Have you ever wondered if you really could pay off your car loan faster? Think of what you could do with the extra money! Save for a home, take more vacations, build up your savings account…the list is practically endless.The good news is there are ways to whittle down that balance so that you can free up your money. Here are three of the most common ways.Make Extra Monthly Payment to Pay Off Your Car Loan Faster

Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we have simple interest loans. That means you can pay extra on your car loan—or pay it off early—with no penalty. Paying an additional $100 per month on the principle of your loan equals an additional $1200 per year reduction in the loan amount.That’s important. Because the quicker you reduce the principle amount, the less interest you will accrue and pay. Get familiar with your financial contractual terms and the annual percentage rate to help you calculate your payoff.Find a sweet spot that you can afford to pay a little extra to gain long term rewards and financial freedom!Make an Occasional Large Payment

Got money back on your taxes? A bonus? Consider putting that money on your car loan amount. Occasional large chunk payments on the principle help to whittle down the balance and the amount of interest you pay over the life of the loan.Do Both

If you really want to take your car loan payment down to zero in a hurry, consider making extra monthly payments and the occasional large payment when you receive extra money.By incorporating both approaches, you’ll pay off your balance faster.Simple Interest Car Loans

Before you do anything, make sure that your car loan is a simple interest loan. That means you can pay additional amounts on your loan without penalty.Here at the Joe Bowman Auto Plaza financing department, this added convenience has allowed customers the option of paying off their loans early.With a wide network of financial vendors, we work with so we can tailor a loan to your particular lifestyle and budget.We can handle your loan directly through the dealership, offering competitive interest rates, and getting you into your car sooner! Additionally, Joe Bowman Chevy customers get first priority on all service department appointments. If you bought your vehicle from us, you get priority over the service customer who didn’t buy from us.And you can buy with confidence. All of our used vehicles have either 30-or 90-day warranties, depending on mileage and year of the vehicle. When you’re ready to buy, turn to the pros at the Joe Bowman Chevy dealership. We’ve been helping customers just like you for 60+ years.

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If you’re thinking of making the switch to a new Chevy SUV, now is the time! Chevy is the fastest-growing full-line brand of vehicles according to 2020 retail segment share gains, and here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we’re ready to get you into the SUV of your dreams!

Chevrolet is pleased to offer expansive engine options; great fuel economy; ample cargo space and seating capacity; and even towing options in the larger SUV – making them perfect for families big and small. Whether you are looking for something sporty and small like the Trailblazer, or large and rugged like the Suburban, Joe Bowman Auto Plaza in Harrisonburg, VA, has the perfect fit for you!

2021 Trax – Thought it may be little, it is fierce

Bold, spacious, and equipped with the technology and capability you need to get there, the 2021 Trax features a surprising 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space. Seating up to five, the compact design and fun style are sure to please any first-time buyer of a crossover SUV. This SUV is also a great choice for anyone looking to save at the gas pump, as it gets around 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. It starts at just over $21,000.

All-New 2021 Trailblazer – Bold & Spacious. Worth a Second Look (or Third)

A modern twist on an old Chevy favorite, the all-new 2021 Trailblazer is a small SUV with big personality. With eye-catching design and mesmerizing style, the Trailblazer is sure to impress you. With 54.4 cubic feet in the cabin, the deceptively expansive interior can fit up to 8.5 feet of cargo, making it large enough to comfortably house a kayak!

Flexibility is key with this SUV, which offers two engine choices: a 1.2-liter EcoTec Turbocharged I-3 or a 1.3-liter EcoTec Turbocharged I-3. With all the focus on its impressive style, you can rest assured that safety still maters in the Trailblazer, which houses ten airbags to ensure a safe arrival. Budget conscious, to boot, this SUV starts at around $19,000.

Versatile, Efficient, & Stylish – Leave it all behind in the 2021 Equinox

More than just a way to travel from Point A to B, the Equinox provides you an opportunity to leave all the bustle behind. Quite possibly Chevy’s safest SUV, Chevy Safety Assist comes standard on each 2021 Equinox model. This bundle of six safety features utilizes technology that can help you spot potential hazards, and some of the features can even prevent them from happening all together!

