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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.

With 2 electric motors and a gas engine, the 2019 Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid delivers exceptional performance and fuel efficiency. Add in modern conveniences and you have a vehicle that is sure to energize you and your passengers. Keep reading to learn more about this model. Why the 2019 Chevy Volt Is Worth a Look Leave the Gas Pump Behind The Volt is built with a 1.5L direct-injected high-efficiency engine to propel you forward, while the 2 electric motors provide energy-efficient movement along city streets, highways, and country roads. Together, this system puts out 294 lb.-ft. of torque. When fully charged, the battery delivers up to 53 miles of range, and when combined with a full tank of gas, you can drive for up to 420 miles. In fact, new Volt models can on average travel up to 1,100 miles between fill-ups at the pump with regular battery charging. In addition to plugging in the vehicle with the 120V portable charge cord or a 240V charging unit (professional installation required), the Volt can recharge its battery through regenerative braking. When you step on the brake pedal to slow down, the Volt captures the kinetic energy that would be lost otherwise and moves it to the battery. Plus, you can use the Regen on Demand™ paddle on the steering wheel to slow the vehicle without pressing the brake pedal. At-a-Glance Information Stay aware of how much charge remains in the battery and where your energy use is going with real-time information displayed on the 8” touchscreen and the Driver Information Center behind the steering wheel. You can also access your favorite apps, playlists, and more on the touchscreen when you connect your smartphone to the vehicle and use the standard Apple CarPlay™ or Android Auto™ feature. Stay Protected The 2019 Volt is equipped with numerous available advanced safety and response features to help keep you protected while on the road. These features include: Adaptive Cruise Control – Advanced Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning Rear Cross Traffic Alert Forward Collision Alert Forward Automatic Braking The Volt also has 10 airbags that can be deployed in an accident for added protection. Plus, the Teen Driver system keeps an eye on your teen’s performance even when you’re not around. Shop Martin Chevy for the 2019 Chevrolet Volt When you’re in the market for new Chevrolet vehicles for sale in Crystal Lake, IL, including the 2019 Chevrolet Volt, visit our dealership at 5220 Northwest Highway.

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.

Oil is the lifeblood of your engine and can break down over time. It lubricates the components of your engine to fight friction and the buildup of heat. Oil changes keep your engine working in optimal condition for many years to come. But when do you need to schedule one? There are a variety of signs that you need an oil change. Read on to learn about these signs and why it’s important to perform regular maintenance. Is It Time for an Oil Change? The following signs are indications that it’s time for an oil change: Indicator light A check engine light or message displayed on the dash is an easy way to know it’s time. Most of today’s vehicles have a counter built into their systems to show the indicator at the manufacturer’s recommended mileage. You can also look in your owner’s manual for your manufacturer’s recommended oil change schedule if you want to be certain you’re sticking to the suggested time frame. Loud noises While it’s designed to fight heat and friction, oil wears down over time and with more miles. When it wears down, the oil loses its lubrication, which can cause engine parts to start grinding, knocking, or rattling. Low oil levels Locate the dipstick, and pull it all the way out. Wipe off any oil from it, insert it all the way back into the engine, and pull it back out. This will give a proper measurement of the oil in the car. If the oil is below the minimum mark on the dipstick, you need to add oil to the engine. Color A light color indicates the oil is fresh and still has life in it. If the color is brown or black, the oil is old or used and may need to be changed. If you notice the oil has a milky color, this could be a sign that coolant has leaked into the engine. Particulates When checking the engine, if you notice metal particles in the oil, it can indicate that you have internal engine damage. If you see the milky color or metal particles, get your vehicle to a service center for further diagnosis. Schedule Your Oil Change in Crystal Lake, IL Visit our Service Center at Martin Chevrolet for your vehicle’s oil change, and see our service coupons to receive money-saving deals on other maintenance services as well.

