Whether you have a brand new car or a you’ve bought a quality used car, either way, at our Harrisonburg car dealership, we know Old Man Winter packs a punch on your vehicle!

That’s why we recommend seven simple winter car care tips to keep you and your vehicle safe on the road.

Check Your Headlights

This simple tip can be a lifesaver. The sun sets earlier in the day during winter. That means your commute home will likely be at dusk, making driving more difficult.

Make sure your headlights are in excellent condition, providing the brightest light possible. If they are yellow or foggy, consider either a restoration kit or having them replaced.

Car Battery Performance

As you can imagine, it’s more difficult for a car battery to perform in cold weather than during warmer months. Our service department recommends having your battery tested to make sure it’s in good working order.

A battery that was so-so during the summer can you leave you stranded in the winter. Get your battery checked or, if necessary, buy a new one.

Gasoline and Washer Fluid Levels

During colder weather, it’s important to keep both your gas tank and your washer fluid levels as full as possible.

A full tank of gas may prevent water accumulating inside your fuel pump causing it to freeze. And, if you get stuck somewhere, a full tank will allow you to run your engine longer, keeping you warm until help arrives.

As for your windshield washer reservoir, there’s more road debris from foul weather. This can mean more window washing so you can see where you’re going.

You want to keep your reservoir as full as possible simply as a proactive measure to keeping you safe on the road.

Tire Pressure

Because tire pressure can drop when temperatures drop–as much as one pound per square inch with every 10-degree air drop–it’s important to keep track of your tire pressure.

Low tire pressure can cause your vehicle to handle unpredictably. What’s more, under inflated tires cause premature wear, even tread separation.

Take a couple of minutes and add some air at a local gas station.

Winter Tires

If you live in an area where the temperature drops regularly below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, invest in winter tires!

Winter tires provide improved traction because they are more capable of staying flexible in colder temperatures with or without snow on the ground.

Antifreeze

Keep your antifreeze mixture a ratio of 50/50, antifreeze to water ratio. This will keep the coolant from freezing in temperatures well below zero.

Also check to make sure your antifreeze isn’t low and that there are no leaks in your car’s engine components.

Defroster and Heater

You want to make sure your climate control system is in good working order, for obvious reasons. You need the heat in your vehicle, and you want your defroster to de-ice your windshield for good visual acuity.

If you find you’re having trouble with either of these units, it’s time to get them checked!

Other Winter Car Care Tips (Bonus)

These seven tips are crucial for safe winter driving, but there are a few more you should know about.

Battery

Cold temperatures are hard on your battery, reducing its cranking power. At zero degrees, your battery has about half the power it has when temperatures soar to 80.

Check to see if the fluid is low, and if so, add distilled water. If your battery is more than five years old and is showing signs of weakness, it’s time to replace it.

Windshield Wipers

Contrary to what you might think, windshield wipers need replacing more often than you think. Even top performing wipers start to lose their effectiveness in about six months.

If you start seeing streaks or missed expanses of glass, it’s time to replace them. A good rule of thumb is to replace blades twice a year.

Engine Oil

Cold weather is tough on your engine. Since motor oil thickens with plunging temperatures, that makes it harder for the engine to turn over.

That’s why you want to use multi-viscosity motor oil that’s labeled with a “W,” meaning for winter use. Typical oil formulas for winter use are 5W-20, 5W-30, and 10W-30. These oils offer good flow in cold temperatures and can be used all year round.

Radiator and Heater Hoses

Check the radiator and heater hoses for leaks, cracks, or contamination from grease and oil. Hoses should not feel brittle when you squeeze them. They should feel firm but pliable.

These simple but important winter car care tips can make all the difference while driving in wintery conditions.

If bad weather is forecast, take a few minutes and check your vehicle beforehand. Stay safe on the road!

Keep your vehicle in top condition all year round. Our certified Chevy technicians at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza in Harrisonburg, VA, are highly trained. They can help to keep you and your vehicle safe on the road!

