Spring Cleaning for Your Car
And just like that it’s March, nearly Spring! Your vehicle has been a trooper the past few months, getting you through slush, snow, potholes, and ice. If you haven’t noticed the long lines at the car wash recently you soon will. With temps steadily hitting 40 degrees plus now is the time to treat your car, truck, or SUV to a little TLC.
Bath Time: Now is the time to focus more on the underneath and interior of your vehicle than anything else. Rid your vehicle of road salt and other chemicals that cause undercarriage rust and damage to cloth floor mats. If your mats are unsalvageable consider an upgrade, you can save 10% on all-weather floor mats or liners this month when you order with our Service Department. Sure, with melting ice still on the road your car, truck, or SUV will get dirty again but you’ve managed to get a jump start getting it clean.
Rubber Check: The air pressure in your tires fluctuates with the temperature. When you live in the Midwest it’s a good idea to get in the habit of checking your tires as the seasons change. Look for bulges (common if you hit a pothole) or cracks on the sidewall. Leaving those unchecked could lead to a blowout, especially as temps warm and the air in your tires expand. You’ll find recommended air pressure levels on the doorjamb sticker or in your owner’s manual! While you’re at it, check your wiper blades too. If they leave streaks or feel particularly rigid now is the time to replace them.
Check Your Undercarriage: Fact is, while the underneath of your car gets ignored most of the time, in the winter it takes most of the beating. Chunks of ice, mounds of snow, and hidden potholes are all potentially damaging to your exhaust system, suspension, and braking system. Now that the snow and ice are melting, take a quick looksie under your vehicle. If you suspect something has been damaged, schedule a check-up sooner rather than later with our Service Department at bachrodtchevy.com
Fluid Check: We go through A LOT of windshield wiper fluid during Spring thaw. A warm day is the perfect time to review where your fluid reservoirs are and how to fill them. Top off your coolant, oil, and brake fluid while you’re at it.
Spring Cleaning is the perfect time to fix any bumps, scrapes, or bruises your vehicle may have. Take a walk around and assess it thoroughly. If you’re ever planning to trade your vehicle you want to get the most for it you can. Making that trade before scratches rust or dents crease is imperative. You’d be amazed at what our detail team can do! Don’t forget, you can value your trade from the comfort of home HERE or swing through and get a road-tested review with one of our Sales Managers.
Spring Cleaning for Your Car
Spring Cleaning for Your Car
And just like that it’s March, nearly Spring! Your vehicle has been a trooper the past few months, getting you through slush, snow, potholes, and ice. If you haven’t noticed the long lines at the car wash recently you soon will. With temps steadily hitting 40 degrees plus now is the time to treat your car, truck, or SUV to a little TLC.
Bath Time: Now is the time to focus more on the underneath and interior of your vehicle than anything else. Rid your vehicle of road salt and other chemicals that cause undercarriage rust and damage to cloth floor mats. If your mats are unsalvageable consider an upgrade, you can save 10% on all-weather floor mats or liners this month when you order with our Service Department. Sure, with melting ice still on the road your car, truck, or SUV will get dirty again but you’ve managed to get a jump start getting it clean.
Rubber Check: The air pressure in your tires fluctuates with the temperature. When you live in the Midwest it’s a good idea to get in the habit of checking your tires as the seasons change. Look for bulges (common if you hit a pothole) or cracks on the sidewall. Leaving those unchecked could lead to a blowout, especially as temps warm and the air in your tires expand. You’ll find recommended air pressure levels on the doorjamb sticker or in your owner’s manual! While you’re at it, check your wiper blades too. If they leave streaks or feel particularly rigid now is the time to replace them.
Check Your Undercarriage: Fact is, while the underneath of your car gets ignored most of the time, in the winter it takes most of the beating. Chunks of ice, mounds of snow, and hidden potholes are all potentially damaging to your exhaust system, suspension, and braking system. Now that the snow and ice are melting, take a quick looksie under your vehicle. If you suspect something has been damaged, schedule a check-up sooner rather than later with our Service Department at bachrodtchevy.com
Fluid Check: We go through A LOT of windshield wiper fluid during Spring thaw. A warm day is the perfect time to review where your fluid reservoirs are and how to fill them. Top off your coolant, oil, and brake fluid while you’re at it.