Shopping for a used truck is a different experience than it is for a car or SUV. Pickup trucks are unique vehicles, and thus require a unique approach to buying. First, browse through our selection of used cars for sale in Crystal Lake, Illinois, and pick out some trucks that catch your eye. Then consider the following tips for buying a used truck. 7 Helpful Hints for Buying a Used Truck Know what you need Trucks come in a variety of cabin sizes and bed sizes. They also pack various horsepower, towing capacities, and payloads, so it’s important to decide how much truck you need. Buy too big of a truck for your needs, and you might overpay. Buy too little, and you won’t get the job done. Check the trailer hitch If you see excessive wear on the trailer hitch, it may indicate the truck spent a lot of time towing under the previous ownership. And more towing means more engine wear and tear. Check the bed Examine the bed for any dings, dents, or scratches that seem above normal levels given the age of the truck. Excessive wear in the bed could mean the truck was used for commercial purposes and may have a compromised suspension, shocks, or steering system. Check underneath Crawl underneath the truck and have a look. If you see a heavy buildup of dirt, the truck may have spent a lot of time off-road in its previous life. Read the Vehicle History Report Buying a used truck no longer has to be the guessing game it once was. A Vehicle History Report provides valuable information such as any previous accidents or major repair work. Ask about any trade-in or financing specials An attractive financing deal can put you firmly in the driver’s seat of a truck that would otherwise be out of your budget. And remember, a used car is always negotiable. Drive it like you own it Last but not least, give the truck a good test drive. Shop Used Trucks in Crystal Lake, IL Once you’ve narrowed down your selection, contact us to schedule your test drive. Or, visit us at Martin Chevrolet today. We’re right around the corner in Crystal Lake, IL.

The 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 is totally capable, whether you’re transporting equipment for work or traversing the countryside on a weekend camping trip. Lighter and more durable than ever before, the Silverado has plenty to offer the modern handyman and the adventurous driver alike. Read on for a summary of the notable features offered with this model. The 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 is Dynamic, Durable, and Dependable Performance Options The 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 offers a variety of powertrain options, starting with the 310-horsepower 2.7L Turbocharged engine with Active Fuel Management standard on LT and RST trims. Check out the 5.3L V8 engine with Dynamic Fuel Management if you’re looking for more power — it cranks out 355 horsepower with 383 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engines are equipped with Auto Stop/Start technology for enhanced fuel efficiency For unbeatable performance, opt for the 420-horsepower 6.2L V8 engine with Dynamic Fuel Management. It’s coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission, so you enjoy a smooth, responsive drive every time you get behind the wheel. Durable Cargo Box The new Silverado 1500 features the roll-formed steel Durabed, a more durable cargo box that can handle a heavy workload. Use the 12 fixed tie-downs to secure your equipment for long journeys — the tie-downs are rated up to 500 lb. each. The CornerStep rear bumper now has larger footwells to maximize accessibility for loading and unloading the truck bed. And, when your workday continues as the sun goes down, you can rely on the available 120-volt outlet to keep your tools fully charged and Rear Task Lighting to help you get the job done. Trailering Packages With a powerful engine, the Silverado can haul heavy loads, and a few additional trailering features make the task even easier. Choose from two available trailering packages — the Trailering Camera Package and the Advanced Trailering Package — to help monitor and transport your haul safely and easily. You’ll get Hitch Area Lighting, Auto Electric Parking Brake Assist, Hitch Guidance with Hitch View, and more in the Advanced Trailering Package. Find the 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 in Crystal Lake, IL Browse Chevrolet cars for sale in Crystal Lake, IL at Martin Chevrolet and test drive the new Chevy Silverado 1500. Visit our dealership at 5220 Northwest HWY or call (855) 395-9583 to learn more.

