Nitrogen tires

Nitrogen tires

Is it worth it to put nitrogen in our tires?  Is there any advantage to nitrogen?

Sort of. From the top: Air is 78 percent nitrogen, just under 21 percent oxygen, and the rest is water vapor, CO2 and small concentrations of noble gases such as neon and argon. We can ignore the other gases.

There are several compelling reasons to use pure nitrogen in tires.

Nitrogen tires.  Are they worth it?
Nitrogen tires. Are they worth it?

First is that nitrogen is less likely to migrate through tire rubber than is oxygen, which means that your tire pressures will remain more stable over the long term. Racers figured out pretty quickly that tires filled with nitrogen rather than air also exhibit less pressure change with temperature swings. That means more consistent inflation pressures during a race as the tires heat up. And when you’re tweaking a race car’s handling with half-psi changes, that’s important.  When your driving your Chevy sedan to work every day…it’s probably not that important.

Some dealerships and tire stores claim that filling your tires with nitrogen will save you money on gas while offering better performance than air. But a closer look reveals that nitrogen has few benefits and much higher costs. For starters, a typical nitrogen fill-up will cost you about $6 per tire.

Tire Pressure Check 

Visit Ron Westphal Chevrolet on the corner of routes 3o and 34 in Aurora, IL.  We are located right next to Plainfield and Naperville.  We’ll be happy to check your tire pressure at no charge.

Need more service?  Schedule an appointment online or call our service department today at 630-898-9630.

Why Nitrogen?
The Get Nitrogen Institute Web site says that with nitrogen tire inflation, drivers will note improvements in a vehicle’s handling, fuel efficiency and tire life. All this is achieved through better tire-pressure retention, improved fuel economy and cooler-running tire temperatures, the institute says.

This sounds great in theory but let’s take a closer look at each of those claims.

Cost and Convenience
Let’s say a person bought a set of tires at Costco, a place that uses nitrogen to fill all the tires they sell. If he needs to top off the tires with more nitrogen, he won’t be able to go to just any gas station. He can use regular air if there is nothing else available, but that would dilute the nitrogen in the tires. He’ll have to go back to Costco and wait until the tire technicians can attend to the car. On a busy day, he could be there awhile.

Nitrogen is free at Costco and at some car dealerships we called, but these are rare cases. We called a number of tire shops that carry nitrogen and found that the prices for a nitrogen fill ranged from $5-$7 per tire. Assuming our consumer was diligent about checking his tires monthly, he could potentially spend about $84 a year on nitrogen alone per tire. Compare that to the most gas stations, where air is free or a 75-cent fill-up for all four tires at the most.

Finding tire shops with nitrogen could be an issue, too. We called a number of large chains, including America’s Tire Co., Discount Tire and Walmart. None carried nitrogen.

Is Nitrogen Worth It?
The air we breathe is made up of 78 percent nitrogen, 21 percent oxygen and a few other elements. To get the desired benefits for tires, nitrogen needs to be at least 93 percent pure, according to nitrogen service equipment providers quoted on Tirerack.com. So we’re basically talking about adding an extra 15 percent of nitrogen and getting rid of as much oxygen as possible.

Based on cost, convenience and actual performance benefit, we don’t think nitrogen is worth it. A much better use of your money would be to buy a good tire-pressure gauge and check your tires frequently. This is a good idea even if you have a tire-pressure monitoring system in your vehicle. The warning lights aren’t required to come on until you have less than 25 percent of the recommended tire pressure. Having the correct tire pressure will get you many of the benefits of using nitrogen and will ensure that your tires last longer.

Are your cars valve stems green?  Generally green valve stem caps mean your tires are filled with nitrogen.

