Thank you very much, Amy, for the outstanding review! We love to hear back from our customers!

(5) Star Review on Yelp

• "Terry was very friendly and professional." -Amy S.

It’s "Throwback Thursday," and we have classic Chevrolet Bel Air ad for you!

We have a treat that only our Facebook Fans can take advantage of!

Visit our Facebook page and click on the "Offers" tab, or just click here!

We are drawing closer to the reveal of the new 2014 Corvette! Check out trailer #3 of what promises to be one exciting car!

There are quite a few ways to prepare your car for safer driving in the winter. Today’s Monday Maintenance Tip is: Check your tire pressure

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Here are two good reasons to get down there with the gauge and unscrew the valve caps as the weather cools:

1) Tires lose a pound of pressure for every drop of 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

2) An underinflated tire won't "bite" through snow down to the pavement as well as one at pressure. It's similar to hydroplaning on water -- and just as dangerous. You may have heard the guidance to let air out of your tires for sand or snow to get more contact surface area. That only applies only if the surface is bottomlessly soft, like a beach or foot-deep, unplowed snow -- not the mix of cleared road, ice and packed snow most of us encounter in daily driving.

Don't forget to put the valve caps back on (or, buy new ones) when you're done. Letting in moisture, which then freezes, could let the valve core leak out air.

It's here! Check out the official reveal of the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Silverado!

It's the middle of the week, which means it's time for "Wallpaper Wednesday!" Why not set this awesome Corvette ZR1 as your new background?

Here's something you certainly won't want to miss: New Chevrolet Silverado to be revealed on Facebook on Thursday

There's not much to see here, but if you're one of those waiting for the reveal of the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, above is the teaser image that Chevrolet posted on its Facebook page. We've seen the truck in form-fitting camo before, and even less can be made out here beyond those seriously punchy Silverado-esque fenders and the knowledge that the projector-beam headlamps teased previously do indeed work. We'll have to wait until Thursday for a full perusal of the "bold exterior design" and "careful attention given to every detail" we've been promised.

Gathering intel and rumors, magnesium and aluminum contribute to the Silverado's weight loss plan, the purported "High Country" top-tier trim will contribute to luxury pickup truck competition and profit margins and the next-generation small-block V8 will contribute to improved fuel economy. On the engine note, there have been rumors of available V6 engines, and when Facebook user John Jones asked "Where's your answer to that EcoBoost Chevy?", the Bowtie replied "stay tuned on the 13th. We think you'll be pleased...".

Along with the "Raise the Bar" tag, Chevrolet says of the Silverado, "You asked, we delivered." You can watch the reveal live on Chevrolet's Facebook page at 9:30 am EST, this Thursday, December 13. The GMC Sierra 1500 will also be there, and we'll see both in person at the Detroit Auto Show in January.  

Courtesy of Autoblog

Good afternoon, everybody! Today's Monday Maintenance Tip is: Maintain your car’s battery.

Maybe the manufacturer says your battery is maintenance free, but don’t you believe it! Check your battery regularly to extend its life and avoid the hassle of being stranded with a dead battery.
• Begin with the simple: keeping your battery clean. A dirty case can actually cause current to drain. Wipe with a damp rag. Use a mild detergent if necessary.
•  Next, clean the battery posts or terminals. Loosen and remove the negative cable (black or minus sign) first, then the red positive cable. Use a brass wire battery brush dipped in a paste made from a few tablespoons of baking soda and a little water.
•  Inspect the battery case for damage, such as cracks or bulges — signs that a battery needs to be replaced.
•  Reinstall the cables, positive first, and coat the terminals and clamps with a thin coating of grease to prevent new corrosion.

Chevrolet Volt Owners Surpass 100 Million Electric Miles

Chevrolet Volt owners collectively have driven more than 100 million all-electric miles since the vehicle went on sale two years ago this month. The average Volt owner travels more than 65 percent of the time in pure electric mode as the car was designed – only using the gasoline-powered generator for longer trips.

By charging regularly, Volt owners drive approximately 900 miles, or a month and a half, between fill-ups.  However, many Volt owners quickly exceed that average, based on an EPA-estimated 98 MPGe that puts electric-only range at 35 mpg city and 40 mpg on the highway. Andrew Byrne from Los Angeles is one of these drivers.

“Since my daily driving is all electric, I only really need to buy gas for long road trips,” Byrne said. “I drove over 1,900 miles on my last tank of gas.”

With each avoided trip to the gas station, Volt drivers continue to increase their return on investment. Based on EPA estimates and compared to the average new vehicle sold in the United States, Volt owners are saving about $1,370 a year in fuel costs.

“The best sign of a great product is when your customers are the most satisfied in the industry,” said Cristi Landy, Chevrolet Volt marketing director. “Volt owners have found the Volt is not only fun to drive, but provides technology and performance where consumers need it most.”

This is the second year in a row the Volt has topped the satisfaction survey of one of the leading consumer testing organizations in the United States.

“My commute is 55 miles round trip, but with the Volt I use 80 percent less gas and save over $150 each month,” said Farris Khan from southeastern Michigan. “Plus the Volt is really fun to drive because of its instant torque; driving anything else feels like yester-tech!”

