment and happen to see some cars parked that clearly haven’t been driven or cared for in a while, you will notice just how faded they appear – the sun is a powerful thing, and your car can take the brunt of its power in the summer months.

Park Strategically

If the sun is the primary threat to the health of your vehicle in the summer, one of the best things you can do to protect the vehicle is to keep it out of the sun as much as possible. As a starting point, parking in a garage or under a carport is a great advantage if you have it available.

Your vehicle likely spends far more time in park than it does in drive, so finding it somewhere to rest where it won’t be blasted by the sun’s rays can go a long way. If you have a garage on your property that is currently full of too much stuff to use for parking, consider cleaning it out and making room to park so you can hide your vehicle from the heat throughout the summer months. Of course, parking indoors is also a big advantage during the snowy winter season, so this is a win all the way around.

Even if you don’t have a garage available, or if you are out and about for work or personal reasons, think about where you park as a strategic decision related to the sun. When possible, find a shady spot near a tree so you can limit direct sunlight and prevent your vehicle from getting so hot while it waits for you to return.

Complete Regular Washes

Another good way to give your car some care in the summer months is to go through a car wash regularly, or to wash it yourself. This is about more than just making the vehicle look great – although that is a nice side effect. When you wash the exterior of your vehicle, you remove dirt and other types of buildup that have accumulated on the paint job.

If left alone, that accumulation could start to damage the paint, and the exterior won’t wind up lasting as long as it would have otherwise. Washing your car is a good idea throughout the year, but it’s particularly useful in the summer months when you are less likely to get a free wash from Mother Nature.

Check On Your Tires

It’s important to have the right air pressure in your tires at all times. When air pressure is too low, rolling resistance is increased and you wind up not getting as good of gas mileage as you would have otherwise. On the flip side, overinflated tires can increase the risk of a blowout event while on the road, and you may lose traction due to the stretching out of the treads.
In the summer, you are more likely to deal with overinflation as opposed to underinflation. When the temperatures rise, the air inside your tires will expand, and the pressure will increase. So, if you haven’t touched your tires since the winter, there is a good chance the pressure reading will be too high when you arrive at a hot summer day. Get in the habit of checking the air pressure periodically so the right adjustments can be made.

Change the Air Filter

One other summer maintenance point to mention is to make sure the air filter that serves your air conditioner is changed at some point so the system can breathe freely and deliver cool air to the cabin. It’s likely that the AC will be on virtually every time you get in the vehicle during the summer, so that air filter is going to quickly accumulate dirt and start to clog up. This is an affordable part to swap out as it gets dirty, so add this to your checklist of things to monitor on the vehicle.

How Can We Serve You?

With a reliable, honest, affordable service department on-site, Taylor & Sons Chevrolet has a lot to offer vehicle owners in and around Sandpoint. Whether you need a simple service visit or something more involved and complicated, we are up to the task. Reach out today to schedule an appointment or for more information. Thank you for stopping by!

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When it comes to vehicle maintenance, it’s hard to know what you can believe. Are all of the things you are supposed to keep up with essential, or are they just promoted because someone stands to make a few bucks? Without a good understanding of what is going on under the hood, you might be left to think that businesses are taking advantage of you – so you may decide to just put a stop to ongoing maintenance in an effort to save some money.

This article is going to attempt to shed some light on this situation. Specifically, we are going to look at oil changes and whether or not they actually need to be completed as often as it might say in your owner’s manual. Once you know what is going on here, you can move forward with confidence.

The Simple Answer is Yes

If you were hoping that this article would give you a good excuse to get out of the habit of having your oil changed, we have some bad news – oil changes are critical to the health of a vehicle. In fact, it would be easy to argue that ongoing, consistent oil changes are the single most important thing you can do for your car or truck. Even if you are going to fall behind on some other maintenance points, keeping up with this one is well worth your time and money. And, given the fact that oil changes don’t cost much and don’t take that long to complete, it really isn’t a big deal to keep this type of service on your calendar.

