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Routine trips to a trusted technician are vital for true vehicle health, performance, and longevity. With this in mind, head to your local Chevy dealer today to set up a suitable schedule for the following essential Chevy services. more 7 Services Offered by Your Chevy Dealership Change Motor Oil With all the heat and potential friction inside your engine, high-quality motor oil is crucial to lubricate parts and clean out debris. Modern motor oil tends to last 7,500 to 10,000 miles before degrading. Most drivers should have their oil changed at least twice a year to keep the engine properly protected. Top Up the Coolant Coolant is the engine's primary defense against overheating and should always be monitored. Top your coolant up when it's low and flush when it starts to age and discolor, which will typically be every two or three years. Tune Up the Engine Every aspect of your engine should be examined and finely tuned by a seasoned technician once a year. These routine tune-ups keep your car running smoothly and ensure that any engine problems are found quickly and nipped in the bud. Rotate and Change Tires The tires should be rotated twice a year to prevent excessively uneven wear. This extends tire lifespan; well-kept tires should ideally last from four to six years. Once the treads of your tires diminish to 2/32 of an inch or under, have them replaced. Inspect the Brakes For your safety, never neglect to have your brakes properly inspected twice a year. This involves removing each brake pad, rotor disc, and brake caliper to examine each part, plus careful inspection of the brake fluid and hoses. Replace Air Filters The engine's air filter usually needs to be replaced once a year, lest it clogs up, restricting the inflow of oxygen into the engine. You should also replace your cabin's air filter yearly. Service the Transmission The transmission fluid is vital for proper gearbox maintenance. Have this fluid topped up as required and periodically flushed. Your transmission should be fully serviced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles (30,000 to 60,000 miles for a manual transmission). Schedule All Chevy Services With Our Technicians In your busy daily schedule, it can be hard to remember each required service. This creates the risk of neglecting a car part, which might then start to experience problems. When you schedule services with us, we can help ensure you stay on top of it all and keep your car in tip-top condition at all times. Visit Ted Britt Chevrolet in Sterling, VA, today to arrange a convenient vehicle maintenance schedule. We offer an impressive inventory of over 500 new and pre-owned vehicles, excellent upkeep services, and personalized customer care.

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.

The battery provides the power that starts your engine, and it maintains your Chevy's systems when the engine is switched off. As time passes, your battery will weaken and eventually fail. As your Chevy dealer, we'd like you to know a few signs you need to visit us for a new car battery. more 3 Signs You Need a New Car Battery From Your Chevy Dealer Short Driving Distances Regularly driving short distances can damage your battery and cause it to fail. The battery sends a powerful electrical charge to the starter when you hit the start button, which cranks the engine and begins the combustion process. The electrical charge uses a large portion of the battery's reserves, and this lost electricity is replaced by the alternator once your engine is running. The alternator doesn't recharge the battery at full power. After an initial full charge for ten minutes, the alternator switches to recharging at 10% of capacity until the battery is replenished. If you routinely drive only short distances, the battery will steadily weaken as it never sufficiently recharges. We'll test your battery, and if it's still in good condition, this issue can be fixed by driving your Chevy for at least one hour once a week. Dim Headlights Dim headlights usually mean that your headlight bulbs are weakening and will fail. They can also mean the bulbs aren't receiving enough electricity to shine brightly. You can test this hypothesis by checking the bulb's luminosity when the engine is switched off, then switching the engine on and rechecking the bulb's brightness. If the bulbs are dim under both conditions, they're probably wearing out, and we can replace them. If the bulbs are brighter when the engine is running, your battery is weakening. We'll test your battery using our computerized battery tester. This machine will identify any weakness in the battery and estimate its remaining life. If your battery is very weak, we can replace it to fix this issue. Illuminated Battery Light The battery light on your dash warns of any problems in your electrical system. The electrical system contains many sensors, each connected to an important component. The sensors monitor their connected components and will inform your computer if they detect any problem with their component. Your computer will log the problem and then illuminate the battery light. We diagnose this problem by connecting your computer to a diagnostic scanner. The scanner can read error codes on the computer, and our technicians will use this information to pinpoint the cause of the problem so we can repair it. Once the issue is fixed, the warning light will go out. If you have a battery problem, contact our service department at Ted Britt Chevrolet in Sterling, VA.

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.

