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Motor City drivers looking to schedule an oil change in Detroit, MI, know it’s an important maintenance task, but may not know the ins and outs. At James Martin Chevrolet, we’re excited to tell you more about how regular oil changes work in harmony with the oil filter to protect the performance of your engine. more The Role of the Oil Filter Regular oil changes are crucial for maintaining engine health since the engine oil lubricates the moving parts of your engine. A clean oil filter complements the effectiveness of an oil change by removing contaminants from the oil, preserving its quality and promoting engine longevity. On average, you should schedule an oil filter replacement every other oil change. Maintaining Engine Efficiency A clean oil filter promotes optimal fuel combustion, which directly impacts your car's overall performance and fuel efficiency. A clogged or dirty oil filter can lead to reduced engine power, decreased acceleration, and increased fuel consumption. Regular oil filter replacements are essential to ensure your engine operates at its best. Prolonging Engine Life By preventing harmful debris from entering the engine, the oil filter contributes significantly to the longevity of your engine. A well-maintained oil filter protects critical engine parts from damage and wear, ensuring a longer lifespan for your vehicle. Schedule an Oil Change in Detroit, MI At James Martin Chevrolet, we understand the importance of a well-functioning oil filter. Our skilled technicians are equipped to provide comprehensive maintenance services, including professional oil changes and oil filter replacements. Visit us today to ensure your car's oil filter is in top condition and to experience our quality service firsthand.

You may not have to include oil changes at your Chevy service appointment if you own an electric vehicle, but there are still many important service tasks that will help your EV run smoothly for years to come. James Martin Chevrolet has your complete guide to electric car maintenance. more Tire Maintenance Tires see a lot of use, and their maintenance is important to ensure safety and fuel economy. Tires with low tread can be a safety concern, as they’ll be more prone to blowouts or a decrease in grip. Improperly inflated tires can affect both the safety performance of your EV as well as the range and MPGe. Getting these checked out during your regularly scheduled service appointment is a great way to get everything taken care of at once. Fluid Levels Just because your EV doesn’t require oil for the engine doesn’t mean there aren’t other fluids present. Electric vehicles still need maintenance for brake fluids, transmission fluids, and coolant in order to function at their peak and have an extended lifespan. Always check with your vehicle’s manual or local Chevrolet service team to know when you should get your vehicle checked out. Standard Inspections It’s a good idea to have your electric Chevrolet car inspected for other important functions like air conditioner performance, steering, and suspension. Over time, these features may wear out and need inspection or servicing to keep your ride comfortable and safe. Schedule a Chevy Service Appointment in Detroit, MI Look no further than our Chevy dealership in Detroit, MI for exploring electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as skilled technicians who are here to ensure your car is properly serviced. Contact James Martin Chevrolet or visit our service page on our website to get started today.

Tires are one of the most important Chevy parts for your car. Having good-performing tires can make all the difference when it comes to a vehicle’s handling, fuel efficiency, and most importantly, safety. The experts at James Martin Chevrolet are here to provide some signs that might point to needing new tires. more 1.   Low Tire Tread When the tread on your tires becomes too worn, your tires can struggle to grip the road, which makes driving dangerous. Your tires can also be more susceptible to blowouts and punctures. 2.   Uneven Tire Wear Uneven tire wear can lead to poor gas mileage and instances of your vehicle pulling to one side. Uneven wear can often be caused by misaligned wheels or overinflated tires. Either way, you’ll likely need replacements. 3.   Bulges in Tires Bulges in tires can be caused by impact damage, which means the integrity of the tire has been compromised and should be replaced immediately. Tires with bulges are not safe to drive on and should be repaired before any further driving is done, as they can lead to a blowout. 4.   Excess Noise Tires help keep the cabin quiet when you drive. If the tires themselves are noisy, they need to be inspected. Excess road noise from tires can indicate uneven wear or alignment issues. 5.   Vibration/Shaking When Driving When your tires shake during driving, they’ll likely need to be replaced. Vibration indicates improper balance, separated tire tread, or damaged wheels. Buy New Tires in Detroit, MI Our service center is here to help make sure that you get every Chevrolet service task checked off of your to-do list, and that includes tire inspections and replacements. Stop by James Martin Chevrolet to have our trained and knowledgeable service technicians take a look – staying safe on the road is worth it.

