A car is a complex machine, and requires due care & regular servicing to run at its best. Like many individual components in a car that need occasional checking, the air conditioning unit needs a spruce-up once in a while.
The seldom used AC in winters (obviously!) can lose refrigerant, or the bearings can corrode, or gases can leak. So by the time summer arrives, you might have a faulty AC compressor on your hands.
To save yourself the inconvenience in the summers, Feldman Chevrolet of Lansing, serving Marshall, MI suggests you take your car out for a spin and focus on the behavior of your car’s AC. It will help you schedule service at the right time!
Signs of a Choking Compressor
1. Clanking Sounds
Since the compressor has to work overtime with all that debris contaminating the system, the smaller components in the unit also experience critical failure and become loose.
This causes the death rattle rounds that may be easily discernable with the squealing fan belt that powers the compressor. It’s best to have the entire engine bay checked & the part fixed or replaced.
2. P0534 Code Comes on
If you are mech & tech-savvy, you will have an OBD-II tool for this. All post-2011 cars come with an OBD port, so the next time your otherwise quiet car’s ECU lights up, this is a signal for an engine bay component problem.
You can plug in the OBD-II to find the diagnostic code P0534 that signals a problem with the air-con compressor unit. Off to the mechanic you go!
3. Diminished Cooling
An undeniable sign is inefficient cooling when you turn the AC on. That’s because the refrigerant is leaking, the bearings are damaged, and the heat exchange is not occurring with all the debris build-up. You not only need your compressor fixed, but you need a change of air filters, too.
4. AC Clutch is Stuck
This is a different clutch, not the one that engages a gear on the drivetrain of manuals (and autos have torque converters!).
The AC clutch is designed to engage or disengage the cooling process to optimize the load on the compressor. With use, the clutch gets stuck, keeping the AC on constantly or not working at all. This can result in all the symptoms mentioned above and fluid leaks.
If you notice a slight rattling, the ECU warning, or even a squeaky fan belt, don’t panic; just roll over to Feldman Chevrolet of Lansing, serving Marshall, MI, for a world-class service experience from one of the industry’s leading experts in auto excellence. Faulty compressor? No problem!
We offer service specials & OEM parts for your beloved ride with financing available.
Online Car Shopping – The Good, The Bad, And The Best Of This Automotive Industry Trend
The car buying process has changed drastically in recent years. More people are choosing to buy their cars online, and this trend will only continue to grow.
Even though there are certainly some advantages to buying a car this way, there are also some disadvantages that you should be aware of before making your purchase. This blog post will take a closer look at both the good and the bad of online car shopping.
The Good
You Can Examine Hundreds of Vehicles Easily
The most obvious advantage is the number of vehicles you can examine without ever leaving your house. You can search for the make, model, year, features, and price range that you’re interested in and compare them all side-by-side. This can be an extremely helpful tool when deciding which vehicle is right for you.
You Can Save Time
Another advantage is that you can save both time and money. Since you’re not wasting time visiting numerous dealerships, you’re able to compare more prices and find the best deal. You can also avoid any high-pressure sales tactics from dealerships since you’re buying the car online.
You Can Choose One with Ease
When you’re ready to buy, all you have to do is choose the car you want and make the purchase. There’s no need to worry about negotiating a price or haggling with a salesperson. You can also avoid any potential buyer’s remorse since you can take your time before purchasing.
Save the Environment
Another advantage is that you’re helping the environment. You don’t have to waste gas driving from one dealership to another. This also reduces the number of cars on the road, which helps reduce air and sound pollution.
The Bad
You Can’t Test Drive
You cannot see or test drive the car in person before you buy it. So, if you’re not sure about how the car handles or if it’s the right size for your needs, you might have to take a chance and hope for the best. This could lead to problems if the car doesn’t meet your expectations or turns out to be defective.
You Can’t See the Interior or Exterior Before Buying
You can’t always see the interior or exterior of the vehicle before making your purchase. It means you could end up with a car that’s not in good condition, has been in an accident, or doesn’t have all the features you wanted. It shouldn’t happen because most dealerships are honest, but you should always exercise caution.
