How Bad Credit Car Dealerships Can Help You Buy a New Car When You Have a Less Than Perfect Credit

It’s time to buy a new car but you recall that you’ve made a few late payments on your bills and already maxed out your credit card. As a result, your credit rating has dropped, and you know it can be difficult to get preapproved for a new car loan when you have a bad credit. What should you do?

There are several options that you can look at. One that seems viable at first but would actually cost more in the long run is a debt-free car. Unfortunately, the catch of this option is pretty obvious—endless maintenance and repair that can prove too much to handle. This is even worse than an ultra-used car that needs total overhaul to return to its working order.

Another option is getting the car financed by the dealership, itself. This may sound a little far-fetched but it’s actually possible. In fact, a lot of car dealerships are now proactively offering it to buyers as a form of service. To make a sense out of it, you only need to know the perspective of both the lenders and the dealerships. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2BCVm28

A Quick Guide to Shopping for Used Trucks in Portland

Do you feel the need for more cargo space in your vehicle? Are you anticipating an increase in frequency of hauling and towing items? Then it’s time to get a pickup truck. While a SUV or minivan can provide extra space, it may not be sufficient for your needs.

Fortunately, because used trucks are in demand in Portland and the nearby areas, you won’t have trouble finding one. Here’s a quick guide to shopping around for a pickup truck from a car dealership.

Need for Cargo

The first thing you need to do when choosing a pickup truck is to determine how frequently you will use it to lug items around, as well as how heavy the items will be. Pickup trucks come in different dimensions and capacity so knowing these things beforehand is crucial. There are different types to choose from, such as light-duty, medium-duty, or heavy-duty. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2jMPFHG

Looking for Family-Friendly Trucks for Sale? Put These Features on Your Must-Have List

Who says heavy duty trucks can’t play the role of family-friendly vehicles. Yes, trucks have a reputation for being reliable workhorses, but they offer so much more than what you would initially expect. And when your family’s needs exceed the capabilities of your run-of-the-mill crossover or minivan, you’d be glad to be behind the wheel of a truck.

You just have to know what to look for when you’re taking a tour of your dealer's showroom. Here are the essential features you should include in your must-have list.

Seating Capacity

Full-size trucks can comfortably seat a family of six on any given day. With roomy front and rear benches, you can rest assured that your kids won’t be fighting for space the whole ride home. If you happen to have babies and toddlers, you won’t have to move around everything inside to make way for child-safety seats. You might even easily fit three of those in the back just in case you need it.

Ease of Access

Of course, what good is all that interior space if you can’t get in or out at will? Having a four-door truck, or what’s known as a crew cab truck, is non-negotiable for families. Four doors make it easier for kids to enter and exit the vehicle. You’d also be surprised at how much room having four doors could add, as well as the extra door compartments and cupholders for whatever knick-knacks your kids like to bring along for the ride.

Cargo Space

If there’s one thing trucks excel at, it’s hauling cargo. Whether you’re taking the family out for weekend camping or a mall sale, you’ll never have to complain about running out of room to store your items. Take for example the Chevrolet Colorado with a spacious truck bed, and GearOn storage system that gives you access to two-tier loading and bed divider so you can secure everything in the back. If you’re still short on space, you could fold down the rear seat to reveal the hidden storage.

Entertainment Options

Children can easily get bored during longer drives. Instead of having to answer the “are we there yet?” question every five minutes, you can distract your kids with on-board entertainment. Chevy trucks come with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi that can provide connection for up to seven devices. Touch-screen displays today are also fully compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto if you want to put on your favorite family road trip playlist. That should keep everyone occupied until you get to your destination.

With advances in technology and countless automobile innovations, trucks for sale today are giving SUVs, minivans, and crossovers a run for their money when it comes to family friendliness. Talk to your dealer about these features to find the best option.

About McLoughlin Chevrolet

Serving Portland, OR, McLoughlin Chevrolet is a leading dealership that offers a wide selection of Chevy cars, trucks, and SUVs. We also provide auto service to Chevrolet and GM cars, as well as bad credit loans. Our dedication to customer satisfaction is second to none. Allow us to help you with your automobile needs today.

Sources:

Dad's Best Friend: 6 Tough Trucks That Are Family-Friendly, USNews.com

The Best Family-Friendly Trucks For Dads, Fatherly.com

Things to Know Before Buying Diesel Trucks from a Portland Dealership

If you’re the type that goes for long countryside drives, or if you usually need to haul around cargo on your vehicle, a pickup truck is the perfect vehicle for you. Its massive frame provides you the stability and support required to traverse through different kinds of terrain, even when you have all that extra weight on its back.

