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If you want to keep your Chevy in good condition and running smoothly, getting brake service is essential. But how often do you have to visit the Chevy dealer? And should you schedule a regular appointment or wait until there is a problem with your vehicle? Let's have a closer look at the optimal brake maintenance schedule. more Many experts recommend that you get your Chevy's brakes examined once every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. For most drivers, this is approximately once a year. In fact, a brake inspection might even be included in your annual maintenance appointment. However, if you drive your car for many miles each day or you're planning on taking a lengthy road trip, an extra inspection could be a good idea. You should also keep in mind that every Chevy model is different, and your car might have additional requirements, especially if it is older. To make sure you're maintaining it correctly, you should either refer to your manual or speak to your brand-name mechanic, who will be able to explain the car's service requirements to you. Why Not Wait for Signs of Brake Trouble? In the current economic climate, more than 50% of American households are worried about their financial situation and looking to save money where they can. So, why not skip the brake inspection and wait until there is an actual problem? This is almost always a bad idea because the brakes are such a crucial component of your car. When they malfunction, the chance of an accident is high. What's more, you might break down on the road at an inconvenient moment, or your faulty brakes might cause damage to another car part. For these reasons, it's likely that skipping your annual service appointment will cost you more money in the long run. Is the Chevy Dealer Always the Best Place to Go? When your car needs a brake inspection, a brake repair, or another kind of service, you should always come to the brand-name dealership because we only employ mechanics who have been trained to work with Chevrolet cars. These technicians are familiar with every model and trim, and they won't have any trouble diagnosing and repairing your car quickly. What's more, we never use aftermarket parts, so you don't have to worry about the quality of the new components or whether your warranty will still be intact after your repair. In fact, all our replacement parts come with their own warranty, which means that you'll be protected should there be an issue with the materials or the workmanship. This can give you peace of mind and prevent your car from being damaged. Chevy cars are extremely durable and reliable when maintained well. One of the most important types of service is your brake inspection. This should be carried out every 10,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. Call or message us at Mike Kelly Chevrolet and ask for an appointment with our experienced technicians. Image via Pixabay

Your Chevy's battery provides the power to start your car, and it powers your car's electrical systems when the engine is switched off. Your battery will eventually wear out and will need to be replaced. As your Chevy dealer, we can fit a new car battery for you. These are a few of the signs that you may need to see us for a replacement. more Your Battery Is Old A car battery has a lifespan of three to five years before it needs to be replaced. The chemical processes within the battery will eventually cause the battery to wear out. This wear can be compounded by extreme weather, driving conditions, and even accessories installed in your car. When a battery gets older, it becomes more resistant to recharging, and its maximum charging capacity drops. We regularly check your battery as part of your car's scheduled service. If it hasn't been checked for some reason, we advise that you have a battery check when your battery is three years old. Our technicians can quickly and easily attach your battery to our testing system. Our battery tester will subject your battery to several tests to confirm that it's still in good working order. A Bad Smell No one likes the stench of rotten eggs, and it's even worse if it's coming from your engine. When your battery ages, the sulfuric acid in your battery starts to break down into different components. This chemical reaction releases hydrogen gas, and this gas can escape the battery casing. In your engine, the hydrogen gas will mix with other chemicals in the air and form hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide is a flammable, colorless gas. Its also known for the awful rotten-egg smell it produces. If your battery is leaking hydrogen, it's on its way to failing. Left unchecked, the hydrogen sulfide will also begin to cause corrosion on the battery terminals and cables. This corrosion will cause additional damage to your engine. The battery can't is repaired, but we can replace it with a new OEM one. A Worn Alternator Your battery may be working correctly, but if it suddenly shows signs that it's failing, the problem may be a worn alternator. Your