5 Easy Steps For a Safe Family Road Trip

It is that time of year again to gather up the troops and head out on the not-so open road. Family road trips are a great American pastime, but safety missteps don't have to be part of that quality family time. Follow these 5 easy steps to help ensure a safe, memorable trip.

Step 1:

Call your mechanic before the trip.

Schedule a tune-up with checks on wiper blades, lights, tires, battery, fluids and any other essentials. Tell your mechanic that you're planning a long trip and ask if he or she has any concerns about your vehicle.

Step 2:

Clean your car and check your child safety seats.

Take out any clutter, wipe down air vents and give your car a thorough wash, giving extra attention to headlights, windows and mirrors. Inspect your child safety seats, too. You can find a Child Car Seat Inspection location to verify yours are installed correctly. The service is often free.

Step 3:

Map your route and update your emergency kit.

Sure, a smartphone or your vehicle's Onstar GPS can get you just about anywhere, but an hour or two of planning can help you find those hidden treasures along the way. Don't forget to round up those road-smart safety essentials such as first-aid items, a flashlight, a portable phone charger, a blanket and extra water, as well as jumper cables or a battery-charging kit.

Step 4:

Pack for safety.

Loose items and unsecured bags become dangerous if you stop suddenly or are in an accident. Put the heaviest items in the lowest spot and toward the center of your vehicle. Tie down bags or other bulky items such as strollers with webbed or corded straps, and keep windows unobstructed. Give each child a smaller bag to store snacks, electronics and other travel essentials within reach. If your family's pet is making the journey with you, secure them or their traveling kennel.

Step 5:

Sleep, drive and have fun.

Twenty-one percent of car-related fatalities are due to drowsy driving. Before you put the keys in the ignition, get a good night of sleep. If you're tired along the way, pull over and take a quick nap, and switch driving duties frequently with another adult, if you can. Your time on the road with family and friends isn't a race to get from one spot to the next. Relax, enjoy the sights and cement those memories for years to come.

We are fortunate to live in Colorado and have so many wonderful sights to experience. At John Elway Chevrolet, we hope everyone has a safe and fun filled summer. 

Must Do Maintenance To Keep Your Vehicle Running Safe

 

It can be confusing to know exactly what maintenance is really necessary to complete at each interval. With warranties, synthetic oils and performance parts it can be tough to know when to maintenance should be performed. It is always smart to follow the factory recommended maintenance schedule in your owners-manual, but this is a simple breakdown of the basics. At John Elway Chevrolet, we conduct a FREE multipoint inspection to check for any unusual wear and tear that may lead to future issues when you visit our service department.

 

Once a Month Check:  

1. Oil: Check oil levels and look for leaks.
2. Hoses: Check hoses for cracks and loose connections.
3. Belts: look for uneven wear or excessive wear.
4. Tires: Check tire pressure and treads for uneven or excessive wear or cracking.
5. Coolant / Antifreeze: Check for low levels and leaks.
6. Air Filter: Replace if dirty

Every 3 Months:

1. Change Oil and Oil Filter: Check your owners-manual for recommendations. Vehicles using full synthetic oil can usually go up to 5 months before changing.
2. Windshield Washer Fluid: Refill washer fluid. Check fluid every month during the winter.
3. Power Steering Fluid: Check levels and for leaks.
4. Transmission Fluid: Check levels and for leaks.

Every 6 Months:

1. Wiper Blades: Check for broken or brittle blades.
2. Brakes: Check for uneven or excessive wear.
3. Spare Tire: Check spare tire pressure.
4. Shocks: Check for leaks and wear.

This is not a comprehensive list. This is meant to be a simple guide of preventative maintenance items to help keep your car running safe. We recommend consulting with a Chevrolet Factory Certified technician at John Elway Chevrolet and your owners-manual to make sure your unique vehicle receives the proper maintenance. To help you save time, we now take service appointments online and a free multipoint inspection with every service. 

5 Easy Steps To Increase The Life of Your Transmission

Your transmission is a crucial part of your drivetrain and can be extremely costly to fix. A new clutch can run anywhere from $1,200-$1,500 and a new automatic transmission can run $3,000 plus. Transmission troubles can mean a huge hit to the pocket book. We are here to give you 5 ways to help extend the life of your transmission.

1. Change Transmission Fluid: Be sure to check your owner’s manual or ask your service advisor how often they recommend changing your Transmission fluid. Most recommend every 15,000 miles or at least once per year. Your transmission fluid works just like the oil in your engine (please do not put engine oil in your transmission) by lubricating the gear for better performance and less wear. As your fluid gets dirty you increase wear and risk overheating.
2. Pick The Right Gear: Weather you have a manual or automatic, it is important to select the right gear for your driving conditions. Make sure you are using your lower gears when climbing hills, off-roading, or towing. Only use overdrive when you are driving at highway speeds. Follow these simple rules and you will reduce strain and wear on your transmission.
3. Use Brakes Not Gears: When you downshift to slow your vehicle you are putting significant stress on your transmission gears. Brake pads are much cheaper than transmission maintenance, so it’s a good idea to use your breaks first when slowing your vehicle.
4. Warm Your Car Up: Those cold Colorado mornings can be tough on your transmission if you don’t take the time to let the fluid warm up. It is good practice to let your car warm up and drive gently the first 2-3 miles. Don’t peel-out or do any doughnuts.
5. Watch For Overheating: Whatever you do, do not ignore your transmission overheating. If you are experiencing overheating in your transmission bring it in for service right away. For every 20 degrees over 200 degrees, your transmission’s lifespan decreases by a factor of 2. If this becomes a consistent problem your service adviser may recommend a transmission cooler be installed.

Be safe out there and take good care of your vehicle and it will take care of you. If you have any questions at all please call our service department or stop by and ask one of our Chevy Certified Service Advisers. Our extremely knowledgeable staff is here to answer your questions and help you get the most out of your vehicle. Check out our Chevy service specials and schedule your next service appointment online.