Spring Cleaning is the perfect time to fix any bumps, scrapes, or bruises your vehicle may have. Take a walk around and assess it thoroughly. If you’re ever planning to trade your vehicle you want to get the most for it you can. Making that trade before scratches rust or dents crease is imperative. You’d be amazed at what our detail team can do! Don’t forget, you can value your trade from the comfort of home HERE or swing through and get a road-tested review with one of our Sales Managers.
Cold Weather Car Care
We’re no strangers to sub-zero temperatures and there are plenty of cold days still on the way. While we take every precaution possible to avoid them, frozen cars are a frustrating reality here in the Midwest. Especially if you have a detached garage or happen to park outside. With that in mind we’ve pulled together a how-to list for saving your frozen vehicle!
Dead Battery: Cold batteries simply don’t produce the same amount of power as a warm one. In conditions like our current sub-zero temps that leads to starting issues.
- You can help your car get the boost it needs by turning everything off! Electrical accessories like the heater, radio, even headlights take juice to operate. Turning those off before turning the key might just do the trick. If your engine does start, let it run for several minutes before you turn them back on.
- Attempting to jump start your vehicle should be a “last resort” kinda thing. If you’ve tried everything else watch this VIDEO first for instructions on using a jump pack to start your car. Keep in mind, if you don’t know what you’re doing, using another vehicle to jump start yours is dangerous and could do damage to both cars.
Frozen Lock: Sure, most of us don’t use keys anymore but did you know the locking mechanism in your vehicle can still freeze up? Don’t panic and douse your lock with hot water! There are several common sense tips for this.
- Check the passenger door! More often than not only one side’s door will freeze. If you can get the vehicle running that may be just enough to warm your frozen lock.
- Try using hand sanitizer, WD-40, or de-icing spray in the lock.
- Your last option should be heating the key with matches or a lighter to melt the ice built up in the keyhole.
Frozen Door: You’re running late and forget to start your vehicle. It happens. So you run outside in the cold, click the remote to unlock your vehicle, and the door won’t budge. You might be tempted to yank on that handle but that’s a no-no. The last thing you need is for the door handle to snap off in your hand, right? Do this instead…
- Try using an ice scraper or plastic card from your wallet to remove as much ice as possible along the door seam.
- Still won’t budge? Bust out your hair dryer and aim it along the seams until the ice in the door frame melts.
Preventative Measures: We like to call these “Dad Tips”. Basic cold-weather maintenance for your vehicle that most of us forget about.
- Check your oil! Low levels will strain your battery making it more difficult to start your vehicle.
- Keep your gas tank no less than ¼ full. If you ask MY Dad, he’d say a tank for sure.
- Get your battery tested, especially if you notice your car is sluggish to start. Schedule an appointment with our Service Department at bachrodtchevy.com and we’ll test it for FREE.
Obviously parking your vehicle in an attached or heated garage is the best bet for keeping her running all winter long. In a pinch, these cold weather car care tips will keep you on the road and out of the service lane! Stay warm out there.
Cold Weather Car Care
Cold Weather Car Care
We’re no strangers to sub-zero temperatures and there are plenty of cold days still on the way. While we take every precaution possible to avoid them, frozen cars are a frustrating reality here in the Midwest. Especially if you have a detached garage or happen to park outside. With that in mind we’ve pulled together a how-to list for saving your frozen vehicle!
Dead Battery: Cold batteries simply don’t produce the same amount of power as a warm one. In conditions like our current sub-zero temps that leads to starting issues.
- You can help your car get the boost it needs by turning everything off! Electrical accessories like the heater, radio, even headlights take juice to operate. Turning those off before turning the key might just do the trick. If your engine does start, let it run for several minutes before you turn them back on.
- Attempting to jump start your vehicle should be a “last resort” kinda thing. If you’ve tried everything else watch this VIDEO first for instructions on using a jump pack to start your car. Keep in mind, if you don’t know what you’re doing, using another vehicle to jump start yours is dangerous and could do damage to both cars.
