Three Benefits of Getting OEM Parts for Your Chevy

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.

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.