Lubrication is Essential in an Engine

The reason that oil changes are so important to the health of an engine comes down to the value of lubrication within the engine environment. All of the various components that have to move around to make the engine run need to be lubricated properly – if they aren’t, friction will be too high, the temperature in the engine will soar, and problems will be soon to follow. It’s easy to think of the gas you put into the tank as being the most important part of making an engine go, and that’s certainly vital. But the engine oil is just as valuable, so having it changed at regular intervals should be seen as required rather than optional.

You’ll enjoy benefits in both the short and long run when you do a good job of making sure your engine always has fresh oil. In the short term, the engine should perform better, because everything will be properly lubed up and ready to work each time you turn the key (or push the start button). And, in the long run, the engine will be less likely to wear down and experience damage to key parts because it will have been properly lubricated mile after mile.

Nothing Lasts Forever

One of the easy traps to fall into as a vehicle owner is thinking that there is already oil in your engine – so why would it need to be changed? Even if you understand and appreciate the importance of lubrication within the engine, you might be tempted to believe that as long as there is still oil in there, you are good to go. So, unless a leak is obviously leaving stains on the driveway under your car or truck, you could just keep on moving forward without a second thought.

There is, of course, a significant problem with that logic. The issue is that engine oil breaks down over time. As it gets heated up to significant temperatures in the engine, and as it does its work to lubricate all of the moving parts, the oil gradually degrades. The molecules break down and it can no longer do the job of lubricating the engine as effectively as it once did. So, even if the engine still has plenty of oil, it won’t be working as well as it should, and the engine can be harmed over the long run.

It’s true that synthetic oil now lasts considerably longer in your engine than conventional oil, so it’s often possible to go longer between oil changes. That doesn’t change the fact that it remains important to keep changing your oil at the prescribed intervals, whatever those happen to be. If your vehicle calls for changes at every 6,000 or 7,500 miles with synthetic oil, you’ll be wise to keep up with that schedule and give your vehicle the best possible chance at remaining healthy over the long haul.

Seeing the Big Picture

The urge to skip out on an occasional oil change is understandable. You have to take some time out of your day to bring the vehicle to an auto shop for the work, and there is some cost associated with the job (although oil changes tend to be rather affordable). With so much going on in life, you might just decide that this is one thing you can take off your plate.

When that kind of thinking sneaks into your mind, it’s a good idea to see the big picture and remember why oil changes are so important. The investment you have made in your vehicle is a significant one, and doing what you can to protect that investment makes all the sense in the world. Even if there is a small financial cost and a bit of inconvenience incurred along the way, making sure to have your oil changes up to date is something that will more than pay off in the long run.

Taylor & Sons Chevrolet is the Right Choice

Yes, oil changes are important, and Taylor & Sons Chevrolet is the ideal place to have your oil changed in Sandpoint. We have an experienced and friendly team waiting to do the work, and any other maintenance you might need can be completed in our shop when you come to see up. We appreciate your time and hope you hear from you soon!

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After a long Idaho winter, it is only natural to look forward to summer with significant excitement. Even if you enjoy skiing and other winter activities, there is something about the return of blue skies and warm temperatures that just seems to put everyone in a better mood.

As you think about all of the things you’d like to do this summer, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is going to be up for the challenge. There are a few different steps you can take now to get your car or truck ready for the miles ahead. Of course, much of that prep will require the help of a qualified, experienced auto shop, so turn to Taylor & Sons Chevrolet for all of your automotive needs. We are here to serve you!

Start with a Thorough Cleaning

For this point, you won’t need any professional help, so it’s a great place to start. One of the best things you can do as spring arrives and summer closes in is to clean your vehicle carefully both inside and out. This will make it more enjoyable to use and will get it ready for the busyness that is likely to take place in the months ahead.

