Trusted Car Dealerships Give a Closer Look at the 2018 Chevy Traverse

It’s almost been a decade since the Chevrolet Traverse made headlines when it debuted in 2009, and yet it still continues to get all the right attention, thanks to its undeniable quality. Couple that with a family-friendly interior and design, and with an even friendlier price tag and you’ve got folks of different strokes wanting to get their hands on one for themselves.

For the 2018 version, you can expect a whole lot of changes and improvements, but still you can rely on one good thing about if for sure—it’s quality on the road that you can trust.

Expansive Comfort

The size of the Traverse alone will already have you wondering about just how spacious it is inside. Well, you’re not going to be disappointed because it can comfortably seat up to as much as eight people inside. It’s not just the passenger space that they’ve paid attention to, but also the cargo space. Indeed, it would be such a shame if a vehicle as big as the Traverse won’t be able to maximize the space inside it at all. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2GndrEJ

Used Trucks: A Quick, Simple Buyer’s Guide to Finding the Best Truck

Americans have had a long-standing affection for pickup trucks—and it’s not hard to see why. The combination of unique design, powerful engine, and amazing extra features can sometimes be irresistible, even if you’ve never driven a pickup truck before.

If the idea of becoming a pickup truck owner for the first time is simply too much to resist, it may be a good idea to visit a trusted car dealership in Portland, like McLoughlin Chevy, and take a look at used trucks. A brand new pickup truck is often quite expensive, but a used pickup truck in good condition often offers amazing bang for your buck.

Of course, buying a pickup truck is a little different than buying a sedan or even an SUV. As such, there are a few things you should keep in mind as you check out the lineup at the dealership:

Towing Power Is the Name of the Game

For the most part, people who purchase pickup trucks intend to haul heavy loads. People who enjoy the outdoors often love pickups because the vehicle can easily be loaded with equipment, as well as haul a trailer when necessary. If you plan to use your pickup for this purpose, let the dealership staff know so they can recommend used trucks that have enough power for your needs.

Did It See Off-Road Usage?

One of the joys that pickup trucks provide, which other vehicles can’t, is that pickup trucks are designed to withstand off-road adventures. Keep in mind that the previous owner may have taken the opportunity to enjoy this advantage. Off-road wear and tear is something you won’t want to have to deal with when purchasing a used truck. The best way to check would be to look into the underside for dents and scratches. These signs often indicate heavy off-road use. In such cases, you definitely want to have a mechanic take a closer look at the suspension, chassis, etc.

Fuel Economy Is Never an Afterthought

Fuel economy isn’t something that pickup trucks are known for, but that doesn’t mean that you should turn a blind eye to that aspect. Take the time to research online several trucks that are known for decent fuel economy and see if those models are available at your dealership. This is also a good time to read up on the experiences of people who have purchased those models as used trucks to gain a better understanding of how well a particular model has withstood the test of time.

What to Look for in a 4x4

Trucks that boast four wheel drive have some of the more powerful options available, but this also means that there are a few other factors you should look out for. To start off, push down on each corner of the truck. If the truck bounces more than once before leveling off, there is a good chance it needs a new set of shock absorbers. Rust and other forms of corrosion are an even bigger concern, so be sure to look underneath the car and under the hood.

These are just some of the tips that can help you keep your used pickup truck in tiptop shape. For more helpful advice, go to a reputable dealership and talk to an experienced technician. Most dealerships would love to maintain good relationship with their clients by being helpful to them in anyway.

About McLoughlin Chevy:

McLoughlin Chevy is a respected new and used car dealership serving Portland, OR. We carry the latest vehicles from Chevrolet, as well as a wide range of used cars that are in fantastic condition. We also have a service center on-site and offer in-house financing.

Sources:

Pickup Truck Buying Guide, ConsumerReports.org

How to Buy a Used 4X4, FieldAndStream.com

Buying Quality New Cars for Sale: Presenting the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro

If you want to make a good, lasting impression, nothing says more than rolling down the road smoothly in a good ol’ Camaro. In fact, the only thing that can make it better is if you drive down the road in the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro version of it.

Indeed, there’s been a lot of buzz and excitement about the latest iteration of this classic vehicle precisely because people are looking forward to great new upgrades. There are, of course, plenty to titillate the avid fan, but also, there’s plenty more for those who are just about to get introduced to this masterpiece of a vehicle.

