Blog

Your car battery provides the power needed to start your Chevy, and it supplies power to other components like the radio and headlights. It's important to keep tabs on the health of your battery and replace it before it dies. Installing a new car battery is an easy service that your local Chevy dealership can perform. Here's what to expect when scheduling battery service. Getting a New Car Battery at Your Chevy Dealership Replace Your Battery Before It Dies Batteries tend to die at inopportune times. But if you proactively replace your battery before it expires, you won't have to worry about being stranded. If your vehicle has become slow to start, or if you have to jumpstart it to get it going, that's a sign that your battery may be weakening. If your headlights, power windows, and other electrical components also are performing sluggishly, that's another indication that your battery is no longer holding a full charge. Looking under your hood from time to time is another good way of keeping tabs on your battery. If the battery case is bulging, or excessively corroded, or if your battery is emitting the sulfuric smell of rotten eggs, your battery needs to be checked out and likely replaced. Battery Service at Our Dealership Any time your vehicle is in our shop because of a battery issue, it'll be in the hands of one of our factory-trained technicians. Our technicians are experts in all things Chevy, and they'll be able to determine if the problem is a battery issue or some other mechanical issue. We can also test your battery and advise you on how soon you'll need to replace it. Our service department carries a range of ACDelco car batteries, and we can install the appropriate one in your Chevy. Unless you're combining it with another service, battery testing and replacement can usually be performed quickly, so you'll be back on the road in no time. Your New Battery Should Last Several Years The Texas heat can take a toll on batteries, but once you've had a new one installed, you should be set for four or five years. To prolong your battery's life, try to get out on the highway for a long drive every few weeks. Occasional longer drives will keep your battery more charged than a series of short, daily trips. You'll also want to make sure you don't leave your headlights on for an extended period when the vehicle's engine is off. Battery service for your vehicle is simple, yet essential. It's primarily a matter of keeping an eye on the strength of your battery and replacing it before it dies. When you're ready to schedule your next service appointment, give us a call at Bacon Auto Ranch.

The tires on your vehicle are a critical component of everyday driving. Having your tires rotated keeps them in good condition and balances wear. Tires with uneven wear can be dangerous since there's the risk of rupturing. You should schedule a tire rotation with your Chevy dealer every 7,500 miles to preserve the life of your tires and keep them from wearing unevenly. 6 Benefits of Getting Your Chevy a Tire Rotation at Your Chevy Dealer 1. Extend Lifespan The purpose of rotating tires is to maintain even wear among all four tires and extend their lifespan. Each tire has its own job to do. For example, some tires are responsible for front steering, while others control the rear-wheel drive. This causes tires to wear differently than others and at different rates. 2. Improve Fuel Efficiency Having your tires rotated regularly could help save you money at the gas pump. Having our professionals rotate the tires on your Chevy will improve fuel efficiency. This is because you won't be doubling down on your car's gas intake with overly worn tires. Rotated tires perform better. This contributes to better vehicle grip and safety. When you don't have your tires rotated routinely, it can cause your front tires to wear quicker than your back tires, leading to uneven wear. This impacts fuel efficiency. 3. Maintain Warranty If you have a tire warranty on your Chevy, there's a good chance that keeping up with routine tire maintenance is part of the warranty's terms. Routine rotations are most likely part of this maintenance and will enable you to truly reap the benefits of your warranty. 4. Save Money Rotating the tires on your vehicle doesn't just help improve fuel efficiency. This valuable service we provide could also help you save thousands on future problems like costly tire-related repairs or accidents. 5. Quiet Your Vehicle Regular rotation services will keep your tires in better condition. When all four tires on your car have even wear, it means you get to experience a quieter ride with minimal vibration and bumps. 6. Improve Handling Your vehicle won't handle as effectively as it should if you have uneven tread on your tires. This can lead to poor traction, steering problems, and issues with braking. Poor handling can result in an accident, particularly in bad weather. Attempting to drive on worn-out, uneven tires in the snow, ice, or rain could cause you to lose control of your vehicle. When your tires are rotated regularly, it helps improve your vehicle's handling. Basic rotation of your tires should be part of your routine vehicle maintenance plan. It will help you keep your Chevy safe, reliable, and in peak condition. Contact us at Bacon Auto Country to schedule this essential tire service today.

