Should I Repair or Replace My Car?
Should I Repair Or Replace My Vehicle?
Other than your home, a vehicle can be a significant investment you’ll make at least a few times throughout your life. You depend on your vehicle for daily tasks like getting to work, dropping the kids off at school, and running errands. The good news is that modern cars are built better than ever before, but still, as your car ages, it typically requires more maintenance. You then are left with the choice of whether you should keep repairing it or replace it altogether.
Your car’s longevity doesn’t depend on only one thing. If you are proactive with recommended maintenance, vehicle parts shouldn’t break down as quickly. Also, if you drive more conservatively, it can help make your car run smoothly for a longer time. Ensuring you’re not waiting too long between oil changes, replacing the belts and filters, and flushing fluids as needed will ultimately prove to save you from costly repairs. Also, consider the extreme weather we have here in Owatonna, MN. The winters here are freezing cold, and it can take a toll on your car if you leave it sitting out on the driveway rather than inside the garage.
Understanding Why Auto Repairs Are Necessary
The Chevrolet brand has been known to build some of the most reliable vehicles on the market today. Even with the quality behind the name, your vehicle won’t last forever. If you enjoy keeping a car for a long time, rather than leasing, for example, you’ll discover that certain things need to be replaced once you pass certain milestones of mileage. As the car’s owner, you ultimately have at least some control over how quickly repairs are needed.
It’s not uncommon for cars on the road today to be over a decade old, but that comes with proper upkeep. Model and make will have some determination on how long your car lasts, but if you treat it with care, there’s no doubt it lasts longer. The tricky part is determining when repairs are becoming a burden rather than part of typical maintenance.
Looking More Closely At Repairing Or Replacing
It can be a little overwhelming for anyone to know exactly the right time to replace their vehicle. Ultimately, most experts agree that it’s a good time to replace your car when it is costing more money to maintain it than it’s worth. Here’s a good example. If you have a car that’s worth around $3,000 according to Kelley Blue Book and you’re spending hundreds every month to maintain it, then it’s probably time for a new one.
Car repairs tend to get more expensive with age as well. Something like rebuilding a transmission or significant engine repairs can cost more than the actual value of the car. It could be argued that this situation is still cheaper than buying a new car, but you then run the risk of breakdown or other hassles you wouldn’t want to deal with. You should also consider future repairs on the vehicle as well. Spending $1,000 on a major repair might fix your problem, but there could also be other underlying problems you’re unaware of. Your best bet is having a certified technician inspect your vehicle, and then you could make a wise decision about your car moving forward. If you have many other car parts that need to be fixed, it might be a better decision to get some money out of the car and use it toward the purchase of a newer one.
Considering How Safe Your Current Vehicle Is
While considering your budget is important, you also need to consider how safe your car is as well. As mentioned earlier, every year a car improves from the previous model, especially with the Chevy brands. You might save a few bucks keeping a car that is over ten years old, but you could also be compromising your safety.
Newer cars have so many driver-assisted technologies that you might be missing out on with an older model. Some of these examples include enhanced airbags, rear backup cameras, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure assist. In 2020, there have been many innovative features that keep drivers safer on the road. Also, newer cars tend to have better gas mileage and more options for customization on trim levels that are appealing. Families with children almost always consider safety as a top priority when they are looking for a new vehicle.
House Chevrolet Can Help You Decide The Best Option
There are many things to consider when you’re trying to determine to repair or replace your vehicle. The bottom line is determining how much your older car is costing you and how safe it is to drive. Our friendly team can provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for you. There isn’t a one size fits all for everybody, and we will help you consider the pros and cons. If you would like to bring in your car for a multi-point inspection, we can help point you in the right direction. We look forward to helping you in the process.
Checking Your Tires & Oil
Now that the cold days of winter have given into the warmer weather of spring and summer, you can count on more daylight hours of fun. You’ll be using your vehicle for outdoor picnics, watching summer sporting events, and taking vacation road trips. The hotter times can take a toll on your vehicle unless you take preventative measures. At House Chevrolet in Owatonna, we want to show you how to check your tires and oil during these warmer seasons.
