Blog

Schedule Service Today and Keep Your Car Running Smoothly When you need maintenance or repair, the two main options are a dealership or a local mechanic. While these two options might seem identical, they're very different in reality. As your go-to Chevy dealer in Vancouver, WA, we want to tell you a few of the service benefits of choosing us to keep your Chevy in great shape. Expert Care, Genuine Parts, and Peace of Mind You Can Count On Expert Technicians Our technicians train as mechanics and then undergo advanced training at a Chevy factory to learn everything there is to know about all Chevy components and systems. This intensive training makes them experts at maintaining or fixing your vehicle. Their theoretical training is balanced by daily servicing and maintaining Chevys. Their knowledge and practical experience mean they can identify and repair issues faster and more accurately than anyone else. In contrast, a regular mechanic spends their day working on many different types of vehicles. Their lack of Chevy-specific knowledge and experience means they will take longer to identify an issue, leading to increased repair costs. In addition, their lack of familiarity can result in a less-than-perfect repair. more Chevy-Approved Parts There are two types of replacement parts: Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket. OEM components are manufactured by the same companies and to the same standards as the original parts on your vehicle. The only difference is that these parts were assigned as replacements instead of being used to manufacture another vehicle. They have the same lifespan as your vehicle's original components and will always fit perfectly. Aftermarket parts look similar, but they're made specifically to fit a Chevy. They're manufactured by many different companies and are designed to fit a variety of vehicle makes and models. They're also not made to the same high standards as OEM components, so they have a shorter lifespan. Aftermarket parts may require adjustment to fit your Chevy, causing possible safety issues and increasing wear and tear on other vehicle components. Warranty Our OEM components carry a warranty due to their high quality and recognized manufacturing standards. Additionally, the labor our technicians perform is covered by warranty. These warranties protect you against any unforeseen issue, and if a warranty-related problem appears, it will be corrected at any Chevy dealer in the US at no charge. In contrast, a regular mechanic shop doesn't provide the same level of protection. Their aftermarket parts may or may not carry a warranty, so if a part fails, you may have to pay again for a replacement. If they do offer a labor warranty, it can only be used at the shop where the part was installed. These are just a few benefits of choosing your dealership. Contact us today at Alan Webb Chevrolet in Vancouver, WA.

Schedule Brake Pad Replacement Service Whenever you press the brake pedal, the calipers clamp the brake pads against the rotor discs, generating friction to stop your car. The friction layer of each brake pad (formed from an organic, ceramic, or semi-metallic compound of materials) slowly wears down over time. Once a pad is almost finished, you'll notice the following signs that it's time for a brake pad replacement at your local Chevy dealership. How to Know Your Chevy Needs a Brake Pad Replacement Brake Pad Indicator Light These days, many modern Chevy cars have a handy brake pad indicator light, which appears on the instrument panel when a pad is almost worn through. It's best not to ignore this warning light as a worn-out pad could soon begin to damage the rotor disc and lessen your vehicle's stopping power. Visibly Worn-Out Pads You can peer through the spokes of a wheel to visually inspect a brake pad. If the friction layer facing the rotor has worn down to a quarter of an inch or less in-depth, it's probably time for a new pad. You might also notice a buildup of brake dust when a pad's on its last legs. more Squeaking Brakes Brake pads are usually designed to emit a loud squeaking or screeching noise when they're almost finished. This sound is created by a little metal tab uncovered in the friction layer. The noise is no cause for alarm; it just means you need to install a new pad soon. Grinding Brakes When the friction layer of a brake pad has worn away altogether, only the steel casing is left to scrape directly against the rotor. This generates an unpleasant grinding noise and should be resolved at once before the rotor becomes damaged. Longer Stopping Distances Worn-out pads can lose their ability to generate full friction when clamping against the rotors. If this occurs, you might experience weakened brakes, which is hazardous on the road. Overheating brake pads can sometimes melt, which also lessens the stopping force and necessitates new pads. Pulling to One Side Problems with a brake pad could reduce stopping power on just one side of your car. This would result in your vehicle tugging gently to the left or the right when you apply the brakes. Book Biannual Brake Inspections at Your Chevy Dealership Brake pads can last anywhere from 25,000 to 65,000 miles, depending on driving habits and conditions. One way to know how rapidly your pads are wearing down is to have your brakes periodically inspected by a professional. Our technicians can make sure that all your brake components are in good shape and also tell you when you're next likely to need new pads. A proactive approach is the safest way to maintain your brakes. Visit Alan Webb Chevrolet in Vancouver, WA, for routine inspections or as soon as you detect one of the aforementioned signs of worn-out brake pads.