Has your Chevy been giving you some engine trouble lately? Those seemingly minor issues can quickly snowball into major repairs if you don't address them promptly. As soon as you notice signs of engine problems, you should visit your Chevy dealer for an accurate diagnosis and repair. 4 Engine Problems You Should Always Fix at Your Chevy Dealer 1. Engine Won't Start An engine that cranks but won't start can leave you stranded. A dead battery is the most common reason your engine won't turn over. Loose battery cable connections or corroded terminals can prevent enough power from reaching the starter. You need to test the battery to check whether it is the culprit. If the battery tests fine, issues with the starter motor itself or starter relay may be preventing your engine from firing up. You should also check for a clogged fuel filter or a failing fuel pump. However, don't waste time trying to diagnose hard-to-reach components under your hood. Our service technicians can use their diagnostic expertise to accurately pinpoint the issue. 2. Misfiring Engine If you've noticed your Chevy engine stumbling or misfiring occasionally, several culprits could be to blame. Faulty spark plugs that can't properly ignite the fuel mixture can cause your engine to misfire. If your Chevy has worn ignition coils and dirty or clogged fuel injectors, you may experience engine misfires. Have our technicians diagnose the root cause of the misfires before they cause further engine damage. 3. Overheating Is your engine temperature gauge creeping higher than usual? Has your "check engine" light come on due to engine overheating? Overheating can cause serious damage to your engine components if left unchecked. It occurs if the system lacks lubrication or proper cooling due to low coolant levels. A broken cooling fan, faulty thermostat, or damaged water pump could also be to blame for the overheating problem. Do not drive your car if it's overheating, as you could risk warping the cylinder heads and gaskets. Bring your Chevy to the dealership so we can fix the coolant leak and replace faulty components. 4. Loss of Power Loss of power when accelerating signals a problem with the mass airflow sensor, fuel pump, or pressure regulator. A clogged engine filter can also cause combustion issues and loss of power. You need expert technicians to carry out a diagnostic test on the ignition system, MAF sensor, and other engine systems. Addressing engine issues early saves money, prevents breakdowns, and restores your Chevy's performance. If you are dealing with these problems, visit Bacon Auto Country Inc. for professional repairs by our Chevy-trained technicians.

If you're a proud Chevy owner, you know how important it is to take care of every component to ensure the smoothest ride and best performance. One component that often goes unnoticed until problems arise is the radiator. Knowing the signs of radiator troubles can prevent long-term damage and save you money in the long run, so look out for these indicators that it's time for radiator repair from your Chevy dealer. Do You Need a Radiator Repair From Your Chevy Dealer? Overheating Engine This is the most obvious sign. If your temperature gauge frequently shows high readings or if you notice steam emerging from under the hood, your radiator might not be cooling the engine effectively. Coolant Leaks If you notice pools of green, pink, or orange fluid under your car, it could mean there's a leak in the radiator. Leaks can occur due to cracks or holes in the radiator itself or because of faulty hoses and connections. If the coolant is leaking out, it can't do its job. Rusty or Discolored Coolant Fresh coolant is typically bright: either green, orange, or pink, depending on the type. If you notice that the coolant has turned rusty or has a murky appearance when you're checking the coolant reservoir, there might be corrosion inside the radiator, and the rust is contaminating your fluid and compromising its performance. Low Coolant Levels If you constantly need to top up the coolant, you've probably got a leak somewhere in the system, even if you're not seeing a puddle. Always ensure you use the recommended coolant for your Chevy, and if the first replacement gets used up too quickly, come see us right away to find out what's going on. Sludge in the Radiator: Over time, if the coolant isn't changed on schedule or if there's an internal gasket leak, oil can mix with the coolant, creating a sludgy substance. This sludge can prevent the radiator from cooling the engine efficiently. Damaged or Blocked Fins The external fins of your radiator dissipate all that engine heat. If they are bent, blocked, or damaged, it reduces the radiator's cooling efficiency. Regularly inspect the radiator for debris or damage. Heater Problems The car's heater is a good reflection of how well your radiator is working. If your heater isn't working efficiently during colder months or takes a long time to warm up, it could be related to radiator issues. Don't wait until a small problem becomes a huge issue. If you're experiencing any of these signs, or you simply want a thorough check-up, bring your Chevy to Bacon Auto Ranch. Our experts will ensure that your ride stays as smooth and efficient as the day you got it.