Checking Your Tires
Properly inflated tires give you more control and improved handling by distributing the weight of your vehicle evenly. You get better mileage and can avoid going to the gas station more often. Traction is spread more appropriately to allow for more tenacious road grip and a safer ride.
If a tire is under-inflated, its tread gets more wear and it does not maintain correct traction on the road. This increases the braking distance, potential blowouts, and the possibility of accidents.
An over-inflated tire also causes unusual wear and poor handling and increases the risk of damage from hazards on the road.
Making it easy to determine inflation levels in many Chevrolet models is the Tire Pressure Monitoring System. It automatically warns you if the pressure in one or more tires is 25 percent or more under the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
If you have Chevy Connected Access, you can receive notifications via text or email about low tire pressure.
If you have Dealer Maintenance Notification, our service center receives notice of needed service, so we can contact you to schedule your next maintenance visit.
If you do not have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, you should manually check the pressure yourself at least once a month as recommended in your owner’s manual. You should check the pressure when the tires are cold, which could take three hours or more in the summer after you last drove your vehicle. Look for the Tire Information Label inside your door frame to determine the correct pressure.
Then use a high-quality gauge that you can buy at any auto store. You simply place the gauge on your tire valve stem and press down hard until the hissing stops. The gauge then shows the reading. Be sure to check all four tires and the spare as well. You can fill your tire with needed air at any gas station.
Dealing with Oil
The hotter an engine gets, particularly in the summer, then the more lubrication it needs, especially from oil. Older Chevrolet models manufactured before the Oil Life Monitoring System demanded oil changes every 3,000 miles. Modern vehicles can go far longer between oil changes even during the summer. Consult your owner’s manual for the recommended oil changes.
As a bonus for any new model that you buy from us, you get your first required maintenance within the first 12 months for free, courtesy of Chevrolet Complete Care. This service visit includes a Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection, tire rotation, and oil change. Corvettes get two maintenance visits in that period.
Most Chevy vehicles come with engine Oil Life System (OLS) that continuously monitors your operating conditions. It can then determine when you need an oil change depending on climate conditions and personal driving habits. When the OLS light illuminates on your dashboard, you can take your car in for servicing.
Despite these advances, you should periodically check your oil level to ensure that you have enough. For more accuracy, your vehicle must on level ground and the oil must be at normal operating temperature. Check the oil about ten minutes or so after you’ve stopped the vehicle. This gives the fluid time to settle into the pan. Be careful about touching parts of the engine, which may still be hot, especially on a summer day.
You’ll need to consult your owner’s manual to determine where the oil dipstick is located and how to use it for your particular model to check the oil. You’ll also need a paper towel to wipe off any spills. If the level is low, you can add oil yourself but opening the oil fill cap, putting a funnel in the hole, and pouring the oil into the funnel.
Best Road Trip Destinations Near OWATONNA, MN
Five of The Best Road Trip Destinations Near Owatonna, MN
There’s no denying that a road trip explores your adventurous side, and they can be relaxing as well. Visiting a new place allows you to explore all it has to offer, enables you to see things you’ve never thought existed, and you’ll even have fun with all the challenges a trip can throw your way. If your schedule permits, taking a road trip on an annual basis can be a great decision. Across the United States, there is no shortage of jaw-dropping areas to visit with some of the most beautiful places you’ve ever seen. Based on your personality, you can pick something that satisfies everything you want. Here, we’ll focus on some of the most popular destinations from near Owatonna, Minnesota. So buckle up, and get ready to explore some of the most interesting parts of the country.
Head Over To Cincinnati, Ohio
You may have heard about the Queen City before, but an actual visit is needed to explore this fabulous city. You can get here in just under ten hours but plan to stay a few days. If you go around September, you’re in for a real treat. It’s home to one of the largest Oktoberfests in the country, drawing more than half a million people every year. Of course, you can’t leave out a trip to Skyline Chili while you’re in town. It features the iconic five-way delicious blend of spaghetti, chili, beans, onions, and cheese that will leave you wanting more. There’s plenty to see and do in Cincinnati, including a trip to the Great American Ballpark. a view from Carew Tower, or taking the kids to the Newport Aquarium. It’s a city full of tradition, good food, and lots to discover.