$100 tire rebate

$100 Tire Rebate – RON WESTPHAL CHEVROLET’S TIRE STORE IN AURORA, IL 

Looking for the right tires for your Chevrolet vehicle in Aurora, IL?
Ron Westphal Chevy has a wide selection to offer our customers.
The $100 rebate offer on select tires ends September 30th, so hurry in!
We have been selling Chevrolet vehicle for years so we know which tires will give you the best mileage and performance for your money. Our Chevrolet tires store helps you maximize your tire’s performance and durability by monitoring and maintaining correct air pressure. This selection of wheels is now available at your Aurora Chevrolet dealership. At our Aurora Chevrolet tires department, we can assist you on the best new tires for special situations like hauling cargo or off-roading. Drop by today!

$100 Tire Rebate Offer

$100 tire rebate on select tires at Ron Westphal Chevy in Aurora, IL.
$100 tire rebate on select tires at Ron Westphal Chevy in Aurora, IL.

Because Ron Westphal Chevrolet is located in Aurora, IL near Plainfield and Naperville we easy to get to.

Call our service department today at 630-898-9630.

Aurora car dealer open Labor Day

If you are considering buying a new car, you may want to consider buying tomorrow.

Aurora car dealer open Labor Day
Labor Day is the best time to buy a Chevy in Aurora, IL. Aurora car dealer open Labor Day-Ron Westphal Chevy!

Labor Day is traditionally the best time to buy a car. That’s because Chevrolet offers generous incentives on current-year models to clear them out and make room on our lot for vehicles from the next model year(2017), which traditionally start arriving in September.

Ron Westphal Chevrolet has quite a few new 2017 models already in stock and available for immediate delivery.  It’s a win-win situation for the consumer with 2016 and 2017 models to choose from on Labor Day.  We also have a wide variety of pre-owned vehicles to suit all budgets along with late-model GM Certified vehicles that come with peace-of-mind GM warranties at no additional charge.

Why not show up to this year’s barbecue in a shiny, brand new Chevrolet?

  • Our Sales Department opens at 9 am…just sayin’

Plan tomorrow’s agenda and browse our inventory right now on our WEBSITE.

Zero percent financing lets you can figure your own payments easily!  Just divide the total amount financed by the length of your finance term.  Don’t forget to included sales tax (only 6.25% at Ron Westphal Chevrolet) plus doc fees and license plate fees.  FYI-Ron Westphal Chevy is partnered with the State of Illinois so you get your brand new (metal) plates at time of delivery.  No more cardboard temporary plates here.  Yay!

Aurora car dealer open Labor Day

Ron Westphal Chevrolet is helping folks save money on their new vehicle purchases this Labor Day by offering 0% apr financing for up to 72 months!*  Hope to see you on Labor Day Monday!

*All new 2016 remaining models qualify except for ‘L’ models.  Plus tax, license and fees.  0% apr is a stand-alone program and is not compatible with other incentives.  Leasing incentives vary.  Take delivery by 9.9.16.  See dealer for details.

Paying Cash for a Used Car

Paying Cash for a Used Car

First, think about your total cash budget.  If you are paying cash, you should factor in extra costs such as sales tax. (Ron Westphal Chevrolet is located in Kendall county where our sales tax rate is the lowest in Illinois @ only 6.25%.  This fact alone can save you hundreds of dollars compared to many of our nearby competitors in located in other counties)  Also, don’t forget license plates fees.  Let your salesperson know if you need to renew your license plates, if you will be transferring your license plates from another vehicle or if you will be getting brand new license plates.  Other additional costs include document fees and other optional costs such as extended warranties or accessories.

Paying Cash for a Used Car is easy at Ron Westphal Chevrolet in Aurora, IL.
Paying Cash for a Used Car is easy at Ron Westphal Chevrolet in Aurora, IL.

Paying Cash for a Used Car doesn’t mean you can’t get an extended warranty.  If you purchase a GM Certified vehicle a GM extended warranty is included at no additional cost.  If your vehicle of choice is not GM certified-you may want to consider purchasing an extended warranty through the dealer.  Your Ron Westphal Chevrolet salesperson or one of our finance managers will be happy to explain your extended warranty options.  GM offers a variety of plans ranging from basic warranties that provide coverage for the powertrain only (engine, transmission and drivetrain) up to bumper-to-bumper warranties that cover almost everything. Extended warranties provide peace of mind for both the buyer and seller but they are not mandatory.  USED CAR FACT:  There is no sales tax on extended warranties!