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Vehicle Maintenance Checklist: What to Do When

At Joe Bowman Chevrolet, we know that regular maintenance is crucial to the long life of your vehicle. The old saying, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, is certainly true.

Regular vehicle maintenance helps you to avoid major repair costs and keeps you safe on the road. But how do you know what to do and when?

We break it down for you.

Signs You Need Vehicle Maintenance Now

Even if you regularly service your car, an unexpected problem is bound to come up now and then.

The “check engine” light appears when the system discovers a problem. There’s no reason to panic but it does warrant a visit to your mechanic as soon as possible.

If a taillight or headlight fuse blows or goes out, these must be replaced immediately. Not only is it unsafe, but you could also get a traffic ticket.

When your system alerts you that your tire pressure is down, it’s time to inflate them. Low tire pressure can create unsafe driving conditions.

Other signs there could be a problem are:

• Lack of acceleration-If the pep is suddenly gone when you step on the gas, it’s time for an engine tune-up.

• Fuel efficiency-If gas mileage takes a dip, it could be due to leaky fuel injectors or bad sensors.

• Braking-Squeaking, scraping, or a “soft’ brake pedal are all signs that the safety of your brake system has been compromised.

• Wonky shifting-Automatic transmissions should shift gears smoothly. If your vehicle hard shifts or lurches, it could mean a transmission malfunction.

• Vibration-If your car shakes when you start it, or when it turns or stops, it’s time to see your mechanic.

• Difficulty starting, stalling-If your car won’t start or it stalls, it can compromise your safety on the road. Time to get it serviced!

These six signs tend to be less obvious, intermittent, or vague. But that doesn’t make them less of a problem. It could be the start of a more significant problem. Don’t delay. Get your vehicle checked pronto!

Vehicle Maintenance Monthly Checklist

Every month, be sure to check that your turn signals, brake, and parking lights as well as fog lights work. While it’s easy to notice a burned out headlight, the other lights are not as easily noticed. Do a visual inspection to be sure that everything is in good working order.

When your engine is cool, check oil and coolant levels. If you’re planning a trip, always top off the levels before leaving.

Tires are absolutely essential to safe driving. That’s why a monthly inspection is highly recommended.

Check tire pressure. For tread depth, use a penny. If the top of Lincoln’s head is covered, then you have adequate tread. Otherwise, it’s time to shop for new tires.

Check your windshield wiper reservoir to make sure there is an adequate supply of fluid. You can’t drive safely on the road with a dirty windshield.

90-Day Vehicle Maintenance Checklist

Check the oil and filters every three months. Conventional motor oil should be changed about every 3,000 miles. Synthetics can go as long as 10,000 miles.

Are your battery and cables secure? Check for tight connections, corrosion or leaking fluid. The power steering fluid should be checked when the engine is warm

Wiper blades are essential on the road. Inspect them seasonally for signs of wear or damage.

Belts and hoses should be inspected every three months as well. They shouldn’t look glazed, frayed, or cracked. Nor should they have bulges, cracks, or leaks.

6-Month Vehicle Maintenance Checklist

Every six months, rotate tires to help extend their life. Tire rotation can also prevent vibration problems. Always check your owner’s manual for your specific rotation requirements.

Wax your vehicle twice a year to protect the paint and prevent rusting. It’s also good to check the exhaust system, your battery, and the chassis lubrication. Let your owner’s manual be your guide for the chassis lubrication.

Yearly Vehicle Maintenance Checklist

Once a year, you’ll want to check your air filters. Cabin air filters should be replaced annually, too. However, engine air filters should be checked with each oil change.

It’s wise to inspect the brake system including rotors, brake pads, brake linings and brake fluid on a yearly basis. These critical elements help ensure proper operation of the vehicle.

If you notice a decrease in smooth driving, get your struts and shocks checked by your mechanic.

