4 Engine Problems You Should Always Fix at Your Chevy Dealer

An engine diagnostic is a great way to pinpoint vehicle issues to avoid major problems down the road and to keep your Chevy Malibu, Trailblazer, or Silverado in good running condition. When you take your car to your Sterling Chevy dealership for a diagnostic test, you can rest assured that the certified technicians will detect any underlying issues quickly and accurately, eliminate nasty surprises, and save you time and money on repairs. 1. Illuminated Check Engine Light Keep your eye on your check engine light because it's your Chevy's way of telling you something is not working as it should. It's essential to call your dealership right away to schedule a diagnostic test when the check engine light goes on. By doing so, the Chevy technician will identify the problem quickly and get the necessary repairs done before the issue escalates into a significant and costly one. more 2. High Fuel Consumption If you have to fill up your gas tank more frequently than usual despite driving the same distances, it could be a sign that your engine is not running efficiently. Many issues can cause your car to burn more fuel, from a clogged air filter or dirty oxygen sensors to damaged fuel filters. A diagnostic test will identify the cause of the problem so that the necessary repairs can be performed to ensure that your engine runs optimally and you spend less at the gas station. 3. Decreased Performance Various issues can cause your Chevy to have performance issues. If you're experiencing sluggish acceleration when you step on the gas pedal, it's possible that your engine air filter or fuel filter may be clogged. Head to your dealership for a diagnostic test to get to the root of the problem. 4. Rough Idling If your car is idling roughly, it could be due to various reasons, including bad spark plugs, dirty fuel injectors, or faulty fuel pumps. Get rid of the guesswork and ask your Chevy technician to perform a diagnostic test. It's a fast way to find the problem and deal with it before there's severe damage to your car's engine. 5. Noises It's always best to address new and unfamiliar sounds coming from under the hood as soon as possible. Ignoring them can lead to more damage over time, resulting in higher repair costs or even the need for a replacement. If you hear tapping or knocking noises, you must schedule a diagnostic test at your dealership immediately. 6. Odors If you smell odors, especially exhaust and gas fumes, inside the cabin, it's essential to get the help of a qualified technician right away. These odors can have a severe impact on your health. Schedule a diagnostic test at your dealership as soon as possible to identify the issue and keep yourself safe and healthy. By using specialized diagnostic equipment specifically designed for Chevy vehicles, the highly qualified technicians at your dealership can accurately pinpoint any issues with your car. By eliminating the guesswork with expert diagnostic testing, repairs are done quickly and correctly, saving you money. Call Ted Britt Chevrolet now for an expert diagnostic test if you struggle with vehicle issues.

Transmissions have an undeservedly bad reputation as expensive and time-consuming to repair. In reality, most transmission issues can be quickly and inexpensively repaired if they're detected when they start. As your Chevy dealer, we want to tell you about some signs that you need to visit us for a transmission service. more Signs You Need a Transmission Service at Your Chevy Dealer Foul Smell Transmission fluid is continually pumped through the transmission and cools the hot components as it moves over them. The fluid also coats these components in a protective covering that allows them to work effectively while protecting them from friction damage. The fluid's most important role is to provide the hydraulic power that allows the gears to shift. The fluid loses many of its special properties over time, including its essential heat resistance. Older transmission fluid can overheat in the hot transmission, and it can burn. If this happens, you'll smell a foul burning rubber stench from the fluid. We solve this problem by draining the old fluid, flushing the transmission to remove any residue, and then refilling the transmission with new fluid. Slipping Gears This is a very scary situation, as the gears will suddenly shift, without any warning, to the previous gear. You'll experience a drop in engine power and speed and usually hear the harsh sounds of metal grinding and clunking. These sounds are caused by the gears shifting against the resistance provided by the already-engaged gears. This sudden movement can damage gears and gear teeth. It can be caused by a leak of transmission fluid, which also means the transmission leaks. Other possible causes are worn gear teeth, damaged transmission bands, or an issue with the transmission computer. Our technicians will examine your transmission, diagnose the problem, and repair it. Damaged Transmission Mount The transmission is connected to the frame by two transmission mounts. These mounts prevent the transmission from moving and act as shocks to prevent transmission damage caused by vibrations as you drive. The mounts are made from tough rubber and are liquid-filled to absorb an impact. In time, the rubber will age, and this can cause cracks. The liquid inside a cracked mount will leak, reducing the mount's ability to reduce vibrations. If this happens, you'll hear thudding sounds when driving as the transmission moves. The transmission can't break loose but will suffer impact damage due to these movements. We fix this issue by removing your transmission and replacing the damaged mounts, then we reseat the transmission and securely reconnect it. If you suspect you have a transmission issue, contact us right away at Ted Britt Chevrolet in Sterling, VA. Our experts will have your transmission repaired in no time.

As your Chevy dealer, we offer a complete range of services to ensure your vehicle always works at its best. Servicing improves your Chevy's performance and reduces future repairs. We want to tell you about a few of the types of Chevy service we provide. more 3 Types of Chevy Service Available at Your Chevy Dealer Radiator Servicing The radiator is the heart of your Chevy's cooling system. Engine heat is absorbed by liquid coolant and transported to the radiator when the heat is removed by airflow through the radiator grille. A radiator operates at high temperatures and pressure, and over time, this causes parts to wear out or get damaged. A service restores the radiator's health and allows it to continue to work efficiently. During a service, we examine and test all the cooling system's components, ranging from the thermostat to the water pump. The system, including the radiator hoses, is tested for leaks to ensure that it remains airtight to keep the coolant pressurized. We drain the old coolant and replace it, and we also ensure the radiator is clean, debris-free, and working smoothly. Tire Rotations The tires are one of the hardest working parts on your Chevy. They're subject to continuous wear and tear due to surface friction. In addition, they are gradually weakened by exposure to water, mud, and UV rays. Each tire suffers additional wear on certain areas depending on the tire's position on your vehicle. A tire rotation helps to reduce wear damage by shifting each tire to a new position. The new positions the tires move to depend on the type of drivetrain you have. This equalizes wearing and helps all your tires to wear down at a relatively uniform​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ rate. Reducing tire damage allows your tires to last longer, giving you more time to prepare for their eventual replacement. Fluid Checks Your Chevy has a wide range of fluids that keep the engine clean, control its temperature, and allow the transmission and brakes to work effectively. All fluids lose their effectiveness over time, and some older fluids can even cause engine damage if they're not replaced. The most important fluids in your Chevy, after the fuel, are engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, and brake fluid. Our technicians will check all your fluid levels and top them up if necessary. If a fluid needs replacement, we'll drain the old fluid and refill it. Some fluids, like transmission fluid and engine oil, have filters, and we replace their filters when we replace the fluid. Fresh fluids allow your vehicle's systems to operate more efficiently, reducing wear and tear and extending your Chevy's life. Book your next service today by contacting us at Ted Britt Chevrolet in Sterling, VA.