The Best
At Feldman Chevrolet of Lansing, serving Kalamazoo, MI, we make it easy for everyone to buy a used car online. We offer the best solution that allows you to choose a car online… and take it out for a test drive when you visit our dealership!
Check out our inventory of used cars and compare prices, features, and choose the one you like the most. Then, come to our dealership to test drive it and see how it feels.
So, don’t wait and start browsing through our cars today!
It’s a well-known fact that the average car owner does not know how to clean their engine. This can lead to many problems, including clogged-up filters and increased emissions. So what should you do? Cleaning your car’s engine doesn’t have to be hard!
This blog post will explain how to clean your engine at home without help.
Let Your Engine Cool Down
Before you do anything, it’s important to let your engine cool down. Cleaning an engine that is still hot can be very dangerous and cause injuries. Once the engine has cooled off completely, you can begin the cleaning process. This will help you avoid burns. Plus, the engine degreaser you use will work better when the engine is not hot.
Remove Any Dirt or Debris Sitting on the Engine
The first step is to remove any dirt or debris sitting on top of the engine. You can do this by using a brush or a piece of cloth. Be sure to wear gloves if you are going to use your hands, as some of the oils and chemicals used in this process can be harmful if they come in touch with the skin. Once the top layer of dirt and debris has been removed, move on to the next step.
Use Plastic Bags to Cover All Fragile Parts on the Engine
Electric wires and components that are not covered by plastic bags or some covering can be damaged if they come into contact with the chemicals used in this process. To prevent damage, you can purchase large, clear plastic bags at a local hardware store and place them over any fragile parts on your engine.
Apply Degreaser and Scrub it to Remove Oil and Grease
It is important to use a degreaser that is specifically designed for engines. Engine degreasers are available at most auto parts stores. Pour the degreaser over the entire engine and scrub it in with a brush. Pay special attention to the areas where oil and grease have built up. Allow the degreaser to sit for a few minutes to break down the oil and grease.
Wipe it Dry
Once the degreaser has done its job, you can wipe it off. Use a clean rag, and be sure to remove as much of the grease and oil as possible so that your engine doesn’t rust when exposed to moisture in the air during storage for long periods.
Apply a Protectant on the Engine
To protect your engine from rust and corrosion, apply a protectant coat to it. There are many different types of protectants available, so be sure to choose one specifically designed for engines. For example, WD-40 will help keep the engine lubricated and protected against moisture.
If you believe this job is too messy and complicated, you can always turn to experienced, certified car technicians to get your engine cleaned the right way. At Feldman Chevrolet of Lansing, serving Owosso, MI, our experts will help you prolong your car engine’s life. Schedule an appointment with our dealership service center today.
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In the past, electric cars were made for a niche market of environmentalists and techies. The cost of manufacturing these vehicles was high, and they lacked many features that drivers prefer in their everyday cars. However, recently electric cars have been an emerging trend shaping the automotive industry.
With advancements in technology lowering production costs and improvements to vehicle design making them more practical than ever before, it’s not surprising that this trend has taken off like wildfire. This article will explore how these new vehicles are shaping the industry.
No Need to Pay for Gas
One of the greatest advantages of electric cars is that you don’t have to pay for gasoline. You can save thousands each year, especially if you drive a lot. With an electric vehicle, all you need to do is charge it up, and you’re good to go. You never have to worry about running out of gas or having to stop at a gas station. You can plug your car in when you get home. This is why electric vehicles are often referred to as “plug-in” vehicles because they make charging so easy.
Very Cheap to Maintain
In addition to not having to spend money at the pump, you also don’t have a lot of other maintenance costs with an electric car since there’s no gasoline engine or transmission system. Electric motors also don’t require oil changes as gasoline-powered vehicles do.
With modern lithium batteries typically lasting more than 200 thousand miles before needing replacement, these vehicles require far less maintenance than those with internal combustion engines.
Reduced Noise Pollution
Another benefit of electric cars is that they are quieter than other vehicles. This makes them great for urban areas because their owners don’t have to deal with the noise pollution created by gas or diesel-powered engines.
They also offer a smoother, more comfortable ride. Electric motors produce far less vibration than gasoline engines, making for a much quieter and more relaxing experience when driving.