Getting a wheel alignment at your Chevy dealer when needed helps your tires last a long time, and it makes driving and lot easier. When your wheels are misaligned, you'll deal with issues such as excess steering wheel vibrations, difficult handling, and premature tire wear. None of this is pleasant, and it all makes driving less safe, too. more Why Is It Important to Get Your Wheels Aligned? Getting your wheels aligned is important because your car's handling can suffer when your car is out of alignment. Plus, misaligned wheels contribute to premature tire wear. When your car is easy to handle, it's a lot safer. Having tires that have worn down correctly is safer you, too, so never skip alignment appointments. How Frequently Do You Need a Wheel Alignment From Your Chevy Dealer? It's important that you get your wheels aligned at least once a year, although stopping by the dealer for an alignment twice a year is even better. If at any time you notice that your steering wheel is off center, your car is drifting or pulling to one side, or your tires have worn down unevenly, you should visit the dealer in case your car is out of alignment. The Benefits of Getting Your Wheels Aligned Better Handling It's a whole lot harder to handle your car when your wheels aren't aligned. To drive straight, you need to hold your steering wheel at a strange angle, usually off to one side. The more out of alignment your car gets, the more effort you need to put into adjusting your steering. It's distracting, uncomfortable, and not very safe. Better Ride Comfort It's not just more comfortable to drive when you don't have to adjust your steering angle; it's more comfortable to drive when your wheels are aligned because of your tires, too. Alignments help your tires wear down evenly, so you won't have to deal with excessive tire vibration. When your car is aligned, you'll also notice less vibration in your steering wheel. Better Fuel Efficiency When there's pretty much anything wrong with your car, it's going to use more fuel and leave you stopping for gas way more often than usual. Because your tires wear down unevenly when your car is out of alignment, the car has to work harder and is under more pressure during every ride. So, to compensate, it guzzles gas to help itself work harder. Better Tire Lifespan When your tires wear down unevenly, parts of them stop being road-safe much sooner than others. So, you end up buying a new set more often than you'd need to if your wheels were aligned. When the tires wear down evenly, they last longer, saving you money. Come down to Ted Britt Chevrolet in Stirling, VA for an alignment to avoid the issues that misalignment can bring. You can schedule your next service appointment online today.

If part of your vehicle breaks down, you might want to get your hands on a replacement part as soon as possible. However, while generic parts are easier to source, they might cause your Chevy more harm than good in the long run. Fortunately, you can order OEM parts from your Sterling Chevy dealer. 1. Quality One of the biggest benefits of OEM Chevy parts is their quality. Original equipment manufacturer parts are made with the exact same specifications as the genuine Chevy parts that originally came with your vehicle. These high-quality parts will fit your precise model. This level of compatibility will ensure you can enjoy a long-lasting repair without risking any damage to your vehicle. more 2. Performance OEM Chevy parts also offer top-notch performance. Unlike generic parts, the materials used for original equipment manufacturer parts are designed to tolerate the performance demands of your Chevy. After your repair is complete, you will be able to enjoy the same level of reliability and performance from your vehicle. 3. Cost Although OEM Chevy parts are a little pricier than generic parts, the fact of the matter is that OEM auto parts will last much longer than generic parts. With generic parts, you might be buying replacement parts frequently, which will add up over time. In the long run, it's more affordable to buy original equipment manufacturer parts. How Can You Order Parts From Ted Britt Chevrolet? If you need to order OEM Chevy parts, the most reliable source is your local Sterling dealership. The service department at your dealership may have some auto parts in stock. If not, the service center can help you complete your order over the phone or in person. You also have the option of using an online application on your dealership's website. After you order your parts, they will be delivered to your local dealership. From there, you can pick up the parts, or you can ask Chevy mechanics to complete the installation for you. Depending on the complexity of your repairs, it might be best to have a certified mechanic install the parts. A benefit of allowing a Chevy mechanic to install your replacement parts is the auto parts warranty, which will protect you from product defects. What If You Don't Know What Parts You Need? If you aren't sure which parts you should order or if you want to make sure you order all the parts you need at once, you can schedule a service appointment at your dealership. During a full inspection, a Chevy mechanic will go over every inch of your Chevrolet and tell you which parts you need to order so you can complete your repairs. Common parts of your vehicle, such as the brakes, rotors, motor oil, and filters, need to be replaced occasionally. Whether you're committed to making these repairs yourself or you feel more comfortable having a Chevy mechanic under your hood, it's best to use OEM Chevy parts. Call Ted Britt Chevrolet to start your auto parts order today.