For the typical driver, the average Volt savings equates to:

• Nine weeks of groceries at $151 per week
• 228 car washes at $6 per car wash
• 137 movie tickets at $10 per ticket

The 5 million gallons of gas saved is equivalent to $21 million in gasoline costs averted overall based on $4 per gallon of premium, or more than two supertankers of gas.

For the first 38 miles, the Volt can drive gas and tailpipe-emissions free using a full charge of electricity stored in its 16.50-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt’s battery runs low, a gas-powered engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range another 344 miles on a full tank.

Courtesy of Chevrolet News

Who doesn't enjoy a 2 for 1 deal? Take advantage of this eCoupon and make sure you get the oil changed on both of your vehicles!

Click here to redeem our 2 for 1 Oil Change eCoupon!

2013 NASCAR Chevrolet SS Unveiled!

Chevrolet today opened a new chapter in its storied racing history, unveiling its eagerly anticipated 2013 NASCAR Chevrolet SS race car. Powered by the legendary small block V-8 engine, the rear-wheel drive performance sedan will be Chevrolet’s newest entry in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, beginning with the 2013 SpeedWeeks in Daytona, Fla. 

The new NASCAR race car closely resembles the all-new rear wheel drive V-8 Chevrolet SS performance sedan that will debut early next year.

“As a passionate race fan, the debut of the SS NASCAR race car is a genuinely exciting moment for me,” said GM North America President Mark Reuss. “With the SS, Chevrolet is delivering a true rear-wheel-drive NASCAR race car that is very closely linked to the performance sedan that will be available for sale, ensuring that our most loyal enthusiasts will have the opportunity to experience the same thrill every day on the open road that our race car drivers enjoy on the track on race day.  

“The Chevrolet SS also demonstrates how we are able to leverage our global product portfolio to deliver a unique performance experience,” Reuss said. “The specialized development and testing work done for the race car will certainly benefit the entire Chevrolet product lineup.”

The Chevrolet SS is the next in a long line of famed nameplates that Chevrolet has campaigned in NASCAR. It replaces Impala, which scored 151 wins from 1959-64 and 2007-12.

“We are looking forward to another exciting year of NASCAR competition and expect that the new SS race car, with some of the most skilled drivers on the circuit behind the wheel, will distinguish itself on the track,” said Jim Campbell, U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports.

The Chevrolet SS will be a derivative of the award-winning global rear-wheel-drive architecture that spawns performance vehicles like Chevrolet Camaro and Holden’s upcoming VF Commodore. The limited production version of the Chevrolet SS will be a 2014 model and will arrive in dealer showrooms in late 2013. It is the first time in 17 years that Chevrolet will offer a rear-wheel-drive sedan for sale in the United States.

Chevrolet has long used the SS (Super Sport) designation on high-performance models of some of its most enduring nameplates. The SS designation first appeared in 1957 on a Corvette prototype race car built under the guidance of Zora Arkus-Duntov with the plan to enter it in the Le Mans 24-hour race. 

The first production vehicle to be offered with an SS optional package was the 1961 Impala – 453 were built with the performance upgrades, which included a modified chassis and suspension, power brakes, a steering column mounted tachometer and unique wheels and tires.  The SS designation returned to the Chevrolet lineup in 2010 with the debut of the fifth-generation Camaro. 

Chevrolet has 702 victories in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, more than any other manufacturer.  Fonty Flock earned the manufacturer’s first win on March 26, 1955, at Columbia, S.C. Five-time series champion Jimmie Johnson achieved Chevrolet’s 700th victory earlier this month at Texas Motor Speedway.

Courtesy of Chevrolet News

Hello, everyone! We hope you all had a nice weekend! Well, December is upon us and we have a seasonal Monday Maintenance Tip for you! Today's tip: Run your AC in winter.

To keep your car’s air-conditioning system fit for the next warm season, run it a few times throughout the winter. This will prevent moving parts in the compressor from seizing. Also, circulating the refrigerant will help keep the seals soft and pliant.

A very big thank you to Dynette R., for the outstanding review! Head over to the Novato Chevrolet Yelp page to read this review and others.

(4) Star Review on Yelp

• ** "I referred 2 friends to him, kinda far from where i live but I feel Mark is honest & willing to make the customer happy!!" -Dynette R.

Happy Friday, fans! Time for a “caption this,” you know what to do!

There are only a couple more days to take advantage of this great deal! So be sure to get into Novato Chevrolet while there's still time!

There's a lot of buzz about the new 2013 Chevy Malibu. Come on down to Novato Chevrolet, today, and take a test drive to find out what it's all about!

Good afternoon, everyone! We hope you all had a wonderful holiday and weekend! Now that the weekend is over it's time for us to check in with another Monday Maintenance Tip for you all! Today's tip: Spark plugs do need changing.