Indianapolis, Indiana
Just over eight hours away, you’ll be in Indy, a city famous for its sporting events and history. It’s also home to tons of family-friendly activities to keep kids of all ages entertained. The Children’s Museum Of Indianapolis is a must first visit with the family, which includes five levels of indoor playground, real-life representation of life in China, and fossils from dinosaurs of all sizes. If you’re feeling more on the adventurous side, you could head on over the Treetop Adventure at Eagle Creek Park, with different zipline courses through the beautiful scenery. You can even go back in time to the ’60s with a trip over to the Tibbs Drive-In, an inexpensive way to keep the whole family entertained for hours.
Visit The Mile High City
You may already know, but Denver is nicknamed the Mile High City because it sits one mile above sea level, which places it as one of the highest cities in the country. Along with breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, there’s plenty to do here. Stop by the Wings Over the Air & Space Museum with over 150,000 square feet of some of the coolest aircrafts you’ve ever seen. If you’re a baseball fan, Coors Field is something to marvel at with a backdrop of the mountains with lots of tasty treats for the kids. There are endless activities for your family as well, including the Children’s Museum of Denver, the Downtown Aquarium, the Denver Public Library, and the Adams Mystery Playhouse. It’s well worth the 12-hour drive, and you will not have enough time to see all this magnificent city has to offer!
Columbia, Missouri
Just over six hours due south will have you in the beautiful and enchanting Columbia, Missouri. Home to more than 100,000 residents, it’s got a small-town vibe with a plethora of things to see. If you’re looking for some outdoor excitement, you can travel east of the downtown area to Stephens Lake Park. It has swimming attractions in the summer for the kids, and fishing and boating opportunities. During the winter, many families come for ice skating and sled riding. Those who love a little bit of history can check out The Museum of Art and Archaeology, which has free admission! What could be better than that? There are neat exhibits to explore and tours to get more information about the different artwork displays.
Stay Local In Minnesota
Families just looking for a day trip are in luck because Minnesota has a lot to offer. Here are some great places to visit within a few hours driving time from Owatonna.
• The largest indoor mall in the country, The Mall of America, one hour north via I-35.
• The architectural masterpiece in Saint Paul, the Landmark Center, about one hour north as well
• See the beauty of Lake Superior with a visit to North Shore Scenic Drive, just three hours away
Get Ready For Your Next Road Trip
Stop by House Chevrolet before you get ready to go on your next today trip! Whether you need an oil change, a tire rotation, just an inspection, we’ve got you covered! Make an appointment with us today, and we’ll be happy to help get you ready for your next fun-filled adventure.
When you are trying to keep your Chevrolet clean, the Minnesota roads can pose quite the threat. Keeping your car clean inside and out is a major challenge. It often feels as if the exterior needs to be cleaned as soon as we have finished the interior….and vice versa.
That’s why this guide is here to help. By taking the time to follow these useful tips and tricks for keeping the interior and exterior of the vehicle clean, you can keep your Chevrolet running well and looking spiffy. Our vehicles often serve as an extension of our own personalities and the last thing that you want to do is make a bad first impression.
Be sure to read on and learn more about all of these awesome hacks…
1. Clean Your Windshield With Soda
Soda might not seem like the most obvious option when it comes to cleaning your windshield but trust us on this one. It’s a great hack that will remove all of the bugs from the exterior of your vehicle.
When your windshield wipers are unable to cut through all of the dirt, grime and bugs that have collected on the windshield, a damp cloth and some soda will do the trick. Those sticky bugs are easy to remove and the soda also slices through the grime that has built up from the dusty roads. Once you have washed the windshield with soda, take a moment to rinse it with water.
2. Use Cream of Tartar For Exterior Dirt
When the mud and dirt from Minnesota’s rural roads has had the chance to build up, the process of removing it from your Chevrolet can seem impossible. Luckily for you, cutting through the dirt on the exterior of your vehicle has never been easier.
All you need to do is grab some cream of tartar and you are in business. Sprinkle it onto the area in question and use some soapy water to wipe it away. Once you are satisfied with the job you have done, wipe the cream of tartar with soapy water.