Start by simply taking a small trash can out to the vehicle and tossing out anything that has been collected through the winter. Be sure to look under the seats and in the small cracks to find everything you can toss out. Then, use a vacuum to clean up the carpets and a small towel to dust off the dash and other surfaces. Investing even 30 minutes in this process can pay big dividends.

With the inside of the car or truck looking great, it will be time to shut the doors and give it a wash. Spray the whole vehicle down with water, use some soap and an appropriate brush to scrub it down, and then spray it off once more. Drying the vehicle quickly after washing it will help you avoid unsightly streaks on the body. Your wheels and tires might be particularly dirty after a winter of driving around in Idaho, so give them some extra attention in the washing process.

Get the Oil Changed

The next step is to bring your vehicle in for an oil change. Unless you have an electric vehicle, oil changes are a critical part of keeping your car or truck in proper working order. As your vehicle ages, you might want to consider shortening the intervals between changes just to make sure all of the critical engine parts are staying lubed out as you drive around.

While it’s possible to change your own oil, most vehicle owners will prefer to bring their car or truck into a qualified service station. At Taylor & Sons Chevrolet, we perform oil change work each day, and you can be sure we’ll get it right the first time. Even if you think you have fallen behind your oil change schedule, it’s never too late to get back on track. Bring in your car or truck right away and we will replace the old, worn oil with a fresh batch right away.

Check the Battery and Fluids

There is no argument that oil changes lead the way in terms of important maintenance tasks for your vehicle. However, the list doesn’t stop there, and some other key items need to be attended to prior to the arrival of summer. Those include having all of the fluid levels checked and corrected, as necessary, along with having the battery tested. A cold winter in Idaho can be hard on a battery, so it’s possible that yours isn’t charging up as it should. A lackluster charge could leave you in a situation where the vehicle won’t start, so it’s a good idea to stay ahead of this issue.

If you choose to work with Taylor & Sons Chevrolet, you can combine all of these various services into a single visit. You can have the oil changed, have your battery and fluid levels checked, and deal with any other issues that you have noticed while driving around. The convenience of working with a full-service shop rather than just a quick lube place is that you can deal with all of your automotive maintenance needs at the same time and then get on with your day.

Address the Tire Situation

Depending on the type of vehicle you own and the type of driving you do in the winter months, you might have dedicated winter tires on your vehicle for the cold season. If that’s the case, you’ll need to have those swapped out now that the temperatures are rising, and the threat of snow has faded into the past. For most drivers, a quality all-season tire is going to be a good option for summer driving, as Idaho will typically offer good conditions on most days, but there will still be some adverse weather to deal with from time to time.

Even if you don’t use winter tires on your vehicle, now is still a good time to check in on the condition of your tires to see if any changes are needed. Your set of tires might have taken some abuse over the winter in harsh conditions, and the treads could be running thin. Going with a fresh set prior to the summer will put you on solid footing and help you enjoy your road trips and other outings with confidence.

While it might seem like this article contains a long list of items to manage, you can actually work through these points pretty quickly. That’s particularly true if you put Taylor & Sons Chevrolet on your side. Take a moment today to get in touch and schedule your first appointment. Our team is excited to meet you and we’ll do whatever it takes to get you and your vehicle ready for a great summer ahead.

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The benefits of getting the longest possible life out of your car or truck are obvious. You save money, enjoy getting to continue driving the vehicle that you’ve had for years, and steer clear of the hassle of finding a replacement. To keep your current vehicle out on the road for as long as possible, there are a few key ideas that you should keep in mind. We’ll outline those points below for you to consider.

As you review the tips below, you’ll quickly find that working with a qualified auto shop on these points is going to make life much easier. For those in the Sandpoint area, Taylor & Sons Chevrolet would be a great pick for these services. We offer an experienced team, fair prices, and prompt service. Call today to learn more or to schedule your appointment.

It Starts with Good Habits

One of the best ways to make it possible to drive your vehicle for a long time is to be nice to that vehicle with your driving habits. If you drive in a controlled, responsible manner, you won’t be so hard on the car or truck, and it will be more likely to last a long time.