battery stores power, but it depends on the alternator to recharge it. When your engine starts, the alternator will begin recharging your battery to keep it at a constant power level. As your alternator wears out, this recharging will become a problem. A worn alternator has difficulty in being able to produce enough power for all of your Chevy's electrical demands. This lack of power means that your car's computer must allocate the limited power available. Each time your battery starts your engine, it loses power. If the power used isn't replaced completely, your battery will slowly weaken and fail. Our technicians can test your alternator and replace it if it's the source of the problem. If your battery is wearing out, call our service department right away at Mike Kelly Chevrolet. Image via Pixabay

The air conditioning in your vehicle is crucial to its function, particularly on warm days. Driving in adverse conditions, including in extreme heat, can have a detrimental effect on your ability to concentrate while on the road. For this reason, it's important that you contact your local Chevy dealer when you notice your car AC not working. more Why Is My Car AC Not Working? There are a number of reasons why your air conditioning unit might be faulty. One of the most common issues is a refrigerant leak, which means that the substance that cools your car is leaking. Usually, this is caused by the deterioration of your rubber seals and hoses. A refrigerant leak should always be fixed because the gas can cause a reaction with moisture that enters the system and corrode your AC, causing a bigger issue. Another common reason for AC problems is broken cooling fans, either due to debris picked up from the road or because a fuse has been blown. Alternatively, there could be an issue with the compressor, which is the component that keeps the air moving around your vehicle. This often happens when the AC unit hasn't been used for a while, such as throughout the colder period or when you haven't driven your car in a long time. Where to Go to Have It Fixed If you notice that your air conditioning unit is no longer switching on or you're having trouble getting it to work, you should always get in touch with your local Chevrolet dealership. The mechanics there are trained to work with this brand, and they see a wide variety of Chevy cars on a daily basis. As a result, they will quickly recognize what the issue is and how it can be fixed. Your Chevy mechanics will also be aware of the best tools to use on your vehicle, so it won't be damaged. We always fit genuine spare parts that come directly from the Chevrolet manufacturers, which means that any replacement components will work optimally with your car. Advantages of Working with Your Chevy Dealer Aside from the fact that our mechanics are highly skilled and always fix your vehicle optimally, there are other benefits to going with the local dealership. If you're worried that we will charge more than a neighborhood mechanic, you should have a look at our specials and speak to a member of our team. We usually have some great offers that significantly lower the price of service, so you'll benefit from great quality without having to pay more. Whenever you want to get in touch, you can do so by either filling out the online contact form, chatting with us on the website, giving us a call, or stopping by in person at the dealership. With so many easy ways to get in touch, you won't be stuck no matter where or when your AC breaks. Your car's AC should always be in good working order, both because it's an important part of your vehicle and because certain problems can cause further damage. Call or message us now at Mike Kelly Chevrolet to book your service appointment with our highly specialized technicians. Image via Pixabay

Your Chevy transmission converts your engine power into a usable force. It does this by controlling your engine power through a series of gears. The transmission is one of the strongest parts of your car. Despite its strength, your transmission can still suffer damage, and parts can wear out. As your Chevy dealer, we can complete any transmission repair. These are some of the reasons to see us and get that transmission fixed. more Whining, Grinding, and Clunking There are many different reasons why your transmission should make strange noises. Each reason, however, means there is a problem with your transmission. Whining and grinding sounds from the engine usually mean that your transmission fluid is low. Transmission fluid fills the transmission and acts as a friction barrier between the various components. It also lubricates the parts and controls the temperature in the transmission. Clunking sounds are more serious, as they suggest that something in the transmission has come loose. It may be the case that one of the bearings in the transmission has failed or that one of the transmission mountings is loose or has broken off. When your car moves, you'll hear a clunking as the loose part moves around. Our technicians will find the source of the problem and fix it. Burning