When the temperatures drop and the weather takes a turn for the worse, being an active and prepared driver will make all the difference on the road. Here are three helpful tips for driving in winter weather. 3 Tips for Safer Winter Driving Allow yourself plenty of time If you’re heading to work or have errands to run on the weekend and the weather takes a turn for the worse, it can make a hectic day even tougher. But with some extra preparation, you can confidently and safely make it to your destination. Whether it’s snowing, a coating of black ice covers the roads, or you have a slushy mixture on your path, giving yourself extra time to drive slowly through the conditions will provide you with peace of mind. It will also allow you to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you. In the event that they slow down suddenly, you’ll have plenty of time to decelerate safely or make a necessary move to avoid a collision if your vehicle starts to skid. Mind the pedals No matter your car’s drivetrain, knowing how to harness and control its power is crucial to arriving safely at your destination. When you’re stopped at a traffic light, and it turns green, gently apply the accelerator. By doing this, you’ll be able to ensure your tires grip the road surface properly to move you forward without spinning out. On highways, city streets, and back roads, it’s sometimes safer to simply come off the gas and slow down rather than hitting the brakes. If you apply the brakes too aggressively, it could cause the tires to skid over the packed snow, ice, or slush. Check your tires and battery Stepping outside on a frigid morning to warm up your vehicle only to find a dead battery is not an ideal start to the day. During the fall, it’s a good idea to have your battery inspected by a certified technician. That will ensure that you’ll have the capacity and charge to start your car. Your tires are the only points of contact your vehicle makes with the road. If they’re not properly maintained, it’s a safety issue. With the right amount of tread and proper inflation, your tires will deliver the traction to stay on the road and the stopping power to bring your vehicle to a halt when you need to. Prepare Your Car for Winter at Martin Chevy Contact us at Martin Chevy in Crystal Lake, Illinois, to schedule a service center appointment. We’ll get your car, truck, or SUV ready for winter weather driving.
The road is often a bumpy place, and over time, it can put a lot of wear and tear on your car’s tires. Luckily, there are ways to slow that natural deterioration. Having your Chevrolet’s tires routinely rotated is one of them. Read on to learn more about how regular tire rotation affects vehicle performance and when you should stop in for service. 3 Reasons To Have Your Tires Rotated Longer Lifespan Your tires take the brunt of the action. That’s why the tread on your tires can wear down at an accelerated rate. It all depends on your vehicle's specific make and model, your turn tendencies, regular cargo loads, terrain, and more. Rotation helps ensure they wear evenly during their lifespan and helps minimize costly replacements. Optimized Performance Fresh off of the assembly line, your car is ready to take you virtually anywhere you need to go. Unfortunately, uneven tread can impact the way your vehicle handles on the road and fuel efficiency. Having your tires regularly rotated ensures the ride is as smooth as possible and that you’ll enjoy fewer pit stops along the way. Safety When the tread is at its peak, tires can firmly grip the road beneath you — which is especially important in adverse weather conditions. Even tread wear helps ensure your tires can help you reach your destinations safely. When Should My Tires Be Rotated? Many drivers have a tire rotation service performed when they go in for an oil change or every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, but you can check your Chevrolet service manual for information on the specific needs of your model. The way your tires are rotated is also specific to rear-wheel, 4-wheel, and front-wheel configurations. Ensure yours are properly cared for by having a professional take care of this service for you. The qualified technicians at Martin Chevrolet can work out a schedule that suits your vehicle best. Have Your Tires Serviced at Martin Chevy in Crystal Lake, IL We’ll be happy to let you know when you’re due for rotation. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your Chevrolet car, truck, or SUV or to learn about our service center’s hours and directions. Be sure to check out our available Chevy service coupons to ensure you’ll be making the most of your visit with us.
Fall is a great time of year to explore new places and try new activities. With your reliable Chevy ready to go, it’s easy to get out and about in Crystal Lake, Illinois. You’ll want to check out everything the city has to offer. We’ve selected three fun fall attractions to help you get started. Fun Fall Activities in Crystal Lake Colonel Palmer House When you pull up to the Colonel Palmer House in your Chevy, you’ll notice the interesting Greek Revival and Federalist style architecture of the brick building. This farmhouse was built in 1858 and was home to Gustavus A. Palmer and his wife, Henrietta. You can attend a public tour of the house and get a sense for local history in Crystal Lake as you walk the halls and rooms of the building, which is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Raue Center for the Arts Drive your Chevy into downtown Crystal Lake, and you’ll find the Raue Center for the Arts. This not-for-profit theater hosts exciting performing arts events. It has a rich history that dates back to its original opening in 1929 as El Tovar, a movie and vaudeville theater. You can check out performances by well-known music artists, comedy events, film screenings, dance performances, and more. You can even schedule a tour to learn more about the theater’s background. Sterne’s Woods & Fen On a beautiful, crisp fall day, you can step out of your Chevy and walk along the rugged trails in the woodlands of Sterne’s Woods & Fen. This preserved forest area was added to Illinois’ list of Nature Preserves in 1994. Aside from walking trails, you can enjoy marked biking paths and wagon rides in the fall. After an invigorating hike through the trees and near the pond and creek, you can take a rest at the picnic area. Enjoy lunch or snack while you take in the sights of untouched Crystal Lake nature. Experience a Crystal Lake Fall in Your New Chevy If you’re ready to explore these fun fall activities and more in Crystal Lake, come visit Martin Chevrolet of Crystal Lake, IL, and find the best vehicle for your exciting adventures this season. With convenient hours and directions to our showroom, you can stop in to learn more about our full line of Chevrolet models, including the versatile Equinox and the rugged Silverado 1500 pickup. Contact us today for more details, or to schedule a test drive.