If you are buying diesel trucks in Portland for the first time, there are some important factors that you should consider first. Let the following tips serve as your cheat sheet for understanding pickup trucks better, and more specifically, diesel-run ones.

Diesel Cost

The first thing you should know about diesel vehicles is that they cost more than gas-run ones. The justification for this, however, is that you can definitely make the most out of the engine power it provides, especially when you’re out driving on rough roads. And because diesel-run vehicles can last longer on the road, you’ll end up saving a lot more on energy. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2jcTBlw

Top Reasons to Turn to Car Dealerships Instead of Private Sellers When Buying a Car

For those looking to buy a second-hand car, it’s important to find a seller that provides good-quality options. Undoubtedly, there’s a lot more risks attached to buying a pre-owned car than buying a brand new one, because there’s a previous owner who had maximized the vehicle’s utility.

This whole experience doesn’t have to be worrisome, however, especially when you have a reliable and trustworthy car dealership helping you out. Of course, you have the option to buy from a private seller but you’ll definitely get more benefits from turning to a car dealership. Here are some reasons why you should work with car dealerships serving Portland, Oregon instead of private sellers. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2A44joX

Helpful Tips for People Looking to Buy New Cars for Sale on the Market

Buying a brand new car is always an exciting experience, whether or not you’re doing it for the first time. There’s something utterly fulfilling about the thought that you will finally get to drive around your own vehicle. Additionally, the new car can be a significant investment in itself.

Given the gravity of this purchase, it only makes sense to do your research and make the necessary preparations first before shopping around for a new car, so that you can get the most value for your money. Here are some tips that can help you make a smart consumer decision when buying new cars for sale. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2jebfoQ

Auto Dealerships Offer Tips on Finding a Safe Car for Your Teen Driver

Getting your teen their first car almost seems like a rite of passage nowadays. Your child might be over the moon at the prospect of finally getting behind the wheel, but it’s understandable if parents feel a bit anxious. After all, it’s said that the biggest safety threat to teens is driving on the road. This is largely due to the fact that teen drivers tend to have the least safe types of vehicle, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Before you head out to auto dealerships to buy your kid a car, consider vehicle safety. Here are a few tips that can help you as you go over your options.

Always Think Big

The saying “bigger is better” isn’t always true, but in the case of vehicle safety, these are wise words to live by. Smaller cars, even those that boast of several high-tech safety features, simply have nothing on bigger, heavier rides. Vehicle types such as SUVs have bigger crush zones and longer hoods, which give them an advantage in frontal crashes.

Their heavier built and frame also protects drivers and passengers from non-collisions like rollovers. Forget about handing down your old sedan to your teen. The extra money you will spend on a bulkier vehicle will be a great investment toward road safety.

Go Slow and Steady

Sports cars are hardly ideal for your child’s first vehicle for more reasons other than its expensive price tag. Giving them access to higher horsepower and stronger engines will only tempt them to put the car through its paces. Cars with less horsepower discourages teens from speeding and other risky driving tactics like aggressive lane-changing, running the red light and challenging friends to races.

Dealers recommend choosing the smallest cylinder and engine option available, as well as the lowest horsepower trim. That should be sufficient for their needs until they can handle something more powerful. You get better fuel economy in the process, too. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Look at the Scores

Organizations such as the IIHS and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have made it easier for consumers to assess the safety ratings of the cars on the market. They release reports for cars of each model year so buyers can compare. Many, however, are unaware that crash test scores are different for each vehicle class size.

You might be confused as to why a small hatchback has the same safety rating as a hulking SUV. This could lead you to think that both offer the same level of protection, but that is not the case. Comparing safety ratings only work if you do it within the same class size. If you want to make a more in-depth analysis for cars in different classes, you can ask your dealer for help.

Being a smart buyer goes a long way in keeping your kids safe on the road. Ask your dealer for top safety picks to get you started on your search for the right vehicle.

About McLoughlin Chevrolet

Offering both new and used Chevrolet vehicles, as well as GM cars, McLoughlin Chevrolet is the leading car dealership serving Oregon. We treat the needs of our customers with paramount concern to ensure that they have a positive experience on their journey to becoming a car owner. We also provide Chevy service, parts, and repair so that you get the most out of your vehicle.

Sources:

Are SUVs Really Safer Than Cars?, AccessMagazine.org

Safety Rides Shotgun, IIHS.org

Buying Diesel Trucks in Portland—Is Diesel Engine Worth It?