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The advent of electronic ignition and on-board computers has eliminated the need for regular tune-ups, but you still need to change your spark plugs. Many manufacturers recommend changing plugs every 30,000 or 40,000 miles (48,000 or 64,000 km) to ensure good fuel mileage and engine performance. Some new cars come with long-life plugs (sometimes called double platinum plugs) that can last for 100,000 miles (160,000 km). If your car isn’t so equipped, make the switch after 30,000 miles. The extra cost is only a few dollars per spark plug. While you’re at it, change your spark plug wires as well. Their typical life is 50,000 miles (80,000 km). Deteriorated wires can cause those high-tech new spark plugs to foul.

From all of us at Novato Chevrolet, we would like to wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving! We hope that you have a very joyous holiday and weekend!

Hey fans, are you excited about the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette? We sure are! Check out this sneak peak video, and be sure to watch for the unveiling early next year.

Hello everybody, and very happy Monday to you all! Winter is upon us and today’s Monday Maintenance Tip is: Heavier is not always better

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Use the oil viscosity grade that’s recommended in your owner’s manual for the temperature range you expect for the coming season. Lighter grades (lower viscosity, such as SAE 5W-30), often specified for today’s smaller car engines, will deliver easier starts and better engine protection in winter and improved gas mileage throughout the year, thanks to less internal engine friction. Do not use a heavy grade of oil in cold winter climes or you will risk damage to your engine.

Thank you to the customer who provided this feedback! We hope to see you soon!

See the full gallery on Posterous

A huge thank you to Tammie M., Christopher B., and Nathan T. for your awesome feedback! Check out their customer surveys below!

People have already had some pretty amazing adventures in the Chevrolet Sonic. What adventures would you have in a Sonic? Come to Novato Chevrolet for a test drive and begin your journey!

Dreaming of that new sports car? Well make that dream a reality, and come test drive this gorgeous 2013 Chevrolet Camaro at Novato Chevrolet today!

Click here for more details!

Chevrolet’s Mini Car Saves Drivers Time and Money

The 2013 Chevrolet Spark mini car comes up big when it comes to regularly scheduled maintenance, saving owners time and money, which could help ease some of the target consumer’s resistance to new car ownership.

Designed specifically with next-generation urbanites in mind, engineers recognized these individuals are more likely than previous generations to delay major life events, such as the first automobile purchase because of uncertainty over the overall cost of vehicle ownership.

According to a research by Chevrolet and MTV Scratch, more than one in four of next-generation customers said owning a vehicle that is easier and less expensive to maintain is very important. 

The Spark, which has a suggested retail starting price of $12,995 – more than $3,100 less than its nearest competitor, the Scion iQ – can save owners time and money.  

For example, Chevrolet engineers designed the Spark’s engine timing chain to require no scheduled maintenance (unlike timing belts), and electronic power steering and transmission fluid to last the life of the vehicle.

“The Spark will appeal to young urban buyers who are always on the go,” said Jim Federico, executive chief engineer, General Motors Small Cars. “The Spark is perfect for these urban lifestyles because it is not only easy and fun to drive but also easy to own.”

Spark owners can go up to 100,000 miles before replacing spark plugs. That is 36,000 miles more than the Fiat 500 and 70,000 more than the Smart fortwo.

With Chevrolet’s advanced oil life system, oil and filter changes are recommended around 7,500 miles or when the Oil Life Monitor system alerts the driver for an oil change. At a participating Chevrolet Certified Service provider, an oil change with the gas saver bundle will cost $29.95. Over the average 150,000 mile life of the vehicle, Spark owners will save approximately $900, compared with vehicles that recommend oil changes every 3,000 miles.

Over the life of the car, the Spark’s maintenance requirements will save owners time and money with:

• Transmission fluid that lasts for the life of the vehicle
• Power steering fluid that lasts for the life of the vehicle
• Engine timing chain that requires no regular maintenance
• Spark plugs that can last up to 100,000 miles

The Spark is the only mini car on the market covered by a five-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a six-year/100,000-mile rust-through limited warranty. 

When it is time for maintenance, the Spark will tell you what it needs. Thanks to OnStar, which is standard for six months, Spark owners can receive monthly vehicle diagnostics emails systems, including the state of fluid levels and tire pressure.

Launched in Korea in 2009 and now available in almost every country in the world, the Spark has sold more than 600,000 vehicles globally, and is gaining momentum with American drivers.

The Spark is the only car in the segment to offer five doors and an available seven-inch touch screen Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system.

 

Courtesy of Chevrolet News

The all-new 2013 Malibu is here. With a remarkable new interior featuring the available Chevy MyLink infotainment system, Malibu is where sophisticated styling begins.

Do you know a great deal when you see it? Then come on in to Novato Chevrolet and take advantage of this offer while it lasts!

Make your voice heard and vote today! “Like” this post if you voted already!

Happy Monday fans! Here is a Monday Maintenance Tip to help keep your AC running strong.

Run Your AC In The Winter

• To keep your car’s air-conditioning system fit for the next warm season, run it a few times throughout the winter. This will prevent moving parts in the compressor from seizing. Also, circulating the refrigerant will help keep the seals soft and pliant.