Speaking of safety, the Equinox made it on the 2020 Car Seat Check Honor Roll as one of the Best New Cars for Car Seats. Not only that, but the Equinox can seat up to give, and with 63.9 cubic square feet of cargo space, you’ll never have to worry about fighting for leg room in the backseat. Similar to the Trax, the Equinox gets an estimated 26 mpg in the city, and 31 on the highway. Price economically, these vehicles start around $23,800.

2021 Traverse: Designed to Move You & Ready for What’s Next

From Target runs to cross-country road trips, and everything in-between, the Traverse has your journey covered from beginning to end. Seating up to 8, this mid-size SUV has 98.2 cubic feet of cargo space in the cabin — 23 in the trunk alone!

And not only can you keep your family in tow with the Traverse, but some models can even tow up to 5,000 pounds. Talk about versatility! You’ll get about 18 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway. Equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, the Traverse has what it takes to get you there in style. Starts at around $29,800.

Improving an Icon | The All-New Tahoe is Bigger, Better, & Bolder than Ever

Impossible to ignore. That’s one way to describe the all-new 2021 Tahoe. With six different trim levels to choose from, this is the most versatile and advanced Tahoe to ever be offered in the Chevrolet line-up.

Not only do you have a plethora of trims to choose from, but there are also three different engine sizes to choose from: a 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8; 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8; or the 3.0-liter Duramax Turbodiesel I-6. Available in 2WD and 4WD, this vehicle gets around 15 mpg in the city and 20 on the highway.

The Tahoe also hauls up to 8,400 lbs. –almost that of a truck! These vehicles start at $49,000.

Built on Tradition – The Powerful & Commanding All-New 2021 Suburban

The largest of the Chevrolet SUVs, the Suburban offers the same three engine options as the Tahoe — just in a bigger package. The third-row SUV boasts more cargo space than ever before — 144.7 cubic square feet, to be exact — and can seat up to nine.

It is available in 2WD and 4WD alike, boasting similar fuel economy to the Tahoe. The Suburban offers the same six trim levels as the Tahoe, including the Z71 Package, a rugged fan favorite. It tows up to 8,400 pounds and starts at around $51,700.

From the fun little Trax all the way up to the powerful and commanding Suburban, Chevy has an SUV to suit your needs. Whenever you’re ready to get behind the wheel of a new SUV, come see us at our Harrisonburg dealership. We’ve got a great selection of new models, and plenty of used models as well. Because that’s the Joe Bowman Way.

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Ready to buy a new car or a quality used car but still have your old vehicle? When you’re ready move on, there are three ways to part with it. You can sell it privately, sell it outright to a dealership, or you can trade it in.

Trading in a car at a dealership can resolve the issue of trying to sell it yourself. You won’t have to pay for ads, negotiate a price, get an appraisal, and do all the legal paperwork required with selling a car.

With a trade-in, simply come to an agreed upon price with the dealer and let them handle the rest.

When Trading in a Car at a Dealership is a Good Idea

How do you know when it’s a good idea to trade in your vehicle? The best scenario is when:

•    The vehicle is paid for
•    The vehicle is in good to excellent condition
•    The vehicle has many more miles left on it

This puts both you and the dealer in a strong position. You have a valuable car that they can sell.

When is trading in a car at a dealership not a good idea? When you owe more than the vehicle is worth is NOT a good idea for a trade-in. You can get upside down on your loan, and that’s never good.

How our Harrisonburg, VA Car Dealership Handles Buying Used Cars

Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we have a program called the Maxx Advantage.

It allows you to either sell us your car outright or to trade it in to the dealership. Either way, we will take it for a test drive and verify its condition. Once we’ve determined that it’s a good fit for us, if you want to outright sell it, we’ll write you a check right on the spot.

You do not have the hassle of trying to sell it yourself or manage any of the paperwork. We take care of all of it. And we always give you the best price for it.

And, you don’t even have to buy your new vehicle from us!

However, if you are buying a vehicle from us, you may want to trade it in at our dealership. We’ll give you a great price for it and apply the trade-in amount to the price of the new car.

This can come in handy if you do not already have a down payment. And, if you do have a down payment, your trade-in value will further reduce the amount of your loan.

What’s more, you can even go online to fill out a form to get started. It’s our Maxx Advantage Program page.

Whether you’re ready to buy, talk to us about our trade-in program. We’ll make sure you get the best value for your vehicle!