Perhaps the biggest mistake you can make when gassing up your vehicle in Portland is pouring in the wrong fuel. If your car has a gasoline engine and you accidentally filled the tank with diesel, you are in a big trouble. Aside from having a stubborn engine that dies in seconds or won’t start at all, you will need to have your vehicle towed to a service center for cleanup.

Thanks to the genius of most car manufacturers, however, cars with gasoline engine have a gas cap that prevents nozzles bigger than the typical unleaded gasoline nozzle from fitting into the tank. In other words, it is almost impossible to mistakenly fill your tank with the wrong fuel because there’s a deterrent element added.

This is actually a common knowledge among most drivers, but why it is a big deal in the first place is interestingly baffling. Have you ever wondered why there are two types of fuel when it can be easier and less confusing if all cars are using the same fuel? Well, it pretty much has to do with the invention of the diesel engine.

Gasoline Engine vs. Diesel Engine

Decades back, all cars had a gasoline engine, which uses a quite simple mechanism—fuel is mixed with air, the piston goes up to compress the mixture, the compressed mixture is ignited through a spark plug, fuel is combusted and transformed into mechanical energy, and the car moves forward. Then a smart guy named Rudolf Diesel came along and said that the process can still be improved to increase efficiency.

He introduced a new engine design, which ignites fuel through compressed air instead of the heat produced by a spark plug. Because it requires high compression ratio to make such ignition, this engine is able to run with high thermal efficiencies, which allows for better fuel economy. This is why the engine is also tolerant of leaded fuel, which actually adds to the efficiency because it evaporates more slowly than gasoline. He called this engine diesel engine and you can guess why.

Why Shift to Diesel Engine

There’s a plethora of reasons why you should be using a diesel engine. For one, it allows you to use leaded fuel, which apart from the above-mentioned benefits also emits smaller amounts of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and carbon dioxide, gases that are well-known for their role in global warming. In short, you are helping to save the planet.

It is also capable of producing low-end torque because it has long piston stroke and high cylinder compression, which is quite useful for pulling a heavy trailer or anything that requires more rear strength. The Duramax Diesel engine is one the best examples of this kind of engine. If you have diesel trucks that you use for towing heavy objects on a regular basis, you can be confident about not needing any towing-related repair anytime soon.

So when planning to purchase vehicles, especially those that you will need for heavy-duty loading, pickup models with high-performance diesel engine are your perfect option. Due to the amazing benefits of diesel engine, diesel trucks and cars are in abundant supply in many car dealerships across the country today. Dealerships, such as McLoughlin Chevrolet, even offers used units for buyers who want to save money but experience almost similar perks.

Sources:

Difference between Gasoline and Diesel Engines, NCHEurope.com

How Diesel Engines Work, HowStuffWorks.com

Benefits of a GM Duramax Diesel Engine, GM-diesel-engines.com

Common Blunders You Should Avoid When Purchasing Used Trucks in Portland

If you’re looking for a vehicle that can meet your light-duty towing, loading, and off-road transportation needs, the Chevrolet Silverado with 6.2-L V-8 can be your best bet. This 4 x 4 truck boasts of reasonably refined powertrains that provide sufficient muscles to take on heavy loads and conquer virtually all types of terrain. Inside the vehicle awaits multiple features that make driving safe, comfortable, and fun.

Because Chevrolet 6.2 is jam-packed with perks, the price of a brand new unit can be prohibitive, especially if you are purchasing on a budget. Luckily, there are dealerships in Portland that offer used trucks to give buyers affordable yet worthwhile options.

Buying a used truck, however, requires a slightly different approach when compared to buying a new truck, mainly because the vehicle’s quality has already diminished, along with all other reasons. Following are car buying mistakes that you need to avoid to make sure that the used truck you will buy has all the features you need.

Neglecting Inspection to Save Time

While you are expected to fork out less on a used truck, it is still a huge investment that is worth your time and attention. Invest time in inspection. Hire a mechanic to check every nook and cranny for dents, scratches, and other tiny details that can have a huge impact on the truck’s performance, durability, and safety.The fact that you don’t know the vehicle’s current condition makes inspection all the more necessary, so give it time. Inspection can reveal essential information, such as the vehicle’s accident history, replaced parts, repair works done, and maintenance issues.

Buying without Weighing

A Chevrolet 6.2 is perfect for carrying and towing a wide range of loads, from light groceries and camping tools to heavy construction materials. Despite this perk, it still pays to know the type and weight of cargo you will be using the truck for. Does the cargo bed have enough space for such load? Will it hold the weight without the engine or tires taking a huge toll? All these questions have to be answered before you even think about calling a dealership.

