These Sounds Mean Your Vehicle Needs an Inspection, Maintenance, or Repair We’ve all experienced it: you’re driving your vehicle, and something sounds off. No matter how new or old your vehicle may be, sometimes things go wrong, and you hear a conspicuous noise. This could be a sign that something needs a quick change. On the other hand, this could also be a sign that something needs to be addressed before a major vehicle component breaks down. No matter what, when you hear one of these five sounds, you need to get your car, SUV, van, or truck looked at to ensure the lifespan of your vehicle remains strong and won’t be compromised. What are the five sounds? Our team of maintenance and repair experts has the key noises that mean you should come to your local Spradley location to have your vehicle checked out. more Grinding Your car is meant to drive smoothly. When there’s a sound that doesn’t sound like the vehicle is moving smoothly, that’s a sign. Your brake rotors may be the reason for the grinding sound. Other potential issues also include the drivetrain. Take note of when the grinding sound is occurring; does it happen when turning? Braking? Changing gears? If you are hearing a metallic grind while shifting gears, that could mean the start of a severe transmission problem. The intensity of the repairs may depend on how quickly you address the concern. Either way, metallic grinding means components that are meant to work smoothly together aren’t doing that. There is something in conflict with another aspect of the vehicle or its own way of safely operating. Clicking One of the most common reasons for a clicking sound in your vehicle is low oil. That’s the most frequent problem. That can mean you’re overdue for a routine oil change. However, you also need to make sure there isn’t a leak occurring somewhere causing the low oil levels. A routine oil change could be the method to resolve the clicking sound. Other reasons that may be more intense include an issue regarding your oil pump. Regardless, clicking sounds mean you need to head over for a quick inspection and routine oil change. By doing so, you can get the easy fix solved and determine if there are any other issues underlying with the vehicle that needs to be addressed. Popping You want to keep popping sounds for movie nights and popcorn. When you hear it in your car, it can be as simple as a dirty air filter. This means a quick change of the air filter, and the issue can sometimes be resolved. There are other times a popping sound can indicate something much more severe. If the popping is coming from your engine area, specifically, it could be a sign of issues regarding the engine exhaust. Hearing this sound while in the middle of a long drive means the vehicle the exhaust could be experiencing a leak. No matter why you are hearing a popping sound, it means your car or truck needs a diagnosis and consequent repair. Having a reputable expert take a look will be key to see if it is something as simple as a dirty air filter or if you need something more extensive like the exhaust looked at for diagnosis. Sizzling or Hissing The tricky thing about sizzling or hissing sounds in your car, truck, SUV, or vehicle is that this can be because of a wide variety of reasons. When you hear a squeal from the timing chain, that is almost a sure bet that it’s the timing chain that needs maintenance or repair. However, sizzling and hissing are commonly heard with a wide variety of issues. Some newer vehicles even have a turbocharger that causes additional air noises you wouldn’t typically hear in older vehicles. In that case, the hissing is completely fine because it means the compressors are simply doing their job. Other times, the hissing or sizzling sound can be a loose vacuum hose. Although the list gets incredibly long with additional reasons, all of them can become significant issues if you leave them ignored. This can be because of an overheated engine, leaking coolant causing the overheating, other fluids leaking onto the machine, or other areas of the vehicle that generate a fair amount of heat when operating. Other reasons can be plugged catalytic converters or your entire exhaust system experiencing a clog. Many of these can lead to an engine or extensive system going out, so the sooner you have a sizzling or hissing sound looked at and diagnosed, the better. Squealing A squeal when you first start your vehicle or turn the wheel is often the belt that needs a