3. Grab a Screwdriver For Your Console and Dashboard
The console and dashboard are two of the toughest areas to clean. They have all sorts of grooves that make it tough to truly dig in. That’s why you need to grab a screwdriver for this task. The screwdriver is the perfect tool when it comes to getting into all of the angles.
A flat head screwdriver is the best choice for this task. Of course, you are going to want to make sure that the end of the screwdriver is covered with a clean cloth for best results. Use the end that is covered to get into the toughest cracks and crevices.
4. Proper Pollen Removal
Too many Chevrolet owners make the mistake of assuming that they do not need to clean up the pollen that has built up on the vehicle’s exterior on their own. In reality, you are going to need to take the proper steps to make sure that the car remains clean.
This is an issue that should be dealt with quickly. A convenient rainstorm is not going to come along and save you. All you need to do is wash your car as you normally would. To prevent future buildup and make your next wash a bit easier, add a layer of wax. This protects the finish and can be used to keep the vehicle safe from sticky debris.
5. Grab a Trash Can For The Car
Whether you are grabbing a cloth bag or simply using one of the plastic bags from the grocery store, keeping a trash can in the car works wonders. There are no shortage of smaller items that get tossed around a car because the driver and passengers do not have anywhere to set it down. A trash can gives them the perfect place to set their candy wrappers, tissues, coffee cups and food related items.
6. Clean Your Cup Holders
The cup holders tend to attract a sizable amount of mess and yet they are not even cleaned on a regular basis. The bottom of your cups will leave a residue that is difficult to remove if you are not truly careful about this process.
Many of us are also guilty of using the cup holders as a form of trash storage. Don’t allow condensation to build up in the first place, either. Keep some wipes and cotton swabs in the car, so that you can remove all liquids and crumbs before they have a chance to worsen.
7. Stay Up To Date On Maintenance
This is one of the simplest steps that can be taken, along with keeping your surfaces clean and shaking out your mats on a consistent basis. Even something as simple as changing your air filter can make a world of difference.
If you are noticing weird smells inside of the vehicle, the air filter is usually to blame. Regular maintenance also keeps the vehicle safe from the long term build up of dust.
If you’re starting your search for a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox, this is a great place to begin your research. You can find car-like performance, driver assistance features, and versatile interior space when you experience this CUV. Discover the ins and outs of the new Equinox here in our model overview.
Behind the Wheel of the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox
Performance
Expect the right mix of SUV and sedan performance when you get behind the wheel of a new CUV. Consider how the Chevrolet Equinox gets the most out of its standard 1.5L engine, offering an estimated 26 MPG City/31 MPG Highway. Look forward to improved traction that’s possible thanks to available all-wheel drive and a suspension tuned for stability. This CUV also offers the following:
- Driver shift controls
- 6-speed automatic transmission
- Automatic Stop/Start
Technology
What’s in the cabin is just as important to today’s CUV shoppers as what’s under the hood. Case in point: available Chevy Safety Assist, a full suite of driver-assistive technologies. The Equinox is no slouch on other media, either — there’s plenty of charging and connectivity to go around. Here’s just a sample of the additional technology features you can get on this model:
- Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
- Rear Vision Camera
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
Design
A contemporary CUV should both look and play the part. The ample 63.9 cu. ft. of cargo space in the Equinox makes competitors look pedestrian. That means no matter which trim you choose, the Equinox is favorable for both driver and passengers. Check out even more of the available design features here:
- Available hands-free power liftgate
- Hidden storage under rear cargo floor
- Driver and front passenger visors with illuminated mirrors
See the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox in Owatonna, MN
For a closer look at the 2021 Equinox, pay us a visit at House Chevrolet Cadillac. Our selection of new Chevrolet cars for sale gives you the kind of choice you won’t find anywhere else in Owatonna, MN. Before you visit us for your test drive, take a look at our new Chevrolet specials.
*MSRP: Starting price represents the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the L trim. The MSRP does not include destination and handling charges, taxes, title, license, options, and dealer charges. Actual prices are set by the dealer and may vary. Photo is for marketing and example purposes only. Photo may not reflect starting MSRP or trim level.\n**EPA-estimated MPG for City/Highway for 2021 Chevrolet Equinox L. Actual mileage will vary. Displayed MPG is based on applicable EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid models only) and other factors.
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