Taking Mileage Lightly

Gas mileage may seem trivial but it is actually a critical issue that you must never overlook when purchasing a used truck. You have to determine how much you will be using the truck and for how long. It wouldn’t be so much of an issue if you will be traveling short distances, but if you’ve planned on using this truck for long-distance towing from the beginning, you should rethink your options now. You may want to purchase a brand new unit instead. 

Forgetting the Past and Moving On

When it comes to buying a vehicle, especially a used truck, you should not be hasty to forget the past. Find out as much information about the truck’s history as possible before you finally make up your mind. Learn about how the previous owner used and took care of it and what type of detailing it underwent in the past. These pieces of information, no matter how inconsequential they may seem for you, are actually crucial, as they can keep you and other future passengers safe in every journey. 

To ensure that you will avoid these mistakes and succeed on your purchase, go to a car dealership instead of a private seller. Not only do dealerships like McLoughlin Chevrolet offer more options, but they also make sure their pre-owned vehicles have been thoroughly inspected and detailed before being made available on their lots. Also, there’s a chance that the original add-ons, including insurance and warranties, have also been preserved.

Sources:

3 Important Things to Consider When Buying A Used Truck, TheWeeklyDriver.com

Engine and Transmission, CarAndDriver.com

Putting Duramax and Power Stroke to the Test to Know Which Trucks for Sale Are Better

It’s easy to tell if a pickup truck is worth buying—it has a fuel-efficient engine, it can handle all kinds of terrain, and it’s equipped with safety features. While every prominent manufacturer claims that their trucks are built with the top-performing diesel engine, you cannot just take their word for it. The only way to be certain is to put their flagships to the test.

Today’s Bests

Two of the most sought-after diesel engine models today are GM’s Duramax 6.6L Diesel and Ford’s 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel. If you have the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD or any of Ford’s 2017 Super Duty series, you’ve probably heard of these engine models at least once or twice.  Both are jam-packed with a wealth of design features that have successfully overcome their previous shortcomings.

The power stroke diesel, for instance, now has a unique exhaust flow design that Ford claims could increase the thermal efficiency of the turbocharger. Duramax, on the other hand, now features an SAE-certified 445 horsepower (332 kW) and 910 lb.-ft. (1,234 Nm) that allows for easier, more confident hauling and trailering. If you aren’t tech-savvy enough, you can get lost in those figures.

Putting Them to the Test

Unless you see them in action, it’s hard to figure out how these improvements can actually make a difference to either car. Thankfully, there are actual tests done by Diesel Power, the world's largest and best-selling diesel enthusiast magazine and the leading source for diesel enthusiast tech, custom trucks, diesel events, new vehicle reviews, and more. Actually, a similar test was done before, which concluded in Duramax favor.

What Diesel Power recently did was a rematch and this time they added a twist in the race. They tested the strength of each vehicle by taking them over one of the toughest tows in America. Diesel Power somehow knew how the test was going to end but they held it anyway to know for sure. By the end of the race, it appeared that Duramax was still the better diesel engine.

The test data revealed that Chevy Silverado runs over 2 minutes faster than the Super Duty, leaving the latter behind by almost 10 meters, and accelerated toward 50 mph almost 14 seconds faster. The towing torture test was very real, which is why the results are incontestable. Duramax remains the king of the diesel engine world.

Other Perks to Enjoy

Chevy Silverado isn’t just a towing beast. It can also carry heavy loads without caving in or putting so much stress on the tires. The designers made sure that the car’s body can take as much pressure as its diesel engine can withstand. Simply put, the brawny figure of Silverado isn’t just skin-deep but in fact a complementary cladding to the well-built framework.

As the vehicle is expected to take on tremendous amounts of load, the tires are designed to conquer the road. Whether you drive them on the dusty roads or rocky plateaus of the countryside, the treads will take minimal damage and your truck will hold up. So if you are planning to buy trucks for sale soon, you better look at Chevy Silverado to make an investment that is guaranteed to yield return, and be sure to purchase it from a trusted dealership, such as McLoughlin Chevrolet.

Sources:

New Duramax 6.6L Diesel Introduced on 2017 Sierra HD, GMC.com

6.7L POWER STROKE DIESEL, PowerStrokeHub.com

NEW DURAMAX 6.6L DIESEL OFFERED ON 2017 SILVERADO HD, Chevrolet.com

Important Facts that You Need to Know before Purchasing Diesel Trucks in Portland

Are you planning on buying diesel trucks in Portland soon? Whether you need them for your business or for you day-to-day family activities, there’s so much you should learn about diesel trucks before making a purchase. The last thing you need is an expensive vehicle that will end up spending more time in your garage needing repair than on the road taking you to places.