Frozen Lock: Sure, most of us don’t use keys anymore but did you know the locking mechanism in your vehicle can still freeze up? Don’t panic and douse your lock with hot water! There are several common sense tips for this.
- Check the passenger door! More often than not only one side’s door will freeze. If you can get the vehicle running that may be just enough to warm your frozen lock.
- Try using hand sanitizer, WD-40, or de-icing spray in the lock.
- Your last option should be heating the key with matches or a lighter to melt the ice built up in the keyhole.
Frozen Door: You’re running late and forget to start your vehicle. It happens. So you run outside in the cold, click the remote to unlock your vehicle, and the door won’t budge. You might be tempted to yank on that handle but that’s a no-no. The last thing you need is for the door handle to snap off in your hand, right? Do this instead…
- Try using an ice scraper or plastic card from your wallet to remove as much ice as possible along the door seam.
- Still won’t budge? Bust out your hair dryer and aim it along the seams until the ice in the door frame melts.
Preventative Measures: We like to call these “Dad Tips”. Basic cold-weather maintenance for your vehicle that most of us forget about.
- Check your oil! Low levels will strain your battery making it more difficult to start your vehicle.
- Keep your gas tank no less than ¼ full. If you ask MY Dad, he’d say a tank for sure.
- Get your battery tested, especially if you notice your car is sluggish to start. Schedule an appointment with our Service Department at bachrodtchevy.com and we’ll test it for FREE.
Obviously parking your vehicle in an attached or heated garage is the best bet for keeping her running all winter long. In a pinch, these cold weather car care tips will keep you on the road and out of the service lane! Stay warm out there.
Why a Winter Wash?
Why winter wash…because dirt can hurt! We already know Midwest Winters are particularly cruel to our vehicles. Thanks to all the sand, salt, slush, and dirt our cars, trucks, and SUVs look pretty scuzzy from November through April. That’s SIX MONTHS of wear and tear! Much like you, we get lazy about maintenance once the temps drop. However, Winter is the most important time to care for the exterior of your vehicle. Check out this rundown of how and why to care for your car, inside and out, during the coldest months of the year. PLUS preventative pro-tips for making that car care easier than ever!
Exterior: Salt, grit, and rotting leaves are on the road and ready to stick to your vehicle. These elements do the most damage to your undercarriage, that part of the car that only your mechanic sees, creating rust which will eventually eat away at the exposed metalwork causing mechanical issues and costing you $$$ down the road. Replacing rusted suspension components gets pricey not to mention the hit you take when the resale or trade-in value of your car, truck, or SUV drops due to rust.
Interior: Mud, slush, snow, and ice. The four horsemen of your interior. Add in your kids’ and pets’ indifference to cleanliness and your vehicle’s upholstery is done for! Keeping the carpet mats dry and clean is a struggle for sure but an absolute must. Dirt and moisture will work itself into the fibers of your carpet and upholstery creating the perfect atmosphere for mold, stubborn stains, and smells like no other. If you don’t have rubber all-weather liners consider upgrading for the season. They’ll trap water and dirt instead of absorbing it.
Heads up, manufacturer accessories like Winter floor mats and liners, Tonneau covers, and splash guards are 10% off right now! Not sure what to get? Don’t worry…our Parts Department will help you find the perfect fit to protect your vehicle. Check out the deals and order what you need HERE. Bonus tip, having a portable vacuum nearby goes a long way in keeping your interior neat. Work smarter not harder. Tidying up for a few minutes each week is way better than spending an hour in the cold when it gets to be too much.
How Often: You should make time to have your vehicle washed at least twice a month or whenever it looks particularly rough following severe wintry conditions. In the Midwest this doesn’t just mean snow. Most cities use salt or sand on the roads to avoid icing during extreme cold temperatures too! If the car wash you visit has an option to spray down the undercarriage DO IT. Trying to save a few bucks, wait for warmish day (40+ degrees) and use a pressure washer on the undercarriage at home.