Specifically, this means not accelerating aggressively and not braking so hard when you come to a stop. Instead, do your best to ease onto the throttle as you speed up and ease onto the brakes as you slow down. Of course, the occasional emergency situation will come up from time to time that requires you to drive more aggressively, but those moments should be the exception rather than the rule.

Not only is driving your vehicle gently good for the condition of the car or truck, but it tends to be safer, as well. Waiting until the last moment before harshly applying the brakes is just asking for trouble and accelerating aggressively can lead to a loss of control, as your tires may spin (especially on wet surfaces). Given the long list of benefits associated with careful, conservative driving, this is certainly the way to go.

Oil Changes Are Essential

Along with driving carefully, having the oil in your vehicle changed regularly is one of the best ways to extend its useful life. Oil is the lifeblood of a car, and if you don’t supply it with fresh oil regularly, problems are going to arise. Old oil doesn’t lubricate engine parts as effectively as newer oil, meaning more friction is present when the engine runs. That friction creates heat, and heat can break down some of the important parts that keep everything working.

To stay up with your oil change schedule, partner with the team here at Taylor & Sons Chevrolet to have the job completed in a timely manner and for a fair price. We have an expert team on hand that is ready to handle oil changes effectively, so you can get in and out of our service department without any unnecessary delays. There is a cumulative effect of wear and tear that comes with falling behind on oil changes, so don’t let that happen to your vehicle.

Other Ongoing Maintenance Points

In addition to your oil change schedule, also work on keeping up with the various other things that need to be done to keep a vehicle in good condition. Often, these are designated by a list of service points that should be completed at set mileage intervals. So, whether it is 30K, 60K, 90K, or beyond, making sure to have the vehicle serviced in a manner consistent with the recommendations in the owner’s manual is a great step in the right direction.

Also, don’t allow little issues to linger for long without being addressed. If you notice that something isn’t right about how the way your vehicle is operating, bring it into Taylor & Sons Chevrolet for a visit as soon as possible. Often, it’s the case that dealing with subtle issues right away will work out better than letting them hang around until they turn into something bigger. We are always happy to hear about whatever issues you may be seeing in your car or truck so we can offer our insight and work toward finding a suitable solution.

Think About Storage

If you are serious about getting the longest possible life out of your vehicle, you might want to think carefully about finding a way to park that vehicle indoors. With the harsh weather that exists for parts of the year in northern Idaho, leaving your vehicle outside is sure to take a toll. The impacts might not be felt immediately, but they can add up over time. Eventually, you’ll find that the weather has worn down some of the parts of your vehicle, and you might not be able to use it for as long as you had hoped.

Ideally, you’d be able to park your vehicle in a garage when it is not in use. This is the best form of protection and will keep the elements at bay – in addition to making it more comfortable to get in and out of the car during the fall and winter months. In fact, parking in a garage is even more comfortable in the summer, as the interior temperature won’t be scorching when you climb in for a drive. If you don’t have a garage available, consider looking into the possibility of adding a carport to your property. A carport doesn’t offer the full protection of a garage, but it does put a roof over the vehicle and can still do a world of good.

With some sound decisions and good habits over the years, you may be able to get an impressively long life out of your vehicle. Those odds will improve even further when you work with a team like Taylor & Sons Chevrolet who is always going to put the best interests of your car or truck at the top of the priority list. We’d love to serve you so reach out today to get started!

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You probably don’t need to be reminded that getting the oil changed in your vehicle is one of the most important maintenance points you can address. Even if you do little else on an ongoing basis, having the oil changed regularly will go a long way towards keeping the vehicle running nicely.

Of course, when it comes time for an oil change, you have a variety of options at your disposal, and we’d like to ask for your consideration to come to Taylor & Sons Chevrolet for the job. Below, you’ll find a number of reasons why our shop is the best place in the Sandpoint area to have the work completed. When you are ready to get started, reach out to us directly to make an appointment.