Understanding how one option can outperform another is crucial in the purchase process. Unless you have prior car buying experience, here are a couple of things you need to know about engines and trucks before deciding to shop around.

Diesel Engine Is Better Than Gasoline Engine

Have you ever wondered what the differences between these two engines are and why drivers are too worked up when they think their car has the wrong engine? Well, you can think of it this way. Gasoline engine was the forerunner of all car engines and is found in older car models. Diesel engine, on the other hand, arrived much sooner and is found in many newer car models.

Diesel engine isn’t just another alternative; it’s actually a better one. It is designed to break free from the limitations of gasoline engine. For instance, gasoline engine ignites fuel through the use of a spark plug. As a result, it uses lower compression ratios, which help reduce thermal efficiency. Meaning, less heat is transformed into horsepower.

Diesel engine does not have a spark plug. Instead, it ignites fuel by generating high temperature with compressed air. With high compression ratios, the engine can transform more heat generated from combustion into horsepower instead of wasted heat. As a result, the engine performs better and saves more fuel.

Why Choose Duramax Diesel

Not all diesel engines can give you the power and efficiency you want from your trucks. Therefore, when buying a pickup, you also need to know what type of diesel engine the vehicle is running with. The most robust diesel engine today is GM’s Duramax Diesel. It is the engine that powers GMC Canyon, GMC Sierra HD, and Chevy Silverado, which a lot of motorists have grown to love for their amazing on-road and off-road capabilities.

Duramax Diesel is designed with countless desirable features, including an exhaust brake, which helps slow the vehicle down without applying the brakes and provides more control when towing large loads. It also enhances the truck’s trailering capacity. For instance, a two-wheel drive Canyon crew cab with a diesel engine has 700 lbs more maximum trailering rating than one with a gas engine.

Diesel Only Seems Costlier

It’s true that the cost of diesel per liter is much higher than gasoline. If you compare the potential energy stored in these two fuel types, however, you can easily tell that there’s more in diesel. Meaning, you can have greater mileage with diesel while consuming less fuel than with gasoline. So the final cost of use for either fuel over time will most likely be the same.

Factoring in many other advantages of diesel over gasoline, such as lower carbon emissions and better towing and pulling capacity, you’ll definite get the value for your money in diesel trucks in Portland. Just make sure that you will purchase them from a reputable car dealership such as McLoughlin Chevrolet, especially if you are buying pre-owned units. 

Sources:

NOT JUST FOR TRUCKS ANYMORE: WHY MODERN DIESELS ARE MORE POPULAR THAN EVER, digitaltrends.com

Difference between Gasoline and Diesel Engines, ncheurope.com

Diesel vs. Gas: Which Is the Better Fuel -- and Vehicle -- for Your Money?, fool.com

A 5-Point Inspection Checklist Every Buyer of Used Trucks in Portland Should Use

When buying any type of pre-owned vehicle, you have to thoroughly inspect it before signing the document that would close the deal. Inspection reveals a lot of important, and sometimes scary, information about vehicles, which usually affect a buyer’s final decision. For example, you may find a hidden damage that seems trivial but actually suggests a serious issue that requires a major, expensive overhaul. This is particularly helpful when purchasing a highly in-demand vehicle like a pickup truck.

Pickups do more than just take people to places they want. They can also be used for towing and carrying heavy load. If you are planning to utilize the used pickup trucks you are buying in Portland for transporting cargo, you should be more adamant in inspecting them from inside and out. Here are five of the most important aspects of a pickup truck that you need to inspect before purchase.

Fluids and Greases

A pickup truck functions pretty much like the human body. The fluids serve as its blood. When the blood doesn’t look and feel right, it means there’s something wrong with it, and it goes downhill from there. There are many types of fluid that circulate within a pickup truck—radiator fluid, motor oil, transmission fluid, AC coolant, among others. Check each one and take note of the color.

If there seems to be rust mixed in the coolant, for instance, chances are the engine will easily overheat. Also, watch out for too much thick oil and grease deposited in the system, as they may indicate that the car isn’t properly cared for. Meaning, there’s a likelihood that you’ll find other more serious problems as you move along with the inspection.

Rust Everywhere

Rust indicates aging and exposure to moisture. Once you find rust in various surfaces of the truck, it doesn’t take a genius to know that the car is crumbling. Some sellers think they can conceal rust with coat but the truth is that rusty areas reveal themselves in the form of raised spots, much like blisters on a wall that was coated without thoroughly cleaning the surface first. When you see rust, it means the truck needs further inspection.