Preventative: Unless you have a heated garage it’s too late in the season to apply preventative measures like a wax coat. Most products don’t cure properly below 60 degrees. What can you do next time? Wax your car each Fall! Schedule a detail or do it yourself but a fresh layer of protective wax will keep dirt and debris away from the paint and make your car, truck, or SUV easier to clean.
Pro Tip: Thanks to technology you can avoid this yearly ritual with glass, plastic trim, and paint protection. Using Carefree Paint Protection’s ceramic coating you can preserve your vehicle inside and out…guaranteed*. Basically, it’s an invisible force field protecting your car from the elements! New or used you can schedule your car, truck, or SUV for an appt with our Service Department at bachrodtchevy.com, even if you didn’t buy it here. No more waxing every year. In fact, buy once and we’ll detail your vehicle and reapply this eco-friendly coating every 5 years to expand the life and enhance the value of your ride! Sounds to good to be true, right? It’s not! *Get all the details from our Customer Relations Manager, Chuck Panos, at (815) 580-2179
Whether you’re a “do it yourselfer” or book the appointment kinda car owner don’t neglect your wheels when Winter hits. Sure, you can’t bust out the hose and give it an old-school bath but you can protect it from the elements with just a few minutes of care each month.
Why a Winter Wash?
Why a Winter Wash?
Why winter wash…because dirt can hurt! We already know Midwest Winters are particularly cruel to our vehicles. Thanks to all the sand, salt, slush, and dirt our cars, trucks, and SUVs look pretty scuzzy from November through April. That’s SIX MONTHS of wear and tear! Much like you, we get lazy about maintenance once the temps drop. However, Winter is the most important time to care for the exterior of your vehicle. Check out this rundown of how and why to care for your car, inside and out, during the coldest months of the year. PLUS preventative pro-tips for making that car care easier than ever!
Exterior: Salt, grit, and rotting leaves are on the road and ready to stick to your vehicle. These elements do the most damage to your undercarriage, that part of the car that only your mechanic sees, creating rust which will eventually eat away at the exposed metalwork causing mechanical issues and costing you $$$ down the road. Replacing rusted suspension components gets pricey not to mention the hit you take when the resale or trade-in value of your car, truck, or SUV drops due to rust.
Interior: Mud, slush, snow, and ice. The four horsemen of your interior. Add in your kids’ and pets’ indifference to cleanliness and your vehicle’s upholstery is done for! Keeping the carpet mats dry and clean is a struggle for sure but an absolute must. Dirt and moisture will work itself into the fibers of your carpet and upholstery creating the perfect atmosphere for mold, stubborn stains, and smells like no other. If you don’t have rubber all-weather liners consider upgrading for the season. They’ll trap water and dirt instead of absorbing it.
Heads up, manufacturer accessories like Winter floor mats and liners, Tonneau covers, and splash guards are 10% off right now! Not sure what to get? Don’t worry…our Parts Department will help you find the perfect fit to protect your vehicle. Check out the deals and order what you need HERE. Bonus tip, having a portable vacuum nearby goes a long way in keeping your interior neat. Work smarter not harder. Tidying up for a few minutes each week is way better than spending an hour in the cold when it gets to be too much.
How Often: You should make time to have your vehicle washed at least twice a month or whenever it looks particularly rough following severe wintry conditions. In the Midwest this doesn’t just mean snow. Most cities use salt or sand on the roads to avoid icing during extreme cold temperatures too! If the car wash you visit has an option to spray down the undercarriage DO IT. Trying to save a few bucks, wait for warmish day (40+ degrees) and use a pressure washer on the undercarriage at home.
Preventative: Unless you have a heated garage it’s too late in the season to apply preventative measures like a wax coat. Most products don’t cure properly below 60 degrees. What can you do next time? Wax your car each Fall! Schedule a detail or do it yourself but a fresh layer of protective wax will keep dirt and debris away from the paint and make your car, truck, or SUV easier to clean.
