Chevrolet Service 101: Do Additives Hurt Your Engine?

Do you have a Chevy repair coming up and wonder what went wrong? Even routine maintenance can’t always combat bad driving habits. We’re addressing the driving patterns that can damage your vehicle at Carroll Chevrolet. Frequently Taking Short Drives If you continuously run quick errands but never take longer drives, you could damage your vehicle. Your battery doesn’t have adequate time to recharge during short trips, so it will have reduced capacity. Your engine and ignition system could also become strained. Take time to give your car the occasional “highway tune-up.” Tailgating Following other vehicles too closely isn’t just aggressive; it’s unsafe. You are much more likely to be forced to slam on your brakes, which wears down your brakes quickly. You also risk being unable to respond quickly enough and getting in an accident. Driving on ‘E’ If you always have low fuel, you aren’t just risking running out of gas. You can also clog your fuel filter or even strain your fuel injectors. In older vehicles, fuel helps serve as a coolant for components like the fuel pump, so driving around without enough fuel is especially harmful. Racing Whether you’re racing another vehicle or just racing to get somewhere, you should never accelerate too quickly. You could be seriously straining your engine. Plus, you’ll watch your gas mileage plummet. Ignoring the Check Engine Light Yes, trivial issues like a loose gas cap can trigger the check engine light. However, there could also be something seriously wrong with your vehicle. You need to have your car inspected to determine what’s afoot. Schedule Chevy Repairs in DeLand, FL Bad driving habits aren’t just dangerous; they could also harm your vehicle. If you think your vehicle may have been affected, it’s important to have it addressed. Visit Carroll Chevrolet to have your vehicle inspected and repaired today!

Every vehicle has different Chevy service demands depending on their age, their mileage, and even their engine type. If you own a diesel-equipped Chevy truck, buckle up. Carroll Chevrolet is diving into all the details of caring for a vehicle with a diesel engine. How Do Diesel Engines Differ from Gas Engines? The primary difference between a Chevy diesel engine and a gas engine is how their energy is created. Diesel engines compress the air before injecting the fuel, while a gas engine mixes the gas and air before compressing and igniting. This typically gives diesel vehicles more power, durability, and fuel efficiency. What Types of Vehicles Use Diesel Engines? Since diesel engines have higher torque ratings, they’re often found in trucks. They are particularly helpful for drivers with serious towing demands. Diesel engines are also often found in trucks or SUVs designed for off-roading. How Do Their Maintenance Needs Differ? Since diesel engines don’t have a spark-ignited system, they won’t need ignition tune-ups. They also don’t have spark plugs or distributors, which limits the maintenance they require. These parts typically need to be replaced over time, which you can avoid with a diesel engine. What Type of Maintenance Do They Need? While diesel engines don’t have the same maintenance needs, they still require routine maintenance. They are designed to withstand extreme conditions, so they require high-viscosity or synthetic oil, which needs to be changed routinely. It’s essential to check your owner’s manual to see your vehicle’s maintenance demands, including filter replacements, fluid top-offs, tire rotations, and more. Schedule Chevy Service in DeLand, FL Make service a priority to keep your vehicle running efficiently. Our trained technicians can provide the quality care that you need. Reach out to Carroll Chevrolet to schedule an appointment today!

You can protect your vehicle and improve its lifespan in many ways. In fact, there are several Chevy maintenance tasks you can do at home. We’re highlighting a few at Carroll Chevrolet. Check Your Oil Level It’s essential to keep an eye on your oil level. You can quickly top it off if it gets below the minimum level recommended. Remember, this isn’t a replacement for oil changes, which should still be completed routinely at our service center. Check Your Tire Pressure Use a tire pressure gauge to routinely check your tire pressure. Adequate tire pressure (outlined in your owner’s manual) is crucial to avoid undue wear and preserve fuel economy. Generally, tires need to be between 28 and 36 PSI (pounds per square inch). Replace Your Windshield Wipers Windshield wipers typically need to be replaced once a year. If yours are worn or leave streaks on your windshield, you may need to replace them sooner. Check your owner’s manual to see the specific type you should use. Wash Your Vehicle Cleaning your vehicle doesn’t just help it look better. You can also protect it by keeping it clean. When it stays dirty for too long, the dirt can start to eat away at your car’s clear coat and lead to corrosion and rust. Wax Your Vehicle As an added precaution, we also recommend waxing your vehicle. It can protect your vehicle from the sun, rain, and bird droppings. It also helps to keep your exterior color from fading and keeps the paint shiny and bright. Schedule Chevy Service in DeLand, FL These maintenance tasks help preserve your vehicle. However, they’re no substitute for Chevy service at Carroll Chevrolet. We encourage you to contact our team to schedule a service appointment today!