The Experience to Do It Right

Our experience in this industry is a great starting point for this discussion. Simply put, you’ll be in experienced hands when you turn over the keys to your vehicle and put us in charge of the oil change process. It’s a common mistake to think that an oil change doesn’t require any experience because it’s a pretty simple, straightforward job. It’s not the hardest work to perform under the hood, to be sure, but you still want to trust someone who has plenty of repetitions under their belt.

Thanks to the significant number of oil changes we do in our shop each month, our team of technicians has seen just about every possible situation. We’ll know how to deal with whatever unique challenges your vehicle might present, so in the end, you can wait a short time and then drive off with fresh oil in the engine.

A Convenient Process

Oil changes shouldn’t be a headache. One of the reasons that car and truck owners fall behind on oil changes is that they are sometimes a hassle – so it’s easier to just skip it and keep driving than deal with the inconvenience. Because we understand how important it is to keep up with oil changes, we work hard to make having yours completed as easy as we can.

The best way to make sure your oil change fits nicely into your schedule is to make an appointment with our service department. By calling in advance and getting an appointment on the books, you can avoid any hassles and make sure the visit doesn’t interrupt your daily routine in any meaningful way.

Friendly Team of Professionals

To be honest, it’s not necessary to be friendly to complete a proper oil change. It’s perfectly possible for a cranky service technician to correctly change the oil in your vehicle, and you could be on your way when the service is finished. But that’s not how we like to do things here at Taylor & Sons Chevrolet. We value the relationships we have built with our friends and neighbors here in Sandpoint and the surrounding area, and each new customer that trusts our team is a new opportunity to make a lasting relationship.

So, when you opt for Taylor & Sons Chevrolet for an oil change, you can expect to be treated with respect and a smile. We hope you’ll feel like coming back to our service department time and again not only because of the great service and fair prices that we offered, but also because you were treated properly at our location.

Additional Services Available

We know that oil changes aren’t the only thing you are going to need to have done to your vehicle over the years. As the miles add up, you’ll need plenty of other services – some of them minor, and some of them more significant. For instance, you might need to have a new battery installed, the fluid levels adjusted, or a general inspection performed. At other times, you could need to have the brake pads replaced or a new belt put in.

When those needs arise, you’ll be able to bring your vehicle to the same place you’ve been coming for your oil changes. Building a relationship with our team will allow you to know that you’ll always be treated well here, and we will be honest and upfront in all of our dealings. Trust is essential when it comes to auto service, and that’s something we never take for granted with our customers.

It’s a Great Value

When thinking about how much you are going to pay for an oil change, you need to think about the value that you get for the price, not just the exact dollar amount that you’ll be charged. Getting an oil change at a dealership has a reputation in some circles for being too expensive, but if you look closer, we think you’ll find that simply not to be the case. Don’t just assume that our oil changes will cost more than the competition – reach out to us directly to find out how much our service will cost on your specific vehicle. You might be pleasantly surprised!

Also, it’s important to remember that the people who will be working on your vehicle in our shop are certified technicians with plenty of experience and knowledge to qualify them for this work. The peace of mind alone that comes with knowing qualified individuals are doing the job is worth something, along with the fact that we can offer other services while your vehicle is in the shop.

Keeping up with your oil change schedule shouldn’t be time-consuming, frustrating, or expensive. It will be none of those things when you team up with Taylor & Sons Chevrolet, so get in touch today to schedule your appointment. Whether you just purchased a new vehicle and need a place to have it cared for, or you have been driving the same car for years and need to keep up on oil changes, all customers are welcome here. It would be an honor to serve you!

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We are fortunate to enjoy plenty of beautiful weather days here in the Sandpoint area. With that said, it’s certainly not sunny all the time, and we get our share of rain during parts of the year. When you are planning on driving a lot of miles during that rainy season, consider picking out a new set of tires for your vehicle to maintain a firm grip on the road. Taylor & Sons Chevrolet is the perfect place to shop for those new tires!

