Uh oh. You’ve found yourself with a dead battery, and you’re unable to jump it even with your friend’s powerful Chevy Silverado. There’s no corrosion on your battery terminals, so what the heck is going on? Let’s think back over the last couple of weeks… did you happen to notice your gauges flickering at all? Or how about your headlights? Have they looked a little dim lately?
Whether or not these things were happening, if you found yourself with a dead battery and you are unable to jump start it, then you might be looking at a problem with your alternator. The alternator is part of the charging system in your Chevrolet that produces electricity for many devices. It’s a type of generator that transforms mechanical energy into electrical energy. Your battery does supply your car with some electricity, but most of the electrical mechanisms within the vehicle, require the alternator’s steady stream of power. In layman’s terms, an alternator keeps your battery charged. So even if your alternator dies or malfunctions, your car will run for a while directly off of the battery, until all the battery’s power is drained. That’s when you won’t be able to turn the engine over or get any power at all.
Luckily, there is a really easy way to tell if the alternator is going out on your used Chevrolet. As I mentioned above, one of the signs of alternator problems is dim headlights. Why? The alternator supplies the vehicle’s electrical needs. So when it loses its full potential, so will the things that use it’s electricity. Drivers sometimes experience symptoms ranging from dimming or extremely bright headlights and dash lights, to speedometers and tachometers that simply stop working for no reason. Other accessories, like heated seats or power windows may experience a slowdown, as well.
There’s a great, DIY test you can do with your headlights to see if your alternator is working properly. Turn your car headlights on while the car is running (make sure you are outside… we don’t need any carbon monoxide accidents). Press the accelerator while the car is in park. If the headlights dim or get brighter when you press the accelerator, your alternator could be bad. If the headlights remain the same, your alternator is probably fine.
If you’re still unsure about whether or not your alternator is going out, or it already has for sure, go and see the service department over at Classic Chevrolet. Unfortunately, it’s not really cost-effective to have alternator fixed. You’ll most likely need a new one. But it’s still important to watch out for the signals so you don’t end up draining your battery and getting stuck on the side of a Dallas Ft Worth highway.
When I was younger, my grandfather would pick me up from Grapevine and drive me back to Dallas to stay with him and grandma for the weekend. Every time he picked me up, he would ask if I wanted to go the “pothole way” or the “skunk way”. Now that I’m older and driving myself, I realized that the “pothole” way was actually highway 183. I also realize how much he probably hated when I chose that route because potholes can actually damage your Chevy‘s tires, chassis, suspension and wheels/rims.
When it comes to advice on potholes, the first thing I’ll tell you is to flat out avoid them at all costs. That doesn’t mean you should violently swerve to try and miss them though. What I mean is that if you see one far enough away and have enough time to change lanes. But let’s face it, that’s not always the case. You could either be traveling at too high of speeds to get out of the way in time or be stuck in between other vehicles.
A friend of mine once told me that he always sped up when he saw a pothole because he thought that high speeds would make your Chevrolet “fly” over the gap in the concrete. This is a very common misconception, though. The higher your speeds, the greater the damage you could cause. So if you’re going to hit a pothole, try and slow down as much as possible. But don’t forget to look in your rear view mirror. You don’t want to break hard enough to cause the car behind you to panic or worse, rear-end you.
When you’re about to hit a pothole, get a tight grip on your Chevrolet‘s steering wheel. If you don’t, you may find yourself losing control and swerving left or right. Weather.com says that a pothole can send enough of a shock through your steering system to send your car into the next lane, potentially causing an accident… even if you don’t lose control.
Something else to keep in mind… DON’T BRAKE INTO A POTHOLE. I know I said you should slow down above, but I did not mean that you should hit the brakes the second before you hit the pothole. In fact, this is one of the worst things you can do to your Chevy. So slow down as much as possible, but be sure to let off the brakes in enough time for your car to come out of the “nosedive” position it’s in from hard braking.