Pro Tip: Thanks to technology you can avoid this yearly ritual with glass, plastic trim, and paint protection. Using Carefree Paint Protection’s ceramic coating you can preserve your vehicle inside and out…guaranteed*. Basically, it’s an invisible force field protecting your car from the elements! New or used you can schedule your car, truck, or SUV for an appt with our Service Department at bachrodtchevy.com, even if you didn’t buy it here. No more waxing every year. In fact, buy once and we’ll detail your vehicle and reapply this eco-friendly coating every 5 years to expand the life and enhance the value of your ride! Sounds to good to be true, right? It’s not! *Get all the details from our Customer Relations Manager, Chuck Panos, at (815) 580-2179
Whether you’re a “do it yourselfer” or book the appointment kinda car owner don’t neglect your wheels when Winter hits. Sure, you can’t bust out the hose and give it an old-school bath but you can protect it from the elements with just a few minutes of care each month.
Gifting 815!
When we say shop local…we mean it! So, we put our money where our mouth is and hit a few shops in the 815 to create this amazing “RFD MADE” gift basket for a little contest fun. Over $200 in local gifts for you to WIN. Gift it away, piece it out to friends on your gift list, or keep it for yourself (we won’t tell). Here’s what you’ll find in the basket…
- Pinnon Meats – $20 gift card
- The Norwegian – Reindeer Feed
- Rockford Art Deli – 815 T-Shirt
- Ole Salty’s – Original Kettle Cooked Chips
- Huston Candle Company – Deck the Halls Wax Melts
- Beef-a-Roo – Seasoned Salt
- Midway Village Museum – Sock Monkey w/ Birth Certificate
- Rockford Roasting Co. – 1lb whole bean Solstice blend
- Nicholson Hardware – Baseball Hat
- Bath & Body Fusion – Dream Cream and Cucumber Melon Soap Sponge
- Rathskeller – Howler & $15 gift card toward filling it
These local businesses aren’t connected to the contest but if you don’t know these Rockford shops you should! This is a wonderful collection of RFD staples including iconic old-school shops like Nicholson Hardware and Pinnon Meats PLUS new to the scene Huston Candle Co. and The Norwegian. We have to show some love to the recently revitalized Rathskeller too. Restoring the RFD tradition was no easy fete. During a pandemic even!
We know, you WANT this basket right?! Here’s how you can win! The contest will be posted to our official Facebook Page @LouBachrodtChevy starting at noon on 12/16. Find the post, comment, and you’re registered to win. Easy peasy. Oh, don’t forget to share so your friends have a chance to win too! We’ll update the post with a winner’s name after they’ve been contacted by our team just after the contest ends at noon on Tuesday 22nd! We’re keeping it local this Christmas and you can reap the rewards. See official rules HERE. Have questions about the contest? Just email us at social@bachrodt.com for clarification.
Gifting 815!
Gifting 815!
When we say shop local…we mean it! So, we put our money where our mouth is and hit a few shops in the 815 to create this amazing “RFD MADE” gift basket for a little contest fun. Over $200 in local gifts for you to WIN. Gift it away, piece it out to friends on your gift list, or keep it for yourself (we won’t tell). Here’s what you’ll find in the basket…
- Pinnon Meats – $20 gift card
- The Norwegian – Reindeer Feed
- Rockford Art Deli – 815 T-Shirt
- Ole Salty’s – Original Kettle Cooked Chips
- Huston Candle Company – Deck the Halls Wax Melts
- Beef-a-Roo – Seasoned Salt
- Midway Village Museum – Sock Monkey w/ Birth Certificate
- Rockford Roasting Co. – 1lb whole bean Solstice blend
- Nicholson Hardware – Baseball Hat
- Bath & Body Fusion – Dream Cream and Cucumber Melon Soap Sponge
- Rathskeller – Howler & $15 gift card toward filling it
These local businesses aren’t connected to the contest but if you don’t know these Rockford shops you should! This is a wonderful collection of RFD staples including iconic old-school shops like Nicholson Hardware and Pinnon Meats PLUS new to the scene Huston Candle Co. and The Norwegian. We have to show some love to the recently revitalized Rathskeller too. Restoring the RFD tradition was no easy fete. During a pandemic even!