Schedule Maintenance Service Nothing can put a damper on your summer road trip plans more than a car that lets you down midway through your journey. Before queuing up your driving playlist and packing the essentials, here are some Chevrolet maintenance tips from your local Chevy dealership. 4 Pre-Road Trip Chevrolet Maintenance Tips from Your Chevy Dealership 1. Gain Peace of Mind with a Multi-Point Inspection The easiest way to ensure your Chevy is ready for those long days on the road is through a multi-point inspection. During this inspection, our certified technicians will look at the various parts of your vehicle, including the engine, brakes, transmission, and suspensions, to make sure everything is working properly. This service can help you stay ahead of your maintenance schedule and, if potential issues are identified, you can take advantage of our service specials to have everything fixed without cutting too deep into your road trip budget. more 2. Change the Fluids A vehicle's fluids are responsible for keeping the various systems lubricated, cooled, and functioning smoothly. Even if it's ahead of the recommended maintenance service, consider changing the engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant before your trip. Not only will fresh fluids keep everything in top condition, but they can enhance the engine's performance and boost fuel economy. You should also top up or change the windshield wiper fluid for added peace of mind. 3. Inspect Your Car's Battery Your vehicle's battery provides the power needed to start the engine and run various vehicle accessories, so it should get the same care and attention as the other systems before your journey. During a battery inspection, our technicians will make sure its terminals are not corroded and will use a battery tester to check its health. We will also clean the terminals if corrosion is present and suggest a battery replacement when necessary. To keep your battery in top working order throughout the journey, you should avoid parking in direct heat for long periods. 4. Check the Wheels and Tires The tires are the point of contact between your vehicle and the road, so ensuring they are in good condition is vital for your road safety. You should check the tire pressure and the tire tread depth to determine if you should inflate or replace the tires before your journey. If necessary, you can also take advantage of our affordable tire rotation and wheel alignment specials to avoid any unpleasant surprises. No matter where the road might take you, make sure to check these vital maintenance steps off your list to ensure your Chevy is in top shape for your next adventure. Contact us at Alan Webb Chevrolet in Vancouver, WA to find out more about our service specials and schedule an appointment.

There are several early symptoms of a dying car battery. If you know what to watch out for, you'll be able to smoothly change to a new car battery without experiencing any serious disruption to your driving. If you suspect your battery of getting too old and worn out, you can ask a trusted technician at your local Chevy dealer in Vancouver, WA, for their professional opinion. 6 Signs Your Chevy Needs a New Car Battery Your Headlights Start to Flicker and Fade When a failing car battery grows weaker, the diminishing electrical power will usually be diverted to the electronic components more essential for safe driving. For this reason, your headlights may be one of the last things to fade. This means faltering or flickering headlights shouldn't be ignored; your battery might be about to die. more Your Engine Becomes Reluctant to Start With a dead battery, you won't be able to start your car's engine. Fortunately, your engine will become slower to turn over for a while before the battery dies altogether. This gives you time to head to your local dealership for a new battery. Several Electrical Components Malfunction Various electrical parts throughout your vehicle depend on the battery, including the windshield wipers, GPS, touchscreen, audio system, charging pad, climate control, and more. If your battery is dying, multiple electronics will slow down and malfunction, especially when the engine's turned off and the alternator is no longer helping with the electrical supply. You Catch an Unpleasant Rotten Egg Smell Car batteries can become damaged by extreme temperatures, excessive vibrations, internal shorts, and other factors. And once past the age of three or four years, car batteries are more likely to become damaged. This can sometimes result in a battery cracking open, releasing gas. This emits an unmissable sulfury rotten egg smell. Leaking batteries can cause damage to other car parts and are no longer safe to use. Your Battery Looks Warped or Corroded Battery casing should always be as straight and well-formed as the day it was bought. If your battery's casing appears to be bulging or warped in any way, you'll need to get rid of it. Serious corrosion on the terminals will also gradually destroy a battery's ability to conduct electricity to the rest of the vehicle. However, a little corrosion can often be cleaned away with water, baking soda, and a hard-bristle brush. Your Chevy Dealer Recommends a New Battery Modern cars need to have their electrical systems inspected and serviced periodically. While checking your battery, the technicians at your local dealership can let you know how much longer it's likely to last and replace it when the time comes. Have a new battery installed in your car today at Alan Webb Chevrolet in Vancouver, WA. We're a trusted local dealership providing a one-stop shop for all your automotive needs, whatever they may be.

