5 Engine Oil Myths

We all know that our cars need engine oil in order to operate smoothly. The role of engine oil is to keep the moving parts of the engine lubricated, to protect them against rust corrosion, and -- with modern detergent oil additives -- to keep them free of sludge and general engine gunk.
But most of us also know some things about engine oil that aren't actually true. For instance, isn't it always necessary to change your oil every 3,000 miles (4,828 kilometers)? And when the color of your oil starts becoming dark, doesn't that mean that it's about to fill your engine with harmful sludge?

Well, no. These ideas are myths and over the next few pages we'll debunk them, along with a few other engine oil "facts" that don't happen to be true. A little knowledge isn't necessarily a dangerous thing, but a little knowledge that doesn't happen to be true could quite possibly ruin your engine, or at least cost you a lot of unnecessary expense.

Click here to get the truth behind the 5 Engine Oil Myths from HowStuffWorks.com.

From One Second To The Next A Film By Werner Herzog

Shows the Consequences of Texting While Driving

This past August, legendary filmmaker and historian Werner Herzog released "From One Second to the Next", a short, but poignant look into the consequences of texting while driving.

The film is a PSA sponsored by four major phone companies-- AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile, who originally approached Herzog to make the film in an effort to combat a growing cultural phenomenon where texting-related accidents are becoming increasingly all too common.

For Herzog, it's a sharp turn outside the norm from his usual works, which often focus on themes of isolation and wilderness, as can be seen in films like "Grizzly Man" and "Encounters At the End of the World". Nonetheless, "From One Second to the Next" is as much an accomplishment in cinema as it is an important message that should be adopted by anyone who gets behind a wheel.

Watch "From One Second to the Next" here

What your favorite Halloween treat says about your TASTE in cars.

 

Candy Corn: One thing is for certain, it just wouldn’t be Halloween without candy corn!  The classic choice!  You’ve got a timeless sense of style, which means you and the Accord are meant to be. 

Toasted pumpkin seeds: Watch out-- a no-nonsense person like you should be cruising in a truck!  You are sharp, tough, and you don’t sugarcoat anything.

Sugar Daddies:  Looking for a sweet fix that’s sure to “stick around?”  You deserve a ride that you can count on for years to come!  The Civic is the car for you! 

Caramel Apples: Not only are you fashion-conscious, you’re a ton of fun and always up for trying something new!  Your biting sense of humor makes you a treat to be around.  You belong behind the wheel of a Pilot. 

King-Sized Candy Bar: You’ve hit the mother-load!  A busy schedule like yours requires lots of space—See how the Odyssey fits you.

6 Car Myths That Cost You Money Every Year

Most of us view our vehicles as something between an immutable feature of daily life and a rabid, suicidal dragon that gorges on explosions until it inevitably explodes itself. That's because we all know it's only a matter of time until something goes horribly wrong with our cars, and then we're epically, mythically screwed. As a result, various rules of thumb for regular car maintenance have been passed down through the generations -- precious wisdom handed to us by our ancestors in order to stave off, for a spell, the ruinous, virgin-eating car repair monster. But many of these rules are, at best, wildly outdated and, at worst, a total waste of money.

#6. Change Your Oil Every 3,000 Miles

Photos.com
The Myth:
To maximize your engine's life, you should change the oil and filter every 3,000 miles. At this point you should also say several quiet prayers to the gods of breakdowns and have a mid-ranking church official -- no lower than a nun but no higher than a bishop -- bless the water in your vehicle's coolant.

Photos.com
"I'm sorry, my child, but the Lord can't drive or bless a manual transmission."

The Reality:
The idea that you should change your car's oil every 3,000 miles is so pervasive that it has its own Wikipedia page ... specifically debunking it. This misconception has its roots laid all the way back to the 1970s, when oil technology was still developing and the engine operating environment wasn't nearly as smooth and controlled as it is today. Back then, 3,000 miles was actually a pretty good rule of thumb. So was "Never trust a European" and "Chest hair, son: Always chest hair." However, just like international relations and grooming habits, engine and oil technology have improved drastically over the decades. The life of the oil in your car has now increased far beyond that allegedly sacred 3,000-mile barrier.