We know, you WANT this basket right?! Here’s how you can win! The contest will be posted to our official Facebook Page @LouBachrodtChevy starting at noon on 12/16. Find the post, comment, and you’re registered to win. Easy peasy. Oh, don’t forget to share so your friends have a chance to win too! We’ll update the post with a winner’s name after they’ve been contacted by our team just after the contest ends at noon on Tuesday 22nd! We’re keeping it local this Christmas and you can reap the rewards. See official rules HERE. Have questions about the contest? Just email us at social@bachrodt.com for clarification.
Gift Giving 101: Car Lovers
If you’re not planning to buy the kids or significant other a vehicle for the holidays you may just cruise on buy the dealership. DON’T! Guys are increasingly difficult to buy for. Ladies, you’re no treat either! Nowadays, if we want something we buy it so we’ve pulled together a few great gift ideas (links included) for the car lover in your life.
Don’t forget, our Parts Department is stocked with accessories like all-weather floor mats and brand gear for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, BMW, and Volkswagen. Even better, most of it is ON SALE right now!
- Driving Gloves – keep their hands warm without sacrificing their grip on the steering wheel!
- Car Part Art – Create their name in car parts! Matted and framed this print makes for great garage or shop art.
- All Weather Liners – Let’s face it, those carpet pieces that come with most vehicles just can’t handle a Midwest Winter. All weather liners and floor mats are now on sale for the holidays. Even better, you can order them online with our Parts Department so you know you’re getting the right fit for your vehicle. This gift is definitely Dad approved!
- USB Travel Mug – If the car lover on your list spends a lot of time on the road or in the shop they’re sure to love this smart mug with Bluetooth temp control! Keeps your beverages the perfect temperature for up to 10 hours while you’re on the go.
- Portable Vacuum – Keeping the inside clean has never been easier! Pair it with this Complete Car Wash Kit from Armor All to really make the gift, and their vehicle, shine.
- Service Certificates – A year’s worth of oil changes is a pretty stellar gift if you ask us, and right now you can buy 3 (including tire rotation and car wash) for just $119! See more deals HERE.
If your car lover is hands-on we can help you find the tools they need to get the job done right OR grab a few gift certificates and they can have our team handle the work! Of course, if a new car IS on your gift list this year, we got ya covered there too. You can even shop online and have it delivered to your front door (ummm, garage) just in time for the holidays!
Gift Giving 101: Car Lovers
Gift Giving 101: Car Lovers
If you’re not planning to buy the kids or significant other a vehicle for the holidays you may just cruise on buy the dealership. DON’T! Guys are increasingly difficult to buy for. Ladies, you’re no treat either! Nowadays, if we want something we buy it so we’ve pulled together a few great gift ideas (links included) for the car lover in your life.
Don’t forget, our Parts Department is stocked with accessories like all-weather floor mats and brand gear for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, BMW, and Volkswagen. Even better, most of it is ON SALE right now!
- Driving Gloves – keep their hands warm without sacrificing their grip on the steering wheel!
- Car Part Art – Create their name in car parts! Matted and framed this print makes for great garage or shop art.
- All Weather Liners – Let’s face it, those carpet pieces that come with most vehicles just can’t handle a Midwest Winter. All weather liners and floor mats are now on sale for the holidays. Even better, you can order them online with our Parts Department so you know you’re getting the right fit for your vehicle. This gift is definitely Dad approved!
- USB Travel Mug – If the car lover on your list spends a lot of time on the road or in the shop they’re sure to love this smart mug with Bluetooth temp control! Keeps your beverages the perfect temperature for up to 10 hours while you’re on the go.
- Portable Vacuum – Keeping the inside clean has never been easier! Pair it with this Complete Car Wash Kit from Armor All to really make the gift, and their vehicle, shine.
- Service Certificates – A year’s worth of oil changes is a pretty stellar gift if you ask us, and right now you can buy 3 (including tire rotation and car wash) for just $119! See more deals HERE.
If your car lover is hands-on we can help you find the tools they need to get the job done right OR grab a few gift certificates and they can have our team handle the work! Of course, if a new car IS on your gift list this year, we got ya covered there too. You can even shop online and have it delivered to your front door (ummm, garage) just in time for the holidays!
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