We’re going to be seeing a LOT of rain this week in Dallas Ft Worth, Chevy owners. And guess what? Rain hides potholes! So be extra cautious. As I mentioned before, potholes can seriously mess up your Chevrolet in Dallas and Ft Worth. So if you’ve hit a lot recently, or even a really large one, you should probably bring your car in to the Classic Chevrolet service department and have your alignment checked. Moral of the story? Do your best to avoid hitting potholes in your new or used Chevrolet, DFW.
One of the most common things used Chevrolet car owners have to deal with is an issue with the battery. The average life span of a battery is between three and six years. However, a battery’s life is unique to the owner and their driving habits and also the quality of the battery.
When you find yourself with a dead battery, odds are you’ve either left your headlights on by accident or you’ve had the key on the ACC setting listening to the radio for too long. In this case, all it will take is a simple jump start and then some recharging.
However, there is another reason you’re battery may be malfunctioning. When you go to look under the hood, the first thing you need to check are your battery terminals. If you see grimy deposits (usually white) on the battery terminals, they are corroded. Corrosion can also be the reason your battery has been performing poorly (slow rolling windows, dim interior lights, etc.)
So how do terminals become corroded anyway? The main cause is an overflow of sulfuric acid from the battery, but moisture build-ups can also cause it. Not to worry, cleaning terminals is actually very simple, and I’m speaking from personal experience. Once you’ve finished, you’re battery will most likely restore to its proper performance level.
What you’ll need:
a flat-head screw driver
a can of Coca-Cola (you can also use baking soda and water)
water
a metal bristle brush ( a toothbrush will also suffice) and Vaseline
What to do:
Make sure the car is off and pop the hood. Remove the negative battery cable by loosening it with a flat-head screwdriver and then lifting it off the terminal. Set it aside, and remove the positive battery cable the same way. Make sure you set the positive and negative cables away from each other. It’s very important that they don’t have contact.
Pour the Coca Cola or baking soda and water on the battery terminals and the battery cable ends. Scrub with the toothbrush or metal bristle brush until all of the corrosion is gone.
Use the water to wash off the Coca Cola or baking soda and water.
After the terminals and battery have dried, apply a thin coat of Vaseline to the terminals and slide the terminals back on and tighten (first the positive, then the negative cable)
Corroded Terminals
Cleaned Terminals
When you finish, test out your handy work. You should be able to get the car started. You might have to try and jump your Chevrolet again. If you're still unable to get the engine to turnover, you may want to give Classic Chevrolet's service department a call.
Well, DFW is finally getting the rain we so desperately needed. But with the rain, comes the potential of hydroplaning in our new or pre-owned Chevys. I’m willing to bet that some of you have probably experienced this and know how much of a stomach-dropper it can be. It’s especially nerve racking to hydroplane when your visibility is already decreased thanks to the misty rain and the wet roads and highways that are kicking up dirt and water.
So what exactly is hydroplaning? To put it plainly, hydroplaning is the skidding or sliding of your car’s tires when they come across a wet surface and the tire encounters more water than it can scatter. Water pressure in the front of the wheel pushes water under the tire, and the tire is then separated from the road surface by a thin film of water losing traction and causing the driver to experience a loss of steering, braking and power control.
According to SafeMotorist.com, hydroplaning can occur on any wet road surface, and the first 10 minutes of a light rain is usually the most dangerous time. Slippery conditions arise when light rain mixes with oil residue on the road surface. As I mentioned before, the roads have been wet for a few days now, so there’s definitely a lot of this oil and rain residue mix out there.
So what’s the best way to avoid hydroplaning in your Chevrolet? Proper tire maintenance. I’ve said this time and time again that it’s extremely important to take care of your tires. Keep them properly inflated, rotate them at the recommended times and replace them when your tread starts to become worn. Tire manufacturers specifically aim at creating tread patterns, or grooves, on our tires to channel water from beneath the tire creating higher friction with the road surface. So as the tread gradually becomes worn, your tires cannot properly disperse the water and the odds of you hydroplaning increase.