Mileage Tampering

Most old car models have odometers that can easily be tampered with. Some car sellers, particularly the private ones, adjust their car’s odometer to lure and deceive buyers. If you think the mileage showing up on the device is too good to be true, check the parts of the vehicle that are greatly involved in driving and maneuvering, such as the brake pedal, armrest and upholstery, and the windshield. If you find excessive wear, then the car must have traveled for much longer than the odometer shows.

Start Again

One of the most important things you need to know while inspecting a vehicle is its ability to start again after being abruptly shut off. Test-drive the truck for at least 10 miles and try to halt quickly and keep it dead for about 10 minutes. If the engine suddenly hesitates to run upon restart, then there must be a serious issue with it that needs the attention of a professional technician.

Duramax Engine

Of course, there are certain dead giveaways that a pickup truck is the right one to buy. For instance, if it has the Duramax Engine, it will most likely perform well on the road and last long without the need for major repairs in the long run. The reason for this is that the Duramax Engine is arguably to most powerful diesel engine in the world. It is also a recent development in diesel engines so you are most likely buying a car that is only a few years old.

To be absolutely sure that you will be buying the perfect used pickup trucks, go to a reputable dealership like McLoughlin Chevrolet. Unlike private sellers, a dealership offers guaranteed high-quality pre-owned vehicles. Also, because they have a reputation to protect, they don’t immediately resell or accept consigned units without carefully inspecting them by themselves first. 

Sources:

Impress Your Mechanic: 6 Types of Fluid, Esurance.com

Buy a Used Truck With the 12 Point Truck Inspection Checklist, MotherEarthNews.com

Z71—Enhancing the Off-Road Capabilities of the Trucks for Sale You Want to Purchase

Pickup truck is possibly the manliest vehicle on the market. It comes with a brawny structure that you will never find even in the most dashing of sedans. The beefy rear that boasts of sleek tailgates and a spacious bed gives you the idea that this vehicle can do more than just cruising. That same rear makes you think that the car is also a good off-roader, but is it really?

Needless to say, most pickup trucks are designed with off-road capabilities. This is to be expected because one of their primary functions—towing heavy load—is especially helpful in farms, ranches, and other places where terrains are usually rugged. Not all pickups, however, exhibit the same power over rough landscapes. A few have an edge over the rest. One of the best examples is any Chevy pickup truck with the Z71 package.

What is Z71?

Z71 is a package, which includes features that make LTZ (top-of-the-line trim model for Chevy models) a whole lot better off-roaders. If you’ve been driving a 1500 Avalanche, a Silverado, a 1500 Suburban, or a Tahoe, you already know how well this package has improved the off-road capabilities of your truck. You’ve probably even put it to the test during your recent camping and hiking trip outside the city.

Off-Road and Suspension: What’s New?

Perhaps the most distinct feature in the Z71 package is the 18 or 20 inches aluminum wheels, which are fitted in with off-road blackwall tires. This is supported by rancho branch shocks, tuned springs and mono-tube shocks for the suspension. With these features holding the weight of the vehicle and its load, you can feel safer and more comfortable, especially when you’re traveling at great speeds on a craggy surface.

Better Exterior

The Z71 package also includes a major enhancement on the truck’s exterior. The wheels now have wheel flares that are integrated with the body so they don’t come off or move as separate pieces. The steel grille has been replaced with chrome grille as well for added lightweight, sheen, and corrosion resistance. A skid plate and front fascia have also been installed to protect the undercarriage and nose. All other additions are meant to push the body a little higher for the car to be able to take on larger obstacles.

Other features you will get to enjoy if you take advantage of this package include recovery hooks for towing, high-capacity air cleaners, and Eaton heavy-duty automatic locking rear differential. If you want the Z71 on your pickup, you will have to pay a little more but with all of these highly functional features, the cost will certainly be worth it. The package, therefore, is a separate product that you can request from any Chevy dealership that offers it.

To ensure the success of your pickup truck upgrade with Z71, go to a reliable car dealership like McLoughlin Chevrolet. It pays to entrust your car to experienced technicians who specialize in Chevy pickup trucks. Also, if you are buying pickup trucks for sale for the first time, it would definitely help to already include the Z71 package in your order.

Sources:     

What Is Included in a Chevrolet Z71 Package?, itstillruns.com

The 11 Best Off-Road Vehicles You Can Buy Right Now, PopularMechanics

Taking Care of Your Brakes So That They Can Take Care of You on the Road

It’s every driver’s nightmare: you’re speeding down the road but when you step on the brake, you still don’t slow down. Needless to say, the events that could potentially follow from this failure of brakes can be severe and devastating.