And lastly, replace your antifreeze/coolant each year. Once your vehicle reaches 60,000 miles have the entire coolant system flushed.

Service Professionals for Regular Vehicle Maintenance

Scheduling regular maintenance is the key to having your vehicle last well beyond the 100,000-mile mark, and it helps to keep you safe on the road.

Trust your vehicle only to qualified technicians! The certified Chevy technicians at Bowman Chevrolet are highly trained and work on all makes and models of vehicles.

Our service pros are there to keep your car, truck, or SUV in tip top condition. Learn more about our service department here.

Joe Bowman Auto Plaza sells Carfax used cars as well as brand new Chevys and GMC vehicles in Harrisonburg, VA.

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If buying a home is the biggest investment you’ll make in your life, then certainly, buying a car ranks second. Because cars are an investment, new or used, it pays to do your homework first!

That’s why as a Harrisonburg used car dealership, we have seven tips we recommend you follow before you start the car buying process.

Know Your Credit Score

This is so important! A good credit score is directly tied to new car and used car interest rates. In short, your credit score is at the center of financing your new vehicle.

Demonstrating that you pay your bills on time—through a good credit score—means you’ll get a better interest rate.

Everyone in the US is entitled to one free credit report per year from any of the three major agencies such as Experion, TransUnion, and Equifax.

Before you start the used car buying process, check your credit first! Even if you pay your bills on time, your credit report can have errors. It’s estimated that 25% of credit reports have erroneous or incorrect information. Check it!

Make A List of Car Models That Interest You

Before you come to our dealership, make a list of the kinds of cars that interest you. Once you have that list, then do some research on repair costs and price points.

This kind of knowledge is valuable because it empowers you as a car buyer, allowing you to make informed decisions about your purchase. You know what you’re buying before you buy!

Know Your Budget and Stick with ItKnow what you can afford and stick with your budget. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 20% down so that you can lower your monthly payments.

Get Pre-Qualified for Used Car Financing

Once you’ve figured out your budget, get loan pre-approval from a lending institution. You can use your own bank for used car financing. Or you can choose to use our dealership for financing.

If you choose to use us to finance your loan, you’ll find our rates are highly competitive with local banks. And our financing process is quicker for getting you into your new vehicle.

And finally, we have simple interest loans. You can pay ahead on your loan without any penalty!

If you’d rather use your own bank, our financing department can work with you. It will just take a little longer.

Research Car Insurance

Once you know the make and model of the car you want to buy, do some research on car insurance. Will the kind of car you buy require more expensive insurance? Find out!

Used Car Buying Through Our Dealership (What You Don’t Have To Do)

If you’re buying your car privately, you have to take more precautions. You’ll need to come prepared with a list of questions for the seller such as:

• Why are you selling this car?

• Are you the only owner?

• What’s the condition of the car?

• Have there been any collisions with this car?

These are just a few of the questions you’ll need to ask to get to know more about the vehicle you may want to buy.

However, if you buy a quality used car through our Harrisonburg car dealership, you’ll find that we already have this information for you.

As a Carfax dealership, we sell Carfax used vehicles. That means you, the buyer, can purchase a car with complete confidence. You don’t have to be a used car guru to buy a quality used vehicle.

Our sales consultants can pull a report on the vehicle and give it to you to review. You can then decide if you want to move forward with the purchase. Plus, every car we list online states that it is a Carfax car, truck, or SUV.

75-Point Used Car Inspection

With a private seller, it’s best to take the vehicle to your mechanic to make sure the vehicle is in good working order. Buying a used car through our dealership, you won’t have that worry or expense.

Besides being a Carfax Advantage dealership, all of our used vehicles must pass a 75-point inspection or the vehicle is not available for sale.

We back up the sale of our vehicles with either a 30 or 90-day warranty, depending on the age and mileage.

Make buying a used car an easy, enjoyable process. Become an informed consumer. And when you’re ready to buy, consider Joe Bowman Auto Plaza. You can buy your car with confidence! Learn more about us here.