Rubber Smell A burning rubber smell could come from your tires, wiring in the electrical system, or a transmission problem. If your tires are fine and you're not expediency any electrical problems, the transmission is the likely reason for the smell. As we've seen, transmission fluid helps to lubricate all of the transmission parts and control the temperature. It can also, under certain circumstances, start to burn. Your transmission fluid should also be changed regularly, approximately every 30,000 to 60,000 miles depending on your model. Older transmission fluid loses its heat resistant properties As the old fluid circulates, it absorbs clutch debris, metallic flakings, and other detritus in the transmission. This detritus slows down the fluid and also makes it susceptible to burning. The burning fluid smells like burning rubber. We will flush the transmission and check for damage before we refill the fluid. Hesitation in Shifting Gears When your automatic transmission shifts gears, it should do so smoothly and quickly. If you start noticing a disconnect between when the gear should shift and the actual shifting of the gear, there's a problem with the transmission. This problem is usually caused by a lack of transmission fluid. If you drive a manual, you may feel a "slipping" as the RPMs are higher than they should be for the speed your traveling. Our technicians will check your transmission fluid, and we'll also check for any internal fluid leaks. Most transmission problems can be quickly and easily solved by prompt action. If you suspect that you have any problem with your transmission, call our service department immediately at Mike Kelly Chevrolet. Our expert technicians will fix your transmission. Image via Pixabay

Your Chevy has numerous safety features to provide a comfortable, stress-free driving experience. With all these features, the most important is your brakes. Without effective brakes, you lose almost all control over your car and this can easily lead to an accident. Your Chevy dealer cares about your safety and if you need a brake repair we can fix it for you. more Brake Light Comes On You have two brake lights, one for the handbrake and the other for your ABS. These lights should come on when you start your engine and then go off. If either of these lights comes on and stays on, you have a brake problem. The main reason for the handbrake light coming on is forgetting to release the handbrake. If you drive with the handbrake on, you can damage your brake pads and rotors. The ABS light represents your anti-lock braking system, and it's designed to keep your wheels from locking if you brake suddenly. It gives you extra control over your braking in difficult conditions. If your ABS fails, your brakes will work but braking will become challenging. We advise that you have the ABS checked by our technicians so we can find and repair the problem. Pulling to One Side The weird sensation of your car pulling to one side is caused by one of your front brakes working normally and the other doesn't work. This problem is caused by either a jammed caliper or a damaged brake hose. When you use the brakes, brake fluid is forced into the brake hoses. The fluid exerts a hydraulic pressure to push the calipers against the wheel rotors and stop your car. The most common damage to a caliper is a seized caliper pin. This prevents the caliper from pushing against the rotor and stopping the attached wheel. A damaged brake hose prevents brake fluid from exerting pressure to push the caliper against the rotor. Both of these situations mean one of your wheels doesn't have a brake, and your car will veer toward the side of your car that has a working brake. Grinding Sounds A grinding sound from your wheels is caused by a worn brake pad. The calipers have brake pads attached to them. The friction material on the brake pads helps to stop the rotors quicker. As you use your brakes, the friction material gradually starts to wear off. When the material has worn off completely the metal of the brake pad will be in direct contact with the metal rotors when you brake. The grinding sound means the brake pads are gouging into the rotors. We can replace the brake pads but we also need to check the rotors. Depending on the damage, the rotors may be repairable or they might have to be replaced. If you have any problems with your brakes, call our service department ASAP at Mike Kelly Chevrolet and we'll fix them for you. Image via Pixabay