So why do we hang onto it? Because no one has bothered to tell the oil-change industry. Those poor, naive fellas still "recommend" changing it every 3,000 miles, despite the fact that synthetic oils lasting up to 15,000 miles have been available for years. If only somebody would show them the backs of those bottles in their tiny, uncomfortable lobbies; why, we're sure they'd immediately mend their ways and return all that needlessly spent money of yours.

Read more: Click Here to Reveal the other 5 Myths Costing You Money

(Source: Cracked.com)

What Will They Think of Next?

Motor Recall made an app that creates a game out of the identification of vehicle lights at night. Think you know cars well enough to guess make & model by viewing headlights or taillights? Challenge yourself with this fun new app. Get more details now.

Chevrolet’s Small Car Sales Increases 229 Percent!

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 4.5 million cars and trucks a year. Click here to see how the brand’s continuing success is attracting buyers of all ages. http://bit.ly/1430fzy

Take a Cruise with the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe 2LS

 Looking to turn heads while cruising down the street? Novato Chevrolet has just the car for you! The sporty appearance of the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe will turn heads wherever you go. At such an affordable price, it makes such a sexy looking car like this hard to turn down. Come down to Novato Chevrolet today for a test drive.

Visit the Novato Chevrolet inventory page for more information or contact our sales department at (415) 493-011.

Where did the Corvette get its name from?

The Corvette was the first mass produced post-war American sports car, but when GM introduced the car the name was still up in the air. Hundreds of people submitted ideas, but it would be the submission of Myron E. Scott, a newspaper photographer who would submit the winning name.  Myron thought the name Corvette rolled off the tongue well and thought a tie into the fast strike ships called "Corvette" that gained fame in World War II would appeal to the American men, many who had served in the war.

Courtesy of The Gentleman Racer

  Click here to check out our inventory of Corvettes and other great Chevy vehicles!

Here are the top 3 car washes in the area!

Nobody likes driving around in a dirty car!  We did some research to find the top rated car washes in the area.  Keep your car looking brand-new with one of these local washes!

1.  Doctor Detail Mobile Auto Detailing

     San Rafael, CA 94903 

2.  Novato Car Wash

     6981 Redwood Blvd
     Novato, CA 94945

3. Matt & Jeff's Car Wash & Detail Center

     125 Vintage Way
     Novato, CA 94945

Is your car in need of a check-up?

Approximately 77% of cars on the road need servicing or new parts.  It's important to periodically get your car checked to ensure there is nothing vital that needs to be addressed.  Take the time to come by Novato Chevrolet soon and make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape!

Click here to schedule a service appointment with us.

Another great review from one of our wonderful customers! Thank you, Zainal!

(5) Star Review on Yelp

• "I had a great experience each time and the pricing was the best out of several dealers I visited." -Zainal S.

Thank you very much for the wonderful review, Rocky!

"Excellent" Review on Google+ Local

• "An excellent experience in summary. I would not hesitate to recommend Novato Chevrolet to anyone shopping for a vehicle." -Rocky E.

If you need service done on your vehicle now is the time! Come in by Sunday with this eCoupon and get 10% off your service needs!

Click here to claim your 10% Off Service eCoupon now!

Cruze Turbo Diesel: The Cleanest Dirty Car | Chevrolet

The Chevrolet Cruze Turbo Diesel has a turbocharged engine that delivers an EPA estimated 46 mpg. Clean diesel cars generate at least 90% less Nitrogen Oxide and particulate emissions when compared to previous-generation diesel cars. No matter how dirty your car gets, it's good clean fun.

The Cruze Turbo Diesel hits the road running in summer 2013 as the first clean diesel car ever produced by a U.S. automaker.

Happy Wednesday, fans! This month's eCoupon is simple and easy. You need service done and we want to help you save!