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Voted the Best Large SUV for Families by U.S. News & World Report, the Chevy Suburban is all about making the Suburban the most versatile and advanced SUV ever.

These advancements go far beyond just looks.

The all-new Suburban has more passenger space, more comfortable handling and riding, and more ways to tailor it to fit your life.

The Suburban offers best-in-class second row leg room, a newly expanded third row, and a best-in-class cargo volume.

You’ve got plenty of room for your passengers and your belongings!

2021 Chevrolet Suburban Advancement in Convenience 
Not only does the Suburban have more room, but it also has major advancements in everyday conveniences.

For starters, there’s an available Power Sliding Center Console which automatically slides the console back 10 inches for more storage room.

This gives you a convenient place for storing items between the seats while also giving you a secure, hidden storage drawer for valuables.

The 2021 Suburban also has an available built-in Wi-Fi connection as well as a new addition, the Rear Seat Media System.

With a dual 12.6-inch diagonal LCD touch screen, passengers have everything needed to stay connected and entertained.

Each touch screen can display its own content and passengers can share content from one screen to another. You can also share navigation points with front seat passengers.

And for the very first time, Alexa can be built into your vehicle, allowing you to stream all your favorite music, add a shopping list, and even connect with your smart home devices.

Staying Safe on the Road

For Chevrolet, safety on the road is our priority. And with the Chevy Suburban, we’ve made it easier than ever to do just that.

The Suburban’s Head-Up Display is an available class leading 15-inch diagonal multi-color display that can project directions turn-by-turn, give safety alerts (if equipped), and project incoming calls onto your windshield. That means you never have to take your eyes off the road.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban is also equipped with automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and front pedestrian braking. These driver-assisted features help to keep you and your passengers safe on the road.

Advanced Available Suspension

The all-new Suburban has the most advanced available suspension in its class with an independent rear suspension. It also has a first-in-class Four Corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension.

Plus, it has more powertrain choices than our competitors, including two V8 options which offer efficiency-enhancing Dynamic Fuel Management technology.

We have no doubt you’ll find the right options for the capability and efficiency you need and want.

Comfort and Utility

With maximum available 420 horsepower and maximum cargo of 144.7 cubic feet, the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban was built for power and versatility
.

The ride is more comfortable, there’s more passenger space, and the handling is a dream.

Choose between the top-of-the-line High Country, the street style of RST, or the off-road capability of Z71 which is legendary.

With six trims to choose from, you’re sure to find the mix of utility and comfort you’re looking for.

Want to take a test drive and find the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban that’s right for you? Stop in at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza.

Or reserve a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban online. You’re under no obligation to buy until you’re ready to sign the paperwork.

Let us help you find a Suburban that fits your life and lifestyle. Or shop our inventory online for new cars, trucks, and SUVs.

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It’s no secret that you can buy a car, truck, or SUV from just about anywhere, from anyone. That’s not what makes buying a used car so stressful.

Buyers have so many concerns about buying a pre-owned vehicle, chief among them is this, “How do I know I’m buying a good used car?”

No one wants to get stuck with a lemon! So how can you protect yourself and get a great used vehicle. It’s all about doing your homework and choosing the right avenue for purchasing a newer vehicle.

The two most common ways to buy a used car are privately and from a dealer. Here we take a look at both.

Buying A Used Car from A Private Seller

Buying a vehicle privately can be an easy way to acquire a used car. Vehicles tend to be priced cheaper, and the deal closed quickly, providing you already have financing arranged.

The downside is you’re working with a complete stranger. You don’t know the person’s reputation or the history of the vehicle. (Requesting a vehicle history is not unreasonable. So ask!)

With a private sale, you must meet the person, inspect the car, and then negotiate a fair price. And you’re done.

You’ve just bought yourself a vehicle. If the vehicle fails to perform as you drive away, the problem is yours to resolve.

