Getting a New Car Battery for Your Chevy
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.
6 Benefits of Getting a Tire Rotation for Your Chevy
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.
Does Your Chevy Need New Tires?
Tire health is critical for the safety and performance of your Chevrolet, and knowing when it’s time to replace your tires can save you from a lot of potential trouble on the road. Here’s a look at signs that suggest you need new tires from the Chevy dealership.
Tread Depth
The most obvious sign that it’s time to replace your tires is the tread depth. The tread on your tires should never fall below 2/32 of an inch in depth. If you don’t have anything to measure them with, check your pockets for a penny. Insert the penny into the tread of your tires with the top of Lincoln’s head going in first. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tire tread is too low and it’s time for a change.
Sidewall Cracks
Inspect the sidewalls of your Chevy’s tires for cracks or cuts. The sidewall is what gives your tire structure. Damage here can cause a blowout or flat tire. If you notice any visible signs of deterioration or damage, it’s a clear indicator that your tires need to be replaced immediately.
Bulges or Blisters
Sometimes the outer surface of the tire begins to weaken, leading to a bulge or blister that extends outward from the rest of the surface. This weak spot can cause a sudden blowout, so if you notice one, it’s time to replace the tire.
Tire Pressure Issues
If you find yourself needing to add air to your tires frequently, there could be a slow leak. While this may sometimes be repaired, it can also suggest that there’s damage to the tire that requires replacement.
Vibration While Driving
A certain amount of vibration is normal when driving, especially on rough roads, but if you start to notice an increase in vibration that doesn’t seem to be caused by road conditions, it could be a sign that there are issues with your tires. It could be a balance issue, or it could indicate a problem within the tire that you can’t see.
Visit Your Chevy Dealer for New Tires
If you need to replace your tires, there’s nowhere better to go than the dealership. Our experts will help you find the perfect tires for your vehicle, and get you and your car back out on the road.
Tires are the only part of your Chevy that touches the road, and their condition directly affects the vehicle’s handling, maneuverability, and safety. At the first sign of wear, it’s a smart plan to head to the dealership to have your tires evaluated and replaced if necessary. Visit Bacon Auto Ranch to have your tires inspected 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.
6 Signs Your Chevy Needs a Brake Repair
Nothing’s scarier for a driver than unresponsive brakes while traveling at speed. Fortunately, such a hair-raising experience is only likely to occur if the driver neglects their brakes and allows minor problems to persist and worsen. With this in mind, always look out for the following early warning signs of brake trouble and have any necessary brake repair carried out at once at your local Chevy dealer.
6 Signs Your Chevy Needs a Brake Repair
Leaking Brake Fluid
Brake fluid maintains essential hydraulic pressure inside the brake hoses. If a leak allows the fluid to escape, this hydraulic pressure is diminished or lost. As a result, the brake pedal can no longer send a proper signal to the calipers, and you may struggle to stop your car.
Needless to say, a suspected brake fluid leak needs to be repaired immediately. Brake fluid is typically light yellow in color, darkening to brown over time. So if you notice a liquid like this puddling under your car, be very wary of driving until you’ve found and fixed the leak.
Overheating Pads and Rotors
Overuse of the brakes can cause overheating. Extreme temperatures sometimes cause the brake pads and rotors to develop brake fade, which robs them of stopping power for a short period of time. If you think your brakes aren’t working as promptly as usual, pull over safely and allow the brakes to cool down.
Metallic Grinding Sounds
Trapped objects or excessively worn-down brake pads can sometimes generate a metallic grinding sound. Grinding may mean that a rotor is getting damaged, so it’s best to have the fault resolved as soon as possible.
Loud Screeching Sounds
Brake pads may also emit a loud screeching noise when they wear down too far. This irritating but usually harmless sound just means you need to replace the pads soon.
Visibly Worn Out Brake Pads
With most cars, you can crouch to inspect the condition of the brake pads through the spoke of the wheels. If the friction layer looks almost completely gone, it may be time for new pads.
Vibrating Pedal or Steering Wheel
When a rotor disc becomes damaged or misshapen by heat, pressure, and age, you’ll often feel a vibrating sensation. These rhythmic vibrations can come through both the brake pedal and steering wheel.