Learn more about Joe Bowman Auto Plaza at our website or stop in to see us.

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What’s the biggest purchase you’ll ever make in your lifetime? Buying a house. The second biggest? Buying a vehicle. Just like buying a house, it takes planning and preparation to buy a new car or a quality used car.

In fact, there are three big factors that affect your monthly car loan payment: car loan amount, interest rate, and loan terms. All of it together takes planning and careful consideration to help you get the best loan terms possible.

Here’s a breakdown.

Car Loan Amount

When you’re approved for a car loan, the lender will specify the amount of money you’ll borrow, the interest you’ll pay, and the time period for repayment.

The amount of money you can borrow hinges on:

•    whether you still owe money on your current vehicle
•    the purchase price of the car you want to buy
•    the amount of your down payment
•    if you have a vehicle to trade

If you have a current car loan, sometimes lenders will let you roll the old amount in with your new loan. However, this is risky because you can end up owing more money than what the current car is worth.

This is called being upside down on your loan. It is far better to start with a clean slate. If you own your current vehicle outright and it’s in excellent condition, you can consider trading it in as part of the negotiation.

For example, if you bought a $25,000 vehicle with no down payment or trade-in, at 5% interest on a five-year loan, your monthly payment would be $472 (excluding sales tax).

If you got a $7,000 credit on your trade-in, the monthly payment would drop to $340 per month. However, if you don’t have a trade-in, having a good down payment works just as well.

Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, trade-ins are a big part of our business. We offer a fair price for your old vehicle which helps reduce your total loan amount. What’s more, by trading in your vehicle, it saves you the time and expense of trying to sell it yourself.

Interest Rate: How to Get Better Monthly Car Loan Rates

If buying a home is all about location, location, location, buying a car is about good credit, good credit, good credit.

To get the very best interest rate on your loan, make sure your credit is squeaky clean. When buying a car, lenders look at your debt ratio to income. If you have too much debt, you can become a higher risk, so more interest is charged on your loan.

Here are three ways that can help you secure a lower interest rate:

•    Build good credit before buying a car. Make on-time payments for your current debts and, if possible, pay off any outstanding debts to improve your credit rating.

•    Shop and compare. At Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we’re a big believer in shopping and comparing rates. That’s because our car loan rates are as competitive as local bank rates. Plus, there’s less paperwork, so you get into your new vehicle quicker. However, if you would prefer to work with your local bank, we can most certainly accommodate you.

•    Refinance down the road (if credit rating improves). If your credit rating has been less than stellar before you bought a car but improves during the term of your loan, you might want to re-finance to get a lower interest rate.

Loan Term

When you’re thinking about your loan terms, consider your budget as well as your financial situation. Longer term loans, six years or more, can have higher interest rates.

While shorter term loans mean you’ll pay more monthly, it also means you’ll pay less interest over the life of the loan.

For example, if we go back to our $25,000 loan with a lower 4.5% interest rate and a six-year term instead of five, you’ll pay $69 more each month in payments.

But the additional interest on the longer term loan adds $608 to the total cost of the vehicle.

Bottom line. Always work within your budget. Just make sure that what you budget makes sense in the long run.

When you’re ready to buy a new or used vehicle, turn to the pros at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza. We’ve been helping people just like you for 60+ years get into the vehicle of their choice! Check out our website to learn more about us!

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You’ve put it off and now your car really needs a good scrub. You might be tempted to grab whatever you have around the house to clean your car, but it’s not a good idea.

Laundry detergent, shampoo, and dish detergent are all commonly used to wash your car, but here’s why you shouldn’t reach for them first.

Dish detergent

Great for cutting through grease, dish soap is too abrasive to use on your vehicle’s delicate clear coat. A lot of leading brands use toxic chemicals and corrosives that can eat through that wax coating underneath the dirt.

Laundry detergent

The same is true for laundry detergent. It was made to cut through dirt and grime to clean your clothes which means that chemicals are put in the product formula. These chemicals can easily compromise the porous coat on your car causing it to lose its shine.

Hair shampoo

Gentler than laundry or dish detergent, you could use this in a pinch, though we don’t recommend it. While it isn’t as abrasive as its counterparts, that also means it’s not as good at removing sticky or caked-on car residue. If you do use it, don’t make it a habit, and reapply a wax coat immediately.