Engine Overview

Let’s start with the basics, shall we? The base car of Camaro offers a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, complemented with 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The next in line is the V6 model, which comes with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine with 335 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque. As you go up the trim levels further, you get the SS, which brings to the table a 6.2-liter V-8 with 455 hp and 455 lb-ft. For the crème of the crop, the piece de resistance, you get the ZL1 that comes with a 6.2-liter supercharge V-8, and 640 hp and 640 lb-ft. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2BANAVY

Head-turning New Cars for Sale Like the 2019 Corvette ZR1 Convertible

The name alone is enough for you to sit up straight in your chair and get all excited and interested. There is, after all, such a strong, intriguing ring to it, the “Corvette ZR1 Convertible.”  And to think that’s just the name, what more if you actually see it in person.

Whether or not you are a car aficionado, there is no mistaking that this sports car will make you wish you have one in your garage, just waiting for you to get on board and drive off with it. It’s a common tendency, don’t worry, mostly because of its sharp auto body design, sleek and modern, and exuding grace and power all at the same time. That, or it could be the 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine that roars loud enough to catch anybody’s attention even from a mile The ZR1 model is impressive enough as it is, but just imagine how much more interesting the playing field has become once Chevrolet announced a new convertible version for its 2019 line-up. Here’s what you can look forward to, if you can catch it, that is. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2Fjwu17

Let Auto Dealerships Show You the Advantages of the 2018 Chevy Tahoe

On the surface, the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe is certainly a sight to behold. Its size alone is head-turning already, and once you drive it, the power that it provides certainly tends to impress. If you’re in the market looking for a powerful pickup that can serve you and your various driving needs, you might as well check out this model in reliable auto dealerships to see for yourself why it could be the one for you.

Trim Levels

The Chevrolet Tahoe adds two new trim levels to its line-up, coming up to a grand total of five varieties to choose from, starting from the LS (4x2 or 4x4), LT (4x2 or 4x4), Premiere (4x2 or 4x4, and now the Custom and the RTS Sports. These trim levels are similar when it comes to the combined MPG rating, which is at 19 mpg. The engine for the previous trims is a 5.3-L V-8 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission with OD and auto-manual options, and 355-hp. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2BuWUL1

Car Dealerships: Finding a “Forever Truck” and Key Maintenance Tips

A recent article from The Wall Street Journal detailed a family’s unique relationship with their 1964 Chevrolet C10 pickup truck. Purchased in the mid-1970s by Hannibal Anderson, the Chevy pickup truck, affectionately known as “Old Blue,” is an all-purpose vehicle for the family ranch. Over the years, various members of the family spanning three generations took turns driving the pick-up for work and leisure, becoming an important figure in cherished family memories. Today, the vehicle belongs to Daniel Anderson, Hannibal’s son.

In a world where most people purchase and sell cars every three years or so, stories like the one about “Old Blue” are truly fascinating. The best part is that you and your family can easily have a similar experience! You can drop by trusted car dealerships near Portland, Oregon, like McLoughlin Chevy, and find a fantastic new truck to become a part of your family. The key is keeping up with the necessary maintenance. With that in mind, here are a few maintenance tips you can use:

Keep Fluid Levels Up

It’s more than just replacing the oil every 7,500 miles or every six months (whichever comes first). Running low on coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and other fluids is a quick way to drastically shorten the lifespan of your pickup truck. On top of keeping fluid levels high, you should also regularly check the condition of the fluids, especially if you drive long distances or go off-road frequently. Fluids can easily turn into sludge in such conditions, which will wreak havoc on your engine.

Inspect Your Tires and Wheels

Tires tend to wear unevenly, which may lead to issues with your truck’s suspension. This is especially true for the front tires. The best way to ensure even wear is to rotate your tires at the same time you replace engine oil. This is also a good time to ensure that your tires are properly balanced to avoid accelerated wear on your tires that may lead to blowouts.

As for the wheels, you’ll need to make sure they are aligned properly. A quick way to check this is to see if your truck drifts to one side or another when you let go of the wheel while driving. If it does, your wheel alignment may be off. In such cases, it’s best to bring your truck to car dealerships with an in-house service center to have the wheels realigned.

Have the Underside Washed

If you plan to go off-road in your new pickup truck every other weekend, be sure to set aside time during a weekend to clean the underbelly of your truck. You’d be surprised by how much mud may be caked underneath your truck. This poses a problem as the mud can easily lead to rust and other forms of corrosion. Clean out the underside and protect the metal parts with a degreaser every month or so, depending on how often you go off-road.