Chevrolet Designer Dave Ross and Hot Wheels Designer Felix Holst get a first look at the production Hot Wheels Camaro which was revealed at SEMA and available to order beginning November 1, 2012, arriving at dealerships in early 2013.

From our family at Novato Chevrolet to yours, we wish everyone a safe and Happy Halloween!

Chevrolet Donates 50 Trucks to Red Cross for Storm Relief

Chevrolet today donated 50 Silverado full-size pickup trucks and Express cargo vans to the American Red Cross for use in relief and recovery efforts following Hurricane Sandy and other storms buffeting the Eastern seaboard and nearby states.

“It is during disasters like this that we all need to pull together as a country and Chevrolet has a role in that,” said General Motors Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson. “Making these vehicles available quickly where they can do the most good is something we can do right now.”

GM’s OnStar subsidiary is also supporting the initiative by providing each of the donated vehicles with 300 OnStar Hands-Free Calling minutes of hands-free cellular and three months of its Directions and Connections plan which includes turn-by-turn navigation services. Service available via Advisor or by download. The trucks are being pulled from existing inventory at dealerships closest to where they are needed.

In addition to the vehicle donation, the GM Foundation earlier donated $250,000 to the Red Cross Disaster Responder Program, which enables the agency to be ready to provide immediate disaster relief anywhere in the country.  The money is used to shelter, feed and meet emotional needs of disaster victims. The money also helps feed emergency workers, handle inquiries from concerned family members outside the disaster area, provide blood and blood products and help disaster victims access other available resources.

“The impact of Hurricane Sandy is being assessed up and down the East Coast and even further west, and the road to recovery will be long for many families,” said Neal Litvack, Chief Development Officer of the American Red Cross. “GM’s generous donation of vehicles and the GM Foundation’s donation of finances will help the American Red Cross to respond with shelter, food and care, aiding affected residents now and after the storm, as they move toward recovery,”

Anyone interested in providing support to hurricane victims are encouraged to visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make a donation.

About Chevrolet

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year.  Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

About the GM Foundation

Since its inception in 1976, the GM Foundation has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to American charities, educational organizations and to disaster relief efforts worldwide. The GM Foundation focuses on supporting Education, Health and Human Services, Environment and Energy and Community Development initiatives, mainly in the communities where GM operates. Funding of the GM Foundation comes solely from GM. The last contribution to the GM Foundation was made in 2001. For more information, visit www.gm.com/gmfoundation.>

About OnStar

OnStar, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors, is the global leading provider of connected safety, security and mobility solutions and advanced information technology. With more than 6 million subscribers in the U.S, Canada and China, OnStar is currently available on more than 40 MY 2013 GM models, as well as available for installation on most other vehicles already on the road with OnStar FMV. More information about OnStar can be found at www.onstar.com.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

Courtesy of GM Media

See what Jon D. has to say about his recent experience with Novato Chevrolet!

What do you think of this concept? A 2013 Malibu with performance interior & exterior features, an L4 turbocharged engine and a racing-inspired chassis. If Chevrolet decided to push the limits, it would look like this Malibu Turbo concept car.

5 easy DIY car maintenance moves for fall

With autumn's shorter days, cooler temperatures and inclement weather drawing closer, now is a good time to get your car ready for the demands of the coming driving season.

Although some seasonal car maintenance will require the assistance of a qualified car mechanic, here are five, simple do-it-yourself car maintenance projects to make your auto better prepared for fall and save you the labor cost of having these services done by a mechanic.

1. "Wiper blades should be replaced annually every fall," says Tony Molla, spokesman for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence in Leesburg, Va. "You generally use your wipers more frequently in the fall and winter. They'll also be taking a lot more abuse from road grime and windshield-washer solvent, so it's best to have a fresh set then."

Fortunately, replacing wiper blades as part of car maintenance is very easy and requires no tools. They cost from $10 to $20. Be aware that some cars will require same-sized blades for the driver and passenger sides, while others will require a longer blade for the driver-side wiper. So, be sure to consult the in-store sizing guide to buy the right ones. And don't forget to buy a third blade if you own a hatchback, station wagon or SUV, with a wiper for the rear window.

2. "Autumn is also a good time to check your spare tire to ensure that it is properly inflated," says Jim Travers, associate editor for autos at Consumer Reports and familiar with car maintenance. The typical space-saver spare tire found in most cars must be inflated to the inflation pressure listed on the side of the tire. A tire pressure gauge costs $7 to $20.

"Spare tires on pickup trucks and sport utilities are suspended underneath the vehicle on a cable, and that mechanism requires regular attention," says Pat Goss, master technician of PBS's "MotorWeek." Lower and raise that under-car spare to check if the cable mechanism works freely. In fall, spray it with a rust penetrant like WD-40 and then lube with white lithium grease. If the mechanism has seized, repair it immediately.

Tire pressure drops one PSI, or pound per square inch, for every 10-degree drop in temperature, according to the AAA, so check your tires on a weekly basis. The proper inflation pressure will generally be listed in your vehicle's owner manual and/or noted on a sticker located on the driver's doorjamb.