Keeping your car clean inside and out is the key to keeping it looking like you just drove it off a showroom lot. So, what should you use to protect and extend the life of your car’s exterior?

We have three recommendations that you can find in any auto parts store.

Concentrated Soaps

You’ll find plenty of concentrated car wash soaps made specifically for washing your car. Used mainly for maintenance washes, you’ll find they get your exterior nice and clean.

What’s more, they are formulated to work with sealant and/or wax applications. Some concentrated soaps promise to be extra tough on environmental contaminants and debris. While others promise a waxy shine. Choose what’s best for your particular circumstances.

Wash and Wax Car Wash Products

A step up from concentrated soaps are wash and wax products which offer the additional benefit of adding an extra layer of protective wax. Granted, the protection is there for a limited time—it’s no substitute for a full wax job—but it does add more protection. If you live in a hotter climate, this is an excellent choice.

Waterless Products

If you want your DIY car wash to be more eco-friendly, or you don’t have access to water, waterless products are in the same price range as traditional car wash products which makes them appealing. They work well and provide versatility and lubricity to wash your car.

Wash Your Car the Best Way

Keep your car looking great long after it’s paid for. Use a dedicated car wash product which is designed for use on automotive paint.

As you wash your car, make sure you use a large, soft, natural sponge or a lamb’s wool mitt. It you’ve got road tar deposits, grease, or rubber, you may need a stronger product specifically designed to remove these stubborn offenders.

Always use a soft, non-abrasive cloth when removing these deposits because they will quickly blacken your cloth.

You’ll also want to use a separate sponge for cleaning the tires and wheels, which can be coated with brake dust, debris, and sand. Mild soap and water may work here. Just make sure the detergent is compatible with your vehicle’s finish, e.g., clear coat, chrome, paint, etc.

Don’t Swirl That Sponge

You may be tempted to move the sponge or cloth in circles. Don’t. This can create very light but noticeable scratches called swirl marks. Instead, rub the cloth lengthwise. And, if you drop the sponge on the ground, ditch it.

It can pick up particles that can scratch your paint.

Rinse your car thoroughly, and to prevent watermarks, don’t let the car air dry. Use a chamois, synthetic or natural cloth, to dry the vehicle.

Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we’re all about extending the life of your new car or pre-owned car. Got more questions on how to prolong the life of your vehicle? Stop in at our service department and ask. We love auto maintenance questions!

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The 2021 Chevy Blazer offers a bold, sophisticated design that combines performance and capability with style! Your everyday drive will be anything but.

With three styles to choose from, you can decide whether you want athletic, elegant, or sporty. And travelers, you’re in for a treat.

Whether you pack light or pack big, the Blazer has a spacious, flexible cargo area that you can arrange to suit your needs.

•    A split-folding seat—60/40 second row
•    Max cargo volume—64.2 cu. Ft.

Available to add are:

•    Floor mounted rail system including an adjustable cargo fence—Prevents luggage and groceries from shifting
•    Horizontal cargo net—For smaller, more fragile items
•    Flexible cargo partition

Chevy Blazer 2021: 3 Engine Choices

With the perfect mix of confidence, comfort, and capability, the 2021 Chevy Blazer not only has three engine choices, but it’s also available in all-wheel drive.

Want to take your ride to the next level? The Blazer RS has an Advanced Twin-Clutch AWD system that can independently direct torque to the wheel offering you the best traction—and more control.

Engine Choices

Ecotec 2.5L

•    EPA-estimated 27 MPG (FWD)
•    193 HP and 188 lb-ft of torque
•    Standard on L and 1 LT

Available 2.0L Turbo

•    EPA-estimated 29 MPG (FWD)
•    227 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque
•    Standard on 2LT, 3LT and Premier

Available 3.6L V6

•    EPA-estimated 27 MPG (FWD)
•    308 HP and 270 lb-ft of torque
•    Standard on RS and available on 2LT, 3LT, and Premier

Plus, the Blazer offers a driver mode selector that lets you adjust the Blazer’s performance on challenging roads. Simply twist the dial!