A private sale leaves they buyer much more vulnerable financially. Additionally, you, the buyer, are responsible for the DMV-related transfer of registration and title.

For some buyers, this route is a fine one to take if they already know the vehicle or take the extra step to have the vehicle thoroughly inspected by their mechanic.

Buying A Used Car from Our Harrisonburg, VA Dealership

For buyers who want a higher level of accountability, buying a quality used car from our dealership is a good avenue to take.

Every vehicle we purchase must pass a 75-point inspection or the vehicle is not for sale. Additionally, all of our pre-owned vehicles have either a 30 or 90-day warranty, depending on the mileage.

We’re proud to say that our vehicles are also generally priced below the Kelly Blue Book fair purchase price.

You Don’t Have to Be A Used Car Guru

Because Joe Bowman Auto Plaza is a Carfax Advantage dealer, you don’t have to worry about the quality of the vehicle or its history. We have all that information at our fingertips with Carfax Reports.

With unlimited access to Carfax Reports, we can pull reports—from a reputable source—for buyers to evaluate the information for themselves. Then, you can decide whether you want to move forward with the transaction.

We also have unlimited access to Carfax’s Auction Quick Check and the Consumer Information Pack. All of this means transparency for the buyer.

The more informed you are as a buyer, the easier the purchase will be.

Shop and Buy Online 
Thanks to the wonders of the internet, you don’t have to wait until the dealership is open to peruse our inventory. When you find a vehicle you like, simply reserve it.

You are under no obligation to purchase the vehicle until you decide to buy it.

Used Car Financing Simplified

We’re proud to say that our auto financing offers highly competitive rates and terms. You’ll find our rate meet or beat the rates with local banks.

What’s more, when you choose dealer financing, you’ll find the entire process takes less time. That means you get into your new vehicle quicker.

Of course, if you prefer to work through your bank, we can accommodate you. It will just take a little longer because each business has its own required forms.

If you’re just starting the financing process and want to get pre-qualified, go to this page on our website to get started.

And that DMV title and registration transfer? Our dealership handles all of it. You don’t have to do a thing except enjoy your new car.

Service After the Sale

Besides an easy, no pressure buying process, Joe Bowman Auto Plaza makes a commitment to you for the long term. We want to have you as a customer for life!

Besides a 30 or 90-day limited warranty, Joe Bowman Chevy buyers get preferred service scheduling. That means Joe Bowman buyers get first dibs on all service appointments.

We also offer courtesy transportation while your vehicle is being serviced. And we offer lifetime free Virginia state car inspections for as long as you own the vehicle.

When you’re thinking about buying a used car, you know you’ve got options. We encourage to consider the pros at Joe Bowman Chevrolet.

We’ve been in the car business for 60+ years. Take advantage of our knowledge, training, and expertise. Buy with confidence, knowing we stand behind what we sell!

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It goes from 0-60 in 6.5 seconds, has a full charge electric EPA range of 259 miles and has an 8-year, 100,000-mile battery.

And with less maintenance requirements, the Chevy Bolt EV is the easy to love affordable all-electric car!

How to Charge You Chevy Bolt EV

Charging your Bolt EV is as easy as driving past a gas station. You can add power to your battery any time that’s convenient at home. Charge at home or at a public charging unit.

There are three available ways to charge.

Standard

The 120-volt portable charge cord comes with your vehicle. It offers about 4 miles of electric range per hour of charge. This is a great overnight charging option. Just plug it in anywhere you have a three-pronged outlet.

Available 240-Volt/32 Amp

Choose to have the 240-volt unit professionally installed at your home. Chevrolet has partnered with QMerit, providing you with easy access to an accredited home EV charging station right on your property.

Offering up to 25 miles of electric range per hour of charge time, it’s the fastest, most recommended way to charge your vehicle at home.