From rugged, work-ready pickup trucks to spacious SUVs, Chevrolet’s award-winning lineup makes it easy to find a ride that’s just right for your lifestyle. Thinking of upgrading to a new vehicle? Let’s explore five popular Chevy models you can test drive at Martin Chevrolet. 5 Chevy Cars to Mark Down on Your Test Drive Wish List? The 2018 Chevy Colorado Three powerful engine options ensure there’s a 2018 Chevy Colorado that’s ready to get the job done. Opt for the 3.6L V6, and you’ll get best-in-class horsepower. Choose the available 2.8L  Duramax® Turbo-Diesel engine, and you’ll not only have access to a best-in-class towing but the most fuel-efficient performance of any midsize pickup on the market as well. The 2018 Chevy Equinox Sleek exterior styling, a spacious cabin, and modern technology make the 2018 Chevy Equinox compact crossover SUV the whole package. Ample cargo and passenger space let you bring along all the necessities while keeping the whole crew comfortable. And with an available 1.6L turbo-diesel engine that achieves an estimated 39 mpg on the highway, the 2018 Equinox helps you avoid spending too much time at the pump. The 2018 Chevy Malibu The 2018 Chevy Malibu is a midsize sedan that makes a full-size impression. Its flowing profile blends an athletic look with a feel of luxury that extends to the refined interior. Plus, with its 160-horsepower 1.5L turbocharged base-level engine, daily commutes and weekend road trips are more fun than ever before. The 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 The Chevy Silverado 1500 is the most dependable full-size pickup on the road. The 2018 model offers best-in-class horsepower and towing capabilities, which means there’s no better truck to help you tackle the day’s tasks. And thanks to a variety of connectivity technologies, you can keep connected with coworkers even when you’re on the fly. The 2018 Chevy Trax The 2018 Chevy Trax is designed for your big-city lifestyle. Squeezing into that coveted parking space after your busy evening commute is simple, thanks to this crossover’s compact size. And though it’s small, the Trax offers up to eight seating arrangements to help make sure you’ll always have enough space to stow the cargo you need for your next great adventure. Schedule a Test Drive a Chevy at Martin Chevrolet Browse Chevy cars for sale in Crystal Lake, Illinois, at Martin Chevrolet, and experience a new Chevy for yourself. Ready to take one for a spin? Schedule a test drive at our dealership today.

If you’re in the market for a compact car, the chances are it’s because no other option offers the same combination of cost-efficiency, fuel economy, and playful road manners. And no brand does any of the above better than Chevrolet. Chevy compact and subcompact sedans and hatchbacks are as sensible as they are fun to drive. Below, you’ll find a rundown of Chevy’s small car lineup, available at Martin Chevrolet. Why It Doesn’t Get Better Than Chevy Cars for Sale in Crystal Lake Chevy Spark No car is built for the city like the 2018 Chevy Spark. This hatchback features metro-friendly components like responsive steering, ten airbags, and a standard rear vision camera. But the Spark isn’t too shabby on the open road, either. The newest model year achieves an estimated 39 mpg on the highway. Chevy Sonic Sporty? Check. Efficient? Check. The 2018 Chevy Sonic excels in all the areas you expect — and some you might not. This compact sedan pairs a 1.4L turbocharged engine with an available 6-speed manual transmission. The result? Performance that’s both fun and easy on your wallet. Chevy Cruze Making things look effortless is business as usual in the 2018 Chevy Cruze. This small car seamlessly integrates available technology — from 4G LTE Wi-Fi to safety specs like Forward Collision Alert and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning. But it’s the estimated 52 highway mpg of the available turbo-diesel engine that really keeps the Cruze coasting as the segment’s top car. Chevy Bolt EV The Chevy Bolt’s appeal is electric. This EV looks like the future because it is the future of the compact car segment. The 2017 Bolt boasts 238 miles of total electric range. And with an impressive 56.6 cu. ft. of cargo space, this hatchback rivals some crossovers in the convenience department. Shop the Cars for Sale at Martin Chevrolet Ready to experience a Chevy compact car? Check out our big inventory of new cars for sale and schedule a test drive at our dealership in Crystal Lake, Illinois, today. We’re excited to show you why Chevy is the only way to go.

News Release Crystal Lake, IL: Chevrolet has always been a friend of the badge, and it’s latest plans for the men and women in blue is a total game-changer: The 2018 Chevy Tahoe PPV will offer a brand new optional suite of safety features. A police pursuit vehicle, the new Tahoe is engineered for optimal performance and safety in high-speed situations. Chevy has been producing a police package for the Tahoe since the 90s, but the newest model year is the first to make the following technologies available: Safety Driver Alert Seat Power Adjustable Pedals Forward Collision Alert Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning These amenities join an already impressive arsenal of standard features, including Bluetooth® hands-free capability, Rear Park Assist, and StabiliTrak® Electronic Stability Control. For more information, visit Chevy’s online pressroom. See the Tahoe in action at Martin Chevrolet GM Fleet is rolling out the Chevy Tahoe PPV for our law enforcement personnel only, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a 2018 Chevy Tahoe with many of the same available features in our inventory of cars for sale. Contact Martin Chevrolet for more information today.