The transmission of your vehicle is one of the most important and complex systems that keep your car running smoothly. If you suspect that your car has a transmission problem and is in need of Chevy repair, James Martin Chevrolet can shed some light on a few common transmission problems. more Gear Issues The transmission’s job is to change gears at varying speeds to make the best use of the engine's power. For a manual car, a transmission experiencing gear issues will come in the form of a grinding sound when shifting gears, or difficulty getting the gear changed. In a car with an automatic transmission, gear transitions may feel jarring. Or, the car won't engage gears when it should, which can sound like the car is revving excessively. Leaking Transmission Fluid A transmission fluid leak can lead to a burning smell, grinding gears, clunking sounds, and unusual vibrations. Leaks may be visible as a red puddle sitting under the vehicle and can be caused by a gap in the gasket, faulty fluid lines, or seal gaps. If you think you have a transmission leak, bring your vehicle to our Chevy service department as soon as possible, because a leak can eventually cause transmission failure. Schedule Chevy Repairs in Detroit, MI Our service department at James Martin Chevrolet is here to help with all your maintenance and repair needs – and that includes transmission repair. If you find that your vehicle is experiencing any of these issues, stop by to have our Chevy-certified technicians take a look. Schedule an appointment today!

One of the best ways to care for your vehicle is with proper maintenance. Ensuring the longevity of your vehicle means routine servicing at your trusted Chevy dealership. Next time you go to schedule your Chevy service appointment, you’ll want to know just what to expect when you take your car in for servicing. more Know Your Vehicle’s Maintenance Schedule When you take your vehicle in for service, the technician can help inform you of any future needed repairs or servicing, as well as milestone services that will need to be performed at certain intervals. To prepare, it’s a good idea to keep a maintenance log or printouts that indicate work to be done in the future. Record Any Problems If you are experiencing any issues with your Chevy vehicle, it’s important to notify our technicians before your appointment. Take notes of any strange sounds, smells, or vibrations while driving. What to Expect When Getting Your Chevy Car Serviced When you drop off your Chevy car for servicing, you will get checked in by our helpful staff. Once the vehicle has been checked in and the keys are left with the technician, you’ll be given an estimation of how long your service will take, as well as a rundown of the work completed along with any potential needed repairs or services during inspection. This is a great opportunity to address any urgent issues or to get insight into what will need to be completed soon. Schedule Your Chevy Service Appointment at James Martin Chevrolet Whether you are looking for a simple oil change in Detroit, MI, tire rotation, or a repair, you can trust James Martin Chevrolet to get the job done right. Our service technicians are here to make sure that both you and your vehicle are taken care of, every step of the way.

James Martin Chevrolet is proud to be the place to go when you are in need of an oil change in Detroit, MI. Oil changes help protect your vehicle and ensure the longevity of your car’s engine. Let’s debunk some common misconceptions about this critical maintenance task. more 1.   Myth: You Can’t Switch Back and Forth Between Conventional and Synthetic Oil Many believe that once you opt for synthetic oil, you can’t go back. However, this isn’t the case. When changing your engine’s oil, you can switch between synthetic and conventional oil without issue. You can even opt for a synthetic blend, which is a mix between the two oil types. 2.   Myth: Dark Engine Oil Means it’s Time for an Oil Change The assumption is that the dark engine oil is dirty and needs replacing, but you may be surprised to know that it doesn’t always need to be changed. Some oils darken more quickly than others, and sometimes dark engine oil simply shows that the oil is doing the job it was designed to do. 3.   Myth: You Can Skip Changing Your Filter Skipping the oil filter replacement during an oil change can lead to unwanted clogs. It is highly advisable that you change your oil and filter at the same time as part of basic routine maintenance. Schedule Your Oil Change in Detroit, MI, at James Martin Chevrolet Dispelling these myths about oil changes is important when learning about providing proper maintenance to your vehicle. If your car is in need of an oil change, James Martin Chevrolet makes it easy to schedule service at our local Detroit, MI, Chevrolet dealership. Our friendly staff is here to help answer any questions you may have surrounding oil change misconceptions or any other routine services!