3. "In fall, windshield-washer fluid needs to be replaced with a solvent that is suited for use in cold weather," says Molla. The washer fluid costs $2 to $4 per gallon, depending on the brand and whether it has antifreeze mixed in.

Travers says autumn is also a good time to check your level of antifreeze ($10 to $16 per gallon) in the coolant recovery reservoir. In this car maintenance move, if you find that you are below the required minimum stamped onto the side of that opaque container, add the appropriate quantity of properly diluted fluid to that reservoir and not to the radiator. Make sure that you use the correct fluid because green and orange antifreeze/coolant cannot be mixed.

Checking the brake-fluid reservoir is also a good idea. If the level is low, top it off with the appropriate type of brake fluid ($3.50 to $17 per container, depending on the type). "As your brakes wear, it's normal for the fluid to go down a bit," says Molla. "However, if you notice a bigger decrease, that could be an indication that you have a leak or other issue in the braking system."

4. At a minimum, engine air filters ($11.50 to $53 per filter, depending on brand) should be replaced twice per year as part of car maintenance. So, if you haven't done so already, replacing your car's air filter is a good idea. When an air filter reaches the point where it causes enough of a pressure drop to restrict airflow, the car's fuel economy, performance and emissions begin to deteriorate, getting progressively worse until the dirty filter is replaced.

"Fortunately, it's easy to replace an engine air filter and, again, it's a job anyone can do without tools," says Travers.

5. "Many electrical issues and ignition problems stem from loose or corroded battery connections," says Travers. "If you notice corrosion on the posts or cable connectors, use an appropriate brush ($4 per brush.) This is a very inexpensive, yet handy tool that you can get at any auto parts store. And clean both (posts) completely, and then reconnect everything snuggly and securely."

As part of regular car maintenance, and for safety, make sure all of the car's lights are working; it's important for you to see, as well as be seen, during autumn's longer and darker nights, adds Molla. "Replacement bulbs will typically cost a dollar or two, with the exception of headlight bulbs, of course. They're considerably more expensive, but you can replace them all quite easily on your own without tools and save yourself a hefty labor charge in the process."

Headlight bulbs range in price from $14 to $27 for a single bulb to $25 to $50 for a dual pack.

Courtesy of BankRate

Watch ZL1 engineer Tony Roma and Formula Drift racer Conrad Grunewald demonstrate the latest Chevrolet Driving Dynamics technologies as they hit Willow Springs International Race Track with Corvette and Camaro.

Make sure to visit Novato Chevrolet – and with offers like these, who can resist! Get our free tire rotation with oil changes today!

Climatic Wind Tunnel Puts All-New Malibu Turbo to the Test

Neither snow nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night kept product development engineers from swift completion of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Turbo, arriving this month. The location for all of this torture testing? General Motors’ Climatic Wind Tunnel in Warren, Mich., where all Chevrolet vehicles take on the elements.

On the hottest days of summer, Malibu Turbo, which starts at $27,710, withstood blizzard and hurricane conditions inside the wind tunnel, where the temperature can replicate 40 below zero and the wind can blow 150 mph. Even on the coldest nights of winter, the tunnel’s temperature can easily climb to 140 degrees under 1,155 watts per square meter of simulated sunshine.

At this state-of-the-art facility, engineers take vehicle development and validation testing to the extremes, subjecting powertrain cooling, cabin heating, ventilation and air conditioning   systems to the harshest weather conditions found from Death Valley, Calif., and Denali, Alaska.

The wind tunnel also simulates driving actual roads with real-world weight burdens, such as hauling a fully loaded trailer up a steep incline by applying resistance through the wheels of the tunnel’s dynamometer, a tool that also allows simulated driving speeds of up to 155 mph.

“Testing in the Climatic Wind Tunnel reduces the need to travel to remote locations, which helps save time and money,” said Ben Cruz, GM engineering group manager for thermal testing at the Climatic Wind Tunnel. “Tunnel testing also minimizes the safety risks and traffic interactions associated with testing on public roads, and because the conditions are repeatable, we’re not limited by the whims of Mother Nature.”

Engineers used the tunnel’s blizzard-making capability to test Malibu Turbo’s air induction system, which is designed to prevent snow from clogging the vehicle’s air cleaning system. The system’s torturous path of multiple barriers blocks water molecules while allowing air to flow freely for engine combustion.

Malibu Turbo’s powertrain cooling system was developed in the tunnel and attuned to the car’s specific powertrain heat outputs and airflow characteristics to provide optimal performance even in extreme heat and cold. The system is designed to allow wide open throttle acceleration at egg-frying Death Valley temperatures, and has been validated in that desert location.

Malibu Turbo’s occupant comfort is just as important when the going gets hot. The car’s air conditioning system was tested against tunnel simulations of the high heat and humidity found along the Gulf Coast. This torture test helps ensure that Malibu Turbo’s all-new 2.0L engine delivers the rapid cool-down performance expected of a turbocharged power plant.

Climatic torture testing helps Chevrolet deliver improved quality and durability. Malibu topped the midsize sedan category in a recent third-party quality study, due in part to development work done at the Climatic Wind Tunnel.