Do you know how to tell when you need new tires? There are a few tell-tale signs you should look out for. Once you notice these signs, head to your Chevy dealership in Vancouver, WA, for a fresh set of tires to keep your car in the best condition possible. Signs It's Time for New Tires Your Tires Are Getting Up There Your tires have a finite lifespan and will only last for a certain number of miles. In general, you should consider replacing your tires after you've driven 60,000 miles on them. This is true even if your tires are only a few years old. In general, mileage matters more than age, unless your tires have been on your car for over six years. more Your Sidewall Is Damaged If there are indentations, bulges, or cracks on your sidewall, then it's time to head to the dealer to get a whole new set of tires. This damage often comes with age, but you should still get fresh tires even if your damaged ones aren't that old. Your Tires Are Worn Down Tires wear down as you drive on them, and this is the main reason you need to replace yours every few years. Abraham Lincoln can help you figure out if it's time to replace your tires because they're worn down. When you put a penny into your tread upside down, you shouldn't be able to see Abraham Lincoln's entire head. If you see Abe's whole head above the tread, then head to the dealer. Your Tires Are Unevenly Worn Tires that are worn down unevenly have a shorter lifespan than tires that have the same amount of wear all over them. Unevenly worn tires can also be uncomfortable to drive on, so if you don't have the same amount of tread wear over the entire surface of each tire, then it may be time for a new set. Why You Should Get Fresh Tires at Your Chevy Dealership We Have OEM Tires When you come to us for tires, we can fit your car with exact copies of the tires we're taking off of it. The tires are recommended by the manufacturer of your car model, and they may be made by the original equipment manufacturer. You already know how these tires feel to drive on, so you have peace of mind in knowing that your car's handling and performance won't change. We Fit the Tires for You When you buy tires from a retailer, you have to do extra work and find somebody to fit them for you. When you bring your car straight to us, we can get you the perfect tires for your car and fit them in the same visit. Swing by Alan Webb Chevrolet in Vancouver, WA any time you need fresh tires for your car. We can help you with tire maintenance, too.