tune-up. A squeal when you brake can be anything from a simple cleaning because there’s dirt, or build-up, on the brakes somewhere, often the rotors, pads, drums, or shoes. Squealing while breaking can also mean some brake components are loose or weren’t mounted properly. When addressed quickly, the life of your braking system shouldn’t experience too much of an impact. Left alone, the brake system could ultimately fail on you, so have that checked out as quickly as you can. Whether it is a slipping belt or a brake system with build-up, squealing is your vehicle’s way of letting you know something is working much harder than it should be, and having it addressed immediately will decrease the chances of massive repairs, compared to routine cleanings, maintenance or repair. Other Sounds to Listen For The above five are some of the most common sounds that signal a need for vehicle inspection, diagnosis, maintenance, repair, or some combination of those to your vehicle. There are others you shouldn’t hear when driving your car, truck, SUV, or van: knocking, rumbling, ticking, pinging. The nice thing about hearing unusual sounds in a vehicle is it’s a clear sign you need to bring it in for a diagnosis. While it’s unfortunate to experience, it also makes vehicle care simple. Routine maintenance is one of the best ways to prolong the life of your vehicle. But if you hear a sound outside of what you usually hear, it’s your vehicle’s way of saying it needs some assistance to keep running smoothly. If you need maintenance or routine care, our Spradley locations have certified specialists who will keep your vehicle running the way you need it to. Each used vehicle we offer gives you a number of options. You can Explore Financing, Check Availability, Request Information about the truck, SUV, car, or sedan, or contact us directly to get the process started. Give yourself peace of mind with one of our certified pre-owned vehicles. Whether it’s Spradley Chevrolet, Kia, or Hyundai, all of them offer service and parts, in addition to a strong selection of new and certified pre-owned vehicles. We make it easy to schedule service online in Southern Colorado at Spradley.com. We’ll keep your vehicle running smoothly because when you have a well-running machine, your life can be whatever you want to make it. We’re here to help keep your car, and life, on a smooth-running road.
Must-Have Chevy Truck Accessories
Don’t get us wrong: Driving off the lot with that incredible Chevy Silverado or other Chevy truck you’ve been dreaming of is an amazing experience, regardless of how it’s equipped. So is knowing that your dependable Chevy will meet your needs for many years to come. But you can get even more enjoyment, usefulness, and satisfaction out of your vehicle if you accessorize it the right way. What are the add-ons Chevy Silverado and other truck owners value most? We list them below. Chevy Truck Bed Liner The bed of your Chevy truck is designed and built to take a beating. But that doesn’t mean it has to take a beating! A bed liner is a buffer between the loads you’re carrying and the metal bed surface. Imagine hauling cinder blocks to a work site. You think you’ve got them stacked pretty well, but when you brake or turn suddenly, they “break formation” and go crashing around the bed. The damage from one incident like this can be devastating to the bed and you as the truck owner! more There are several types of bed liners to consider, including drop-in and spray-on liners, bed mats, and bed rug liners. Each provides unique benefits and has a different price point. Toolbox for Your Chevy Truck If you frequently carry tools in your Chevy truck, an integrated toolbox is a must! Instead of throwing items randomly into the bed or cab, you can stow them safely in the toolbox. This provides a few advantages. First, it protects the tools from damage. It also protects the interior of your cab and the truck bed. You can lock a toolbox, as well, to deter thieves. And finally, a toolbox can help you work more efficiently since you don’t have to hunt for items that might be anywhere in the cab or in the bed under the materials you’re hauling! Chevy Truck Fold-Up Tonneau Cover A tonneau cover spans the truck bed to conceal and protect what’s in it. It can be made of rubber or hard plastic. A rubber tonneau cover will do the trick if you simply want to keep “prying eyes” out of your truck bed. For greater protection, you should go with the plastic