Electric cars are the way of the future. With more and more electric cars hitting the road, there are a few maintenance differences between EVs and vehicles with internal combustion engines. You may be wondering if seeking an oil change in Detroit, MI is on your to-do list as an electric car owner. more Do Electric Cars Use Oil? One of the key differences in the way an electric vehicle operates is the use of an electric motor instead of a gas-powered internal combustion engine. These distinct sources of power mean that the vehicles function in a completely different way. Gas-powered engines use oil to lubricate the constantly moving engine parts. Electric vehicles do not have an engine and therefore do not need oil lubrication. However, only fully electric vehicles do not use oil. Plug-in hybrids and hybrids both use a gas-powered engine and an electric motor, meaning oil changes are necessary if you own a hybrid. What Fluids Do You Need to Change in Electric Vehicles? Electric vehicles still use other fluids that must be regularly changed, including coolant, brake fluid, and windshield wiper fluid. You’ll also still need to get routine services like tire rotations, windshield wiper replacements, and battery inspections. When in doubt, consult your owner’s manual or a Chevy technician. Electric Car Maintenance in Detroit, MI James Martin Chevrolet is happy to be your go-to service center for your electric car. We offer many options for scheduling Chevy service. Whether you schedule your routine service over the phone or through our online form, we can’t wait to help!

As the temperatures rise, so does our desire for adventure. A Chevrolet model is the best vehicle for a road trip – whether you find yourself exploring Michigan or cruising around the USA. Don’t forget that making sure that your car is prepared for your road trip is important. Here are our top Chevy service tasks you should complete before setting off on your journey. more Road Trip Vehicle Checklist Road trip season is approaching. Here are some tasks our team can complete to make sure you spend quality time on the road, not the shoulder: Check tires for the recommended pressure and remaining tread Inspect brakes and replace any worn components Check to ensure all lights are fully functional Measure fluids to make sure they’re all within the needed levels. We recommend getting an oil change to ensure your engine is at peak efficiency for your trip. What to Pack for a Road Trip An emergency pack for your vehicle is important. Here are a few ideas to include in yours: Jumper cables A first-aid kit Extra engine oil and coolant A jug of water Phone charger Portable gas can Chevy Service at James Martin Chevrolet The Chevy-certified technicians here at our Detroit, MI, Chevrolet dealership are happy to help ensure your car is road trip ready. From topping off your windshield wiper fluid to checking your vehicle’s brakes, our team will ensure that you have peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones will stay safe during your summer adventures.

Has your car’s battery been giving you some trouble lately? It might be time to order a new battery from James Martin Chevrolet, where we have Chevy parts for any repair or upgrade. Before you purchase your car battery, keep these three things in mind. more 1.   Warranty and Brand Not all batteries are created equally, as some manufacturers use different materials and specialize in certain types. One of the biggest ways a battery can differ from others is the warranty they provide. At James Martin Chevrolet, our Chevy battery service includes a 30-month free-replacement limited warranty. 2.   Reserve Capacity Reserve capacity refers to the number of minutes a 12V battery will run before it drops down to 10.5V. The reserve capacity helps determine the overall lifespan of the battery but can also come into play if the car alternator fails. The reserve capacity measurement is used to determine how long a battery can last under a sustained load. 3.   Battery Size Battery size is an important element to consider. Battery size is labeled with a number or alphanumeric name. Each number refers to a predetermined measurement. This is important to know, as not all battery compartments within a vehicle are the same dimensions. If you ever have questions about what size battery is needed for your Chevrolet car, our service and parts department is available to help find the right one for you. Shop Chevy OEM Parts at James Martin Chevrolet Having the right information before ordering a car battery is important. We often have parts specials here at James Martin Chevrolet when you are ready to purchase a replacement car battery, oil filters, brake pads, or anything in between.

