Car technician under the hood of a car with a clipboard.

 

Buying a vehicle is the second-largest purchase most Americans will make. From the moment you drive it off the lot, the miles start ticking on the odometer to your next service appointment. In order to keep your vehicle on the road for years to come, it’s good to have preventative maintenance performed.

Why Should You Perform Preventative Maintenance?

Whether you drive a fuel-efficient sedan, a rugged pickup truck, or a spacious and comfortable SUV, performing preventative maintenance will help keep your vehicle on the road for many years to come.

By reviewing your vehicle’s owner’s manual, you’ll have a maintenance schedule that provides mileage checkpoints to have certain procedures completed. These procedures may seem simple, but when they’re taken care of regularly, it will help prevent costly repairs down the road.

Additionally, when you maintain your vehicle consistently, you’ll help maintain your own peace of mind. Taking care of preventative maintenance services helps fight the beating your vehicle takes over time.

 

What Can You Do at Home?

One of the easiest things that you can do is to learn how to perform simple checkups at home. For example, in between each oil change, you can check the level and color of the oil in your engine to ensure it’s not causing premature engine damage. You can also maintain proper air pressure in your tires to help prevent the tread from wearing down too quickly or unevenly.

Don’t forget to take advantage of regular checkups, too. These multipoint inspections don’t have to take up too much time, and they’ll provide a comprehensive look at critical components, so you can stay aware of immediate issues and ones that need to be addressed later.

 

Types of Preventative Maintenance

In addition to regular oil changes and tire rotations, there are several preventative maintenance services that can add life to your vehicle. These services include:

  • Checking brake, power steering, transmission, transaxle, windshield washer, and antifreeze fluids
  • Inspecting headlights, turn signals, brake lights, and taillights
  • Clean or replace windshield wiper blades
  • Inspecting engine belts for cracks or missing segments
  • Examining the air filter

 

Service Your Car, Truck, or SUV at Zimbrick Chevrolet

Schedule an appointment with our Chevrolet service center in Madison, WI, for regular service or preventative maintenance. We also offer Chevy service coupons to help save you some money on your next visit.

A white 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 parked on rocks

 

The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is the latest in the renowned line of trucks from Chevy. With rugged construction, powerful performance, and innovative features, you’ll know why the Silverado continues the tradition of being the most dependable, longest-lasting full-size pickups on the road.

What to Expect in the 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500

Rugged Performance

With 8 trims available, the Silverado 1500 is a pickup with the options you need to get the job done. Start by selecting either a 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive truck, then choose from 6 different powertrains, including:

  • 3.0L Duramax™ Turbo-Diesel with a 10-speed automatic transmission
  • 310-hp 2.7L Turbo with 348 lb.-ft. of torque and an 8-speed automatic transmission
  • 420-hp 6.2L V8 with Dynamic Fuel Management, 10-speed automatic transmission, and 460 lb.-ft. of torque

Load It Up

The Silverado comes with regular, double, and crew cab options to provide the seating and legroom needed to suit your family and work crew. In addition to the cab options, you have the options of a short, standard, and long box with 62.9 cu. ft., 71.7 cu. ft., and 81.9 cu. ft. of volume, respectively. The Silverado’s Durabed is made from high-strength roll-formed steel and features 12 tie-downs standard to keep your payload in check.

And whether you’re hauling equipment to the job site or your boat to the lake, the pickup can tow up to 12,200 pounds when equipped with the MaxTrailering Package and the 6.2L V8 engine.

Storage and Safety

The storage capabilities of the Silverado 1500 don’t stop once you enter the cab. Inside you’ll find 2 available segment-first rear-seatback compartments, rear underseat storage, and a large compartment in the available center console to keep tools, equipment, and other essentials safely tucked away on your travels.

When you’re driving a full-size pickup like the Silverado, it can be helpful to have an extra set of eyes on the road. At Chevrolet, they know that you’re hauling more than just cargo, so available active safety features are carefully designed to help keep you, your passengers, and others around you protected.

The active safety features that are available include:

  • Forward Collision Alert
  • Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking
  • Front Pedestrian Braking
  • Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert
  • Following Distance Indicator
  • Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
  • Rear Camera Mirror
  • Front and Rear Park Assist
  • Safety Alert Seat

2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 for Sale in Madison

Visit the Zimbrick Chevrolet dealership in Madison, WI when you’re ready to test drive the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500.