version. And an added benefit of either version is that the cover makes your Chevy truck more aerodynamic, which can help you get more miles per gallon and lower your fuel costs. Tonneau covers roll up or fold back when not deployed. That means having one doesn’t keep you from hauling items that are taller than the bed. Remote Start Kit for Your Chevy Truck A remote start kit enables you to start/stop, lock/unlock, and control the temperature in your Chevy truck remotely. Ask anyone who has used remote start capability to warm their truck up on a cold fall or winter morning, and they’ll tell you they’ll never own another vehicle without this feature! Southern Colorado gets frigid cold winter mornings and hot summer days, and a remote start kit can make a big difference in your comfort in both situations. Plus, a remote start kit can integrate with Chevy MyLink technology for even greater connectivity. Chevy Truck Splash Guards Call them splash guards. Call them mud flaps. However you refer to them, these rubber flaps can provide multiple benefits for your Chevy truck. Their purpose is to keep material kicked up by your tires from becoming airborne. Flying dirt, rocks, metal, or other road or work site debris can quickly turn the body paint on the lower part of your truck into a scratched, pitted mess. And while you may not be worried about appearances while you own the truck, that damage—even though it’s only aesthetic—can negatively affect your vehicle’s resale value. Then, of course, your splash guards also protect other vehicles on the road. A flying rock can easily crack someone’s windshield. And a large enough projectile can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle. Are you legally responsible in that type of scenario? That’s for others to determine. But what we can say is that it’s not a situation you want to find yourself in or cause for the other driver. Splash guards on your front and rear tires can help keep road debris on the road. Chevy Truck Accessories: Great Investments To Consider for Your Vehicle! The people who get the most long-term benefit and enjoyment from their Chevy trucks tend to be those who make the upfront investment in the accessories they need. Find your Chevy truck online or at our Spradley Chevy dealership, and then talk with us about accessories. You’ll be glad you did!
What is the Average Maintenance Cost of the Chevy Silverado?
If you’re thinking of buying a new, or used, Chevrolet Silverado, you’re making the right decision. Introduced in 1999, the Silverado 1500 has become known as one of the most dependable, trusted full-size pickup trucks on the market. There are a number of options to choose from with the Chevrolet Silverado, giving you different engine options, size variations, and towing capacity. The High Country has an available Super Cruise with trailering, an advanced camera system, and touch-screen displays. The ZR2 is your off-road favorite. The LT has the essential truck appeal with the Silverado’s capabilities for towing and performance. The LTZ delivers in both style and capability. The LT Trail Boss builds your off-road capability with a 2-inch factory suspension lift with its Z71 Off-Road package. The RST has impressive features to make sure you’re noticed. The WT is a fantastic entry-level vehicle called the “workday workhorse” among your Silverado options. There are even custom choices you can make to the Silverado or customize with the off-road adventure of the Trail Boss. more So what can you expect from the Silverado in terms of maintenance? It’s good news from research conducted and posted by reputable sources. Spradley Chevrolet has all the information you need to understand what to expect from your Silverado, and the maintenance you should expect from the line of pickup trucks. Will the Silverado cost more or less than your average vehicle to maintain. In a report from CarEdge, the first 10 years of service beats the industry average for popular models by $318. That means, on average, you are spending less to maintain the truck than other major full-size pickups. These maintenance costs include routine oil changes, tire rotations, wiper blades, battery maintenance, and fluid flushes and replacements. Things like air filter replacement to help prolong the life of your vehicle will help reduce the odds you will need unexpected or major repairs to your Silverado. The report did indicate that costs increase the longer you own your vehicle. This is