No Emissions
Electric cars are also much better for the environment. They produce zero emissions, which is great for the planet. Gas-powered cars give off harmful emissions that damage the environment and contribute to climate change.
If you hate polluting the environment or want to do your part in preserving our planet, then an electric car is a perfect choice.
High Resale Value
In addition to the environmental and economic benefits of electric cars, electric cars have a very high resale value due to their increasing popularity. As battery technology improves, electric vehicles will become even more popular, which means they can be sold for a good price on the used car market.
You don’t have to worry about your electric car becoming outdated or losing its value over time. On the contrary, it will only become more valuable as the years go by.
Chevrolet Bolt is an electric car with an EPA-rated range of 250 miles per charge. So what does this mean for you? It means that now you can drive 250 miles before needing a plug. Interested in buying an electric car and learning more? Visit our dealership at Feldman Chevrolet of Lansing, serving Durand, MI, and let our experts help you purchase an electric car with confidence. We would love to help answer any questions or concerns that you may have.
What Goes Into The Car Servicing Process?
Servicing your car regularly is essential for proper car maintenance. It helps prevent malfunctions and breakdowns, thereby giving you more time on the road with less hassle. Improper servicing can also lead to expensive repairs in the future. The best way of ensuring that you get a reliable service and maintain your vehicle’s value is by going to an authorized dealership service center. Here we will provide information about this critical process.
New Engine Oil & Filter
New engine oil & filter is one of the most important aspects of car servicing. The oil and filter help keep your engine running smoothly, which helps preserve the life of your vehicle. The engine oil is responsible for regulating the temperature of your engine, as well as lubricating and protecting it so that all moving parts will remain in perfect condition.
It also plays a part in preventing rusting and corrosion on metal surfaces. This process must be done every six months or 3,000 miles to keep your car running smoothly, whichever comes first.
Fluid Top Offs
Another important part of a car servicing process is keeping all the fluids at their optimum levels. This includes brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and antifreeze/coolant. Checking and topping off these fluids as necessary will help keep your car running smoothly and extend the life of your vehicle’s components.
Tire Inspection
It’s also important that you maintain the appropriate tire pressure. The right level of air in the tires is necessary to ensure they are worn evenly and help keep them from wearing out too quickly. Driving on low pressure tires will put unnecessary strain on all other components, increasing their wear rate substantially.
Brake Pads & Brake Discs Inspection
The brake pads and discs are another important safety feature of your car. You must ensure they are functioning properly at all times, as even slight damage could lead to an accident or severe injury if the brakes fail while driving at high-speed road. Detecting early signs of wear is also crucial since it may be possible to avoid a costly and risky full replacement.
Timing Belt Replacement (if necessary)
A timing belt is a critical engine component that ensures the valves open and close correctly. If it fails, your car will stop running immediately. Depending on your vehicle’s make and model, the timing belt may need to be replaced as often as every 60,000 miles – so don’t forget to factor this into your long-term vehicle maintenance plan.
Regular servicing at a dealership service center is crucial for keeping your car running smoothly and avoiding breakdowns on the road. It’s also essential for maintaining a high resale value as it can give potential buyers confidence that you have looked after it well.
Here at Feldman Chevrolet of Lansing, serving Jackson, MI, we offer several service packages to suit your budget, including everything from oil changes to full engine rebuilding. Get your vehicle impeccably serviced by our certified car technicians and maintain your car in the best possible manner. Schedule an appointment with our service center now.
Tire Guide – 5 Tire Care Tips You Must Follow
Tires are one of the most important components of your car. They are responsible for keeping your vehicle balanced and safe and bring it to a stop quickly if needed. Tires also dictate how much gas mileage you’ll get out of your car.
How do you keep them performing at their best? Read on to learn five tire care tips that will help keep your tires at their optimum performance level so they can last longer and perform better.
1) Don’t Neglect the Air Pressure
Keep your tires properly inflated, as underinflated tires can result in decreased fuel efficiency and premature wear. Please consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or the sidewall of your tire for the recommended air pressure, and be sure to check it regularly.
