When I got to my car at the end of the day, finding my keys was typically a several minute ordeal filled with lots frustration and cursing. My keys especially loved playing hide and seek when it was raining, finding a nice cozy spot in an obscure fold in my bag to wait for me to find them.

Chevy Eliminates the Need to Search for Keys

Most people who’ve ever carried a bag or a purse can relate. Another tough one is coming from the approaching the car with your arms full of groceries and then having to stop, set everything down, and find your keys. It’s obvious that the designers at Chevy have as well, because they’ve developed a system for the new 2013 Malibu LTZ to get around this dilemma.

With the available passive entry feature equipped, as long as you’re within three feet of the Malibu and you have your key fob on you, all it takes is a push of a button on the handle to unlock the door.

Chevy recognizes that simple technology like this can make a big difference. “Available passive entry on all of the doors was a feature we wanted to offer our Malibu customers,” said Phil Carlisle, Chevrolet Malibu product manager. “It’s small things like this that can go a long way in making everyday use of your vehicle easier.”

Developing the Passive Entry System

Engineers toyed around a bit with how the feature would actually operate. They investigated a system that would simply unlock the Malibu’s doors when the driver and the key fob were within close enough range of the vehicle. This quickly proved problematic, as drivers would unwittingly unlock the vehicle as they were casually walking by it with no intention of getting in. The final system, involving the unlock buttons on the doors handles, makes the feature easier to use overall.

If you would like to learn more about passive entry for the 2013 Chevy Malibu, feel free to contact the sales team at Cox Chevy.

The post The Chevy Malibu LTZ Introduces New Passive Entry System appeared first on Cox Chevy Bradenton, Florida 34207.

The simple ambiguity of the phrase only adds to the panic. And though it probably doesn’t mean everything under the hood is on the verge of a complete meltdown, there may be costly repercussions for ignoring it. Let’s talk about what exactly your Check Engine light is trying to tell you and the costly repairs you can avoid by a simple preventative visit to your mechanic.

What Your Check Engine Light is Indicating

Your Check Engine light is connected with a computer that tracks the readings of sensors in your vehicle’s emissions systems. These readings can tell a lot about what’s going on inside your engine. Often times a glowing light means your exhaust is over saturated with unburned gasoline.

This saturated exhaust puts a lot of stress on your catalytic converter. Also known as simply “the cat,” this device helps to filter out harmful sulfurous bi-products of combustion by using precious metals. With too much vaporous gasoline pumping through the exhaust system, though, the cat gets overworked and can’t perform its job. This can lead to heat build-up and a possible vehicle fire.

And because the cat is functioning properly, it means you’ll probably also fail your vehicle’s next emission test. That’s a road you don’t want to go down, pun totally intended. Luckily, you’ve got the power to stop this before it ever becomes a problem.

See the Light? Come to Cox Chevy

All you have to do when you see the check engine light is to bring it in to Cox Chevy. We’ve got the equipment to talk with your vehicle’s computer so we can begin to pinpoint the problem. A little money now will help to save you a lot in the future. If you would like to make an appointment, feel free to give us a call or schedule service online. Cox Chevy is located on Cortez Road West, just a quarter of a mile to the west of the Sweetbay Supermarket.

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My dad didn’t listen to the radio much, but he’d always turn on the oldies station as we drove away from the beach. Everyone else would watch quietly as the sun dipped in the orange sky over the ocean. The combination of the music and the color made the whole scene dreamlike.

My dad would typically offer that we would stop for ice cream on the drive home, making us all perk up again. By the time we got to the ice cream shop, the sky around us was turning a deep, rich blue. We loved the feeling that we were staying out past dark and that my parents were not only accepting, but encouraging of it.

Chevy Crossover SUV Options

Now that most of my family has moved away from home, my parents have sold their large van, trading it in for a smaller crossover utility vehicle. With space and performance to spare, the crossover, versus the van, offers much better handling, and, to both my parents’ relief, better parking options.

A lot of active families prefer a crossover to a van or an SUV because of their superior fuel economy. Cox Chevy has two great 2013 crossover options, including:

• The 2013 Chevy Equinox, which has an available estimated highway fuel economy of 32 mpg
• The 2013 Traverse, which has a cargo volume of 116.3 cubic feet

Come to Cox Chevy in Bradenton

If you and your family are beach combers or just have a busy life, then you should come to Cox Chevy and take a test drive in one of our new or used crossovers. Feel free to email our dealership if you would like to learn more.