How a Chevy Dealer Can Service Your Brakes
In order to service the brakes of your car, the technician will need to raise it. This allows them to remove the wheels and then take off the calipers, rotors, and brake pads to inspect each part in turn. They’ll also examine the brake hoses, the brake pedal, and the brake fluid, topping up or flushing the fluid if necessary.
Have your brakes inspected and repaired by experienced technicians at Bacon Auto Ranch. We’re a long-standing full-service dealership dedicated to serving local drivers to the best of our abilities with great cars and customer service.
Drive on Over: 4 Fishing Spots Near Athens, TX
There is no shortage of excellent fishing holes teeming with wall-hanger scaled beauties around Athens, TX. Load your fishing tackle in your Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra, and go on an exciting fishing expedition at the great fishing spots below.
Drive on Over: 4 Fishing Spots Near Athens, TX
1. Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC)
The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center at 5550 F.M. 2495 in Athens is a great spot to wet your hook. This state-of-the-art facility features a 300,000-gallon aquarium, museum, hall of fame, hatchery, and laboratory. TFFC has several ponds where you can wet your hook, and they even offer loaner fishing tackle free of charge.
You can also bring your own fishing tackle, but only commercially prepared baits in their original containers or natural baits are allowed. Just keep in mind that the TFFC staff will look over all tackle and bait you bring at the Anglers Pavilion.
2. Lake Athens
Lake Athens is a beautiful 1,799-acre lake just five miles east of town on FM 317. The water in the lake is moderately clear, and it’s home to white bass, redear sunfish, and crappie. The lake is top-rated for its jumbo largemouth bass, some of which can tip the scale at eight pounds, with a record of an astounding 14.19 pounds.
You can catch white bass that measures between 16 and 18 inches and sunfish that reach up to 10 inches, and while there may not be many crappie, if you get lucky to hook one, it’s usually of decent size. Lake Athens Marina and RV Park at 5401 Marina Drive offers easy lake access, has a public boat ramp and a bait shop, and rents watercraft if you want to fish on the water.
3. Cedar Creek Reservoir
If you’re looking for an exciting fishing adventure, take a 15-mile drive west on US 175 to Cedar Creek Reservoir, the fourth-largest lake in Texas, covering 32,623 acres. The lake is home to various fish species, including crappie, largemouth, white, hybrid striped bass, blue, flathead, and channel catfish.
With a 320-mile-long shoreline, you’ll have plenty of space to cast your line. The biggest bass ever caught in the lake weighed an impressive 14.65 pounds. Catfish are abundant, and hybrid striped bass are stocked annually, with a wall-hanger record of 13.19 pounds caught in these waters.
4. Purtis Creek State Park Lake
The 349-acre Purtis Creek State Park Lake on Purtis Creek is another excellent fishing hole near Athens at 14225 FM 316 N in Eustace, roughly 15 miles away. The lake is designated specifically for fishing, with a good supply of catch-and-release largemouth and keeper white bass, sunfish, crappie, and channel catfish stocked annually. You can fish from the fishing piers or boat, and there are fish cleaning stations and boat and kayak rentals.
Load your fishing tackle and bait in the truck to drop your hook in the best fishing holes around Athens. Before you head out to catch that big one, swing by Bacon Auto Ranch to take a closer look at all the fantastic new models.
Does Your Chevy Need a Radiator Repair?
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.
4 Summer Activities You Can Drive to Near Athens, TX
The days are already getting shorter, but we still have a few more weeks before autumn begins. Enjoy the end of August by exploring some of our four favorite summer activities near Athens, TX.
4 of the Best Summer Activities Near Athens, TX
1. Cain Center and Cain Park
Managed by the city of Athens, Cain Center offers nearly 50,000 feet of indoor recreation space, surrounded by 85 acres of green space in Cain Park. Inside the center, you can play basketball and racquetball, swim in the pool, and work out in the fitness room. Outside, Cain Park features disc golf, covered picnic areas, a walking trail, and a fishing pond. Softball fields, pickleball courts, and tennis courts are also available.
Cain Center and Cain Park are located at 920 Robbins Rd. Both indoor and outdoor facilities are open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
2. East Texas Arboretum and Botanical Society
You can enjoy the region’s natural beauty at the East Texas Arboretum and Botanical Society. It features 2 miles of trails, a live beehive exhibit, and four gardens, including a special children’s garden. The arboretum also connects visitors with local history through antique farming exhibits in the Discovery Barn and tours of the restored Wofford House, which was constructed in 1850. It’s the oldest private residents remaining in Henderson County.