Why Tires Matter in the Rain

It’s the connection between the rubber of your tires and the road surface that allows you to maintain control over your vehicle. When this connection is solid and there is plenty of friction between the two, it’s easy to accelerate and stop in a controlled manner. It’s when something interferes with this connection that problems can arise.

An obvious example of such interference is when there is ice on the road. On icy roads, your tires can’t get down to the road surface, so the rubber is directly contacting the ice instead – and friction is hard to come by. Most drivers know the helpless feeling of pressing the brakes on an icy road and having the vehicle continue to slide as the tires look for grip.

The situation isn’t as serious in the rain, but the problem is fundamentally the same. The water on the road gets between the tire and the ground, and friction is reduced. When enough water is present, or when you are traveling particularly fast, you can lose grip in a similar manner to when you are driving on ice. Having good tires will help overcome this issue and keep you in control until you reach your destination.

The Problem with Old Tires

It’s the design of tires that allows them to function properly in the rain. Specifically, it’s the grooves that are built into the tread pattern that helps to deal with wet conditions successfully. When you drive in the rain, the water is funneled into those grooves, where it can escape out of the back of the tire as you drive along.

When you drive on old tires, those grooves are not as deep as they once were and the ability of your tires to move water away is compromised. As the tread of the tire is gradually worn away, the grooves shrink and a smaller volume of water can be handled at any one time. If more water is on the road than what your tires can deal with, some of that water is going to remain stuck between the tire and the road, and a hydroplaning effect will occur. This is when you can lose control of the vehicle and find yourself in a dangerous situation.

The simple solution here is to keep track of the treads on your tires and replace those tires when the rubber gets too thin. This is important any time of the year, but it’s particularly important when you know that you’ll be driving in some wet conditions. New tires will significantly improve your footing on the road and you might just find the vehicle more comfortable to drive overall.

Choosing the Right Model

Once you start shopping for a new set of tires for your vehicle, you’ll find that there is an incredible range of models on the market today. It can be quite confusing to pick out the right tires for your car or truck if you don’t have any experience in this industry, or at least a bit of knowledge regarding how tires are marked and sized. This is an important decision, so you want to be sure to get it right the first time.

This is where an expert team like the pros at Taylor & Sons Chevrolet can come in handy. With so much experience in this field and a long history of serving customers throughout the Sandpoint area, you can trust that we will point you in the right direction. We’ll consider not only the make and model of the vehicle that you drive, but also the driving habits and patterns that determine how that vehicle is used. With the right tires selected, we’ll get them installed right away so you can hit the road with confidence once again.

Are Rain and Snow Tires the Same Thing?

There are some similarities between driving in the rain and the snow, such as the need to slow down and increase your following distance. However, tires that are designed for snowy conditions are not exactly the same as tires that will perform well on a regular rainy day. Most of the time, drivers who deal with rain regularly will be served well by a set of quality all-season tires. These will have the tread pattern needed to move plenty of water out of the way, and they are comfortable enough to deal with a variety of conditions throughout the year.

However, if you drive a lot in the winter when the snow is falling, you’ll want to think about adding a set of dedicated snow tires to your collection. This kind of tire has been designed with snow in mind, including a tread pattern that offers ample grip and a rubber compound that stay supple even in low temperatures. Having the right tires for the job at hand will always make driving easier, and snow tires are a welcome upgrade when such conditions are expected.

It’s always a good idea to drive a little extra carefully in the rain, regardless of your tires. Slippery roads can be dangerous even on good tires, so giving other cars extra space and slowing down a bit are smart moves. With that said, quality tires for the rainy season will make you safer on the road, as you’ll be less likely to lose traction at the wrong time. Work with the team here at Taylor & Sons Chevrolet to find the right set of tires for your vehicle. It would be our pleasure to serve you!