Road Trip Charging

Road trip charging is easy. With the MyChevy road app with Energy Assist, you can easily plan your trip. The app provides you with key information such as:

• Your vehicle’s current charge

• Driving condition and real time weather, allowing you to calculate range and any needed charging stops during your trip

• Pointing you to the nearest charging station

• Automatically updating you as conditions change. You’ll always know exactly where to make a stop.

It gets even better. There are over 40,000 compatible charging stations across the US. And no matter the charge point operator, they are available to you.

Plus, your driving history and battery life is easy to view on the tablet-like display screen in your vehicle. Track real-time vehicle information to maximize efficiency. Customize your dashboard so that you see the type of information you want displayed!

Quiet Ride

With the all-electric Bolt EV, there’s no noisy engine. You can easily hear the radio as well as enjoy better conversations with passengers in the back seat.

With a fast and smooth acceleration, driving is fun. And there’s spacious seating for five. From toddlers to teenagers, there’s plenty of room.

Seats fold flat for maximum cargo space and used storage compartments are located just where you need them throughout the vehicle.

With bold colors, a beautifully sculpted design, a large center dashboard display, and plenty of pep, the affordable all-electric Bolt EV takes driving to a whole new level.

Ready to test drive the Bolt EV? Joe Bowman Auto Plaza in Harrisonburg, VA can set you up. Stop in or set up an appointment today!

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One of the most important factors in terms of vehicle safety and maintenance is the health of your tires. Tires are the foundation of a safe driving experience.

That’s why we’ve put together our five easy ways to keep your tires safe all year long.

Know the Major Warning Sign

One of the most common tire warning signs is rough vibration while driving. Serious vibration can be an indicator of poor tires. This sometimes occurs if regular tire maintenance hasn’t been performed.

However, there are other causes such as improper wheel and tire balance, uneven tire tread, out of round tires, loose lug nuts, and damaged wheels.

If your vehicle vibrates, take it for servicing right away.

Regular Tire Inspection

One of the best ways to maintain the health of your tires is simply to inspect them regularly, including air pressure.

Tires lose pressure naturally so it’s important to check them monthly. If you have a car that was made on or after 2008, your dashboard should have a low tire warning icon on the dashboard.

Besides air pressure, do a quick visual inspection of your tires regularly. Look for bulges, scratches, punctures, scrapes, or cracks. Anything that would compromise air pressure.

This simple step will go a long way to keeping your car and you safe on the road.

Tire Rotation

Regular rotation of your tires helps you save money by increasing the life span of your tires. It also helps ensure that you have a much smoother ride.

Tires wear at different rates even though all four make the same contact with the road. Regular tire rotation helps to make sure the tire surfaces stay relatively even. This, in turn, helps you maintain good car handling and traction.

Consider having your tires rotated every 5,000 miles to get the most life out of them.

Don’t Overtax Your Tires

On the door frame of your car, you’ll find a label with the maximum weight capacity for carrying large loads. This limit should never be ignored! An overloaded vehicle—especially one with old or flat tires—can cause tire failure.

While tires may not “pop,” the excessive weight can severely impact your safety, your car’s body, and the gas mileage. Don’t risk it!

Get New Tires—How to Know You Need Them

One of the easiest ways to tell if you need new tires is to measure the tread. You can easily do this by placing a penny upside down into the tread.

If the tread is good, you should not see the top of Lincoln’s head. If you can see it, it’s time to buy new tires.

Don’t drive your car much? You may be surprised at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recommendation: tire replacement every six years, regardless of the number of miles driven.

That’s why it’s so important to know the age of your tires. If they are 10 years or older, they are a safety hazard.

Let the Chevy certified service pros at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza handle all your car care needs including tires. They are trained to keep your car in topnotch working order all year round.

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With a striking style, the 2021Chevrolet Trailblazer has a sculpted design and bold proportion that give it a modern, fresh feel, automatically setting you apart from other cars on the road.

The biggest distinction with the Trailblazer is its versatility. From family-sized groceries to weekend camping adventures, the Trailblazer can accommodate your needs.