Click here to claim your 10% Off Service eCoupon now!

You have just a few more days to claim your Buy 3 Tires Get the 4th Free eCoupon! Head on over to our Facebook Offers page and get yours now!

Click here to claim your Buy 3 Tires Get the 4th Free eCoupon!

GM Foundation Pledges $500,000 to Help Victims of Texas Tornadoes

DETROIT – The General Motors Foundation is pledging $500,000 to Habitat for Humanity to help victims of the recent tornadoes in five Texas counties. The funds will be used to help restore neighborhoods devastated by Wednesday’s storms.

“Helping Texas residents rebuild and repair their homes is a critical priority for Habitat for Humanity International in the aftermath of the recent tornadoes,” said Selim Bingol, vice president, GM Global Communications and Public Policy and Chairman of the GM Foundation. “Through the $500,000 grant from the GM Foundation and the recently donated Chevrolet Express Vans, we are helping the organization immediately provide financial and other important resources to those in need.”

Habitat for Humanity is assessing the impact on affordable housing in the affected areas and will assist with clean up, repairs and new construction efforts.

In addition to GM Foundation’s donation, Chevrolet donated 24 Chevrolet Express vans in 2012, creating the organization’s first-ever fleet of mobile response units. With their work behind them, some of the mobile response units are making their way from Superstorm Sandy-affected areas to Hood, Johnson, Montague, Parker and Wise counties to assist in recovery efforts. The vans are filled with tools and equipment from Lowe’s and Robert Bosch Tool Corporation

The GM Foundation’s support of Habitat for Humanity in 2013 also includes a $1 million grant for neighborhood revitalization efforts in 12 U.S. cities, including Arlington and Austin, Texas, where teamGM Cares volunteers will be deployed this year.

“From leadership giving and corporate gifts to much-needed vehicles and volunteers to assist with recovery efforts, Dan Akerson, the GM Foundation and Chevrolet are leading the way to help families rebuild their lives,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO, Habitat for Humanity International. “This latest pledge will help the residents of impacted Texas communities come home again.”

In 2012, GM’s Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson and his wife, Karin, provided a $1 million personal gift to Habitat for Humanity’s “Leaders to ReBuild Detroit” initiative.

The GM Foundation’s support of Texas also includes a recent $100,000 grant to the Red Cross to aid emergency management officials with relief efforts in West, Texas. The GM Foundation also donates annually to the American Red Cross Disaster Responder Program to ensure the organization has funds to provide immediate relief when disaster strikes.

Courtesy of GM News

It's Throwback Thursday, fans! Can you guess the year and model of this classic Chevy?

Silverado Adds Rugged Luxury with New High Country

• New crew cab model to compete in premium pickup segment
• Unique exterior appearance, saddle brown interior
• Standard 5.3L V-8 with 355 horsepower, up to 23 mpg highway

SAN ANTONIO – The 2014 Silverado High Country will further broaden Chevrolet's portfolio in the premium pickup segment when it joins the LTZ and Z71 models in the Silverado lineup this fall.

Silverado High Country is distinguished by a unique chrome grille with horizontal chrome bars, halogen projector headlamps and body-color front and rear bumpers. Unique 20-inch chrome wheels with P275/55R20 all-season tires are standard, as are chrome body side moldings, door handles and mirrors.

Inside, Silverado High Country features an exclusive saddle brown interior, with authentic materials throughout. Features include heated and cooled perforated premium leather front bucket seats with High Country logos on the headrests, Chevrolet MyLink connectivity with an 8-inch touch screen, Bose premium audio and front and rear park assist.

"High Country will be the top model in the Silverado lineup, with a higher level of premium features and materials with a rich, Western themed appearance," said Maria Rohrer, Silverado marketing director. "But at the same time, High Country is 100-percent Chevy truck, with the capability and dependability customers have relied on for more than 95 years."