East Texas Arboretum and Botanical Society is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s located at 1601 Patterson Rd. General admission costs just $5, with discounted tickets for children, members, seniors, first responders, veterans, and students.
3. Athens Farmers Market
Find the freshest local produce at this weekly market, which will continue to run on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through the end of October. In addition to fruits and veggies, vendors at the Athens Farmers Market sell bakery items and handcrafted products. You’ll find the market at 100 Cardinal Dr just south of Kiwanis Park.
4. Lake Athens
If you’re looking for largemouth bass, Lake Athens is the local spot in Henderson County. You can also catch sunfish, crappie, and white bass in this popular lake, which spans nearly 1,800 acres. It’s one of our favorite places to spend the day on a kayak or paddleboard. To access Lake Athens, you can park for free at the marina at 5401 Marina Dr.
We’ll definitely be spending the last days of summer doing at least one of these fun Athens activities. If you need a sporty new Chevy to drive around town, we recommend the 2023 Trailblazer. Visit the team at Bacon Auto Ranch today to experience this cool crossover in person.
Meet the 2023 GMC Sierra 2500
When you need a heavy-duty pickup that doesn’t back down from challenges and offers off-road capabilities alongside reliable towing strength, look no further than the 2023 GMC Sierra 2500.
Meet the 2023 GMC Sierra 2500
Muscle and Versatility
This edition of the Sierra 2500 gives you two muscular 6.6-liter V8 engines to choose from: a gas-powered one that produces 401 horsepower and a 445-horsepower turbo-diesel variant. When going with the gas engine, a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission complements it, while the turbo-diesel option pairs with an impressive 10-speed automatic instead.
Whether you plan to use this truck for work or play, you’ll be more than covered, as it offers the available Traction Select System, a feature that lets you quickly switch into differing driving modes, such as Off-Road and Tow/Haul. When venturing beyond the pavement, the available off-road suspension system, twin-tube Rancho shocks, and automatic-locking rear differential can all help you take on demanding conditions.
Comfort and Technology
Although this pickup has a tough exterior, its cabin is both luxurious and comfortable, with available features that include leather-appointed seats with both heating and cooling settings, dual-zone climate control that comes with separate outlets for rear-seat passengers, and a 60/40 split-folding bench seat that not only makes more room for cargo by folding down but also offers an under-seat storage area beneath it.
The cabin’s technology is impressive as well, with the GMC Infotainment System offering smartphone connectivity, a wide array of entertainment options, and navigation assistance if you should need it. This system pairs perfectly with the premium Bose sound system and its seven high-clarity speakers, while the HD Surround Vision feature provides multiple camera views to help you visualize the area around the vehicle while connecting a trailer, hitting the trails, or maneuvering in and out of parking spaces.
Safety for All Occasions
This edition also provides more than its fair share of advanced safety systems, like Lane Departure Warning, a feature that warns you whenever you’re starting to stray from the center area of your lane. To make sure there’s always a safe amount of distance between your vehicle and others driving in front of you, the Following Distance Indicator can tell you how many seconds you’ll have at any given time to brake, if you need to.
Then there are the IntelliBeam Auto High Beams, which are sure to be appreciated when driving on dark roads at night, as they can adjust themselves automatically when sensing changing road lighting conditions or headlights from approaching vehicles.
Reliable, muscular performance meets refined luxury and advanced tech in this edition of the Sierra 2500. Contact us today at Bacon Auto Ranch to get a closer look at this versatile heavy-duty pickup, and we’ll be happy to schedule you for a test drive at a time that works for you.
Athens, TX is full of surprises and small-town charm, with plenty of history, art, culture, and family-friendly fun. It’s also home to many great seafood restaurants serving world-class cuisine and local favorites. Your sturdy 2022 GMC Terrain with Apple CarPlay and an excellent navigation system is just the vehicle to get you to all of them.
5 Seafood Restaurants Worth the Drive Near Athens, TX
1. WaWa’s Seafood Shack
WaWa’s Seafood Shack, at 1408 Tyler St., serves a great boiled seafood platter full of crab, shrimp, potatoes, and vegetables. It’s great for sharing, and when paired with a steaming bowl of gumbo, it’s the perfect meal for seafood lovers. Try the spicy crawfish for a special treat that you won’t find anywhere else.
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