Ron Westphal Chevrolet strongly recommends test driving your vehicle of choice prior to purchasing.  We even offer an extended overnight test drives for most of our vehicles.  And, if you have a mechanic, family member or friend that you would like to consult prior to your purchase, just let us know.  We want you to be happy during the entire purchase process so we will do our very best to accommodate any requests you may have.  If we can assist you in any way, please don’t hesitate to ask.

You can reach our Customer Care Department at 630-898-9630.  Feel free to browse our website.

Paying Cash for a Used Car – If you pay with $10,000 or more in cash the dealership may need to report the transaction to the IRS.  See more information HERE.

*Insurance requirements for extended test drive:  Management approval, must be 25 years or older with valid license and full coverage insurance.  See Ron Westphal Chevy for details.

 

 

 

2017 Chevrolet Colorado Changes

2017 Chevrolet Colorado Changes

The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado Changes boasts an all-new V-6 engine with more horsepower and torque than previous 2016 models.  2017 Colorado will be the only truck in it’s class with an 8-speed automatic transmission.  These are the latest major changes since Colorado was introduced in 2015. 

2017 Chevrolet Colorado Changes
2017 Chevrolet Colorado Changes

Chevrolet is planning to sell more than 160,000 Colorado pickup trucks in the first 2 years on the market.  If you would like to see and drive a new or pre-owned Chevrolet Colorado please call our Customer Care Department at 630-898-9630 or check out our website or visit our showroom.

Colorado is one of the industry’s hottest-selling vehicles for many reasons.  Cutting edge technologies like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have really increased customer interest.  And, Colorado is the only truck in it’s class available with a diesel engine.

Colorado’s other engines, it’s base 2.5 liter 4 cylinder and it’s optional 2.8 liter diesel engine will be unchanged for 2017.  Other small changes for Colorado 2017 include a new 4-wheel drive selector knob on all 4WD models.  And, Chevrolet’s Teen Driver mode is now optional along with heated seats that are no longer restricted to just leather seating.

2017 Chevrolet Colorado changes
2017 Chevrolet Colorado changes

The 2nd generation of Chevy’s 3.6L engine is completely new.  The displacement is the same as last year but don’t let that fool you.  The new engine offers improved variable valve timing for intake and exhaust.  Another system improved for 2107 is Colorado’s direct injection.  Direct injection eliminates the need for spark plugs and wires.  Plus, for the first time Colorado with feature Active Fuel Management.  Two engine cylinders will automatically de-activate under light throttle applications maximizing fuel economy.  Horsepower increases to 308 at 6,800 rpm and torque is rated at 275 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.   

2017 Chevrolet Colorado changes
2017 Chevrolet Colorado changes

All all-new engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.  GM created the Hydramatic  8-speed 8L45 transmission to replace the 6L80 transmission.  The new transmission is approximately the same size and weight at the one it replaces but it offers a wider 7.0 overall gear ration spread versus the last year’s 6.0 ratio.  The higher first gear ratio helps driver’s starter off with more confidence when pulling a heavy load or trailering  while the lower rear axle ratios reduce engine rpm on the highway for improved efficiency and fuel economy.

The new 2017 Colorado weighs the same as last year due to extensive used of lightweight materials like aluminum and magnesium.

The new 2017 Chevrolet Colorado models are scheduled to arrive in showrooms during he fourth quarter of this year.  For updates on 2017 Colorado arrivals, call our customer care team at 630-898-9630.

Currently Chevrolet Colorado makes up 23 % of the total midsize truck segment.  Since 2015, the total midsize truck segment has nearly doubled from 1.5 percent of total vehicle sales to 2.4 percent.  The average 2016 Colorado sells in about one month which makes it one of the fastest selling vehicles in the segment. 