“The new Malibu turbo was designed with the things that matter to our customers in mind, like starting on cold mornings and not overheating on hot summer days,” said Jeremy Loveday, Malibu turbo’s program engineering manager. “The Climatic Wind Tunnel helped us place the Malibu turbo in extreme conditions – if the car survives there, then it’ll perform extremely well when customers have them.”

Courtesy of GM Media

Michelle, we are honored to have you as a customer

"I went to Novato Chevrolet last week to get my 2006 Tahoe worked on. I needed a oil change. I thought it was going to be a lot more money than the quick oil change places that I have been to in the past, but was surprised to find out it was only 39.95 for the oil change and they rotated my tires at no charge. I also got a 10.00 dollar rebate that brought the total cost to 29.95. They even washed my car! I was treated like a customer and not a lady that knows nothing about cars. Great job Novato Chevrolet. You have earned my business" - Michelle G.

Click here to read this review and more on Yelp!

 

 

Using your USB port, you can now watch movies with your Chevrolet Spark

Have you seen the amazing incentives from Chevrolet this month? You won't be able to say no!

Click Here for Details!

Chevrolet Trucks: Building America for 95 years

It started with a simple idea – a few car chassis fitted with hand-built beds to help carry materials around a booming car factory. Before long, millions of Chevrolet pickups were woven into the fabric of a fast-growing country. Chevy trucks tackled the toughest jobs on farms and in the fields, hauled tools and lumber to the burgeoning suburbs and carried families and friends into the wilds for well-earned vacations.

“The legacy that Chevrolet trucks have built over the last 95 years is important to protect,” said Don Johnson, Chevrolet vice president of Sales and Service.  “The best way for us to do that is by delivering the capability and technology our customers have grown to expect, in both our current trucks and in our next generation of full-size pickups."

Here are some Chevy truck highlights:

1918 Chevrolet Four-Ninety Half-Ton Light Delivery “Cowl Chassis”

Although there are indications that some Four-Ninety based trucks were built for internal use in 1916, and that a few even earlier chassis may have been converted to ambulances and sent to France in 1914, the first customer chassis appears to have been built in Flint, Mich., on Nov. 22, 1916, and shipped from the factory on Dec. 2 that year.

Two four-cylinder models marked Chevrolet’s formal entry into the truck market for the 1918 model year. Both were cowl chassis units that came from the factory with only frontal sheet metal. It was customary at the time for buyers to obtain a wooden cab and cargo box or panel van body to suit their purposes.

Priced at $595, the half-ton Light Delivery cowl chassis was essentially a bodyless Chevrolet Four Ninety car equipped with stronger rear springs. Mounted with a pickup box or panel body, it provided an agile and economical light-delivery truck for small businesses popping up across America in the boom following the First World War.

The second model, a 1-ton capacity 1918 Chevrolet “Model T” (presumably for “Truck”) cost $1,125 without a body.  It was based on the FA-series car, and was built on a truck frame that was longer and stronger than the half-ton model.  A 37-horsepower engine gave the larger truck the power to haul heavier loads at a governor-limited top speed of 25 mph.

1930 Chevrolet Pickup

The simple cowl chassis models were replaced in the 1930s by factory-built pickups, which initially came with roadster and closed bodies.  Chevrolet bought the Martin-Parry body company in 1930 and quickly began selling steel-body half-ton pickups complete with a factory-installed bed.

At the heart of these new pickups was a new Chevy inline six-cylinder engine, which soon earned names like “Cast Iron Wonder” and “Stovebolt” for its rugged design.  First produced in late 1928, the new engine had a modern overhead-valve design.  Inline six-cylinder engines became a mainstay in Chevrolet cars and trucks for decades to come.

By the mid-1930s, half-ton pickups with factory-installed steel boxes had become the lifeblood of the truck market, with brands like Mack, Studebaker, Reo, and International competing with Chevy, GMC, Ford and Dodge.

1937 Chevrolet Half-Ton Pickup

In the mid-1930s, as the U.S. economy began to recover from the Great Depression, Chevrolet pushed for leadership in a reviving truck market with what were designed to be some of the strongest, most innovative models produced to that point.

For 1937, Chevrolet introduced new trucks with streamlined styling that many still consider the best designs of the era. The ’37 also featured a sturdier body and a larger and more powerful 78-horsepower engine, among other improvements.

A 1937 Chevrolet half-ton pickup was sent on a 10,245-mile drive around the United States that was monitored by the American Automobile Association (AAA).  Carrying a 1,060 lb. load, the truck averaged 20.74 miles per gallon.

1947 Chevrolet Advance-Design Half-Ton Pickup

In early 1947, Chevrolet introduced its Advance-Design trucks, the first completely redesigned GM vehicles to appear following World War II. Owners of earlier pickup models had asked for a roomier, more comfortable cab with improved visibility and a wider pickup box. They got all of that and more.

Designers sought to make the truck’s styling clean, brisk and attractive. Headlamps were now set wide apart in the front fenders and five horizontal bars made up the grille. The design was produced with few major changes from 1947 through 1953, and was then continued with a new frontal appearance into early 1955.