A transmission problem conjures up visions of hefty repair bills and a long period without your car. Fortunately, these visions are mostly incorrect. The sooner a transmission problem is identified, the quicker and easier your Chevy dealer can repair it for you. These are a few signs that you'll need to visit us for a transmission repair. Signs You Need a Transmission Repair at Your Chevy Dealer Leaking Fluid Your transmission contains transmission fluid which serves a variety of essential functions. Many transmission components depend on friction to operate. The fluid provides a friction-resistant barrier around these parts and protects them from damage. The continual flow of fluid helps to remove heat from the transmission. Finally, the fluid provides the hydraulic power that your gears need to shift. Transmission fluid isn't consumed by your transmission like oil is in the engine. A lack of transmission fluid is always due to a leak. A transmission fluid leak can result in major transmission damage relatively quickly. Gears will become locked together due to the lack of lubrication, and seals and gaskets will crack and cause additional leaks. We'll identify the source of the leak and seal it to fix this problem. Your Gears Won't Shift This problem is probably the scariest for any driver. Your Chevy gears should easily shift due to changes in speed and the dictates of your computer. When this problem starts, you may experience a delay in the gears shifting. You might also hear strange noises from the transmission that become louder over time. A shifting problem can be caused by a broken clutch linkage, a problem with the torque converter, a fault in the transmission computer, or a lack of transmission fluid. If you find gear shifting becomes difficult, call out the service department right away. In many cases, the problem can be quickly and inexpensively fixed. Noisy Transmission A healthy transmission operates smoothly and very quietly. Your Chevy transmission is so efficient that there's barely any sound as the gears shift. If your transmission suddenly starts to make strange sounds, this is always a sign of trouble. Depending on the problem, you may hear buzzing, whining, or even growling noises as the gears shift. Vibrations are another possible problem. In this situation, your transmission will produce a slight jerking sensation as the gears shift. If the problem isn't identified, the jerking movement will eventually give rise to violent shaking each time the gears shift. The longer this situation persists, the greater the chance your transmission will suffer major damage. Our technicians will identify the problem and fix it. The ​key to a healthy ​transmission is regular servicing. If your transmission does develop a problem, call our service department right away at Bacon Auto Ranch. Image Via Pixabay

An alternator is usually a trouble-free component that works away to produce electricity. Over time, even an alternator can wear out or get damaged. If you have an alternator problem, your Chevy dealer in Athens, TX can fix it. These are a few signs you may need an alternator repair. Need an Alternator Repair at Your Chevy Dealer? Find Out! Weak Battery A car's battery can fail due to age or damage. It can also stop working due to a lack of recharging by the alternator. One of the most important functions of the alternator is to ensure that your battery is always fully charged. A charged battery is essential for your car, as it has to provide the power that enables the engine to start. If your battery is dead or failing, you may have an alternator problem. A worn alternator produces less power than your car's systems demand. The reduced power supply will affect all of your car's systems. It will also reduce the amount of power available to recharge your battery. The amount of power needed to start your car is fixed, which means your battery will become weaker each time you start your car. We can trust the alternator and install a new one if the original is failing. Damaged Rectifier The alternator produces electricity through a complex process of energy conversion. The mechanical energy produced by the turning crankshaft powers the alternator. This energy causes the alternator to spin and produce magnetic energy. This magnetic energy is then converted into AC by the alternator's stator. The final step in the process is the conversion of AC to DC by the rectifier. The rectifier is a small component in the alternator, but it performs an essential function. Without its ability to convert AC to DC, your car's electrical systems won't work as they all depend on DC. A damaged rectifier will cause your car's systems to shut down. Our technicians can test the rectifier and install a new one if required. Screeching Noises If you hear screeching noises, most drivers will automatically think of a problem with the tires or braking system. A screeching sound at regular intervals can be a sign that the alternator belt is loose or damaged. The alternator belt connects to the crankshaft, and the belt runs across a series of pulleys as the crankshaft turns. The pulleys then spin, and power several of your car's components, like the AC compressor and the alternator. A worn belt may run slightly off track, which causes the screeching noise. It could also be catching on a jammed pulley. We'll examine the belt and either fix the issue or replace the belt. Schedule an Alternator Service in Athens, TX A damaged alternator can lead to a failed battery or other electrical problems. Call our service department today at Bacon Auto Ranch.