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Getting an oil change for your vehicle shouldn’t be a headache or a hassle. This is a fundamental piece of the ongoing maintenance of your car or truck, so it should be easy to fit it into your schedule when the time rolls around to have it completed. If you have been looking for a reliable service department to handle your oil change needs, turn to Taylor & Sons Chevrolet. We would love to serve you!

Choosing the Right Partner

If you were to believe some of the ads you might see for oil change services, you could easily believe that it doesn’t really matter who you pick for this maintenance point. Most of the companies out there that offer oil changes are promoting two main points – how fast they can get the job done, and how low the price will be. Of course, those two things are appealing, as everyone wants to get back on the road quickly, and no one wants to pay more than is necessary.

But when you look a little deeper, you start to see that these shouldn’t be the only two points on your priority list. If all you are worried about is speed and price, you’ll naturally lose out on a critical third piece of this puzzle – quality. While it’s true that an oil change is a pretty routine task, it still needs to be done right if you are going to get the best possible results for your vehicle.

Think about it this way – when you go to a fast-food restaurant, what do you expect to receive? Most likely, you are hoping to get food quickly and for a low price. Do you think it’s going to be an excellent meal? Probably not. You are making the choice to sacrifice quality in exchange for saving both time and money. There’s nothing wrong with that approach for an occasional meal, but it’s not the kind of thinking that is going to help keep your vehicle in great condition over the long run.

Qualified Professionals

One of the most important reasons to consider bringing your vehicle to Taylor & Sons Chevy for an oil change is the Certified Service Technicians that work in our shop. We have assembled a team that is capable of delivering outstanding performance each and every time they open up the hood of your car or truck to get to work. Whether it’s an oil change or any other kind of service, you can be sure that your vehicle will be in good hands.

A Fair Price

While we are focused on the quality of our service first and foremost, that doesn’t mean you are going to pay more than necessary for your oil change. We always charge fair prices for our services, and that includes oil changes. You’ll enjoy a transparent experience where you know exactly what everything is going to cost, and why. If you have any questions about pricing, feel free to ask a member of our team and we’ll be happy to help.

Get On Schedule

Have you fallen behind on your scheduled oil changes? Don’t worry about it – we aren’t going to lecture you about staying on schedule when you come to see us for an appointment. Instead, we’ll just get right to work on completing the needed oil change and we’ll help you understand how long it is going to be until you should return for another service.

The proper interval for an oil change is going to depend on a number of factors, including the age of your vehicle and whether it uses synthetic or traditional oil. Even if you have missed a few oil changes over the years when life got busy, it’s never too late to get back on track. Work with us to determine what the right interval will be for your vehicle and we’ll plan it out so you can watch the odometer and know when to return.

Build a Relationship

An oil change might be the most common type of service that you have completed on your vehicle, but it’s unlikely to be the only work you need done over the years. The other possibilities are nearly endless, including things like replacing the battery, changing the brake pads, flushing and refilling other fluids, and on and on.

If you take your vehicle to a quick lube place for oil changes, you won’t be building a relationship with a service department that you know you can trust with all of your other needs. With Taylor & Sons Chevrolet, just the opposite will be true. You’ll get to know the people that work here and what they can do to help keep you on the road day after day. That way, when something beyond an oil change comes up, it will be easy to pick up the phone and get the help that is required.

The Local Touch

When you choose to do business with Taylor & Sons Chevrolet, you’ll be dealing with people who are your friends and neighbors. We focus on delivering excellent service not only because it’s good for business, but also because we care about the people we serve. Those who live in and around Sandpoint are like family to us, and we want to treat everyone well. Rather than feeling like you are working with a cold, corporate entity, you’ll have the comfort that comes from working with someone who always has your best interests in mind.

Keeping up with your oil changes is easy when you trust Taylor & Sons Chevrolet with the job. Our experienced team can make quick work of an oil change without cutting corners or skipping important steps. Also, we are capable of taking on more complicated maintenance and repair projects, so you can turn to us whenever your vehicle needs attention. Thank you for stopping by and be sure to make your appointment today!

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