As a responsible car owner and driver, it is ultimately up to you to ensure that your vehicle is functioning as optimally as it should—especially the brakes. Don’t get caught in this unpleasant situation; know about the basic care tips for car brakes so you can always stay in control.

Low Brake Pedal

Having low brake pedals can make it difficult for you to activate its functionality. Among the common causes for this situation include worn out brake linings, fluid leaks, or sometimes when adjusters stick to the normal lining wear.

If you’ve been noticing that your brake pedal is unusually low, try adjusting it back to its normal height. Even if you do get it back up, though, it still would be advisable for you to bring it to a professional car shop so that the problem does not become recurrent.

Sinking Pedal

Like the low brake pedal, this kind of problem has to do with preventing you from having direct access to the brakes. If the pedal keeps sinking to the floor, then you will have to keep reaching in order to get the brake to bite. Regardless if you have long or short legs, this is going to be problematic because you’re not getting the mechanical response that you need, when you need it.

This issue is most likely due to a hydraulics leak or a failing master cylinder. These are major parts by themselves so it’s not advisable for you to take these matters in your own hands. Let a professional mechanic fix it right up for you.

Brake Fluid Level

This one is pretty easy to spot and remedy. If you observe leaks from your vehicle, and it does turn out to be brake fluid, bring your vehicle to the shop immediately to get the leak patched up. Then the brake fluid will be refilled, and you can go back to using it.

Brake Pedal Misalignment

Do your feet sometimes slip when stepping on the brakes? Give it a good look—maybe the brakes have become loose and now are pulling to one side. This could pose serious safety risks, especially when you’re stepping on the brakes fast. The misalignment could be caused by calliper or cylinder wheel issues, contaminated linings, loose wheel bearings, among others. Sometimes, you’ll also notice a sort of pulsation on the pedal, an indication that there is warping on the brake rotor.

Proper adjustments can easily fix this problem for you. In certain instances, it is found that the brake pedals need replacing. This is why it’s important to go to a shop that caters specifically to the kind of vehicle you have. GM car and truck owners in Portland, for example, can go to GM-centric service shops, such as McLoughlin Chevy.

Sources:

Know the Signs & Stay Ahead of Brake Problems. FirestoneCompleteAutoCare.com.

Common Brake Problems and How to Fix Them. Autos.com.

A Millennial’s Simple Guide to Shopping for Used Trucks in Portland

Are you a millennial (born between the years 1981 and 1997) who has entered the workforce and is now earning a decent living? Perhaps you’re looking forward to enjoying the fruits of your labor, and what better way to spend your money than to invest in your very own mode of transportation?

When it comes to buying a car or truck, your natural inclination would probably to buy new. That said, you shouldn’t discount the possibility of buying a used vehicle. Especially when they’re in good working condition, used trucks in Portland can potentially give you more than your money’s worth.

The best thing about being millennial is that you get to take advantage of social media, blogs, and other internet channels to obtain information about the product you want to buy. That’s why your generation is found to be the most informed when it comes to buying used vehicles. To make the process of shopping for a used truck or car in Portland that much easier, use the helpful tips below.

Know What Others Are Buying

To get started on the right track, it can be helpful to look at what other millennials are buying. According to a recent study from Edmunds.com, most millennials are likely to buy used trucks and cars due to their cost advantages. One such popular used truck model is the Chevrolet Silverado, a pickup known for its reliability, strength, and comfort.

When it comes to used vehicle buying, millennials often opt for usefulness and practicality over flashiness. Should you find one car that’s to your liking, you can find out what others are saying about that particular model through car review apps.

Have an Open Mind

Since millennials are known to do extensive research online before buying a used car, there’s a chance that they’ve already made up their mind on what vehicle they plan on buying upon walking into a dealership. This can either be to your benefit or your downfall, since by focusing on cars you find online, you may be missing out on the ones at dealerships that may be better suited for your needs.

Don’t Forget the Test Drive

Test drives can be the ultimate deal closer or breaker. Of course, the experience of riding a particular car or truck can’t be replicated by conducting your online research, so do make your test drive count. Notice even the slightest discomfort (or lack thereof), and take in your actual driving experience as a factor in deciding the best vehicle for your lifestyle.

Haggle Confidently

Still got those car review apps on your phone? Use them to reveal the fair market price for the car or truck you plan on buying. The information provided by these helpful apps can be used to your advantage as you negotiate a reasonable final price.