Two people going over a car maintenance checklist

As fall gives way to winter, driving conditions become harsh and the weather can put pressure on your vehicle’s systems. With some basic preparation, you and your vehicle can be ready for winter driving.

Review this handy car maintenance checklist to get your vehicle equipped.

Your Winter Car Maintenance Checklist

Pack an Emergency Kit

One of the easiest ways to help prepare your car, truck, or SUV for the winter driving months is to make an emergency kit to stash in the trunk of your vehicle. The kit doesn’t have to be anything fancy, it’s just a combination of items that will help you if your car won’t start, slides off the road, or is stuck.

Pack a box with the following:

  • Jumper cables
  • Flashlight
  • Bag of kitty litter or sand (for traction)
  • Ice scraper and brush
  • High-energy snacks
  • Blanket, gloves, and hat

Check the Battery

Your vehicle’s battery capacity can be greatly diminished when the temperatures plummet. By making sure your battery is ready for winter before the snow flies, you’ll be helping to ensure reliable startups even on the coldest of mornings.

Open the hood and inspect the battery and its connections. Shore up any loose connections on the terminals, inspect the cables for cracks or breaks, and check the battery fluid level.

Where the Rubber Meets the Road

If your tires have low tread and low air pressure, it can diminish traction on wet or slick roads, leading to dangerous driving. With a simple penny, you can easily check the tread depth of your tires to ensure you have the traction to grip the road and stop safely.

You can also opt for snow tires to help improve your vehicle’s traction while driving through snow, slush, and ice.

Top Off Fluids

Prior to winter, take your vehicle in for regular maintenance, so your vehicle’s crucial fluids can be refilled or replaced to ensure optimal performance in the cold weather. By swapping coolant for an antifreeze and water mixture, your engine will be protected against freezing in sub-zero temperatures.

Your technician may suggest switching to a winter-grade oil, which is thinner by design to ensure smooth movement through engine components.

Lastly, swapping regular windshield washer fluid for a freeze-resistant formula will help keep the windshield clean and clear.

Don’t Get Locked Out

Keeping a couple of tubes of glycerine in your bag or desk at the office can help you de-ice your vehicle’s locks if they become frozen over.

Prepare Your Car for Winter at Zimbrick Chevrolet

Schedule service to get your vehicle ready for winter driving at the Zimbrick Chevrolet service center. We also offer Chevy service coupons to help you save some money on your visit.

Blue 2018 Chevrolet Camaro cruising down the open road.

There’s nothing like the roar and the rumble of the engine coming to life when you’re behind the wheel of the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro. With modern-day innovations, luxurious seating and style, and impressive performance, this muscle car is sure to turn heads when you drive down the streets of Wisconsin.

Keep reading to learn more about the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro for sale in Madison.

The Chevy Camaro: Available Features and Specs

Exhilarating Power

The 2018 Chevrolet Camaro is available in one of four powertrain options. If you’re looking for the ultimate in performance capability, the ZL1 trim features a 6.2L V8 supercharged engine that puts out a jaw-dropping 650 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque — taking you from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds.

Whether you’re cruising city streets, opening it up on the highway, or navigating through snowy Wisconsin winters, the Drive Mode selector allows you to customize your experience.

Modern Conveniences

Standard on the Camaro is a 7” touch-screen, which you can use to navigate through the Chevrolet MyLink functions. Connect your smartphone to the system via Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility, and enjoy your favorite apps, music, and podcasts. Make and receive phone calls and texts on the drive.

An available Head-Up Display keeps crucial driving information in front of you at all times, so your eyes remain on the road.

Iconic Look

The refined curves and sculpted edges are carefully designed to deliver a lighter, more athletic build of this legendary muscle car. The result? More nimble performance on the asphalt with a stunning look that’s impossible to pass by.

Every single inch of the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro was crafted with precision to ensure an appearance that meets Chevy’s high standards. You’ll love the available RECARO® or heated and ventilated seats with aggressive bolsters. A functional center console layout and a leather-wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel add to the athletic profile.

Drive Home a Chevy Camaro from Zimbrick Chevrolet

When you’re looking for a or other new Chevrolet cars for sale, head to Zimbrick Chevrolet. We’re a short drive from anywhere in the Madison-metro area.