About McLoughlin Chevy:

McLoughlin Chevy is a respected car dealership serving Portland, OR and other nearby areas. We take great pride in carrying the latest cars from Chevrolet, including sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, and more. We also offer a variety of used vehicles at great prices.

Sources:

How a 1964 Chevy Pickup Became Part of the Family, WSJ.com

The Long Haul: 10 Tips to Help Your Truck Run Well Into Old Age, RoadandTruck.com

Three Tire Pressure Misconceptions That Could Be Damaging Your Tires

Keeping your tires in good shape is one of the most important aspects of car maintenance. After all, the slightest inaccuracy with tire pressure can affect safety, handling, and the fuel economy of your vehicle. In fact, according to the Department of Energy, underinflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.2 percent for every 1 psi drop. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of false information out there about ideal tire inflation, which in turn causes a lot of damage and a tire replacement bill that can cost about $400 annually. Auto service technicians warn you not to fall for these myths to keep safe on the road.

The TPMS Is All You Need to Maintain Pressure

While the tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is a helpful feature, it is not the fool proof tool you’re hoping it to be. The TPMS is designed to electronically track and display pressure on the gauge and warn drivers if the tires are underinflated. This has unfortunately lulled a lot of non “tire smart” drivers into a false sense of security. However, the system will only signal you if the tires reach a dangerously low tire pressure or lose about 25 percent of their inflation pressure. Driving on underinflated tires significantly reduces maneuverability and cornering ability. It also causes unnecessary wear and gallons of wasted fuel.

Recommended Tire Pressure Is Found on the Tire

It’s important to know what the correct tire pressure is for a particular vehicle for proper inflation. Unfortunately, many drivers think that the tire sidewall is where to find that crucial detail. In truth, those digits you find there only tell you what size and type of tire it is, as well as the maximum cold inflation PSI rate of the car. To find the recommended tire pressure, it’s best to consult your car’s owner manual. Alternatively, you can look at the inside of the driver side door. There should be a label there that lists the correct pressure.

Overinflated Tires Improve Vehicle Performance

Some drivers think that keeping tires inflated above the recommended pressure will improve the car’s performance and fuel consumption. In truth, overinflating your tires is just as dangerous as underinflating them, if not more so. Running on tires that have been inflated above the ideal pressure results in reduced handling and an overall bumpier ride. There is also a risk that the tire could burst. Both scenarios put you and your passengers at great peril. Worse still, overinflating hardly ever affects how much you spend on gas.

The best way to care for your tires is by using a digital tire gauge and filling them up to specification every month. Replacing your tires once they no longer function properly is also a good habit to get into.

About McLoughlin Chevrolet

Serving the Portland area, McLoughlin Chevrolet is a renowned car dealership based in Milwaukie, OR. We have an extensive inventory of both new and pre-owned cars that have gone through the most comprehensive inspections. Our qualified and highly trained technicians are also available to service vehicles and provide the best value for parts or accessories.

Sources:

How To Check Your Car's Tire Pressure and Inflate Tires, Edmunds.com

Top 5 Tire Myths Debunked, Geico.com

Helpful Tips on Buying a Car with Help from Bad Credit Car Dealerships

Falling into bad credit has a lot of serious financial consequences. Sometimes, though, it just happens anyway no matter how much care you put into managing your accounts. It could be that unnecessary expenses suddenly came up or a business folded. Whatever the reason may be, having a negative score on your credit report can prevent you from successfully completing even the most basic and simplest of transactions such as buying a car.

Contrary to popular belief, however, being in the red or having bad credit should not automatically disqualify you from owning a car. Here are some tips you may find useful especially if you’re thinking of buying your own vehicle despite the poor credit record.

Mind the Interest Rates

Knowing the current status of interest rates as applied for the auto industry is going to be relevant to you at this particular time because it will directly affect the cost of the vehicle you’re going to buy. At the very least, you should do your research on this matter so that you can better prepare for it.

Buying a car, whether used or brand new, will certainly have hidden costs attached to it. Especially because you are seeking to buy a vehicle even with bad credit, you should be all the more careful as to how much it will set you back. Do note that one of the consequences of having bad credit is that you’ll most likely have a higher interest rate, so make sure to double check this detail thoroughly before committing to anything.