It’s also really important to slow down in rainy conditions. The faster you drive, the harder it is for your tires to scatter water. Avoid puddles, standing water and driving in the outer lanes because water tends to accumulate there. If you’ve ever hit standing water in one of those outer lanes, you know how scary it can be. If you can see the tire tracks left by other vehicles in front of you, try to drive in them. Most likely, they have already pushed a large portion of the water out of the way. Finally, never use cruise control, avoid hard braking and avoid making sharp or quick turns.
The weather man says we are in for a few more days of rain, so when you’re driving through Dallas and Ft Worth in your Chevrolet, remember these tips and avoid hydroplaning as much as possible. If you find yourself hydroplaning more frequently, it may be time to get a new set of tires. So head down to Classic Chevrolet and let them take a look. Stay safe out there, DFW!
Hey DFW, have you winterized your Chevy car or Chevy truck yet? Earlier this week we talked about how to drive on winter roads and mentioned having your Chevy winterized. According to a survey conducted by The Car Council, more than 70 percent of motorists admit that they do not have their cars winterized in preparation for inclement weather. If I had to guess, I’d assume people think it’s either a waste of time, waste of money or a combination of both.
So why do we need winterize our vehicles, anyway? For starters, your tires are going to lose pressure in cold weather. For every 10-degree drop in temperature, your tire pressure decreases about one psi even if the tire is in perfect condition and isn’t leaking. So it’s definitely important to have the pressure checked and inspect the tires for damage or excess wear.
It’s also a good idea to have your belts and hoses checked. Normally, they both have a long life, but cold temperatures can accelerate their demise. While your at it, might as well have the wiper blades looked at. Back in September, we talked about the different ways your blades can deteriorate. In the winter, you’re definitely going to want to have blades in good, working condition.
Other important winter maintenance includes checking all of your fluid levels, rotating your tires, checking exhaust and braking system and more. Feeling a little overwhelmed by this list? No need to worry, the kind people over at Classic Chevrolet are offering to do all of this for you for only $39.95 now through December 31st! It doesn’t get much better than that folks. So click here or visit www.classicchevytexas.com to print your coupon, and give your Chevy a little Christmas present while ensuring the safety of you and your family at the same time.
Brrrr! It’s cold out in the DFW metroplex! This week is the first week most of us have seen temperatures below freezing this winter, and you know what that means… freeze warning. Luckily, North Texas isn’t expecting much precipitation this week while the temperatures are in the 20′s, but I’m sure we eventually will if this winter is anything like the last.
These Oak Cliff drivers definitely had some issues on the icy roads...
Unfortunately, icy road conditions don’t close down businesses like they do schools. So when we do get ice for this first time, most of us will be taking ourChevys on those Dallas Ft Worth roads and highways. So let’s talk about the best driving practices for icy conditions.
If you haven’t already, you need to winterize your Chevrolet car or truck. Go ahead and schedule a maintenance visit to check on the tires and their pressure (tire pressure lowers in the winter), the battery, the belts and hoses, the radiator, oil, lights and the brake system. You also need to be sure your windshield wipers are in good condition. If you’re not sure if you need a new set of blades, click here. Your defroster also need to be effective, so check to make sure it’s working properly, too.
Now that you Chevrolet is in tip-top condition for the winter, the rest is up to your driving skills. Safe winter driving consists of three things: staying alert, slowing down and keeping in control.
In the event of snow or ice (and it’s usually the latter in DFW), you need to take extra caution while driving. Get a feel for the road conditions by starting out slowly and testing your steering control and brakes. Often times, you’ll see people’s tires spinning at a stop light. Avoid this by gently accelerating until the car beings to roll.
You’ll also need to start braking at least three times sooner than you would under normal conditions, so it’s best to keep a safe interval between you and the car ahead of you. This can often frustrate other drivers who think they can still drive their vehicles the same as normal in these conditions. But I’d much rather have someone annoyed with me for driving slow and maintaining a distance than deal with someone who’s rear-ended me. In fact, if you see someone driving recklessly on the ice, stay as far away from them as possible.