Metallic Chevy Equinox driving down city streets

Beyond the fancy bells and whistles, perhaps the most important aspect of a used car is its reliability. After all, you’re purchasing a vehicle that is several years old and has many thousand miles on it. That’s why it’s important for buyers to consider the reliability of a used Chevy. Chevrolet cars are among the many used cars for sale in Madison, Wisconsin, at Zimbrick Chevrolet.

With over 100 years of history in its rear-view mirror, Chevrolet has become one of the most trusted brands on America’s roads. And the reliability label isn’t just a subjective term either.

4 Reasons Why Used Chevrolet Cars Are Reliable

Affordability

New Chevy cars are affordable to begin with, meaning they’re even more affordable when purchased used. And that doesn’t stop at the sales lot. Chevy also did well in a recent CarMD study of the cheapest cars to repair. So even when a Chevy does need a touch-up, it’s cost-effective to do so.

Availability

With such a wide range of models that includes sedans, coupes, SUVs, and trucks, there is a huge selection of used Chevy vehicles from which to choose. And being an American automotive brand, Chevy vehicles are easier to repair than used imported cars.

Longevity

In an effort to measure the reliability of various brands, Mojo Motors studied more than 500,000 models from 1995 to 2014 to determine the average number of miles a car accumulates before losing its value. At almost 196,000 miles, Chevy was among the cream of the crop.  

Quality

Chevy did equally well when J.D. Power measured the car brands that experience the fewest number of problems. Some specific Chevy models have received attention for being particularly good used cars. These include:

  • 2009 Chevy Traverse (SUV)
  • 2007 Chevy Avalanche (Pickup Truck)
  • 2012 Chevy Malibu (Midsize Sedan)

Shop Used Chevrolet Cars in Madison, WI

Still not convinced? Explore our available inventory and contact us for a test drive in Madison, WI, to see for yourself.

2019 Chevy Equinox driving down city street

 

The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox offers smart tech features and premium cabin comforts for the entire family. Whether you’re taking a road trip or running to the grocery store, this small SUV offers a convenient and enjoyable ride every time you step inside.

Want to learn more? Let’s find out what makes the new Chevy Equinox stand out.

The Versatile 2019 Chevrolet Equinox

Capable Performance

Choose from 3 dynamic engines to power your 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The standard 1.5L Turbo engine provides up to an EPA-estimated 32 mpg on the highway, while the available 1.6L Turbo-Diesel engine offers unbeatable fuel efficiency with up to an EPA-estimated 39 mpg highway.

Looking for more power and capability? Opt for the available 252-horsepower 2.0L turbo engine with 9-speed automatic transmission. With this powertrain, you can haul up to 3,500 pounds of equipment or your family camper with the help of Tow/Haul mode.

The Equinox is also available with all-wheel drive (AWD) for when your adventure takes you through the rain and snow. AWD helps you maintain optimal traction for smooth, confident handling behind the wheel.

Spacious Interior

With comfortable seating for 5 passengers, the Equinox is spacious enough for kids and cargo alike. An available hands-free liftgate lets you pack travel necessities or unpack groceries with ease, even when your hands are full.

Need more storage space? Fold down the second-row seats and get access up to 63.5 cu. ft. of cargo room for all of your gear.

Active Safety Features

The Equinox is available with a suite of advanced safety features that will better protect you and your passengers from potential dangers. Forward Collision Alert warns you when you approach a vehicle from behind too quickly, to prevent a possible front-end collision. Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Park Assist monitor activity behind your vehicle and alert you when possible hazards are detected.

Other safety features available on the Equinox include Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Front Pedestrian Braking, and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Discover the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox for Sale in Madison

Looking for the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox? Find yours today at Zimbrick Chevrolet located at 1877 West Main St. in Prairie, WI. Call our dealership to learn about our inventory of Chevy cars for sale in Madison, WI.

 

2018 Chevrolet Trax crossover parked in front of brick wall

 

Small but mighty, the 2018 Chevrolet Trax offers the power and responsiveness you need to navigate city streets with the ample cargo space required to haul all your gear. Continue reading to learn more about the new Chevrolet Trax for sale in Madison, WI.