common as the chart shows a steady growth of repair issues and unexpected repairs or replacements. You can find this with every vehicle caused by mileage along with wear and tear will build up over time. Thankfully, the Silverado has been ranked highly for dependability. What makes the Silverado so dependable? The Silverado has been around for over two decades. This has given the engineers and manufacturers time to refine the engine, give it the functionality it needs for off-road pickups, the design that lets your truck stand out, and the technological advancements you need for a dependable truck with smart technology and reliable performance. But it’s not just our word at Spradley Chevrolet, or even Chevy itself, you should listen to. Outside experts have given the Silverado several key awards, recognizing it for the remarkable pickup truck it’s become known for. Kelley Blue Book has given the 2017 and 2020 awards in two categories. This means modern versions of the Silverado have proven themselves time and time again. Both years they were given the award for “5-Year Cost to Own: Full-Size Pickup Truck.” This means that on two separate occasions within the last decade, the Silverado has been considered the best in its category when it comes to what it will cost you over the first 5 years of owning the vehicle. Those same years, 2017 and 2020, the Silverado was also given the award for “Best Resale Value.” This means the truck is sought after by used vehicle buyers because, among all their choices, the Silverado will continue to shine through multiple years of use. In 2017, it was given “Best Resale Value: Full-Size Pick-Up,” awarding it the top recognition within its class of vehicle and type. Three years later, it received a Top 10, meaning it wasn’t just one of the best resale values among pickups, but among all vehicles assessed. Not just trucks, but all vehicles available in 2020. It will be exciting to see what other awards await the Silverado in the years to come for one of Chevy’s signature vehicles, and one of the greatest pickups you can purchase in the market today. For the last two decades, the pickup has proven its excellence, and there are no signs of slowing down soon. Which Chevrolet Silverado do you think would work best for you? Whether it’s for work, off-roading, or big family adventures, there’s a Silverado for you. Spradley Chevrolet has both new and used inventory available. See what specials we’re running, search what we have available, and even take care of your Silverado with our trusted service specialists, all available at our website here. Our location, right off Highway 50 in Pueblo, makes it easy and convenient for anyone in Southern Colorado to find the perfect Silverado, or whatever vehicle suits your needs. Come visit us so we can get you on the road.
Other Sounds to Listen For
The above five are some of the most common sounds that signal a need for vehicle inspection, diagnosis, maintenance, repair, or some combination of those to your vehicle. There are others you shouldn’t hear when driving your car, truck, SUV, or van: knocking, rumbling, ticking, pinging. The nice thing about hearing unusual sounds in a vehicle is it’s a clear sign you need to bring it in for a diagnosis. While it’s unfortunate to experience, it also makes vehicle care simple. Routine maintenance is one of the best ways to prolong the life of your vehicle. But if you hear a sound outside of what you usually hear, it’s your vehicle’s way of saying it needs some assistance to keep running smoothly.If you need maintenance or routine care, our Spradley locations have certified specialists who will keep your vehicle running the way you need it to. Each used vehicle we offer gives you a number of options. You can Explore Financing, Check Availability, Request Information about the truck, SUV, car, or sedan, or contact us directly to get the process started. Give yourself peace of mind with one of our certified pre-owned vehicles.Whether it’s Spradley Chevrolet, Kia, or Hyundai, all of them offer service and parts, in addition to a strong selection of new and certified pre-owned vehicles. We make it easy to schedule service online in Southern Colorado at Spradley.com. We’ll keep your vehicle running smoothly because when you have a well-running machine, your life can be whatever you want to make it. We’re here to help keep your car, and life, on a smooth-running road.
What Engine is More Reliable? Chevy Versus Ford.
