Too Drowsy to Drive? Here Are the Warning Signs

Getting behind the wheel when you’re tired is just as dangerous as driving drunk.  In fact, over 11% of all fatal car accidents happen as a result of sleepy motorists – so it’s important to pay attention to the red flags before you start your drive.  Here are the surefire signs you need to hand the keys to someone else:

-Yawning
-Hitting a rumble strip
-Not being able to recall the past couple of miles
-Blinking more than usual
-Trouble keeping eyes open or focusing them on the road in front of you

If you are displaying any one of these behaviors for a duration of time, especially if you are experiencing more than one at a time, you shouldn’t be driving.  Ask yourself if the trip is worth putting your life or the lives of others at risk.  And then hand the keys over.

Chevrolet's Print Ads: 6 of Our Favorites

There was a time when the page of a magazine or a section of a newspaper page were all you were given to show the value of your project.  While that may not seem like much nowadays, Chevrolet still managed to make an art of it.  Here are 6 of our favorite examples.

1925

1954

1966

1974

1975

1984

Learn Highway Lingo!

Ever wonder what old school trucking lingo was like? We've put together a few phrases that we found amusing.

• Water Bill- If you need to use the restroom you would say "it's time to pay the water bill".

• Wiggle Wagon- A truck with multiple trailers behind it.

• Reading the Mail- Listening to the radio without speaking. The equivalent of lurking on the internet.

• Driving Award- A speeding ticket. 

Motorists & Cyclists Unite! Here’s the Key to Sharing the Road in Peace

It seems like the grass is always greener on the other side.  When you’re behind the wheel of a car, it’s easy to let yourself view cyclists as a source of stress–even an obstacle.  When you’re on a bike, the feeling is as uncomfortable but from an opposite perspective.  The good news?  We can all hit the road and reach our destinations safely!  The secret is just a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T!

Rules of the road: Many fail to realize that bikes and cars must abide by the same regulations during their commutes.  Each side has an equal right to their own space.
Exit your car carefully!  Make sure there’s not a cyclist rushing up behind you–remember they have no reaction time if you swing it open without warning.
Situational awareness is necessary for everyone on the road.  Pay attention to your surroundings so you can avoid accidents before they happen.
Perspective: It’s important to take into account that a car running a red light or a pothole in front of you out of nowhere is an even bigger deal if you’re on a bike.
Exercise safety precautions!  Cyclists are more vulnerable targets for the dangers of the road so it’s important to plan accordingly.  Wear appropriate safety gear.
Courtesy wave: whether you’re a cyclist or motorist, turn signals are vital!  Now more than ever, be sure to let others on the road know where you’re planning to go next.
Time is never worth risking a life.  It seems like we’re always in a race against the clock.  Plan ahead for your day, ensure your things are ready to go the night before–do whatever you have to do.  Just make sure you never hit the road in a hurry.  It’s just not worth the risk.

4 Questions You've Wanted to Ask About Tires - Answered

Tires won’t last forever, but if you maintain them properly you won’t be caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.  Tire failure is a serious problem, and if it happens while you’re driving it can be catastrophic.  So how do you know your tires are at the end of their rope?

How often should I have my tires inspected?
Check tire pressure once a month and have your Service Manager inspect your tires when you are in for service.

What factors affect tire wear?
Driving habits and the road conditions can affect the wear of your tires, as well as over- or under-inflation, improper alignment setting, improper balance, and spring or shock wear.

How often should my tires be rotated?
On average, tires should be rotated every 5,000 miles.

When should I replace my tires?
Tires must be replaced whenever there is 2/32 of an inch of tread or less remaining on the tire.

Think you need to have your tires checked or replaced? Then make an appointment at our service department today! http://bit.ly/1l3vTmh

How to Change a Tire in 9 Easy Steps

Having a flat tire and not knowing how to change it can make you feel helpless. Changing a tire is easy enough to do, and everyone should have a general idea of what's involved:

Secure the vehicle so that it won't roll; and roll the spare tire to the scene of the action.