What Sets the 2018 Chevrolet Trax Apart

Bring Along All Your Gear

Whether you’re heading out on a camping adventure or making your way to band practice, the new Trax offers plenty of space and flexibility to accommodate whatever you throw its way. 8 versatile seating arrangements let you pack in passengers and cargo however you see fit. And with the front passenger seat folded down, you can fit items up to 8 ft. long.

Connect How You See Fit

When you’re driving, you need to pay attention to the road. But that doesn’t mean you can’t stay connected. With the Chevy Trax, you can tap into the apps on your compatible smartphone using Apple CarPlay™ or Android Auto™.

While you’re out and about, you and your passengers can also take advantage of the available built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi®.  

Get Where You Need to Go

Standard on the 2018 Trax, the 1.4L ECOTEC® engine adds a little pep to every drive and offers up to an EPA-estimated 33 mpg highway for fuel-efficient performance.

Looking for improved handling? Opt for the available All-Wheel Drive (AWD), which helps you maintain traction on various road and driving conditions.

Boost Your Confidence

The Trax features a number of available active safety technologies. The optional Forward Collision Alert lets you know if a potential frontal impact is detected, while the available Lane Departure Warning alerts you when you’re about to leave your lane without signaling. Another available feature, Rear Park Assist, helps you back into parking spaces, warning you if an object is too close.

2018 Chevrolet Trax Near Madison, WI

Find the 2018 Chevrolet Trax at the Chevrolet dealer near you. Zimbrick Chevrolet is conveniently located at 1877 West Main Street in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. Schedule a test drive today, or contact us for more information.

A family outside on a sunny day featured in a blog post about Middleton, WI

 

There’s a reason it’s known as “The Good Neighbor City.” Middleton, Wisconsin’s charming, historical feel and convenient location near Madison make it an excellent summertime adventure destination.

Planning to pack up your new Chevrolet and hit the road? Here are four of the area’s best warm-weather attractions.

Where to Go for Summer Fun in Middleton, WI

Hike, Bike, or Bird Watch at Pheasant Branch Conservancy

Conveniently located just minutes from downtown Middleton, Pheasant Branch Conservancy offers plenty of opportunities for summertime recreation. A variety of trails are available for both hikers and cyclists, with many offering excellent views of the Madison skyline. The area is packed with exciting wildlife, making it a popular choice for bird watching and interpretation.

Eager to see Pheasant Branch for yourself? Stow your gear in the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, which boasts a maximum cargo capacity of 63.5 cu. ft. to accommodate everything you need to enjoy the great outdoors.

See the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum

The UWM Arboretum is known around the world for its ecological restoration efforts. The massive facility features a renowned lilac collection and various unique environments, including wetlands, tallgrass prairies, and more. Explore all of the above via a lengthy trail system.

Sharp looks and plenty of space make the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu a go-to ride for family trips to this popular Middleton-area attraction.

Relax on the Waves of Lake Mendota

Visitors who prefer to spend time on the water can do so at Marshall Park. This 37.07-acre recreational space features a well-maintained boat launch. It also contains space for a variety of additional recreational activities including volleyball, fishing, and more.

Haul your boat to the park with the rugged and reliable 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, or rent a variety of watercraft from nearby Marshall Boats.

Enjoy a Picnic at Pope Farm Conservancy

Pope Farm Conservancy is adored throughout the area for its diverse landscape, which features six Prairie Restoration projects. Seven crops, including sunflowers, grace the grounds.

The 2018 Chevrolet Trax is simple to maneuver from the packed streets of Madison to the rolling countryside, where you’ll find Pope Farm.

Explore Middleton, WI, in a New Chevy

Zimbrick Chevrolet offers a diverse range of Chevrolet cars for sale near Middleton, WI. Stop by our Sun Prairie dealership to test drive a brand new Chevy today, or contact us to discuss your needs with a member of our sales team.

A 2018 Chevrolet Colorado on a dirt road featured in a blog post about a Colorado for sale

 

There are plenty of pickups to consider in the Sun Prairie and Middleton, Wisconsin, areas, but you’re looking for the most capable option. You don’t want a small truck, but you don’t want a full-size, either. So what’s the answer?

Try the 2018 Chevy Colorado.