For Immediate Release March 8, 2018 Martin Chevrolet Proudly Accepts 3 GM Service Awards Recognizing Hard-Working Staff The Crystal Lake, IL, Chevy dealership wants to thank customers Crystal Lake, IL — Martin Chevrolet has a history of providing outstanding service, and they were recently awarded for their quality and consistency with 3 GM Service Awards. Dealership leaders accepted the honors with pride, thanking employees and customers in a heartfelt Facebook post. “Martin Chevrolet in Crystal Lake are the proud recipients of 3 GM Service Awards! We want to publicly say THANK YOU to our fabulous employees and customers!” said the dealership via social media channels. The dedicated team posed for a photo-op with their new display of well-earned awards, and outside their showroom with the full Martin Chevy team. The staff looks forward to channeling this success in providing continued customer-first care in the showroom and the service center. For more information, visit www.martin-chevy.com or contact the team at (855) 395-9583. About Martin Chevrolet Martin Chevrolet is a Chevy dealer serving Crystal Lake, Cary, Lake in the Hills, and Huntley, IL. Martin Chevy helps local shoppers find new and used cars for sale while treating them to attentive and personalized customer service. At Martin Chevy, the customer comes first and every transaction is handled with straightforward and simple communication — that’s the Martin True Deal.

News Release Crystal Lake, IL: Martin Chevrolet is excited to announce its annual Super Fan Contest. A true test of school spirit, this year’s competition consists of four local schools vying for the ultimate prize: a one-time grant for financial needs. The following schools are participating: Cary Grove High School Crystal Lake Central High School Crystal Lake South High School Prairie Ridge High School From now until March 15, you can cast your vote for your favorite school online. Or, if you happen to be attending an activity for one of the eligible schools, make sure to grab a bottle of water from the concession stands. Each bottle contains a coupon that can be redeemed at Martin Chevrolet for a discounted oil change and ten votes toward the school of your choice. Stay Tuned to Martin Chevrolet A lot can change between now and the voting deadline, so make sure you follow Martin Chevrolet on Facebook for updates. For more details, contact us today. We’re proud of our partnership with all four schools, and we wish each of them good luck.

The holiday season might be over, but winter is still in full blast in Crystal Lake, Illinois. In fact, this season forecasts to be particularly cold and wet. Depending on your weather preferences, that might not be such a bad thing for you — but it can be a bad thing for your car if you’re not prepared. So how do you get started winterizing your car? An oil change is a great place to start. Find out why below, and discover more tips to a happy and healthy winter for your car. 5 Simple Ways to Winterize Your Car in Crystal Lake, IL Schedule an oil change Oil keeps your engine running smoothly regardless of the time of year, so regular oil changes are a must. In winter, it’s especially important to stay on top of oil changes and make sure the right kind of product is being used for your car. At Martin Chevy, we can replace your old oil with a thinner synthetic oil. This will prevent freezing and keep you moving toward warmer weather. Have your brakes checked Winter driving can be a slippery slope. You need every component of your Chevy working to full capability, and that begins with good brakes. Brakes are about more than starting and stopping. The condition of your brakes can be the difference between a safe drive and an accident waiting to happen. Schedule a brake service appointment, and maintain your peace of mind. Inspect your tires Slick roads can be a nightmare for tires with excessive wear or low air pressure. That’s why when you set up tire service at Martin Chevy, we give your wheels a thorough look-over. We’ll examine the tread on your tires to ensure adequate traction. If your tires are falling flat, we’ll get them back to where they need to be. If you want to try winter tires, we’ve got the experts to install them. Get your battery tested An engine that doesn’t start is bad news any time of the year, but being stranded in the winter is even more stressful. If it’s happening in colder temperatures, the battery is likely the culprit. Winter conditions can drastically reduce your Chevy’s battery capacity. Opt for battery service at Martin Chevy, and we’ll make sure your cables, terminals, and fluids are shipshape. Replace your fluids Antifreeze is something that comes to mind for most drivers as winter progresses — and while it’s certainly important — it’s not the only fluid you need to keep your eye on. You’ll want to give your car a freeze-resistant wiper fluid to maintain clear visibility lines on the road. And at Martin Chevy, we can assist you with all of the above. Winterize Your Chevy in Crystal Lake, IL It’s not too late to winterize your car if you haven’t already. Schedule an appointment at Martin Chevy today, or contact us today for more winter tips. We’re just around the corner in Crystal Lake, Illinois.