Never change a tire on an incline or hill; always seek a flat surface, even if it means driving on a flat tire. Use bricks, wooden wedges, or metal wheel chocks to block the wheels at the opposite end of the car from the end that is to be raised.

Pry off the wheel cover.

You can use a screwdriver to pry the wheel cover off. Just insert the point of the tool where the edge of the cover meets the wheel, and apply a little leverage. The cap should pop off. You may have to do this in a couple of places, as if you were prying the lid off a can of paint.

Loosen the lug nuts.

 You might know this as breaking the lug nuts. Whatever you call it, find the end of the wrench that fits the lug nuts on your vehicle, and fit it onto the first nut. Apply all your weight to the bar on the left. This starts turning the nut counterclockwise, which loosens it. Don't remove the lug nuts completely; just get them loose enough to remove by hand after you jack up the vehicle. A hollow pipe and a cross-shaft wrench can loosen the tightest lug nuts.

If you have alloy wheels that are held on by lug nuts with delicate finishes, the delicate aluminum or chrome-plated lug nuts need careful handling. They should never be loosened or replaced with power tools that can scratch the delicate finish.

Jack up the vehicle about 6 inches off the ground.

Place the jack securely under the edge of the car. Proper locations may vary among vehicle models, so consult the owner's manual for the right places to put the jack. 
If you have a scissor jack (image a), insert the rod or wrench over the knob, and then crank. If you have a hydraulic jack (image b), place the handle into the appropriate location and pump up and down. Use nice, even strokes, taking the jack handle from its lowest point to its highest point on each stroke to cut down on the labor involved.

Remove the flat tire.

Take the lug nuts completely off by hand and put them in a safe place — inside the wheel cover or hub cap works well. Grasp the flat tire with both hands and pull it straight toward you. As you pull the flat off, it should slide along the bolts until it clears the end of the bolts and you find yourself supporting its full weight. Roll the flat along the ground to the rear of the vehicle to get it out of the way.

Lift the spare onto the lug bolts.

Because tires are heavy, you may have a little trouble lifting the spare into place — especially if you're not accustomed to lifting heavy things.

Replace the lug nuts and tighten them by hand.

Give each lug nut a jolt with the wrench to get it firmly into place, but wait until the car is on the ground before you really try to tighten the lug nuts.

Lower the vehicle and tighten the lugnuts.

After the vehicle is resting on the ground, use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts as much as you can.

Replace the wheel cover or hubcap.

If your car has wheel covers with a delicate finish, the owner's manual should provide instructions for replacing it. If your car has hubcaps, place the hubcap against the wheel and whack it into place with the heel of your hand. Cushion your hand with a soft rag first so that you won't hurt it. And don't hit the hubcap with a wrench or hammer — you'll dent it.

(Courtesy of Dummies.com)

Maintenance Questions You're Afraid to Ask

We've all been there-- you have a question about something basic...but you don't ask it.  Chances are, someone else has been where you are and had the same confusion!  Here are some frequently asked questions (with answers!) about maintaining your car.

 

How often do I need to change the oil in my vehicle?

There are many variables that determine how often an oil change is needed (climate, drive time, highway or city street driving, etc.) You should refer to the Scheduled Maintenance section in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Should I consider using synthetic motor oil in my vehicle?

Synthetic motor oils can be a good choice for high output, turbocharged or supercharged engines. Or for vehicles that are used for towing (especially during hot weather), and vehicles that operate in extremely cold or hot climates. Although more expensive than mineral-based oils, synthetic motor oils can improve fuel economy and provide longer intervals between changes.

How often should I rotate my tires?

Your tires should be rotated every other oil change. Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause of premature tire wear.

Is it really necessary to replace my timing belt at the recommended interval?

YES. The failure of a timing belt in many cars can result in major engine damage. The cost of repairing an engine with a broken timing belt is much greater than the cost of a timing belt replacement.