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The Ultimate Guide to Chevy Scheduled Maintenance: What You Need to Know

Service and maintenance | Matt LaFontaine Chevrolet GMC in Grayling, MI
Chevy maintenance is performed by Chevy-trained technicians using Chevy-approved replacement parts. Some drivers wonder about the value of regular servicing and will even put off routine maintenance. As your Chevy dealer, we'd like to share with you some of the reasons why regular maintenance is so important, how it protects you, and how it ultimately saves you money in the long run.

Improves Fuel Efficiency

Your Chevy is a fuel-efficient vehicle, but this fuel efficiency depends on all of the components working together properly. As time passes, vehicle components will wear out or become damaged, and this can result in more trips to the pump. A good example of this is a clogged engine air filter. This filter is cheap to replace, but not replacing it when necessary will result in waste gas. The engine air filter traps dirt from the air before it enters your engine. Over time, the filter will become clogged, and airflow into your engine will be restricted. Without this air, your engine will become fuel-rich. A fuel-rich engine can't ignite the fuel successfully, and most of the fuel in the cylinders is wasted and dumped out of the exhaust. Replacing the filter prevents this waste and potential engine damage, as well as saving gas.

Improves Driving Safety

Your brakes and tires are two examples of systems that are critical for safe driving. Tires will gradually wear down due to surface friction and environmental factors, and brake components will wear out. Regular brake services allow our expert technicians to examine your braking system and ensure it's working effectively. A healthy braking system gives you peace of mind, knowing that you can quickly stop whenever needed. Worn tires have reduced grip on the surface, making them more likely to skid on wet or muddy surfaces. In addition, a lack of tire maintenance means the tires will wear out faster than necessary. Our technicians can increase tire life by regularly rotating them to even out wear damage. We can also correct alignment and rebalance them in order to reduce wear so you can more easily plan for their replacement.

Saves You Money

Regular maintenance saves you money by preventing avoidable future repair bills. Regular fluid checks, for example, will identify low fluid levels or fluid that needs replacement. Old engine oil, for example, becomes less effective at lubricating engine components, and this increases friction damage in the engine. Old transmission fluid can burn inside the transmission and damage numerous components. If it doesn't burn, it can still cause blockages and a potentially seized transmission that needs replacement. Our technicians can detect warning signs of these and any other potential issues, and then address them before they can cause serious and expensive damage. Book your next maintenance today. Contact us at Matt LaFontaine Chevrolet GMC in Grayling, MI.
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Why Regular Oil Changes Are Crucial for Your Chevy's Longevity

An oil change is one of the key maintenance tasks to keep your Chevrolet running in pristine condition, and to get the most miles possible out of your investment. Here are quite a few great reasons to get your oil swapped out, and to do it at your Chevy dealer. It Maintains Engine Cleanliness Motor oil doesn't just lubricate; it also cleans your engine by carrying away dirt, debris, and metal particles that accumulate over time. As oil circulates, it collects these contaminants and deposits them in the oil filter. If you don't change your oil regularly, both the oil and filter become filled up with these particles and can't do their job. As a result, you get poor engine performance and efficiency. more Provides Essential Lubrication Your engine consists of all these moving parts, and they're all moving at high speeds and under intense temperatures. Fresh oil creates a thin barrier between these components, which keeps down the amount of friction and keeps down the wear and tear. Over time, though, the oil breaks down and loses its lubricating properties. Regulates Engine Temperature While your vehicle's cooling system manages a significant portion of the engine heat, motor oil is still important in this regard. It absorbs excess heat from the engine components as it runs over them and helps prevent the engine from overheating. Old or degraded oil can't absorb heat as effectively. Prevents Rust and Corrosion Modern motor oils have additives that protect the engine from rust and corrosion. These additives create a protective layer on metal surfaces, and that shields them from moisture and other corrosive elements. As the oil in your car ages, though, these additives gradually deplete, and the oil becomes less effective at preventing corrosion. Enhances Fuel Efficiency Clean oil reduces engine strain by allowing the components to move freely: that improves your vehicle's fuel efficiency. An engine that's well-lubricated doesn't have to work as hard, and thus it doesn't need as much fuel. Why Matt LaFontaine Chevrolet? When you get your maintenance services from the Chevy-trained techs at our service department, you’ll also be benefitting from a lot of additional perks. They know just what to look for in a Chevy as they perform the complimentary multipoint inspection. They always use Chevy-approved oils and OEM filters that provide the same level of service you've come to expect. They also keep track of your service intervals for you and can help make sure your resale value stays high. Schedule your oil change today at Matt LaFontaine Chevrolet in Grayling, MI. We've been serving the people of Gaylord, Kalkaska and Roscommon for years – we’re easy to get to, easy to work with, and ready to give you the best experience you've ever had!