You can find a tire pressure gauge at most gas stations. If possible, keep an air compressor in your trunk in case you need to add air while on the road.
2) Check Tire Tread Carefully
Check your tires for damage or uneven wear. If you notice any issues, consult with a mechanic to determine the best course of action. Damaged tires should always be replaced immediately to ensure safety and optimal gas mileage.
You can check the depth of your tread with a penny. Place a penny upside down into the tread of your tire. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tread is too shallow and needs to be replaced. If you don’t take it seriously, you could end up with a blown tire and on the side of the road.
3) Ensure the Tires are Properly Aligned
When your car is “out of alignment,” it means the wheels are not pointing in the same direction. This can cause various problems, including uneven tread wear, steering wheel vibration, and pulling to one side or the other.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, take your car in for an alignment check right away. It’s important to have your tires aligned because misaligned tires can wear down faster and even cause accidents. Misaligned tires can also reduce your fuel economy, so it’s important to get them fixed as soon as possible.
4) Don’t Forget to Rotate the Tires
It’s important to rotate your tires every few thousand miles to distribute the wear evenly. Rotating your tires helps them last longer and prevents uneven tread wear. Many dealership service centers will do a free rotation when you get your oil changed, so be sure to take advantage of that.
5) Consider Your Driving Habits
Your driving habits play a role in how long your tires last. If you drive on gravel roads or through potholes, that will wear down your tires more quickly than if you stick to paved roads. If you frequently go at high speeds, that can also wear down your tires more quickly. So if you can, try to avoid those things to help your tires last longer.
We know tires are important to your vehicle’s safety and functionality. That is why we offer many tire services, including tire rotation and balance checks, at our tire center. If you have any questions about these or other tire care tips, please schedule an appointment with our dealership tire center at Feldman Chevrolet of Lansing, serving St. Johns, MI, and our experts will be happy to assist you.
5 Important Tips For First Time Car Buyers
When it comes to purchasing a vehicle, most people have no idea what they are doing. It is an overwhelming process that can be confusing for someone who has never done it before. That’s why we put together this blog post. We will discuss the basics of how to buy your first car and some tips to help you get the best deal possible.
1) Know Your Budget
Recognizing what you can afford is the most important part of car shopping. It will impact which cars you look at, how much negotiating power you have with salespeople, and more. Ensure that before going into a dealership, you know exactly how much money you want to spend on a vehicle so that there are no surprises along the way.
Don’t forget to include other important expenses such as car insurance, gas, etc. You don’t want to struggle to pay for these expenses every month after making a large purchase like this.
2) Research What You Want
This is something that many people don’t do when they look for their next purchase. Too often, we get caught up in the moment and go for a car that we like without considering whether it’s really what we need. Spend some time researching different vehicles to determine which one best suits your needs.
Not only will this help you make a more informed purchase, but you’ll also be able to better negotiate with salespeople when you’re ready to buy.
3) Critically Examine the Vehicle
When looking at cars, consider things like fuel efficiency, passenger and cargo space, and the cost of repairs and maintenance. For example, if you have a family, you’ll want to look for a car with plenty of room. And if you drive a lot in the city, you’ll want a vehicle that’s good for fuel-efficiency.
4) Check the Value in Kelley Blue Book
When purchasing a used car, it’s critical to know the value of what you want. You can do this by checking out Kelley Blue Book. This site lets users look up information on cars they might be interested in purchasing and provides them with an estimated resale price if they decide to sell later down the line. This will keep you from exceeding your budget and ensure you’re not overpaying for a car.
5) Test Drive the Car
Be sure also to test drive the car before you buy it. This will allow you to see if it’s comfortable and meets your needs. Take the car on different roads and see how it handles. This will help you determine if the vehicle is a good fit for you. Be sure to take a friend with you as this will help make your decision easier.
We want your next purchase of a Chevrolet to be worry-free and enjoyable from start to finish. If you are looking for more information on our used cars for sale or need some assistance buying a used car, please visit our dealership at Feldman Chevrolet of Lansing, serving Fowlerville, MI. Also, check out our inventory of used cars online.
Many factors go into the car buying process, whether it’s a new or used vehicle. You have to consider your budget, needs and wants, and lifestyle when deciding what type of car would work best for you. This blog post is about deciding what kind of car you need.