It offers flat-folding seats (passenger and second row), split-folding seats to accommodate larger items like a canoe and a maximum cargo length of 8.5 feet.

And for extra convenience, there’s a hands-free liftgate.

Chevrolet Trailblazer: Room for Stuff and People

The Chevy 2021 Trailblazer has a surprisingly spacious interior with a versatile center console that lets you keep items within easy reach.

And passengers stay comfortable in Chevy’s best-in-class rear seat leg room. Plus, there’s plenty of spots for passengers to store their things.

But there’s also room for your cargo. With 40/60 rear seats that fold down to allow for 54.4 cubic foot of cargo volume, you’ve got the space to load up whatever you want.

For those really big items, the front passenger seat folds flat, allowing you additional room for objects that are 8 ½ feet long!

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Trims

As always, Chevrolet gives you a choice on trim styles.

Trailblazer L—This trim includes Chevy’s infotainment 3-stystem with 7-inch diagonal color touch screen, an AM/FM stereo, Bluetooth audio streaming for two active devices, voice command pass-through to compatible phone, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

The Trailblazer L also has automatic emergency braking and Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning.

Trailblazer LS—This trim includes all of the L features plus a 6-speaker audio system, a digital compass in the Driver Information Center, a fold-flat front passenger seatback, and 17-inch aluminum wheels.

Trailblazer LT—This trim version includes all of the features in the two previous trims plus LED fog lamps, heated power adjustable, manual-folding mirrors with body color caps, silver painted roof rails, and a remote vehicle starter system.

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Gas Mileage

The Chevy Trailblazer won’t break the bank at the pump either! The EPA-rated Trailblazer averages 28 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway.

The 1.3 liter engine, which is slightly larger, improves fuel economy to 29/33 MPG city/highway.

So, whether you’re buzzing around town or going completely off the grid, the Trailblazer has the fuel efficiency to get you there!

Ready for a test drive? Stop by Joe Bowman Auto Plaza and we’ll gladly set it up for you.

Or, learn more about us on the web.

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Here at our Harrisonburg VA car dealership, our service department stays busy maintaining vehicles and correcting potential problems that could cause greater problems on the road.

As part of maintenance and prevention, certified Chevrolet technicians regularly check air filters. It used to be that for good air filter maintenance, filters needed to be changed every 3,000 miles.

Today, however, modern air filters have a longer life, lasting between 1-2 years. Still, the practice of checking air filters periodically is key. A change in driving habits and weather conditions can cause more dirt and debris to accumulate.

That’s why our technicians recommend routinely checking both your cabin and engine filters about every 6,000 miles.

What’s important to remember with any air filter maintenance is to replace a dirty filter with a clean one. Never manually clean and re-install an air filter. It’s pointless because dirt remains in the filter, compromising performance.

Here’s a look at the two air filters that are critical to keeping you safe on the road.

Air Filter Maintenance: Cabin Air Filter

Rich White, executive director for the non-profit organization, Car Care Council, says, “Checking the cabin air filter is a simple preventative maintenance step that goes a long way toward protecting passengers, as well as the vehicle’s HVAC system.”

We couldn’t agree more! Much like a construction worker who wears a mask on a job site, your cabin air filter eliminates particulates and allergens before they have a chance to enter your lungs.

Made of pleated paper, this filter is essential to maintaining a healthy environment in your vehicle. When it becomes dirty, good air flow is reduced and air quality becomes compromised.

What’s more, a dirty cabin air filter can damage your air conditioning system and stop your heater from working properly. That’s why it pays to routinely check it.

Air Filter Maintenance: Engine Air Intake Filter

A dirty engine air intake filter can cause engine problems. By simply replacing it, you can improve gas mileage by as much as 10%.

Considering that your vehicle can use as much as 10,000 gallons of air for every gallon of fuel burned, a clean filter is critical to your vehicle’s performance.