The Chevy Blazer also offers these benefits:

•    Tour—The ability to switch to FWD for a more fuel efficient driving experience
•    Off-Road—When equipped, you can optimize the throttle and the chassis control systems for handling rougher terrains.
•    Available AWD—This benefit, when equipped, provides added traction for driving on slippery road surfaces.
•    Sport Mode—For those who want a sportier drive
•    Tow/Haul—When equipped, this feature helps pull a trailer or heavy loads

Chevy Blazer 2021: Infotainment Keeps You Connected

With Chevrolet’s Infotainment 3 System, you stay connected to everything that’s important to you. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability are featured.

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

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Safety is job #1 for every vehicle we build at Chevrolet. That’s why our vehicles offer advanced technology to help you drive as safely as possible.

In addition to Chevrolet’s standard safety system, these systems are also available:

Automatic Emergency Braking

•    It works with Forward Collision Alert to help you avoid or reduce the severity of a front-end collision of a detected vehicle that you are following.
•    Works at speeds below 50 MPH
•    Camera technology automatically provides hard emergency braking or enhances driver side hard braking.

Front Pedestrian Braking

•    Helps you reduce or avoid the severity of a front-end collision with a detected pedestrian directly in front of you.
•    Gives you pedestrian alerts. Can also automatically provide hard emergency braking or it can enhance the driver’s hard braking.
•    Works during the daytime at speeds below 50 MPH
•    Also has limited nighttime and low visibility performance

Forward Collision Alert

•    If it detects a potential front-end collision with a vehicle you are following, it can alert the driver.
•    Provides a tailgating alert if the system finds you are following a vehicle too closely.

Ready to choose your own bold 2021 Chevy Blazer personality? Set up a test drive at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza! We’ve been helping people just like you for 60+ years find the vehicles that fit their lifestyle and budget. Learn more about us here.

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Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we know that when your buy a new car or one of our quality pre-owned vehicles, you’re making an investment. That’s why it’s so important to care for your car all year round.

With 60+ years in the auto industry, we’ve picked up some valuable car maintenance tips. A big one is caring for your car in winter.

When it’s cold outside, we’re betting your first thought isn’t to wash your car! You might even be tempted to put it off until Spring.

However, road salt, sand, and dirty snow can make your car nearly unrecognizable, but that’s not the only reason to wash your car in the winter.

The biggest reason is economical. Keeping your car clean year round is an investment. It preserves its resale and trade-in value.

The elements plus road treatments can cause your vehicle to rust, and once rust starts, it can show up anywhere such as the undercarriage, under the paint, and worse, in the  nooks and crannies you don’t realize even exist!

Compromising the integrity of your car over time, rust eats away at the body, rots out the exhaust system, brake calipers, brake and gas lines.

Rust around the frame of your car, truck, or SUV is particularly dangerous because chunks of your vehicle can break off while driving. This puts other motorists as well as yourself at risk.

You might think your best option to avoid cold weather damage to your vehicle is to let it sit in your driveway. Yes, it will prevent your car from getting road salt and sand on it, but what about the cold and snow?

If you opt for this route, just make sure the vehicle has a shoveled out area around the tailpipe and the driver’s side door. Let the engine run for about 10 minutes every week. This keeps the fluids moving.

You may find, though, you have a rough go of it when you first drive it, but both the tires and the engine will smooth out. The better option? Wash your car.

Washing Your Car in Winter: 3 Options (Plus an Ounce of Prevention)

Before winter weather sets in, make sure you thoroughly wash and wax your vehicle. Waxing adds an additional layer of protection to protect the vehicle from road chemicals. This winter preparatory step will aid you tremendously when Mother Nature throws her worst at you.

As for washing your car, if you don’t want to do it by hand, go to a drive-in car wash bay with power nozzles. It will not only clean the exterior of your vehicle, but it will also wash the under carriage, knocking loose big chunks of slush and salt that accumulates.

The second option is to use a power washer. You’ll have to be more diligent about spraying water on the underbody as well as the nooks and crannies that hoard salt and other road chemicals.

Lastly, if you do decide to wash your car by hand, choose a day when temperatures are moderate. The last thing you want is for your power windows to freeze!

Use warm water and wear protective clothing because you will get wet. Also use a detergent made for washing cars; don’t use dish detergent because that will compromise the wax coverage.

Figuring out how and when you can wash your car in the winter takes a bit of planning, but it’s well worth the effort. We recommend washing it at least twice each month.

At Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we want you to preserve the life of your car for as long as possible. Then when you are ready to sell or trade-in your vehicle, you can get the best value for it!

When you’re ready to buy a new or pre-owned vehicle, turn to our experienced sales consultants. We’ve been helping customers like you for more than 60 years. Learn more here.

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We’re right in the middle of cold weather, so now is a good time to review your winter maintenance tips for your pickup truck. To see how your truck is stacking up against Old Man Winter, we’ve put together a quick review sheet.

Antifreeze

Most trucks run on a ratio of 50/50 antifreeze to water. However, if your area’s temperatures regularly drop below zero, this may not be enough.

You can also remove some radiator fluid and replace it with straight antifreeze. Just remember to switch the antifreeze back to the 50/50 ratio for warm weather. Double check with your mechanic for the ratio he recommends.

And remember, it’s always a good idea to keep a periodic check on antifreeze levels during the winter.

Tires

Have you adjusted tire pressure so that it’s at the high end of the manufacturer’s recommendations? Cold weather lowers tire pressure so check the manual, NOT the number on your tire’s sidewall.

If weather is consistently bad and you’re doing a lot of off-road driving, consider adding tire chains, or studded snow tires. Just remember that these additions mean increased stopping distances on hard surfaces.

Washer Fluid/Windshield Wipers

February temperatures can be brutal so it’s best to switch out your existing washer fluid for one that won’t freeze. Slush and snow means you’re using it more, so check it frequently to make sure it’s full.

Check your wipers, too. Replace blades that are more than six months old. This will ensure optimal performance in wintry weather.

Battery

Have you load tested the battery to make sure it’s operating normally? Battery cables and terminals should be clean and properly protected. You want water to cover the lead plates in the battery. If it doesn’t, add distilled water.

Because batteries can fail without warning, you may want to keep a spare in your truck.

Winterizing the Pickup Truck Bed

If you don’t have a truck liner in your bed, now is the time to consider one. It will help protect the truck bed from snow and ice damage, as well as rust. Either way, a truck needs more traction, so now is the time to add weights.

This will help to weigh down the rear wheels. Purchase pickup truck traction weights made specifically for trucks. These won’t damage the truck bed. If that’s not an option, add some other form of weight to secure the rear of the vehicle.

Rust Protection

Between the weather and road treatments, your truck can easily develop rust problems. As best you can, protect the undercarriage by cleaning it frequently. Or, if possible, get it rust-proofed.

Winter can be a fun time to own a truck. Just keep you and your passengers safe with these simple-to-do pickup truck winter maintenance tips!

When you’re ready to buy a new or used vehicle, turn to the pros at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza. Our sales consultants will work with you to help you find the vehicle that’s right for you and your lifestyle!

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What better way to kick off the New Year than with the 2021 Chevy Tahoe sport utility vehicle? Although it’s hard to believe, Chevy has improved on one the most versatile and advanced SUV’s on the road.

The Tahoe has a bigger, more spacious cabin, smoother ride and handling, and, as always, a commanding presence.

The all-new Tahoe has six trims to choose from, each one carefully refined to help find the right blend of design and comfort for your needs. But there is one feature that’s non-negotiable.

Standard Safety Features for A Luxury SUV

While each trim has its own brand of luxury, there are some features that are a must for every level of trim!

That’s because Chevrolet is all about safety. Every Tahoe offers these five standard safety features:

Forward Collision Alert—Alerts you if it detects a potential front-end collision with a vehicle you’re following too closely. Allows you to quickly take action.

Automatic Emergency Braking—This feature activates at speeds below 50 MPH and works with Forward Collision Alert. It helps you reduce or avoid the severity of a front-end collision from a detected vehicle that you’re following.

Chevy’s camera technology is automatically used to provide hard emergency braking when needed. It also enhances the driver’s hard braking power.

Front Pedestrian Braking—Helps you to reduce or avoid a pedestrian front-end collision of pedestrians directly in front of you. Working at speeds below 50 MPH, it gives you pedestrian alerts, provides hard emergency braking, and it enhances the driver’s hard braking. It also has limited nighttime and low visibility performance.

Following Distance Indicator—Not sure if you’re following another vehicle too closely? This feature provides you with gap time in seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you!

Intellibeam Auto High Beams—Your Tahoe automatically turns on the high beams according to traffic conditions.