Standard engine for the Silverado High Country is the 5.3L EcoTec3 V-8, SAE-certified at 355 horsepower (250 kW), with class-leading V-8 fuel economy of up to 23 mpg highway (2WD models). The all-new 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8 also will be available. Both engines feature direct fuel injection, Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing, proving the refined power and torque truck customers expect. Both seamlessly switch to four-cylinder mode to save fuel during light-load driving.

Because of the high level of standard equipment, Silverado High Country will offer only a few options. In addition to the 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8, they include a chrome rear bumper with CornerStep, integrated trailer brake controller, sunroof, navigation, and a rear-seat entertainment system as well as a High Country Premium Package which includes heated steering wheel, driver alert package, adjustable pedals and integrated trailer brake controller.

Courtesy of Autoblog

Need new tires? Then May is your month! Head over to our Facebook Offers page for more details.

Click here to get your Buy 3 Tires Get the 4th Free eCoupon!

Like if you've driven the Pacific Coast Highway!

At Chevrolet we are all about innovation!

A very big thank you to Mr. D. for this superb review!

(5) Star Review on Yelp

• "Salesmen, finance, sales manager were all professional and nice" -Mr. D.

2013 Chevrolet Spark Named in WardsAuto's 10 Best Interiors of 2013

Penton's leading automotive brand unveils annual list of best car interiors; to be celebrated at upcoming WardsAuto Interiors Conference

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., April 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2013 "Ward's 10 Best Interiors" list was announced today, and it features a wide range of automobile types and sticker prices, including several models that prove a buyer doesn't have to break the bank to drive in luxury and style.

WardsAuto editors selected the top passenger compartments after spending February and March evaluating 46 vehicles that were all-new or sported interiors that have been significantly upgraded. The winners will be recognized during a special ceremony at the WardsAuto Interiors Conference being held May 22 at The Henry hotel in Dearborn, MI.

This year's winners:

Acura RDX (Honda Motor Co. Ltd.)
Cadillac XTS (General Motors Co.)
Chevrolet Spark (General Motors Co.)
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd.)
Kia Forte (Kia Motors Corp.)
Lexus GS 450h (Toyota Motor Corp.)
Mazda6 (Mazda Motor Corp.)
Nissan Pathfinder (Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.)
Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn (Chrysler Group LLC)
Toyota Avalon (Toyota Motor Corp.)

To determine the winners, editors drive the vehicles during their routine commutes and submit score sheets ranking each auto interior based on several criteria, including materials, ergonomics, comfort, safety, value, fit-and-finish and overall design. Scores also are applied based on the user-friendliness of the human-machine interface and the ability to link mobile phones and access vehicle information. Video reviews and photo galleries of evaluated vehicles may be found at http://wardsauto.com, and full write-ups on each winner will post on April 29.

"This year's batch of winners really drives home the point that auto interiors are vital in the battle for consumers' hearts and minds," says WardsAuto World Editor-in-Chief, Drew Winter. "It wasn't uncommon all that long ago for auto makers to view interiors as the best place to take cost out of a vehicle program. They eventually figured out that's a big mistake because people spend a lot more time looking at the inside of their car than the outside."

In addition to the awards being presented in a ceremony during the WardsAuto Interiors Conference, Ward's expects to have all ten winning vehicles on display at the event for attendees to experience and judge the interiors for themselves. The ceremony will include a live video review inside each vehicle, highlighting the key features that earned each interior its honor.

Courtesy of Autoblog

A huge thank you to Scott for this outstanding review!

(5) Star Review on Yelp

• "The experience was quick, clean, and easy.  That's the way to buy cars!" -Scott B.

The Chevy Spark is here to ignite passion in drivers once again! Come by Novato Chevrolet today for a test drive!

Monday Maintenance Tip: Don’t fill up if you see the tanker

If you happen to see a gasoline tanker filling the tanks at your local gas station, come back another day or go to a different station. As the station’s underground tanks are being filled, the turbulence can stir up sediment. Sediment in your gas can clog fuel filters and fuel injectors, causing poor performance and possibly necessitating repairs.