Schedule Routine Brake Maintenance Routine brake maintenance is one of the most important services for your Chevy. Driving with brakes that aren't responding properly can put you in terrifying situations. If you haven't maintained your braking system in a long time, schedule a service at your trusted Chevrolet dealership. Why It's Essential to Get Routine Brake Maintenance at Your Chevrolet Dealership Maintain Your Safety on the Road Well-maintained brakes are your first line of defense against accidents and collisions. Conduct routine services like brake fluid checks, pad replacements, and system inspections to ensure your Chevy's brakes are working properly. This maintains optimal braking power and allows you to respond promptly to emergencies. more Extend the Lifespan of Your Brake Components Your braking system is made up of various components like pads, rotors, calipers, brake lines, and more. These parts wear down over time with regular use. If you don't replace them on time, the damage can extend to other components. Schedule routine services to keep the system running smoothly and extend the lifespan of the components. Improve Fuel Efficiency Well-maintained brakes can actually improve your Chevy's fuel efficiency. When the calipers are not functioning well, they can create brake drag. Brake drag happens when a caliper fails to completely release the rotor when you take your foot off the brake pedal. It feels like the brakes are still engaged, forcing you to accelerate harder and use more fuel. Worn-out brake components also reduce braking distance, which forces you to slam the brakes harder when slowing down. When you do this, your engine consumes more fuel as you accelerate again. Maintaining your brakes improves braking power and prevents brake drag. This helps increase your Chevy's fuel mileage. Enjoy Quiet, Relaxing Drives Driving a vehicle with brake issues is frustrating. You have to endure those high-pitched squeals and grinding noises when you hit the brakes. If you're low on brake fluid, your pedal can feel spongy, which is unsettling. You're forced to drive in fear that your brakes will fail when you need them the most. During maintenance, the technician will check all your brake components, replace worn pads and rotors, and change your brake fluid. When you leave the dealership, you will feel confident and in control of your vehicle. Drives will also be relaxing without those annoying noises and steering wheel vibrations. Catch Minor Issues Early Ignoring brake issues can lead to extensive damage, which will cost you a lot of money to fix. It also increases the risk of collisions and costly auto body repairs. Routine maintenance reveals issues early, allowing you to fix them before they snowball into expensive problems. Scheduling routine maintenance for your brakes is a small price to pay for your safety, peace of mind, and driving enjoyment. Contact Alan Webb Chevrolet in Vancouver, WA to schedule a comprehensive brake service for your Chevy.

Order Parts Online Two types of replacement parts can be used for repairs, namely Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket. As your Chevrolet dealership in Vancouver, WA, we want to tell you some of the differences between these parts and why only OEM parts can guarantee a safe and successful repair. From Your Chevrolet Dealership: 3 Benefits of OEM Parts They're Compatible OEM components are made in the same factories that built the parts for your Chevy. They're the product of countless hours of design and engineering to produce the best parts for your Chevy model. Since OEM components are identical to the original parts in your car, they will always fit correctly and work the same as the original parts. more Aftermarket parts aren't designed for your car. They may look similar, but they were designed to fit a wide range of different vehicle makes and models. This expands the potential customer base for these parts, but it also means that they won't fit correctly if they're installed on your Chevy. These parts usually have to be adjusted and this can lead to damage to other parts in your car. They're High-Quality OEM components are manufactured to the highest national and international standards using only the best quality materials. These parts are as strong and durable as the original ones they replace. Their quality also means they have a longer lifespan, which saves you money by preventing the otherwise unnecessary need for an early part replacement. Aftermarket parts, in contrast, are made from lower-quality materials. Their reduced manufacturing cost means they are cheaper than OEM components. While their cheaper cost might sound good, their inferior quality compared to OEM components means they will need to be replaced more frequently. In addition, their inherent weakness could potentially cause additional damage or even contribute to an accident when they fail. They Have a Warranty All OEM components carry a manufacturer's warranty. The warranty confirms that the part will work under normal operating conditions for at least the length of the warranty period. Most OEM components will continue to work effectively long after their warranty has expired. If a part fails during the warranty period, it will be repaired or replaced at no cost. In contrast, aftermarket parts don't have a warranty. Since they can be used on many different vehicles, it's impossible to guarantee how they will work in a specific vehicle model. If an aftermarket part fails, you must buy another part and pay for its installation. This increases the cost of using these cheaper parts. As your dealer, we won't compromise the safety of you or your Chevy by using aftermarket parts. We only use OEM components in our repair. If you'd like to know more about the differences between these parts or would like to book a repair, contact our service department today at Alan Webb Chevrolet in Vancouver, WA.