The post Driving Home at Sunset in Our Chevy appeared first on Cox Chevy Bradenton, Florida 34207.

Vehicle History

The Z/28 was originally introduced back in 1967, envisioned as a ride destined for the race track. Its lightweight body and nimble handling made it a favorite choice for performance drivers. The unique looking fifth generation Camaro Z/28 would make an appearance as the vintage beater disguise of the Autobot Bumblebee in the 2007 film Transformers. Chevy used this cameo as a clever chance to unveil modified fifth-generation Camaro.

New Styling is Refined and Aggressive

While many sports car fans complain about the bulkiness of American-made roadsters (we’re looking across the pond at you, Britain), the new styling of the 2014 Camaro changes that. While still retaining the aggressive look and energy of an American vehicle, the new curves and contours cut into the Camaro, especially the hood, add just the perfect amount of the subtle refinement needed to pass as a classy.

Z/28 Performance

As far as performance goes, the entire Z/28 is designed to impress. The bold grille and the hood scoop are more than just good looking, they’re functional, too. Wind moves through the grille, out the vents, and over the body create a strong down force to keep the Z/28 glued to the road and the driver in control. A functional diffuser also helps to increase downforce and reduce drag.

Chevy also trimmed 100 pounds off of the Z/28 for the sake of performance. Despite this, there was also no problem accommodating the V8 engine from the Corvette, or a set of high performance brakes. The engine is tied to a six-speed TREMEC TR6060 manual transmission with close gear ratios. The drivetrain also fears a rear limited-slip differential. This gives drivers more control when it comes to distributing torque, allowing you to take corners without an issue.

Learn More at Cox Chevy in Bradenton

We’re looking forward to the arrival of the Camaro Z/28 at Cox Chevy. Be sure to look for it in the coming months, and contact Cox Chevy if you have any questions.

The post The Chevy Camaro Z/28 is Back for 2014 appeared first on Cox Chevy Bradenton, Florida 34207.

With “balding” tires, where the treads have worn dangerously thin, you’re going to have a lot harder time stopping and staying in control. Situations like these only get exasperated by inclement weather like rainstorms.

Proper Tire Maintenance

So how does one exactly care for their tires? And what are the signs of tire wear? First let’s go over the important maintenance that goes with tire care, and then how you can check when your tires might be on the way out:

• Are your tires properly inflated? Tires that aren’t filled to manufacturer’s specifications not only reduce your fuel economy, but also experience uneven wearing. If under inflated, the edges of your tires take the brunt of the work, while over inflation puts all the strain on the just the center of your tire. Check your vehicle’s manual for what your proper inflation should be, or check the sticker on the inside of the driver side door. Don’t go by the number on the tire yourself; all cars require different pressures.
• Get your tire rotated: wear is inevitable, even with the most precise of tuning. Having your tires rotated helps to even out this wearing and extend their lives. You should check your vehicle’s manual for when this needs to happen.
• Have your wheels aligned: the grueling act of driving kicks your wheels out of alignment over time. Having them aligned on a regular basis will not only help to reduce tire wear, but it will also help to keep vital parts in your drivetrain from grinding down. Again, the intervals for this kind of service can be found in your vehicle’s manual

When to Change Your Tires

So how do you know when your tires are due to be changed? Simply pull out a quarter, and stick it in the treads of your tires so Washington’s head is pointed down. If you can’t see the top of his head, you’re good. Actually, the less you can see the better. If you can see the top of his head, or it’s getting close, your tires are getting dangerously thin. Be sure to check tread depth across the entire face of the tire, as wearing can be uneven.

If you’re due for a change, make schedule a service appointment at Cox Chevy. We can help!

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700 Miles on One Tank

Whether you just use it to get to the office or are regularly making cross-country trips, the new Cruze means less time at the pump and more money in your wallet. For those of you that do find yourself on regular road-trips, the Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel gets an estimated 700 miles to the tank. That’s enough gas to get you to Charlotte or New Orleans. Two tanks will easily get you to either Chicago or New York City with plenty of gas to spare.