If you're not sure whether or not your car needs new tires, you're in the right place. Tires due for replacement have many signs, and you can easily check them. Read on for five signs from your Chevy dealer that your tires need replacing. more 1. Your Car Is Difficult to Steer If your car feels like it's drifting to the left or right, then you may need replacement tires. Problems with steering or car handling are often a sign that your alignment is off. Misaligned or unbalanced tires can lead to tire cupping. Tire cupping occurs when the tires wear down unevenly, taking on a scalloped appearance. Have your car's tires and alignment checked by one of our Chevy certified technicians if you are experiencing any of these issues. Misaligned tires can be dangerous, so bring your vehicle in right away! 2. Vibrations or Shaking Vibrations or shaking can have many causes but are often due to faulty tires. Tread separation and flat spots can cause vibrations while creating potentially unsafe driving conditions. These damaged tires can cause steering and handling problems, creating an uncomfortable ride and a safety issue. 3. The Tread on Your Tires Is Visibly Low Tire tread is an important factor in overall car safety. Not only does it help your car grip the road and improve braking performance, but it also helps to prevent hydroplaning. When driving in wet or snowy conditions, if your tires don't have enough tread depth, the lack of traction can cause you to lose control. Visually inspect your tires regularly and be sure to check various spots on each tire. If you can see that your tire tread is low, it means you need a new set of tires. It's always a good idea to replace your tires when you notice they're starting to wear down. 4. Uneven Tire Wear Uneven tire wear can be caused by many factors such as incorrect inflation, misalignment, or a worn suspension. Keep an eye on the condition and tread depth of your tires and replace them when you notice uneven patches. By checking the tread depth with a penny or a tread depth gauge, you can quickly determine the condition of your tires. When you can see Lincoln's head, it's time to replace your tires. 5. Aging Tires Minimally used tires tend to experience aging instead of wearing. An aging tire has a substantial amount of tread; however, due to the chemicals used to manufacture the tires, the structure of the tires will break down. Aging tires are risky for driving and should be replaced every 4 to 6 years. While it may be tempting to put off buying tires, it's always best to replace them sooner rather than later. To find out if your tires need to be replaced, schedule an inspection at Mike Kelly Chevrolet. We'll let you know whether it's time for replacement tires and provide a competitive quote. Image via Pixabay

Your battery supplies power to your car before you start the engine. Once your engine starts, the responsibility for providing all the electrical power falls on your alternator. When your alternator starts to wear out, it will provide less power, and eventually, your car will not even be able to start. As your Chevy dealer, we'd like you to know the signs that you need an alternator repair. more Headlight Problems Your headlights are powered by the electrical system, and when your car is running the alternator provides that power. If the alternator is weakening, it cannot supply power consistently and the headlights will start to flicker. The power fluctuations cause havoc with the delicate bulbs in the headlights, and they will burn out much faster. If you frequently have to replace bulbs, your alternator is likely failing. Starting Difficulty Your Car The battery provides the charge to start your ignition, and once your car is moving the alternator starts to charge your battery. When an alternator is weakening, it can't charge the battery sufficiently, and your battery will start to run down. If your battery doesn't have enough power, it will take longer to start your car as the battery has to build up a sufficient charge. Electrical Glitches As a failing alternator supplies less power, and your car's electrical system's power demands are constant, electrical glitches will start to occur. The glitches are random, but as the alternator weakens further they will occur more frequently. Windshield wipers, for example, can suddenly stop working, or the seat heater can suddenly go cold. The inconsistent power supply can also cause long-term damage to these components as they are not designed to work with a fluctuating power system. If you experience random glitches, we recommend contacting our service department so we can investigate. Worn Electrical Connections Your alternator may be working perfectly, but one or more of the connections in the electrical system may be worn or damaged. Due to the damaged connections, power will not reach the components that need it. The alternator will try to supply more power, and the cables will grow hotter. If you smell burning wire, this can be a sign that you have an alternator problem. Check Engine Light Goes On The engine light is an excellent early warning that there is a problem with your engine. The light doesn't necessarily indicate that there is a fault with the alternator, but it does show that something in your engine is not working correctly. Your car will display a code, and our technicians will use the code to trace and repair the problem. Don't let a dead alternator leave you stranded. If you experience any of the signs above when you are in Butler, PA, call us right away at Mike Kelly Chevrolet. Our expert technicians have the best diagnostic equipment available to find the source of the problem and repair or replace it. Image via Pixabay