Schedule Oil Change Service While fiddly carburetors and seemingly endless tune-ups are thankfully a thing of the past, regular maintenance is still required to retain your vehicle's value and ensure dependability for many years to come. Your Chevrolet dealership can assist you with your car or truck's maintenance needs, including the most fundamental of all: the oil change. Five Important Reasons to Schedule Routine Oil Changes at Your Chevrolet Dealership Maintain Efficiency Your Chevrolet's engine is a precision, purpose-built machine that relies on oil to keep it lubricated and clean. Engine oil that is routinely changed prevents the accumulation of debris that can slow circulation and diminish engine efficiency. Because any reduction in engine efficiency also lowers fuel efficiency, scheduled oil service ensures you're obtaining every possible mile per gallon from your vehicle. more Reduce Emissions Like many chemicals, engine oil begins to break down when repeatedly exposed to high heat or mechanical stress. If not changed according to your Chevrolet's Oil Life System (OLS) or maintenance schedule, your motor's oil will degrade and evaporate, emitting environmentally harmful gasses as it does. The diminished engine efficiency caused by aging oil will also increase the emissions output of your vehicle, generating unnecessary pollution and increasing your car or truck's environmental impact. Preserve Dependability Excessive heat is the enemy of any engine; it can warp components, stress vital parts, and ultimately cause severe damage to your vehicle. Oil protects your Chevrolet's engine against harm by minimizing temperature-raising friction and transferring heat away from the engine's hottest spots. To effectively reduce heat and distribute it evenly, your engine's oil must be able to flow freely, fully unobstructed by contaminants and grime that can otherwise build up over time. Avoid Costly Repairs Whether it's a vital engine component reaching its breaking point due to overheating or repeated dry contact wearing away at a critical part, the results of degraded or insufficient engine oil can be catastrophic for your vehicle's performance. Costly repairs due to unchanged oil can range in price from several hundred dollars to more than several thousand in the event of total engine failure. Maintain Peace of Mind Your Chevrolet was carefully designed for maximum reliability because we know how much you rely on your Chevrolet. Whether it's reducing the anxiety associated with emissions testing or sustaining the durability you've come to rely on from your vehicle, you'll know you're contributing to many miles of trouble-free travel by properly maintaining your engine oil. Routine engine oil maintenance is the most cost-effective and reliable way to keep your Chevrolet dependable, efficient, and operating at peak performance. For maximum peace of mind, schedule your next oil service with the certified, factory-trained experts at Alan Webb Chevrolet in Vancouver, WA, today.

Schedule a Service Appointment Having properly functioning headlights on your Chevy is vital so that you can see the road ahead and other drivers and pedestrians can see you. With time, headlight bulbs become yellow, dim, and burn out. To avoid getting caught in the dark, watch for these signs from your Chevy Dealer Service Center indicating that it's time to visit your Vancouver, WA, Auto Service Center for new headlights. Chevy Dealer Service Center Advice Your Headlights Are Dim Front of a sports car with your space If the brightness of your headlights has decreased, it could imply that the bulbs need replacement. Alternatively, it might be due to the accumulation of dirt and dust on the headlight covers, hindering the passage of light. Cleaning the area can help. However, if the problem persists, consider replacing the bulbs. If the light still seems dim, it might be the wiring. It's best to have your Chevrolet technician perform an inspection. more Your Headlights Are Flickering If your headlights are flickering, it could be a sign that the bulb filament is damaged or worn out. This means the bulb needs to be replaced as soon as possible before it burns out. If the problem persists, it could also be due to a bad connection, which your Chevrolet technician can fix to ensure you can see the road clearly at night or in inclement weather. You Have Problems with Your High Beams If you notice that your vehicle's low beams are working, but the high beams are not turning on, it could be due to a burnt-out bulb or a blown fuse. Alternatively, there might be a wiring issue. Your Chevrolet technician will quickly determine the cause of the problem and perform quick repairs. One of Your Headlight Bulbs Is Out If you spot a burnt-out headlight bulb, take it as a sign that you should replace both bulbs. Headlight bulbs are typically replaced in pairs; if one dies, the other is likely already dimmer and could burn out soon. Some vehicles have a single bulb, while older cars have separate bulbs for low and high beams. Replacing all bulbs simultaneously is advisable to ensure consistent light distribution and better visibility. The Fuses Keep Blowing If you're facing continuous problems with your Chevy's headlights and fuses blowing out, it could be due to a wiring or electrical problem. Continuously changing fuses won't solve the issue. Seek professional help from a Chevrolet technician to get to the root of the problem and get it sorted out once and for all. It's best to replace both headlight bulbs when you notice any dimming or fading instead of waiting for one to burn out. If you experience headlight problems, visit Alan Webb Chevrolet or schedule a service appointment online today. Our certified Chevrolet technicians will ensure your headlights are in good working condition.