THE BEST ROUTINE SERVICES FOR YOUR CHEVY, BUICK, OR GMC VEHICLE

Wednesday, 20 July, 2022 Keeping your vehicle at a high level of performance as you drive around Kalkaska isn’t difficult when you target a few key areas. But you don't always have the time, tools, or experience to do the job yourself. That is when you schedule your service with the Service Center at Matt LaFontaine Automotive. ENGINE SERVICES It doesn’t matter if your time behind the wheel is a quick errand near Roscommon or a trip many hundreds of miles away. Starting the engine takes a toll on a variety of systems. This makes routine inspections and regular care an integral part of vehicle maintenance.An inspection catches problems that just haven’t manifested enough to impact performance. Your technician can spot a suspicious leak, fraying wire, or torn gasket and fix it before it sidelines your vehicle with you in it. Inspections are also a great opportunity to refill fluids and replace dirty filters. Improving fuel efficiency is a side benefit of regularly changing your oil because your engine doesn’t have to work quite as hard as when the oil is full of sediments. Fresh oil also reduces wear and tear on engine parts, extending their overall lifespan. Your technician or owner’s manual can give you a good timetable for oil changes, but how you use your Buick, Chevy, or GMC vehicle will also impact how often you’ll need an oil change. TIRE SERVICES You can save money on tires by rotating them regularly, so they don’t develop weak spots that require early replacement. Even though gas prices might be high around Gaylord, you can save some money at the pump with properly balanced and inflated tires. If your air pressure is low or a tire is wobbly, your vehicle has to work harder to push itself down the road, directly impacting fuel efficiency. BRAKE SERVICES You always want to feel safe behind the wheel while driving around Grayling, so don’t neglect brake care. It’s harder to gauge brake pad replacement because it’s different for everyone, so you’ll have to be vigilant in noting any changes in brake performance. You’ll also need a brake fluid replacement every three years or so.

Oil Change

WINTERIZE YOUR CAR IN GRAYLING, MI

Wednesday, 12 January, 2022 Frigid winters in Grayling, MI can play havoc on your car’s performance. Before your vehicle leaves you out in the cold, bring it to the service center at Matt Lafontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC. Our factory-trained mechanics can keep your car running well even in harsh weather, and you can schedule a service appointment online at any time. OIL CHANGES, BATTERY REPLACEMENTS, AND RADIATOR SERVICE Chilly temperatures in Gaylord can thicken your car’s oil and make it hard to start. The certified technicians in our service department can change your oil and replace your battery if necessary. An insufficient water and antifreeze mixture could leave your engine block vulnerable to cracking, but we can test your radiator and refill it to the correct specifications. TIRE REPLACEMENTS AND BRAKE REPAIRS Worn or balding tires can be a hazard on icy or snow-covered roads in Kalkaska. Our service team can replace your bad tires with winter tires that have a deeper tread and stronger grip. If your brakes are weak, we can service or replace them for safer stops at slick intersections in Roscommon. OTHER AVAILABLE WINTER AUTO SERVICE AMENITIES Replace windshield wipers Clean the car’s undercarriage Replace the windshield washing fluid SCHEDULE AUTO SERVICE AT MATT LAFONTAINE CHEVROLET BUICK GMC Don’t hibernate this winter. Bring your car to Matt Lafontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC and have our service center professionals winterize it. Contact us to schedule an appointment, or stop by our dealership in Grayling to find out more.