During the Advance-Design trucks’ run, there was a measurable shift among Chevrolet customers to trucks. Prior to World War II, the production ratio of the brand’s cars to trucks had been about 4:1. By 1950 – the year Chevrolet became the first brand to sell more than 2 million vehicles in a single year – the ratio of cars to trucks was closer to 2.5:1.

1955 Chevrolet Task Force Pickup

By the mid-1950s, the post-World-War II boom was under way, and customers were looking for style and performance even in pickup trucks.  In mid-1955, Chevrolet introduced the all-new Task Force trucks, which shared design language with the 1955 Bel Air, and also offered the new small-block Chevy V8 as an option.

Also new to the 1955 truck line was the Cameo Carrier, a high-styled gentleman’s pickup more at home in a trendy suburban California bungalow driveway than on a farm or in a factory yard.  The Cameo Carrier was only produced through 1958, but it set the stage for new generations of well-equipped personal use pickups, including the El Camino, Avalanche, and Silverado crew cab.

A major engineering advance with tremendous future implications was announced for 1957, when a factory-installed 4-wheel-drive system became available for the first time on select models.

Chevrolet continued to offer the Task Force trucks with annual updates through 1959. During 1958, a new slab-sided Fleetside box option provided an alternative to Chevrolet’s traditional step-side pickup box.

1959 Chevrolet El Camino

The original El Camino introduced for 1959 combined the dramatically finned styling of that period’s Chevrolet cars with half-ton pickup utility. But the excitement was short-lived. After 1960, the El Camino went on a three-year hiatus.

Chevrolet revived the El Camino “personal pickup” concept for 1964, with a new version based on that year’s new mid-size Chevrolet Chevelle. During the ‘muscle car’ era that followed, El Camino buyers could order their truck with a Chevrolet high-performance big-block V-8 powertrain, creating a sport pickup that could “haul” in more ways than one. By 1968, a complete Super Sport package was available.

The Chevelle El Camino enjoyed a devoted following and was produced through two more styling generations (1968-1972 and 1973-1977).  For 1978, the El Camino was successfully transitioned to that year’s new, smaller Malibu platform. The final El Caminos were 1987 models.

1961 Corvair Pickup

Although there had been a number of small pickups prior to the 1960s, the compact car boom that kicked off the decade brought with it a new crop of forward control trucks, including the Corvair 95. With its unitized body structure and rear-mounted engine, the 95 offered a lot of cargo space in a compact maneuverable package. The Rampside model offered a side gate on the right side of the vehicle, which allowed easy access to the low load floor at the front of the bed.  Although clever in design, the Corvair 95 never caught on in the showroom, and in the final model year of 1964, only 851 were sold.

1967 Chevrolet C-10 with Custom Sport Truck Package

It took only one glance at any of the 35 Chevrolet C/K models for 1967 to see that Chevy trucks had a new look that year. The exterior profile, which would characterize Chevrolet C/K models through 1972, featured a lower-silhouette cab and large, rounded wheel openings. The new chassis had coil springs front and rear.

A new-for-1967 Custom Sport Truck package was a trend-setting option that included deluxe, car-like upgrades inside and out. The package could even be ordered in combination with bucket seats.

By 1967, the Federal Interstate Highway System was giving Americans unprecedented access to the nation’s natural wonders and recreational areas. Customers who enjoyed such pursuits appreciated the small-block and big-block V-8 power choices that gave Chevrolet trucks the torque needed to pull trailers up grades, and horsepower to cruise comfortably with a camper at Interstate speeds.

1972 Chevy LUV

In spring of 1972, Chevrolet started selling the LUV pickup on costal markets.  Built by GM partner Isuzu, the LUV featured a 75-horsepower four-cylinder engine and four-speed manual transmission.  Although the specs were modest, the LUV was a fully functioning pickup, with a ladder-style frame, a six-foot bed, and a payload of 1,100 pounds, plus room for two passengers.  Within a few years, soaring gas prices would make compact pickups like the Chevy LUV a major factor in the U.S. truck market, and it wasn’t long before Chevrolet started work on a home-grown small truck.

1982 Chevrolet S-10

The Chevrolet S-10 was the first domestically produced compact pickup, larger than the imported Chevy LUV but smaller than the full size C/K model.  An 82-horsepower four-cylinder engine was standard, with an available 110-horsepower V6 – the only one in the class.  Properly equipped, the S-10 could haul 1,500 pounds, and tow 4,000. The roomy cab and high levels of standard and optional equipment gave the S-10 a broader appeal than that of earlier, bare-bones small trucks, and it quickly became a mainstay of the Chevrolet lineup, appealing to everyone from young customers looking for a first set of wheels to businesses seeking a rugged work truck.

1988 Chevrolet Pickups

Pickup trucks had been slowly migrating from the worksite to the suburbs, and the 1988 Chevrolet C/K pickup accelerated that trend, bringing the aerodynamics, electronics and materials that had revolutionized the automobile over the past decade to the full-size pickup.  Extensively tested to make sure it met the high bar for dependability set by previous Chevy pickups, the new truck also featured advanced aerodynamics for improved fuel economy, including a narrower cab for lower drag, flush side glass, and a sleek front end with integrated lamps.

