Does A Diesel Vehicle Save You Money?

Diesel gets better fuel economy, but that doesn’t always make for a better value over gas. For starters Diesel is pricier at an average of $5,045 more than a gas powered version. On top of that the vehicle tends to cost a bit more to own and maintain. There comes added expense and maintenance in replenishing the reservoirs to make sure the engine runs correctly. The new technology makes for a cleaner diesel, more than many gasoline vehicles.

Diesels make up almost 4 percent of US vehicle sales, but popularity is growing. Sales jumped 27.5 percent in the first half of this year; compared with 14.9 percent increase in total new vehicle sales. The appeal comes from the infrequency in needing to fill up. Some can go up to 700 miles before another fill up. The vehicles drive well and engines deliver great acceleration. On the other hand, the higher initial cost and extra service could even out the gas savings. More diesel options are coming; up to double in the next five years as automakers introduce new models.

Chevys latest diesel vehicle the Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel goes beyond your typical compact car. With up to 46 MPG† highway, Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel gets the best highway fuel economy of any gasoline or diesel car in America†. Plus, Cruze is the first car in its class with 10 standard airbags†, helping earn the 2014 Cruze a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score† from NHTSA. Chevrolet 2-Year Scheduled Maintenance coverage† includes oil and oil filter changes, 4-wheel tire rotation and a 27-point vehicle inspection and comes standard with the purchase or lease of a 2014 Cruze.

When choosing a vehicle one must look at the long term such as those that drive 15,000 miles a year or more tend to offset initial diesel vehicle costs faster. As with deciding between leasing vs. buying, one must look at their current needs and lifestyle. How long you keep a vehicle and how much you drive is important to know. 

Can you guess the movie?

We love a good holiday movie! We've compiled quotes from a holiday classic, and we want you to guess where they are from! Are you up for the challenge? Let's get started!

"This house is so full of people it makes me sick. When I grow up and get married, I'm living alone. Did you hear me?"

"Keep the change, ya filthy animal!"

"How can you give Kris Kringle a parking ticket on Christmas Eve? What's next, rabies shots for the Easter Bunny?"

"Merry Christmas, little fella. We know that you're in there, and that you're all alone." 

Rocking around a REAL Christmas tree this year? Here's how to get your tree (and your Chevy) home in one piece!

If getting from point A to point B has held you back from gracing your home with an authentic Christmas tree, worry no more!  Keep these simple steps in mind and you'll be rocking around it in no time.

PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE: Ward off scratches and loose pine needs by placing the tree on top of an old blanket in your cargo area

BE PREPARED: If you’re going to haul your Christmas tree on your roof, you must have a roof rack so you can secure the tree to cargo hooks.  Be sure to give everything a steady tug or two before you hit the road so you know it is securely fastened.

TRUCK TIP: Remember that there could be hotspots in the bed of a truck!  If you are using the back of a pickup to transport your tree, be mindful of the damage it might suffer if exposed to the heat of the exhaust pipe.

Got it all strapped in?  Give it a tug once or twice to make sure it’s secure, and you’re on your way!  Remember to use common sense rules such as avoiding the freeway, adjusting for lost rear-view visibility, and keeping your speed in check.  

For the perfect Chevy to haul your Christmas tree this year and for many more to come, check out our inventory online!

Winter Travel Tips

We wanted to share some winter driving tips from the Iowa DOT.  As with most tips some may be considered common sense, but much of the advice below you may not have even considered!

Simple and Quick Tips For Driving On Snowy/Icy Roads:

-- Do not use cruise control.

-- Keep a safe distance from vehicles in adjacent lanes as strong wind gusts could push a vehicle outside its lane of travel.

-- Be aware that ramps and bridges may freeze before other roadway segments.

-- Put a safe distance between your vehicle, and the vehicle a head  in case sudden driving maneuvers are necessary.

-- Take extra care if driving a high-profile vehicle such as a truck, van, or sports utility vehicle, or when towing a trailer, as these vehicles are more prone to be pushed or even flipped by wind gusts.

-- Your vehicle’s headlights are a valuable asset when driving in winter weather. Turn them on to see and be seen.

-- If your vehicle begins to slide, take your foot off the gas pedal and shift into neutral, or if you have a manual transmission, depress the clutch. While it may be a natural instinct to slam on your brakes, this may cause your vehicle to slide further and result in loss of vehicle control. Tap the brake pedal lightly.