Stick to Basics

Would you prefer having a car with leather seats, top of the class speakers, or maybe even a moonroof, and other upgraded features and accessories? Well, the fact of the matter is that you cannot afford these things right now because of your bad credit. If buying a car is such an urgent need for you right now such that you will fight tooth and nail just to overcome the disadvantage of having poor credit, then focus on this first.

These features are nice to have and all, but you don’t need them per se. The car will still run without it, and it will still get you to where you need to go even if you don’t have flashy gadgets in it. You can work on adding these accessories and extras later on, but it would be best if you wait it out until you’ve actually improved your credit rating.

Work with Professionals

One thing that could make your car purchase a lot easier is to work with professionals. Whether or not you have bad credit, it’s going to be important that you go to trusted car dealerships. Not only can they help you find the right car for you, but they can also help you iron out the issues with your financial capacity to buy a car.

Fortunately, there are bad credit car dealerships out there, such as McLoughlin Chevrolet, that do provide sound advice for folks looking to buy a car even if they have bad credit. Not only that, but it also proves to be very convenient for you to have a dealership that offers other important services crucial to your after-purchase care for your car.

About McLoughlin Chevrolet:

McLoughlin Chevrolet is a proud auto service provider for GM and Chevrolet vehicles. Not only do we make sure to give nothing but quality car service, but we also aim to give our clients a smooth car buying experience.

Sources:

12 Tips for Buying a Car with Bad Credit. TheBalance.com.

9 Steps to Getting a Car Loan with Bad Credit. Bankrate.com.

Portland Diesel Trucks: 6 Tips for Preparing Your Truck for the Winter

If your diesel truck has endured a couple winters or so, you probably know that the cold weather presents some unique challenges to your vehicle of choice. To reduce vehicle downtime and  ensure your truck makes it through the season’s lowest temperatures without a hitch, you need to take certain precautions with your truck. Your Portland dealer of diesel trucks has prepared for you a checklist of the preventive measures you can use to help your truck make it to spring without enduring too much wear.

Test Your Batteries

How old is your battery? Typically, a battery on a diesel truck will last three to five years. Winter has a way of depleting weak batteries, so to avoid being stranded, test the health of your batteries or have your trusted mechanic perform it.

Check Your Coolant

If the coolant fluid freezes, serious damage can occur in your engine, so it’s important to ensure this doesn’t happen. Diesel engines need a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze to protect against freezing. If you’re not sure about the mixture, drain the fluid and replace it with the correct mix. Better yet, have your mechanic do it for you.

Use a Winter Additive

Diesel fuel contains paraffins, which can cause your fuel to harden into a gel-like state during freezing temperatures. Gelling can clog the fuel system and cause the engine to shut down. Additionally, water and moisture can accumulate inside diesel systems during winter, which can freeze and clog the lines. You can take care of both by treating your fuel tanks with additives that prevent both paraffin and water related issues.

Inspect Your Tires

Truck owners tend to overlook their tires during routine winter vehicle maintenance checks. Don’t make the same mistake. Inspect the treads AND the sidewalls for any signs of damage. Sidewall damage cannot be repaired, so if you see serious cuts, bubbles or gashes, replace the tire immediately. As for addressing the weather, your truck will benefit from snow tires, but the type you need to buy should follow the conditions you expect to endure.

Replace Your Fuel Filter

The fuel filter is where freezing commonly occurs in a diesel engine. That’s because of the minimal amount of diesel that the fuel filter holds when the truck sits overnight. Although replacing your fuel filter for winter doesn’t guarantee that you won’t have gelling problems, it does reduce the chances, considering that you could be replacing a cartridge that’s old and partially clogged beforehand.

Go over Your Windshield

The windshields on diesel trucks are built to withstand nature’s harshest elements, but even the tiniest damage can easily worsen during extremely low temperatures. You probably already know that windshield cracks occur more often during the winter. Minor windshield damage can actually be repaired, so be sure to go over yours thoroughly.

You can have all these checks done for you by a reliable service center for diesel trucks in Portland, such as McLoughlin Chevy. Bring your truck in today and have the peace of mind knowing that your truck can handle the cold temperatures that lie ahead.