Oil change maintenance is an important part of servicing your Chevrolet car. James Martin Chevrolet makes it easy to knock an oil change off your to-do list. But how do you know when it’s time to schedule this service? We have three signs to look out for. more 1.   Illuminated Dashboard Light Most modern cars are now equipped with maintenance lights or a dedicated oil change light that lets you know when you need to change your oil. The lights are triggered by a computer that keeps track of how many miles you’ve driven since the light was last reset. 2.   Dark Engine Oil If you’re the type to go poking around the hood of your car to top off windshield wiper fluid, you may have also checked your engine oil. When the engine oil that comes off the dipstick is dark and dirty looking, it's time for an oil change. Engine oil is more of an amber color when it's in good condition. 3.   Engine Knocking Noises Engine oil is a lubricant for the internal engine parts, in order to prevent metal-on-metal grinding. When that oil is lacking or if it gets too old, it won't be able to do its job properly. The knocking noise you may hear is a sign that your vehicle is in need of immediate servicing. Oil Change Service in Detroit, MI At James Martin Chevrolet, our friendly and experienced Chevy service technicians go above and beyond your oil change by offering a Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection and four-tire rotation. Schedule your appointment online or by giving us a call today!

There are numerous indications that it may be time for your next Chevrolet service appointment. Make an appointment with our James Martin Chevrolet service team if you notice any of the following signs. more Trouble with Braking Loud screeching and squealing noises are signs that your brakes need service. However, you should also pay attention to how it feels when you brake. If you have to apply more pressure than usual or have difficulty braking, consider getting your brakes inspected by a professional. Trouble with Steering Difficulty steering often indicates a larger problem within your vehicle: Excessive steering vibrations may be a sign of engine or alignment issues Screeching noises could indicate low power steering fluid levels or a damaged belt Resistance when turning the wheel could mean steering gear issues or low fluid levels A loose steering wheel can be a sign of a faulty pump or steering belt Loss of Power As the primary driver, you’re the best person to notice any day-to-day changes. Is your vehicle stalling more often? Does it seem to require more effort each time you start it? Has it recently started sputtering or even shutting down unexpectedly? You might have a spark plug issue or a clogged fuel filter, but it’s best to have your vehicle inspected by our mechanics as soon as possible. Diagnosing Sounds and Smells Pay attention when you hear strange noises or get a hint of strange smells when driving. Try to remember what you were doing when these signs popped up. This information will help you and your service professional get to the bottom of the problem. Schedule Service Today Don’t hesitate to schedule service at James Martin Chevrolet in Detroit, MI, if you notice these warning signs. We also offer a variety of rotating service and parts specials!

Regular oil changes help your vehicle run smoothly and at peak performance. It doesn’t need to be complicated or confusing. Here are the basics things you need to know about getting an oil change for your Chevrolet car. more What Happens During an Oil Change? If you’ve never done an oil change yourself, that’s okay. It’s a somewhat messy but straightforward procedure. The first thing a mechanic will do is drain the oil out of your engine. Once the oil is out, they can insert a clean, new oil filter. Finally, fresh oil is added. Now you’re good to go! How Often Do I Need One? The most common recommendation is that an oil change should occur every 3,000 miles. Variables include the age of your vehicle, the model and engine type, and the driving conditions or environment to which your vehicle is subject. Most modern vehicles have convenient “check oil” indicator lights, so all you have to do is watch out for the notifications. Do I Need to Schedule Service Immediately? When the “check oil” alert comes on, you generally want to schedule service as soon as possible. Of course, you don’t need to stop everything and visit the dealership that very minute. But the sooner, the better, because oil is essentially the lifeblood of your vehicle’s engine. Should I Do It Myself? You certainly can. Some people enjoy the process of changing their oil. But many people enjoy the ease and convenience of letting a professional handle the job. Your dealership can ensure you get the exact type of oil your vehicle needs, and it’s usually a convenient time for a brake, fluid level, and battery check. If you are in the Detroit, MI, area, visit James Martin Chevrolet or visit us online to quickly and easily schedule service.