Just as the cabin filter protects your lungs, the engine filter’s job is to protect the engine from pollutants and allergens. But it is also designed to keep debris and waste from building up in your engine.

Water, dirt, grime, and insects are all enemies to your engine. That’s why the engine air intake filter is so crucial.

When waste enters your engine, sticky substances adhere to moving parts causing carbon deposits to bake onto the components. Intake valves also clog.

Because driving habits vary depending on the time of year and driving conditions, it’s important to routinely take a quick look at your engine filter. Safe driving depends upon it!

Prevention is Key for Safe Driving

Air filter maintenance is key for safe driving. That’s why the Chevy certified technicians at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza can, with your permission, perform a visual check of your filters every 6,000 miles.

This simple step is the key to lifelong good—and safe—performance of your vehicle.

For quality service that you can trust, turn to the service pros at our Harrisonburg dealership.

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Teen drivers enjoy the independence that driving affords them, and rightly so. But part of the first-time driver experience is learning to care for the vehicle.

As a new driver, there’s a good chance that this is your first experience owning a vehicle. The ability to go where you want to is the ultimate freedom. But to make sure your ride stays smooth and free from mechanical failure, your vehicle needs regular maintenance to keep it performing at its best.

Here are our seven tried and true maintenance recommendations.

Rotate Tires & Check Air Pressure

Your tires are quite possibly the most important factor in how your car drives on the road. Making sure that your tires are properly inflated and routinely rotated are critical to your driving comfort.

It’s a good idea to rotate your tires every time you have the oil changed. (Check your owner’s manual for how often that should occur.)

Just as important is making sure that tires have the proper amount of tread. You never want to risk a blowout from worn out tires. Check your tires regularly!

Change the Oil Regularly

Your vehicle needs oil to keep the engine running optimally. However, over time, engine oil gets dirty and must be changed. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended time for servicing your oil.

Check Wiper Blades

Wiper blades are critical to your visibility in inclement weather. Old, worn out blades leave windshield streaks and, if bad enough, can scratch your windshield.

Once a month, test your wiper blades by spritzing your windshield. If you see streaks, it’s time to replace them!

Check Belts & Hoses

Timing belts, air hoses, and serpentine belts usually list up to 60,000 miles. Check them for safety’s sake! A broken timing belt can destroy your engine. Even a small leak in a hose can wreak havoc. Be proactive.

Check the Air Filter

The air filter removes debris that’s pumped from the engine. The more miles you rack up on your car, the more the air filter will become inundated with debris. Consider changing the air filter every 15,000-20,000 miles.

If you drive a lot of dusty roads or live in an area with poor air quality, you may need to replace the air filter sooner rather than later. A good rule of thumb is to check your air filter every time you change your oil.

Replace Worn Down Brake Pads

Most vehicles now use disc brakes. These are ceramic pads that press against a metal disc which causes the car to stop. Because ceramic brake pad wear down with time, it’s a good idea to check them regularly for wear.

A good time to do this is when you get the tires rotated.

Check Battery Charge

The last thing you need is for a worn out battery to leave you stranded somewhere. Most battery warranties promote that they will last five to six years. But, it’s not uncommon for them to wear out in three years.

Bottom line. Check your battery charge when you get your oil changed.

Bonus maintenance tip: Check your spark plugs. They need replacing every 60,000-75,000 miles. If even one spark plug doesn’t function properly, your engine will have to work harder, and that’s not good.

Getting spark plugs checked and dying ones replaced will lengthen the life of your vehicle.

If you want the pros to handle your car maintenance, turn to the certified GM certified technicians at the service department of Joe Bowman Auto Plaza. Our techs work on all makes and models of vehicles every day.

Our technicians will do a multi-point inspection, thoroughly assessing your vehicle using a simple color-coded key system. With our techs, we’re your partner in keeping your vehicle in topnotch condition!

Learn more about Joe Bowman Auto Plaza here.

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