Chevy’s #1 concern is always the safety of our vehicles, and each year we work to improve our safety standards.

Maintenance: The Key to Your Tahoe’s Long Life

That’s why we also encourage Chevy Tahoe owners to perform regular maintenance. Our Chevy certified technicians have been highly trained. They know exactly what your 2021 Chevy Tahoe SUV needs to keep it running well into old age.

Ready to test drive a 2021 Chevy Tahoe sport utility vehicle? Set up an appointment with one of Joe Bowman Auto Plaza’s sales consultants today!

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Truck owners use their vehicles for a variety of reasons such as business, farming, hunting, fishing, and camping, to name a few. But no matter how you use your truck, you can’t keep tools and accessories organized and safe without a good quality toolbox.

When you’re buying a truck toolbox, there are many considerations: plastic, aluminum or steel, side mounted, high or low-side, rust and weather resistant. The list is practically endless.

But when it comes to design, you basically have two choices, portable or mounted. Both of these designs have their pros and cons. Let’s take a look at each of them.

Mounted Truck Bed Toolboxes

This type of truck toolbox sometimes requires installation from a certified dealership because it requires minor drilling. Once installed, consider it a keeper because it can’t be easily removed.

Mounted truck bed toolboxes also have a locking mechanism which is installed in the bed most of the time. They are also larger units than their portable counterparts.

Because mounted truck bed toolboxes are essentially permanent, you have to give serious consideration as to where you want to install it. Generally, there are five options:

Chest toolboxes—These are installed behind the cab between the right and left bed wall, touching the truck floor.

Crossover boxes—Similar to a chest toolbox, the crossover does not touch the truck floor.

Wheel well boxes—Installed over the wheel wells and in the bed, the wheel box has both passenger and driver side toolbox designs.

Top mounted boxes—Mounted on the top of the bedside rails, top mounted boxes don’t take up much space in the truck bed.

An issue with mounted truck toolboxes can be visibility. Choose a low profile design that doesn’t limit rear visibility, but allows seeing through the back window without obstructing the view.

Portable Bed Toolboxes

These units are generally smaller in size than their mounted counterpart and can be removed from the bed, allowing you to take them to your worksite. The main disadvantage with a portable toolbox is security.

While portable units have locks, they can be easily stolen if your truck doesn’t have a bed cover. One plus is the truck make and model aren’t necessary for portable units because there is no installation.

Truck Bed Toolbox Materials

Toolboxes are exposed to all kinds of weather conditions, extreme heat, snow, and freezing rain, to name a few. To resist the corrosive power of Mother Nature, most truck bed toolboxes are made from aluminum. However, there are others that are made from steel and plastic.

Here’s a breakdown of all three.

Aluminum Truck Toolboxes

This is a truck owner favorite. Lightweight and extremely durable, it won’t jeopardize payload capacity. And it looks great! Plus, for better bad weather protection, aluminum truck toolboxes are generally covered with powder coat.

However, not all aluminum is created equal. Choose manufacturers that use the 5052 diamond plate aluminum. This aluminum is military grade and is made in combination with chrome and steel.

The price is a little higher but well worth it when you consider the quality you’re getting. Aluminum truck toolboxes also have a limited lifetime warranty.

Plastic Truck Toolboxes

Not just any plastic, mind you. This is high quality resilient poly material. Rigid, lightweight, and waterproof, it’s also incredibly sturdy. Made from high-impact ABS plastic, rigid poly truck toolboxes are almost impossible to dent.

Easier to install than either steel or aluminum truck boxes, they also generally have a limited lifetime warranty.

Steel Truck Toolboxes

Steel truck toolboxes will fit all bed sizes, including powder coated finishes. However, this choice is the least popular among truck owners due to weight. So you won’t want to carry it around on the job site.

Additionally, you may have to take your vehicle to a dealer and let a professional install it. That said, with stainless or reinforced finish steel truck toolboxes, you get ultimate weather protection.

There are so many uses for truck toolboxes, including using them for emergency supplies. Whether for business or pleasure, these little jewels will keep all your tools and accessories safe and organized!

When you’re ready to buy a new truck or a quality used truck, turn to the pros and Joe Bowman Auto Plaza. We’ll help you find the right vehicle for you and your lifestyle needs!

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