When weighing two of the most common brands for trucks and other vehicles, it's a common question: Is Chevy or Ford more reliable? Of course, there are a lot of factors to consider, such as performance, pricing, safety, and size. However, when purchasing a new vehicle, you need to know it will perform for years to come and not cost an arm and a leg for maintenance and repair. How does the reliability of Chevy compare when next to Ford? We're looking at a few different categories to reach a strong suggestion and answer for you. The technological innovations, partnered with the performance and proven capabilities Chevy is known for, make the Silverado one of the most reliable trucks you can own today. more How much will you spend on repairs for a Ford compared to a Chevy? Neither brand gets away with zero maintenance. In fact, no vehicle brand in the world can claim that. So which one is cheaper regarding repairs? In a report put together by Four Wheel Trends, they found that the annual repair cost for a Ford F-150 is an average of about $800. This puts Ford roughly twenty-five percent higher than the average yearly car repair maintenance costs. By contrast, the Chevy Silverado 1500 came in $100 lower than the average annual repair cost for a Ford F-150. While still slightly above the average yearly maintenance costs for all vehicles, it does come in a solid ten percent lower than Ford as a whole. An additional finding from RepairPal came quite close to the two vehicles' average costs. It also found that the frequency of Chevy repairs was lower than Ford. That's coming in at a rate of 0.23, closer to repairs required less often. Whereas the Ford F-150 came in at 0.28, resulting in more annual repair shop visits. What are the safety ratings of Ford vs. Chevy? Ford and Chevrolet are close to one another in terms of cost. Since they are close competitors in terms of brands, they consistently look to provide similar offerings and warranties. As a result, the prices are less of a factor to consider. When it comes to safety, both brands have earned Top Safety Picks from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) in 2020. Ford did bring in more Top Safety Picks all around. However, Chevy still ranks high on their safety rankings. The Chevy Equinox SUV also won in its category. Chevy also provides the Teen Driver technology to help protect your family in a unique offering not offered by other brands. What is the towing capacity of Chevy and Ford? Repair Smith looked at various towing capacities of the trucks and SUVs provided by Ford and Chevy. In looking at multiple offerings, it does appear that Ford has higher towing capacity all around when looking at compact pickups, full-size pickups, and midsize SUVs. Chevy's Trailering Guide for 2021 provides a great breakdown of all the major types of vehicles and their towing capacity. Thankfully, they have vehicles to offer with varying towing capacity from 1,500 pounds with the Equinox to the intense 36,000-pound towing capacity of the Silverado 3500 HD. Chevy vs. Ford: What is their durability and reliability? Both Chevy and Ford are known for their reliability. Owning one of their trucks, cars, or SUVs for 20 years is possible when properly cared for. When returning the Silverado and F-150 comparison, their two staple lines of trucks, the competition is fierce. With slightly less frequent repair shop visits and lower average annual repair costs, Repair Pal did find that the Chevrolet had a slightly higher reliability rating. They both ranked in the top ten of their category in full-size trucks. The Ford F-150 ranked 7th out of the 17 ranked vehicles. The Silverado came in 5th out of 17. However, both have proven track records, which is why Chevy and Ford are known throughout the United States for their reliability. Their brands are synonymous with quality for a reason. Generally speaking, the two are almost always right next to one another, and Chevrolet is coming out slightly ahead for general reliability when you look across all segments. In an IiSeeCars.com study on used cars, Chevy received the top spot in Best Full-Size SUV for the Chevy Suburban. In addition, three other categories earned second place. The only category where Ford ranked above Chevy was sports cars for the Camaro, which ranked second. The Chevrolet Corvette was right behind it. Find the reliable Chevrolet that works best for you. To find the perfect options for your next Chevy, head over to Spradley Chevrolet to search our inventory. We have new and certified pre-owned cars, SUVs, vans, trucks, and more. We also have other convenient locations throughout Pueblo. We're available to help everyone in Southern Colorado find the perfect vehicle for you.
Find the reliable Chevrolet that works best for you.
To find the perfect options for your next Chevy, head over to Spradley Chevrolet to search our inventory. We have new and certified pre-owned cars, SUVs, vans, trucks, and more. We also have other convenient locations throughout Pueblo. We're available to help everyone in Southern Colorado find the perfect vehicle for you.
Chevy vs. Ford: What is their durability and reliability?
Both Chevy and Ford are known for their reliability. Owning one of their trucks, cars, or SUVs for 20 years is possible when properly cared for. When returning the Silverado and F-150 comparison, their two staple lines of trucks, the competition is fierce. With slightly less frequent repair shop visits and lower average annual repair costs, Repair Pal did find that the Chevrolet had a slightly higher reliability rating. They both ranked in the top ten of their category in full-size trucks. The Ford F-150 ranked 7th out of the 17 ranked vehicles. The Silverado came in 5th out of 17. However, both have proven track records, which is why Chevy and Ford are known throughout the United States for their reliability. Their brands are synonymous with quality for a reason. Generally speaking, the two are almost always right next to one another, and Chevrolet is coming out slightly ahead for general reliability when you look across all segments. In an IiSeeCars.com study on used cars, Chevy received the top spot in Best Full-Size SUV for the Chevy Suburban. In addition, three other categories earned second place. The only category where Ford ranked above Chevy was sports cars for the Camaro, which ranked second. The Chevrolet Corvette was right behind it.