Don’t forget these useful tips when you’re sifting through available used trucks on a dealership car lot. For the best used vehicles on the market and for your budget, check out what’s in stock in trusted dealerships, such as McLoughlin Chevrolet.

Sources:

Millennials Transform Into Major Car Shoppers, Study Finds, Edmunds.com

Millennials, how to buy your first car, CNN

Trucks for Sale: Writing Off a 6,000-Pound Truck from Taxable Income

Did you know that if you buy trucks for sale with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of over 6,000 pounds and use it for business, you can write off at least $25,000 from your taxable income? It doesn’t even matter if the truck is new or used, it’s possible for you to still get a hefty tax deduction from it.

If you own a new or pre-owned pickup that fall under the “heavy” category and use it for business over 50 percent of the time, you are eligible for the Section 179 tax deduction of the IRS tax code enacted by Stimulus Acts. Generally speaking, equipment purchased by a business can be written off as depreciation over several years. The tax code’s Section 179 permits equipment cost to be deducted as a business expense the same year the equipment was bought. Here’s what you need to know about the benefits of this type of tax break. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2hBxHrw

6 Great Reasons to Choose Diesel Trucks from Portland Dealerships

So you’re about to buy a truck. Eventually, your decision will include choosing between a diesel engine and a gasoline one. If you still believe that diesel trucks are loud and dirty, you should know that diesel technology has evolved to the point where they can practically match gasoline engines in terms of performance, while retaining much of the benefits that diesel engines are known for. Here are seven reasons that diesel trucks in Portland are worth putting your money on.

Better Horsepower and Torque

In terms of horsepower per cubic inch, gas engines have it less than their diesel counterparts. The latter also produces greater torque. Although diesels accelerate slower, they maintain their power better while in motion. So if you’re looking for a workhorse truck, then it’s a diesel you’re looking for. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2h7EQ5V

Helpful Tips for Buyers When Looking at Available Used Trucks for Sale

In case you’re considering getting a new truck but not really willing or able to cough up the cash, you can instead opt for used trucks from reputable and certified dealers in Portland. There are plenty of advantages that can be gained from buying used trucks, cost-efficiency being the biggest one of them.

Regardless if it’s second-hand or used, however, you still should have standards to go by when making your decision. For example, a Chevrolet Silverado is among the most popular options for used truck buyers. One of the reasons for its popularity is its sturdiness and overall lifespan. The vehicle can go up to as much as 300,000 in mileage, throughout its lifespan, but of course this is assuming that the vehicle will be maintained properly.

In any case, this is a very promising scenario, especially for buyers who would like to invest good money in a truck that can deliver performance and longevity. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2AbRwgu

Some Important Things to Consider When Choosing Trucks for Sale to Purchase

Pickup trucks do make quite the presence on the road. They provide utmost stability and convenience, especially for out-of-the city destinations. While aesthetics will remain an important factor when deciding on which model to buy, functionality and practicality still remain to be the foremost considerations. Here are some tips to help you when checking out trucks for sale.

Determine Your Haul

Are they going to be for casual use only or you’re planning to use them for heavy haul? Determining the kind of haulage you will carry on the regular should help you pick out the right truck for you. Depending on the average weight of the items you will haul, and where you will usually take them, you can choose between a two- or four-wheel drive. For lighter, everyday use, a mid-sized truck should suit you fine. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2AdTmxh

Why You Should Consider Getting Diesel Trucks Instead of Gasoline Cars

For the longest time, many consumers saw cars with gasoline engines as the better choice. Lower fuel costs, fewer air pollutants and quieter engines are often cited as the biggest advantages gas vehicles have over their diesel counterparts. While this might have been undisputed truth in the past decades, recent developments in diesel engine technology have greatly improved diesel vehicles. In fact, studies now claim that modern diesel cars are simply better than gas vehicles in many ways.

If you are in the market for a new vehicle, consider looking at diesel trucks, too. Here are some compelling reasons to ask your Portland dealer to show you their diesel models.

Cleaner Emissions

Diesel trucks used to get a bad rap for the darker emissions they produce, but researchers have discovered that the invisible pollution from gasoline cars is much worse for the environment. In a six-nation study published in Scientific Reports, gasoline cars were found to produce a higher amount of carbonaceous particulate matter than modern filter-equipped diesel cars. Carbonaceous particulate matter is made up of black carbon, primary organic aerosol and secondary aerosol – all known to have detrimental effects to health. Since newer diesel vehicles are required to be equipped with particle filters, the pollution they emit have be significantly reduced. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2iV2QcP