When coming to a stop, avoid sudden movements of the steering wheel and gently pump the brakes. If you lock your brakes on ice, it will cause a loss of steering and control. Always watch for danger or slippery spots ahead. I’m sure you’re all familiar with the term “black ice”. This is the most dangerous of all because you cannot see it. Typically, ice remains on bridges longer than anywhere else, so even if the roads look all clear, take extra precaution on and under bridges.
Remember Dallas Ft Worth Chevy drivers, better to be safe than sorry when it comes to winter driving. If there’s a possibility that the roads may be bad, leave the house twice as early as you normally would. If you haven’t already winterizing your Chevrolet, be sure to bring it in the Classic Chevy. They’ll gladly take care of you, and you can even schedule an appointment online! Stay safe, DFW!
When it comes to DIY car maintenance, there are several things that every Dallas Ft Worth used Chevrolet owner should know how to do. At the top of that list is knowing how to check the fluid levels in your car. Those of you who have owned a car for a decade or two most likely know how to do this. But I’m sure there are some drivers out there who have never even opened the hood of their car and therefore, probably didn’t even know you could easily check the oil and transmission levels. Not to worry, that’s why I’m here.
The average passenger vehicle is equipped with a dipstick for the engine oil and another for the transmission fluid under the hood. The exact location of these two will vary from vehicle to vehicle, but they are both fitted with a round handle which will help you grasp and pull them out. The engine oil dipstick is almost always located next to the engine and the transmission dipstick is usually somewhere behind that with either a “transmission” or “ATF” label. If you’re having a hard time locating either one, check your owner’s manual or give us call.
Now that you’ve located the engine and transmission dipsticks, grab a few paper towels and go ahead and pull one of the sticks all the way out. Using a paper towel, wipe off any fluids on the stick and then completely reinsert the stick back into its slot. Now pull the stick out again, but don’t wipe anything off this time. Here’s what you’ll be looking for:
Engine Oil:
Look for the minimum and maximum mark. The oil should be in the middle of these two marks. If it’s low, you will definitely need to add at least a quart of oil. Be sure not to overfill, though. Doing so could cause a lot of damage.
Transmission Fluid:
The fluid should reach the “full” line. If it doesn’t, you could be at risk of some serious engine problems in the future. You may want to give us a call or swing by and let us take look.
Remember, having your fluids at the proper level will help your vehicle run at optimum conditions and prevent future issues. If either one of you fluid levels are low, give Classic Chevrolet a call or make an appointment online. They’ll be happy to show you how to properly add fluids and take car of anything else you may be experiencing in your new or used Chevy.
There is a very obvious way to tell when it’s time to get new brake pads on your Chevrolet car or truck: a high-pitched screeching sound when you apply your brakes. What you’re hearing is a small metal shim, called an indicator, which is giving you an audible warning that you need to replace your brake pads. It’s loud enough to be heard when your windows are up, but for those of you who like to jam out loudly in your Chevy, you may miss this audible warning.
Another way to tell that your brake pads are worn is by looking through the spaces between the wheel’s spokes. The outside pad is pressed against a metal rotor and there should be at least 1/4 inch of pad. If it’s less than that, then it’s time to take your car into a Texas Chevy Dealer. In the image below, the brake pad on the left is new, while the one on the right is completely worn.
So what happens if you don’t notice the sound or ever examine your brake pads? Eventually, you will hear a grinding or growling sound. This is bad! This means that you have worn the pads down completely and the disc and caliper are rubbing together. Let me be the first to tell you, from personal experience, that you do not want this to happen. Not only is the sound and vibration an unsettling feeling to experience, but you’ve probably now scratched your rotors creating an uneven surface. Most likely, you’ll need new rotors, which are much more expensive than brake pads.
If you are experience any issues with your brakes at all, please don’t hesitate to bring your Chevy truck or car in to see the experts at Classic Chevrolet Texas. Your car and your safety depend on your brakes, so make sure to have your brakes checked regularly!