What are the safety ratings of Ford vs. Chevy?
Ford and Chevrolet are close to one another in terms of cost. Since they are close competitors in terms of brands, they consistently look to provide similar offerings and warranties. As a result, the prices are less of a factor to consider. When it comes to safety, both brands have earned Top Safety Picks from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) in 2020. Ford did bring in more Top Safety Picks all around. However, Chevy still ranks high on their safety rankings. The Chevy Equinox SUV also won in its category. Chevy also provides the Teen Driver technology to help protect your family in a unique offering not offered by other brands.
What is the towing capacity of Chevy and Ford?
Repair Smith looked at various towing capacities of the trucks and SUVs provided by Ford and Chevy. In looking at multiple offerings, it does appear that Ford has higher towing capacity all around when looking at compact pickups, full-size pickups, and midsize SUVs. Chevy's Trailering Guide for 2021 provides a great breakdown of all the major types of vehicles and their towing capacity. Thankfully, they have vehicles to offer with varying towing capacity from 1,500 pounds with the Equinox to the intense 36,000-pound towing capacity of the Silverado 3500 HD.
How much will you spend on repairs for a Ford compared to a Chevy?
Neither brand gets away with zero maintenance. In fact, no vehicle brand in the world can claim that. So which one is cheaper regarding repairs? In a report put together by Four Wheel Trends, they found that the annual repair cost for a Ford F-150 is an average of about $800. This puts Ford roughly twenty-five percent higher than the average yearly car repair maintenance costs. By contrast, the Chevy Silverado 1500 came in $100 lower than the average annual repair cost for a Ford F-150. While still slightly above the average yearly maintenance costs for all vehicles, it does come in a solid ten percent lower than Ford as a whole. An additional finding from RepairPal came quite close to the two vehicles' average costs. It also found that the frequency of Chevy repairs was lower than Ford. That's coming in at a rate of 0.23, closer to repairs required less often. Whereas the Ford F-150 came in at 0.28, resulting in more annual repair shop visits.
These Sounds Mean Your Vehicle Needs an Inspection, Maintenance, or Repair
We’ve all experienced it: you’re driving your vehicle, and something sounds off. No matter how new or old your vehicle may be, sometimes things go wrong, and you hear a conspicuous noise. This could be a sign that something needs a quick change. On the other hand, this could also be a sign that something needs to be addressed before a major vehicle component breaks down. No matter what, when you hear one of these five sounds, you need to get your car, SUV, van, or truck looked at to ensure the lifespan of your vehicle remains strong and won’t be compromised.What are the five sounds? Our team of maintenance and repair experts has the key noises that mean you should come to your local Spradley location to have your vehicle checked out.
So which one is most reliable?
The great thing about Chevrolet is that reliability is always consistent. With different awards throughout the years and a long track record of dependability, it’s not a question of whether one Chevy car is better than the other overall. The question is, which Chevrolet is right for you? If you want a proven classic, the Camaro is hard to beat. Looking for a sporty car with luxury and performance in mind? The Corvette is there for you.Need something dependable with options for families, or more sports-like and midnight options? The Malibu reflects the city it’s named after. And if you live in a city or condensed areas with challenges in space and you want fuel economy, that’s where the Spark helps you and your friends and family get around.Spradley Chevrolet has all four available at their Pueblo location. If you’re ready to learn more about what Chevy car would work best for you, head over to SpradleyChevy.com(link to homepage) to see what new cars are available or if there is used inventory that could match your lifestyle too.