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Showing posts from 2017

Toys for Tots 2017: A Successful Holiday Season at the Stevinson Dealerships

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We are so proud to have once again hosted seven dropoff locations in Colorado that accepted  U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program donations ! These toys will be  distributed by the devoted men and women of the U.S. Marine Corps as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in our community. It feels wonderful to have been a part of this. A warm and gracious thank you to everyone that donated and helped to coordinate this effort. We couldn't have done it without the support of each and every one of you. Starting in early November 2017, we rounded up our collection boxes from the Military Base in Aurora and proudly displayed them at each store. Now that the collection period has ended, we wanted to share with you how successful we were in gathering donations. You know what that means - more toys and more happy kids!  Here's what it looked like before we opened donations at Stevinson Chevrolet and after... Befo...

How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Rainy Weather

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You and your car survived the cold mornings of the winter, and while we're not all driving with the windows down quite yet, spring is well on its way. Before breathing that sigh of relief and going on your way, spend some time preparing for the road ahead. The following steps are crucial in keeping you safe on the road during spring rains.  Inspect Windshield Wipers During the winter, windshield wipers can stick to the windshield and tear before breaking free, and even if your wipers look fine, the rubber is easily deteriorated in warmer weather. Don’t let damaged wipers catch you off guard when the spring rains hit. Inspect your wipers and replace them if they look damaged or worn. If you need help with this, stop by any Stevinson Automotive dealership in your area for assessment, parts, and installation. Inspect Tires Your tires were fine before winter. Several months and possibly thousands of miles later, your tires may not be in such good shape now...

Understanding Child Safety Seat Laws in Your State

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The world of child safety seat laws can be confusing and overwhelming for parents. You want to make sure that your child's safety needs are being met and that you're following the law. The good news is that there are plenty of resources out there to help you do just that, and Stevinson Auto is here to help. Note: Information about child safety seat laws is not the same as legal advice. We are not giving, offering, or suggesting any legal advice. Be sure to obey all driving laws in your location.  The laws of the land Each state, as well as the District of Columbia, has laws regarding child safety seat use. These laws set standards in key areas, which may include any or all of the following: Which children must be in child safety seats or car seats When an adult belt is permitted Whether the child seat must be in the rear of the vehicle Maximum base fine for first offense After graduating from enforceable child safety seat laws, children in many st...

How to Quickly Change a Tire

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A flat tire can instantly change a fun and fulfilling road trip into a nightmare. With your car disabled on the side of the road, you become a hazard for other motorists and their passengers, so you should change your tire as quickly as possible. A little determination, a few helpful tips, and speed can get you and your car back on the road in a short time, so you can safely enjoy the rest of your trip. Preparation If you have never changed a tire on your car before, schedule some time to practice so you can become familiar with the tools and the procedure. This way, a flat tire will never catch you off guard. Even if you know how to change a tire, the time spent preparing for an emergency can minimize the effect of a flat tire on your trip. Start by locating and inspecting your essential equipment and supplies. A jack, spare tire, and lug nut wrench come with every car, so make sure these items are in your car. Always check the air pressure in your spare tire to avoid unn...

Spring Has (Almost) Sprung. Here's 5 Tips for Springtime Car Maintenance.

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With warmer weather peeking its head out between the last of Colorado's winter storms, it's time again to begin thinking about springtime car maintenance. Stevinson Automotive has a few helpful reminders to help you avoid costly repairs down the line. Take a few minutes to review your car's performance by following our checklist below: 1. Tires When was the last time you had your tires rotated and balanced? By Spring, they're probably ready for another rotation. Bring your car by and we'll check your tires for any impact or cuts caused by winter  driving  conditions and worn roadways. 2. Antifreeze Your vehicle's radiator cools the engine with water and coolant, or antifreeze. Check to see if the  liquid reaches the “Full” line on the side of the coolant reservoir to  ensure proper protection is present for the summer months. 3. Belts, Hoses and Plugs Drastic temperature changes can cause materials like rubber and insulation to lose el...

Ask a Technician: What Should I Do When the Warning Light on My Dashboard Comes On?

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Q. The warning light came on my dashboard, should I panic and drive straight to the mechanic? A. First, don’t panic. The “check engine” warning light is simply a general alarm. How it looks and what it means varies from car to car. It might be a yellow or red light or just a little engine symbol. No matter what it looks like, all it lets you know is that the computer that monitors your car has determined that some component of your car is not working properly. That problem can be a minor one or a major one. It could indicate something as simple as a loose fuel cap, especially if you’ve recently refueled. Stop the car in a safe place, turn off the engine, and tighten the gas cap until you hear two or three clicks. Sometimes, that does the trick. But if it doesn’t, you need to take your car in for a diagnostic evaluation. Don’t worry; they’re generally painless. As a Stevinson general rule of thumb, if your check engine light comes on and stays on, you should take your...