Have you ever been driving down the highway or side street and noticed that your car is pulling toward the left or right? If this hasn’t happened to you, be thankful. It’s pretty unsettling to take your hands off the wheel for a second and then realize your halfway into the next lane. Granted, you should never take your hands off the wheel, but let’s face it; it does happen occasionally, and normally your vehicle should continue in a straight path. Unless you’re driving through a storm with high winds or you’re driving out west to see a Red Raider football game, the wheel alignment in yourChevrolet truck or car is probably off.
So how exactly does this happen? The answer is simple: cars become unaligned when the suspension gets knocked from its correct location. The majority of the time this is due to running into or over a curb. It can also be caused by suspension wear due to age, potholes or any other suspension jarring. The common signs that your alignment is off include your car pulling or drifting away, rapid or uneven tire wear and the spokes of your steering wheel being to the right or left. If you’re driving down a straight and level road and your aren’t in high winds, the Chevrolet bow tie logo in the middle of your steering wheel should be straight. If you’re having to hold the steering wheel to the right or left, your alignment is probably off. Check out this video showing other signs of a need wheel alignment.
So Dallas Fort Worth Chevy drivers, are you experiencing any of these things? If so, you should probably bring your car in to have the alignments adjusted so that the wheels are positioned correctly relative to the vehicle’s frame. Even if you’re not sure, better safe than sorry. The experts over at Classic Chevrolet Texas want to ensure that you have proper wheel alignment so you get the most tread wear and performance from your tires. You can even schedule an appointment online. Wheel adjustments will help maximize the life of your tires and stop your car from making an unwanted lane change on those DFW highways.
Uh oh. One of the headlights is out on your Chevrolet car or truck. You might as well be driving around with a huge flag sticking out of your window with the words “Pull Me Over” written on it. Not to mention, your view through your front windshield has now significantly decreased. If you’ve ever driven without your headlights on (hopefully this happened by accident), then you know how difficult it can be. Not to worry though, replacing a headlight is one of the easiest DIYs when it comes to car maintenance and will only take you about ten minutes to do the actual work.
First things first. Pop the hood and go ahead and disconnect the battery in yourChevrolet. Now you’ll need to locate the bulb holder. Usually, this is a plug shaped like a trapezoid with three wires coming out of it.
Photo Courtesy of Body Shop Zone
Once you’ve located the bulb holder, you’ll need to remove the wire harnessing. If the holder has a plastic catch, it can be removed by pressing the lever and pulling firmly on the plug. If it has a metal clip, simply pull up and away from the holder. Other bulb holders may have a screw cap that just needs to be unscrewed.
With the wire harnessing removed, you can now pull the old bulb out. If you haven’t already purchased a new bulb, then grab the old bulb and head to you local Dallas or Fort Worth auto supply store. This way you’ll be sure to get the correct bulb for your vehicle.
Once you have the new bulb, grab a clean rag and wipe it down. From here on out, it’s a reverse process. Place the bulb into the back of the headlight the same way you removed the old bulb. You’ll know it’s all the way in when there is no rubber gasket showing. Then, re-plug the wiring in and re-secure the bulb. Finally, reconnect the battery and test out your new headlight. If it’s not working, you may want to retrace your steps or bring it by to see one of the Classic Chevrolet service pros. There may be something more going on.
Hi, I'm Hagen Durant, General Manager of Classic Chevrolet in Grapevine, TX - I am a huge car and truck enthusiast and love talking cars. I'm a cyclist, health nut, father, geek, and drummer. I look forward to giving you great information about cars and trucks, driving tips, maintenance and so much more.
If you have any questions or would like to make suggestions feel free to email them to me at hagen@classicchevytexas.com
Uh oh. You’ve found yourself with a dead battery, and you’re unable to jump it even with your friend’s powerful Chevy Silverado. There’s no corrosion on your battery terminals, so what the heck is going on? Let’s think back over the last couple of weeks… did you happen to notice your gauges flickering at all? Or how about your headlights? Have they looked a little dim lately?
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