-- If you have an idea that there may be ice ahead (if you see vehicles ahead of you sliding, for example), downshift to a lower gear before you come onto the ice. The lower gear will force you to drive more slowly and give you better control of your vehicle.

-- If your vehicle does begin to skid on the ice, turn the wheel in the direction of the skid. This should help to steer your vehicle back on the right track.

-- Do not think you are invincible just because you drive a four-wheel drive truck or sports utility vehicle. Four-wheel drive vehicles have no advantage over other vehicles when it comes to driving on ice.

DOT officials said winter driving is always unpredictable, so be PREPARED for the unexpected. 

Keep your windshield washer full and have good wiper blades so that you can keep the windshield clear.
Keep plenty of fuel in the tank. You never know when you may be delayed or stranded.

Pack a winter survival kit to keep in your vehicle. Suggested items include jumper cables, blankets, candles, matches, water, extra clothing, boots, snow shovel, ice scraper, high calorie non-perishable foods, flashlight with extra batteries, first-aid kit, and sand or strips of carpet for traction.

The best tip for winter driving can sometimes be to stay home! If you crash on a bad road the very least you will be late.

The Eagle Has Landed

The eagle has landed. We repeat, the eagle has landed. And by eagle, we mean the Chevy SS! We only have one in stock, so you know that this car will be driving away quicker than you can say Chevrolet. It has 415 Horse Power, can parallel park itself, and do so much more. Inquire about this ferocious vehicle today!

Contact us at (866) 725-7159! Roger that? Over and out!

Get The Most Out Of Your Black Friday Shopping

Whether you were one of the millions of Black Friday shoppers in the U.S. last year, or you are joining in for the first time, being well organized is key. A good plan will help you prioritize and check items off your list. Here are six tips to seize big savings the day after Thanksgiving:

1. Do your homework -  Jot down your gift list so you know what you need to purchase. Then take the very important step of determining your budget. Get a jump on sales by signing up for email alerts at your favorite retailers and liking their Facebook pages.
2. Compare prices, products and deals - Research the normal retail price of the items you want, the best sale price to date, then the best Black Friday advertised price at each store in your shopping area. Keep in mind the best deal isn’t always on Black Friday.
3. Make a game-day plan - By making the list, you can determine where each item you want will be the cheapest and what time the stores are planning to open. Then, you can map out the most practical travel route.
4. Avoid crowds if you can - Many department stores have limited-time offers, or items only available until they are sold out. If your list includes those items, you may feel the need to be at the store early. However, that’s not always necessary. If you don’t have a particular need for hot-ticket items, arrive at the store a few hours after opening to avoid the morning rush. To avoid crowds altogether, shop online. Some big-name stores have specials that will take place online at the same time as they do at the actual stores.
5. Use your smartphone - Instead of carrying lists and advertising flyers for each store, simply install checklist apps. You’ll have all your gift lists and prices in one convenient place. Upload flyers when needed to double-check or dispute prices.
6. Stick to your plan - Be sure not to let the frenzy of the day affect your judgment. Don't buy on impulse or under pressure and decide in advance what you want and what you can afford. No matter how big a bargain something may seem, once you’ve spent your budgeted amount, put the credit card away.

Easy Ways To Guarantee Your Brakes Last Longer

If you recently bought a new car and want to keep it in its best condition, or wish to keep your older model running smoothly, you must take care of the brakes.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

 ● Avoid speeding:  Speeding puts more strain on your brakes. A brake at high speed turns energy into heat which damages the brakes. Drive at the posted speed limit and your brakes should last you much longer.

● Do not follow:  Avoid using brakes because the person in the car ahead flashed their brake light quickly. This is hard habit to break for many drivers, so just try and reduce it by learning to coast when these incidents take place.

 ● Reduce all the extra baggage: Try to avoid carrying needless baggage in your trunk. The heavier the car, the more impact it will have on the brakes. So lighten your car as much as possible.

 ● Do not use your left foot: You should only use your right foot on the brake pedal as it will help you avoid simultaneously pushing both pedals and avoid unnecessary brake taps.

● Change the brake fluids: It is critical to change your brake fluids on a regular basis to avoid damage to brakes.  If your car is old, you should consider renewing your brake fluids. When you change the brake fluids, the internal components and the brakes last longer and work better.

Follow these simple steps to brakes that will last longer and work more efficiently.

See all Shottenkirk Chevrolet Service Specials!