A New, Cleaner Diesel Engine

Diesel has always been associated with strength. You’ve probably heard more than one pleased coach tell the team “now you’re running on diesel power.” That’s why it’s the preferred fuel of many big machines. If you’ve ever hung around train yard, though, you’ve probably gotten a whiff of what older diesel engines smell like. We say “older” because Chevy has changed things. The Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel has cleaner emissions than typical diesel run machines, meaning it is adding less harmful compounds to the atmosphere.

The internal enthusiasm in Chevy is apparent. Here’s what Gary Altman, chief engineer on the Chevrolet Cruze Diesel had to say: “We harnessed generations of diesel expertise to adapt our world-class global engine for the North American market. The Cruze Diesel is the best diesel passenger car out there. Chevrolet is redefining the meaning of great fuel economy with this car.”

Powerful Performance

Let’s revisit that revered idea of “tough diesel power.” Not only does the Cruze Diesel come with a strong fuel economy, but it also packs a powerful punch. 148 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque means that it is leading the class in power. An over-boost feature kicks the power up to 280 lb-ft of torque, increasing acceleration when needed.

Learn More at Cox Chevy in Bradenton

Like we said, Chevy plans on starting to ship the 2014 Cruze Diesel in the early fall. When they start moving out, you can be sure to find them at Cox Chevy. In the meantime, feel free to email Cox Chevy to learn more.

The post The Chevy Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel Has Better Fuel Economy Than Any Other Non-hybrid Vehicle appeared first on Cox Chevy Bradenton, Florida 34207.

All of these are essential vehicle services, but what many people don’t realize is that ignoring timing belt maintenance could lead to very serious engine problems. This means big repair bills, lots of time in the shop, and possible vehicle loss. Besides that, it could also make for a dangerous situation on the highway.

To first understand why getting your timing belt changed is necessary, it’s first important to understand exactly what it does in the complex system of your engine.

Your Timing Belt: Keeping the Rhythm Alive

Most vehicles on the road are powered by an internal combustion engine, whether they run  on gasoline, diesel, or ethanol. These fuels have densely packed packets of power that, if harnessed correctly, can be used to do a wide range of things, including moving your vehicle.

As combustion occurs in your engine’s cylinders, it drives pistons that turn your vehicle’s crankshaft. Fuel vapors won’t combust on their own, though. They require a specific air to fuel ratio. Your timing belt helps to regulate air flow into your cylinders, as well as to draw the exhaust out. Besides turning the camshaft, the rod that is connected to valves that let air in and out, the timing belt is also tied to the water pump. This pump moves coolant through the system, keeping things nice and, well, cool.

A good sign that your timing belt has gone is an unpleasant smashing sound coming from your engine. This usually means that the valves are running into the pistons, which can damage all components involved. Coming to a complete halt is another sure sign, too.

Overdue for Maintenance? We’re Here to Help!

The best way to know if you need maintenance is to check your vehicle’s owner’s manual. There you’ll find a specific schedule that will tell you when you need to change the timing belt, as well as the oil, and other maintenance items.

Cox Chevy has an expert service team that can help with your repair. Give us a call to make an appointment, or use our online scheduler.

The post Why Timing Belt Maintenance Matters appeared first on Cox Chevy Bradenton, Florida 34207.

Though we really work hard at Cox Chevy to provide honest, friendly, and straightforward service, we can’t say the same for all other sellers out there. Luckily, there are some things that you can do to make yourself fully prepared when you walk into a vehicle showroom and talk with a sales person.

How to Become Knowledgeable About a Car

Being knowledgeable about a vehicle, whether if it’s new or used, is not only a good way to avoid being taken advantage of, but will also make you feel more comfortable with the process. You might even enjoy it, too. Take a look at these tips:

• Do some simple online research: manufacturers have extensive information on their websites about different available trims, warranty information, and retail prices. Chevy has an excellent website that allows you to check out new Chevy models, as well as compare them to different competitors.
• Check the value of used vehicles: resources like Kelley’s Blue Book allow you to check out the current market value of used models. This is a good way to see if someone is trying to rip you off, or if you’re getting a good deal. It doesn’t hurt to bring this information with you to the dealership.  
• Read vehicle history reports: you have the power to see into the past! Vehicle history report services like AutoCheck or Carfax let you get a good look at a vehicle’s past. Like market value information, this can help you to see if you’re being treated fairly, as well as give you leverage with unscrupulous salespeople. Cox provides free AutoCheck reports for our used models whenever possible. There, you can see information like past service, how many miles it’s been driven over different periods of time, and if the vehicle has been in any accidents.
• Shop around: it doesn’t hurt to shop around either and see what’s available. Play the market. It’s easier than ever now thanks to online inventories. If you haven’t checked out either of Cox’s used or new inventories, we encourage you to do so. If you would like to learn more about any of the vehicles we offer, don’t hesitate to give us a call!

The post Educating Yourself Before Buying a Car appeared first on Cox Chevy Bradenton, Florida 34207.

Common Car Terms You Should Know

• Sedan: typically any average sized, four-door vehicle with for room with five passengers. An example of a sedan would the Chevy Impala or the Chevy Malibu.
• Coupe: derived from the French word coupé, meaning cut, coupes are the edgier looking cousins of sedans. They typically come with only two doors and have more space in the front passenger area than in the rear. Rides like the Chevy Camaro or the Corvette are good examples of coupes.
• Compact: the smaller, four-door cousins of sedans. Examples of this include the Chevy Cruze and the Sonic.
• Crossover: this relatively newer term was invented to describe SUV-like vehicles that were smaller, more agile, and more fuel efficient. Good examples of crossovers in Chevy’s line include the Equinox and the larger Traverse.
• Horsepower and Torque: these two related terms describe the relative power in your engine. Horsepower is typically a measure of the high-end speed that your vehicle can provide, where as torque describes the overall strength of the engine. When you hear the term “low-end torque,” it means an engine can sustain great power at low revolutions, making it great for picking up speed on the road and hauling.
• Spoiler: ever seen that raised fin on the back of some coupes or sport cars? That’s a spoiler. A true spoiler adds an aerodynamic benefit to a vehicle, while others are purely for show.
• CVT: meaning “Continuously Variable Transmission,” a CVT is set up so it has an infinite number of gear ratios. This allows the engine to run at a closer to optimum efficiency, increasing fuel savings.
• Differential: this ingenious mechanism allows your wheels to spin at different speeds when you’re turning. Imagine spinning in a circle and holding someone’s hands while they spin around you. If you moved at the same speed, it wouldn’t work that well. The key is to spin at different speeds. This is what the differential achieves.
• Carburetor: chances are your vehicle doesn’t have a carburetor, or “carb,” unless you drive an older classic model or your lawnmower to work. Before fuel injectors, carbs were used to mix gasoline with air for proper combustion in your vehicle’s cylinders.

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Tips for Buying a Car the First Time

• Assess your needs: before you start searching for a vehicle, think about what you use your car for. Are you just driving to the office that’s ten miles away, or do you have a daily two-hour commute? Are you just using the car, or do you have passenger needs? Do you need to haul stuff? How long are you planning to keep the car for? Asking these kinds of questions can help you determine what type kind of car you want, and if you want something with a little less wear on it, or something with a little more. Cox Chevy’s used online inventory allows you to easily search by terms that matter to you.
• What are your financial capabilities: how much are you able to pay a month for a car loan? Are you willing to use some of your savings as a down payment? A down payment is a good idea because it will lower your monthly payments, as well as the total amount you owe on the vehicle. Be sure to apply for financing early, too, to avoid hitches in getting your car. You can apply for financing online for our dealership too.  
• Look at the vehicle history report: Cox provides AutoCheck vehicle history reports free of charge whenever possible. Looking at AutoCheck is your best way to know what a car has been through in the past, so as accidents and other damage. It will also record maintenance that has been done in a shop, a good sign if a vehicle has been taken care of well or not. Also look at how hard a vehicle has been driven by comparing incurred mileage with the vehicle’s different ownership periods. A vehicle that’s been driven harder may not last as long as one that hasn’t.
• Check the car’s current value: sources like Kelley’s Blue Book can give you a rough estimate of what different vehicles that interest you are worth.
• Don’t feel pressured: after all, there is no obligation until you agree to the purchase. Feel free to ask more questions or request an additional viewing or test drive.

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