Source:

8 Ways to Make Sure Your Diesel Fuel and More are Ready for Winter, truckinginfo.com

A First Timer’s Guide: 4 Simple Tips for Acquiring New Cars for Sale

Shopping around for a brand new car can be a fun experience for many people. However, it can also be a difficult experience for first-time car buyers. If this is the first time you will purchase a new car, know that there are several steps you can take to ensure you will find and purchase the best car for your wants, needs, and budget. Some of these steps include:

Get Pre-approved for a Car Loan

More often than not, buyers will need to take out a car loan in order to acquire new cars for sale. Since you already know that you will need financing for your purchase, it would be a good idea to visit your bank and apply for pre-approval. Not only does getting pre-approved help expedite the purchasing process, but it also lets you know the maximum amount of money your lender is willing to provide you with, helping you establish your budget.

Consider Your Immediate and Future Needs

Whether this will be your first car or a new one to replace the car your parents gave you, it’s a good idea to consider both your immediate and future requirements before you visit a trusted dealership like Mcloughlin Chevrolet. This is because you can easily identify what type of car you’ll need, saving you valuable time looking at cars that do not fit the bill. For example, if you already have young children, it may be a wise move to buy a spacious SUV now for when the kids get older. Avid outdoorsmen may want to look into buying a new truck that has enough horsepower to tow a sizeable trailer.

Pay Close Attention to Safety Features

It’s easy to be dazzled with the extra features a car has. After all, it really is amazing how technological advances have allowed us to put GPS, rear-view cameras, and other features into our vehicles. However, take the time to carefully go over the safety features of each car that catches your eye. Airbag location(s), ABS, and other safety features are vital in keeping you and your passengers safe on the road in the event of an accident.

Go for a Test Drive

Even if you are buying a new sedan to replace your current one, this does not guarantee that you will find driving the new sedan to be the same experience. This is why you should take advantage of test drive offers from your chosen dealership. Be sure to drive a few miles before returning the vehicle to get a good feel for how the car operates. If driving that car feels uncomfortable, try different new cars for sale until you find a few that feel natural to operate.

About Mcloughlin Chevrolet: Mcloughlin Chevrolet is a respected auto dealership serving Portland and other nearby areas. We offer some of the best deals on both brand new and used vehicles in the area, and are always happy to go the extra mile to ensure our customers are completely satisfied with their purchase.

Sources:

How to Buy a Car – 15 Essential Tips to Get the Best Deal, moneycrashers.com

How to Buy a Car: Confessions of a Car Salesman, popularmechanics.com

Symptoms of a Car in Desperate Need of an Auto Service Appointment

Regular car maintenance is vital as it helps keep your vehicle running at peak efficiency for longer, as well as ensure you stay safe on the road at all times. Unfortunately, even the best maintenance routines won’t be able to stave off the wear and tear of everyday use. In some cases, very minor issues like a chipped paint job can be put off until your next car maintenance and detailing appointment. However, there are several warning signs that no car owner should ever ignore. With that in mind, here are a few issues that should prompt you to set an auto service appointment ASAP:

Frequent Overheating Issues

It isn’t anything out of the ordinary if your car’s engine overheats once in a blue moon, especially if it occurs during the warmest months of the year. However, frequent issues with overheating may indicate an issue with your engine. It’s possible that there is a coolant leak or your engine is suffering from a failing water pump. Once an experienced mechanic detects and repairs the affected part, your overheating issues should go away. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2kfxRpC

5 Common Warning Signs That Show You Need to Have Your Brakes Checked

It is no secret that your brake system is one of the most important aspects of your vehicle. As such, it is incredibly important that you have an experienced mechanic take a look at your brake system regularly to help prevent excessive damage. Additionally, any damage to your brakes should be repaired ASAP. The question is knowing when to see your mechanic.

People who own more modern vehicles are often alerted by a “check brakes” light if there is a problem with any part of the brake system. Unfortunately, this feature isn’t common among older vehicles, which can make it difficult to know when there’s an issue with the brakes. However, you can easily detect various warning signs your brakes will exhibit if there is a problem with them. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2BvsHgK

Bad Credit Auto Loans and Insurance: Getting Covered Beyond Standard

Oregon, like many states, has rules in place regarding the type of auto insurance that all drivers must carry. You need property damage liability, which covers the damage you do to the vehicles and property of others. You also need personal injury protection (PIP), which pays for medical bills and the injuries sustained by others in car accidents. In addition to PIP and property damage liability, there are some other types of auto insurance you may want to add to your policy.

Thankfully, bad credit auto loans that you receive from reputable auto dealers like McLoughlin Chevrolet can be so comprehensive, that you have the option to add to your current standard insurance when purchasing a vehicle. Below are some of the additional insurance coverages you may want to consider. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2CYhZ2u