A full range of powertrains was offered, from a 4.3-liter V6 through a 6.2-liter diesel V8.  To enhance durability, the trucks featured extensive use of galvanized steel for corrosion resistance, and a full welded frame with a boxed front section for strength and rigidity.   Civilized driving characteristics and styling moved full-size pickups closer to being the family vehicles they are today.

1999 Chevrolet Silverado

Chevrolet’s all-new 1999 full-size pickups were the first to carry the Silverado nameplate.  The new trucks resulted from the most intensive development program yet undertaken by General Motors and they arrived just in time for a boom in truck sales.  The styling of the new Silverado pickups built on the purposeful design that characterized the preceding C/K pickups. Interiors had all the comfort and convenience features personal-use customers were starting to expect.  Power came from a new generation of V8 engines.

2004 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab

The 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche pioneered the idea of a light-duty pickup that could comfortably accommodate the family, and the 2004 Silverado took this idea and ran with it. In less than eight years, light-duty crew cabs would dominate the full-size pickup market, accounting for more than two-thirds of all sales, and transforming pickups into a true multi-purpose vehicle for both work and family. Available creature comforts included dual-zone climate control, Bose sound systems, a rear-seat DVD player, OnStar and XM radio. Even with the creature comforts, Silverado maintained the Chevy truck capability.

2007 Silverado

The all-new 2007 Silverado provided significant improvements in performance and fuel economy, while strengthening the capability and dependability Chevy pickups were known for.  It featured a new fully boxed frame, coil-over-shock front suspension, and rack-and-pinion steering for improved ride and handling, while new Gen IV small-block 5.3L and 6.0L V-8 engines could deactivate four of the eight cylinders when not needed to save fuel.  Safety advances included StabiliTrak electronic stability control and head-curtain side airbags for enhanced occupant protection.

2013 Chevrolet Colorado

Just as full-size pickups have become the lifeblood of the American economy, midsize pickups are important vehicles for businesses and families in many countries outside the United States. Chevrolet’s new global mid-size Colorado pickup is designed to help expand the Chevrolet brand into many of the world’s fastest-growing markets.

Developed under the direction of a truck-savvy team from GM do Brasil, the inaugural version of the global Colorado was launched in Thailand, the world’s largest market for midsize pickups, in November, 2011.  Over the next several years, Colorado will be introduced into many global markets, including the United States, where it will offer a more fuel efficient alternative for customers who don’t need all of the capability of a full-size pickup.

Courtesy of GM Media

Welcome back to the work week fans! Here is a Monday maintenance tip for you!

Top Off Your Brake Fluid

• Check brake fluid monthly. Wipe dirt from the master cylinder lid before you open it. If you need fluid, add the type recommended by your car’s maker. Never substitute other fluids, such as transmission or power-steering fluid. And don’t use brake fluid from a previously opened container. Once exposed to air, brake fluid absorbs moisture and contaminates easily.

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Front Bench Takes a Back Seat

When the 2014 Chevrolet Impala arrives next year it will put to rest a fixture of automobiles since the days of the horseless carriage – the front bench seat. The outgoing Impala is the last passenger car in production in North America to offer three-across front seating, an option that that ends with the introduction of Chevy’s redesigned flagship sedan.

The passing of the front bench seat into automotive history is expected to transpire without notice from many car buyers. Only one in 10 Impala buyers chose the $195 option last year on the LS and LT models. For many of today’s car buyers, front bucket seats are the norm – a trend that General Motors designers expect will continue.

“A lot of people prefer bucket seats because they’re sporty, even in models that aren’t sports cars,” said Clay Dean, GM director of design. “Our customers also appreciate having the center console as a convenient place to store their phone and other personal items.”

The first Chevrolet ever manufactured, the Series C Classic Six of 1911, featured a front bench seat. Chevrolet will continue to offer bench seats on pickup trucks and sport utilities.

The need for six-passenger sedans is largely being met today by SUVs or crossovers, such as the Chevrolet Suburban and Traverse, which offer seating for up to eight.

“There is certain nostalgia for bench seats, like being able to snuggle up with your date at a drive-in movie, and some customers still like them,” Dean said. “You never know, we might see bench seats re-emerge someday, possibly in very small cars like the EN-V urban mobility concept vehicle, in which the feeling of open space may be very desirable.”

Courtesy of GM Media

Don’t you want to keep your car running smoothly as long as possible? Well here is a Monday maintenance tip to help extend the life of your car.

Don’t Try to Carry too Much

• Never exceed your car’s roof load specifications or weight limits. You can find them in your vehicle owner’s manual. Check the weight limitation of your roof rack as well. Typically the range is from 150 to 200 pounds (68 to 90 kg). That’s the equivalent of eighteen 8-foot 2 x 4s (2.4-meter 38 x 89s) or three sheets of 3/4-inch (17-mm) plywood. If you have to deliver a heavy load from the home or garden center, consider having it delivered. It will save wear and tear on you as well as your car.

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