At Zimbrick Chevrolet, we’re pretty high on this midsize rig. As rugged as it is efficient, the Colorado hits the day-to-day grind as hard as it does a night on the town. Find out how below.

Why You’ll Want to Explore Colorado Trucks For Sale

Legendary capability

The 2018 Colorado carries on Chevy’s legacy of get-it-done performance. The available 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine option enables this midsize pickup to achieve an estimated 30 mpg of fuel economy on the highway, making it America’s most efficient pickup. But that doesn’t mean the Colorado sacrifices power. It can tow a best-in-class 7,700 lb.

Speaking of power, the Colorado can generate 308 horsepower when equipped with the 3.6L V6 engine option — yet another best-in-class figure.

Iconic design

Like all Chevrolet models, the Colorado is a looker. The 2018 Colorado features a fully-boxed frame and a classic Chevy bowtie badge.

But the design work isn’t all cosmetic. A CornerStep rear bumper, corner hand grips, and available cargo tie-down rings make the nine to five a lot easier throughout the week. Inlaid triple-sealed doors and available leather-appointed seats make Sunday strolls much more pleasant.

If that’s not enough style for you, the Colorado offers plenty of can’t-miss special editions.

Forward-thinking tech

While the new Colorado embraces its rich heritage, it also pushes into the future with cutting-edge ideas. Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ are both available accessories. So is the Bose® Sound System.  

But the technology that keeps you safe is the most important aspect of all. That’s why the Colorado makes each of the following available:

  • Forward Collision Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Rear Vision Camera
  • StabiliTrak® with Traction Control

Shop the 2018 Chevy Colorado at Zimbrick Chevrolet

Ready to put the Colorado to the test? We’ve got you covered. You can find this midsize truck in the inventory of new Chevy cars for sale at Zimbrick Chevrolet in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. A test drive is just a short trip away from Middleton.

A Chevy Malibu driving down the road

Updated: 3/9/2018

The Chevy Malibu is a car that improves your everyday life. In its latest model year, the Malibu offers outstanding fuel economy, a fun and fresh driving experience, and technology that keeps you in the loop with everything you care about.

Beyond connectivity, the Malibu also has convenience amenities that can smooth over the rough spots in your day. One of those features is Chevy’s Remote Vehicle Starter System. If you don’t know how to use this remote start feature, or if you’re interested in what the system can do, keep reading below.

How to Use Remote Start on a Chevy Malibu

Imagine it’s Monday morning:

You look out the window while drinking your morning coffee and shiver. There’s no snow on the ground, but the sky is a solid sheet of grey, and you know without checking the weather that it’s cold. You dread the walk out to your car. You balk at the moments you’ll spend behind the wheel before it has warmed up. Maybe there’s frost on the windshield that you have to scrape off.

Now imagine the same miserable morning, but you look out the window with a smile on your face. You grab the key fob for your Chevy Malibu and do the following:

  • Lock the car. Remote start won’t work if your car is unlocked.
  • Press and hold the remote start button. It’s the one with the circular arrow on it. You have to hold it down because Chevy doesn’t want you to be able to accidentally remote start your car (the way most car alarms are triggered).
  • When the signal lights flash, your car is on. The engine will run in an idle state, and your climate control settings will activate.
  • Insert your key into the ignition. When you go out to your car, put your key in the ignition and turn it to start your car as normal. Even after remote start, you need to put your keys in the ignition or you won’t be able to go anywhere.

With the push of a button, your Malibu will turn on, engaging the heater, defrost, and even the heated seats if you’ve got them. Your car will be toasty when you go out to it, so you can have your coffee and get ready to walk out the door without dreading the first frigid minutes of your commute.

Once you engage remote start, your car will shut off again after ten minutes of inactivity — a preventative measure so that you don’t burn off all your gasoline while your car is just sitting there. That’s why you should only start your car just before you leave.

You can also cancel remote start by holding the same button until the lights flash again.

Try Out the Chevy Malibu Remote Start System in Sun Prairie, WI

The Remote Vehicle Start System’s availability starts with the LT trim. At Zimbrick Chevrolet in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, we have a great selection of Malibu models for you to choose from in our inventory of new cars for sale.

Try out the remote start system for yourself when you schedule a test drive. Our dealership is a short drive for anyone in the Madison, Waunakee, DeForest, and Stoughton areas, so we hope to see you soon.