A few questions will help narrow down which type of vehicle works best for your situation.
What’s Your Budget?
If you want a new car, one of the first questions to ask yourself is: What’s my budget? This will narrow down your options and make finding the right vehicle much easier. You might be surprised at how affordable some cars can be, so it’s important not to get discouraged if your budget isn’t as big as you’d expected.
The amount of money you have to spend on a car is just the beginning, though, because other factors are involved when deciding what type of vehicle will work best for you. First and foremost, it’s helpful to think about how many people need to fit into the car at once.
What Size is Your Family?
Do you have a family? A large family or just a small one? If you have kids, do they need a lot of space to themselves in the backseat, or will they be fine sitting next to each other? These are all important questions to ask when looking for your next car.
Families that require more than one child seat might want to consider an SUV or minivan so they can fit all of their kids comfortably. If you don’t need that much space, then a smaller sedan will work just fine for your family’s needs.
What are Your Driving Habits?
If you mostly drive in the city and on congested roadways during rush hour, then an SUV is not the best option for you. If you like to take trips out of town and go off-roading, then an SUV or a truck is perfect for your needs.
How Often Do You Drive?
Do you only need a car for weekend getaways, or do you use your vehicle to commute to work? How often you drive will play a role in the type of car you should buy. If you use your vehicle to commute to work, you need a vehicle that will last for many years to be worth the investment.
What Do You Value?
Some people value luxury, while others place a greater value on performance. You need to consider what is important to you. If you need a luxury car with all the bells and whistles, you will need to spend more money than looking for a reliable vehicle that gets good gas mileage.
After reading this blog post, you should better understand what size car may be best for your needs. Whether driving to work or running errands around town, we at Feldman Chevrolet of Lansing, serving Battle Creek, MI, want all our customers to be able to buy a new car with confidence. If you are still unsure which type of vehicle would suit your lifestyle best, don’t hesitate to stop by our showroom today to check out our new cars for sale!
4 Hidden Advantages Of Purchasing A Used Car
You enjoy many benefits when you buy a quality, reliable pre-owned vehicle that you may have never considered before. This post will explore various hidden benefits of getting a used car. So, you won’t end up spending more on a new car unnecessarily.
1) Used Cars are Less Expensive, and You Get to Save Money
You can purchase a high-quality used car for less money. If your budget is tight and a new vehicle is beyond your reach, a used car is a great money-saving option. It means that you will save more cash and put it towards other necessary expenses in your life. For example, you can save some money for rent or for medical bills.
You can also use the amount saved to cover other car-related expenses, such as paying for gas, purchasing insurance, etc.
2) You Can Get More for Your Money with Used Cars
Buying used can give you more bang for your buck. When purchasing new, the car depreciates in value as soon as you drive it home from the dealership. A new car loses about 20% of its value within the first year.
After five years, some models will only be worth 50% of what you paid for them. However, when buying pre-owned cars with low mileage, you can get more for your money.
3) You Have More Models and Years to Choose from with Used Cars
If you live in a large city, there is likely an abundance of options for finding used cars for sale. If you’re looking for the latest features, buying a pre-owned vehicle that is only two or three years old will give you more choices than purchasing new.
You have the freedom to get your favorite color, the features you want, and even a luxury brand. You also don’t have to wait after purchasing because dealerships immediately hand over used vehicles to their new owners.
4) You will Get Cheaper Insurance Coverage
The cost of car insurance can be a significant expense. When you purchase a used car, the type and age will determine your rate. Insurance companies consider how many miles were driven over the years, damage to the vehicle when it was previously owned by someone else, and even claims that may have been filed in previous accidents with this specific type of car.
By purchasing a used car, you will be able to get cheaper insurance coverage because the vehicle is older, and the vehicle’s overall value is a lot lower than a brand new vehicle.
You can find a certified pre-owned vehicle that fits your budget and has been given the certification seal to ensure it is in good condition. You can buy a used car with complete confidence at Feldman Chevrolet of Lansing, serving Grand Rapids, MI. Click here to check out our inventory of certified pre-owned vehicles today.
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