Chevrolet Colorado have been the most awarded midsize pickup over the past two years, including earning back-to-back Motor Trend Truck of the Year awards. 

Parents Worry About Teen Driving More Than Sex

Don't Worry About Teen Driving. Get a 2017 Chevrolet Camaro, Colorado, Cruze, Malibu, Silverado, Silverado HD, Suburban, Tahoe or Volt at Ron Westphal Chevy in Aurora, IL.
Don’t Worry About Teen Driving. Get a 2017 Chevrolet Camaro, Colorado, Cruze, Malibu, Silverado, Silverado HD, Suburban, Tahoe or Volt at Ron Westphal Chevy in Aurora, IL.

In the month of August this year more than 360,000 teens will become eligible for a restricted driver’s license in most states – and with that, a lot of parents will experience new levels of stress.

What Parents Worry About Teen Driving The Most
What Parents Worry About Teen Driving The Most

Chevrolet recognizes this top concern for parents and, as a result, in addition to its suite of available active and passive safety features, offers Teen Driver Technology on 10 of its 2017 cars, trucks and SUVs. Chevrolet’s Teen Driver includes an industry-first in-vehicle report card that shows how the teen drove and provides a way for parents to discuss best practices.

“I, like many of our employees, am a parent of teenagers, so we personally understand the anxiety of having a teen driver in the house,” said Steve Majoros, director of marketing, Chevrolet Cars and Crossovers. “And while we can’t control a teen’s behavior when they are in a car without a parent, Chevrolet’s Teen Driver Technology can remind them to buckle up and avoid speeding, while our other available active safety features can help to alert them in certain situations when they’re making less-than-perfect driving decisions.”

Worry About Teen Driving-How parents feel about their teen's driving.
Worry About Teen Driving-How parents feel about their teen’s driving.

Teen Driver supports certain safe driving practices by muting the radio or the audio of any paired device when front seat occupants aren’t wearing their safety belts. It also gives audible and visual warnings when the vehicle is traveling faster than preset speeds, and allows parents to limit the maximum volume of the radio.

Additionally, available active safety features are automatically enabled and incapable of being manually disabled when Teen Driver is in use. These features may include:

  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Lane Keep Assist
  • Front and Rear Park Assist
  • Side Blind Zone Alert
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert
  • Forward Collision Alert
  • Forward Automatic Braking
  • Rear Automatic Braking
  • Front Pedestrian Braking
  • Stability Control
  • Traction Control
  • Daytime Running Lamps/Automatic Light Control

“As a mother of two, it’s extremely important to find solutions that can help young drivers on the road,” said MaryAnn Beebe, Chevrolet safety engineer. “Chevrolet developed this system as a tool that can give teens some additional coaching as they’re gaining experience. Driving on your own is a big milestone for teens, and Teen Driver helps to remind them to practice safe driving. And for parents, it’s easier to give guidance to your teen when you have some information on what they’re doing behind the wheel.”

The Teen Driver in-vehicle report card may keep track of the following, depending on the vehicle:

  • Distance driven
  • Maximum speed reached
  • Overspeed warnings issued
  • Stability control events
  • Antilock braking events
  • Traction control activations
  • Wide-open throttle events
  • Forward Collision Alerts, if equipped
  • Forward Collision Braking events, if equipped
  • Tailgating Alerts, if equipped

Teen Driver is a non-subscription-based service that remains with the vehicle permanently and is available on the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV, Camaro, Colorado, Cruze, Malibu, Silverado, Silverado HD, Suburban, Tahoe and Volt. To use the safety technology, a parent must register their teen’s key fob in the vehicle’s system settings.

New for most 2017 models with Teen Driver:

  • Maximum speed limiter
  • Configurable audio volume limit
  • Additional report card information:
  • Traction control activations
  • Wide-open throttle events
  • Tailgating alerts, if equipped

Don’t Worry About Teen Driving.

Get a 2017 Chevrolet Camaro, Colorado, Cruze, Malibu, Silverado, Silverado HD, Suburban, Tahoe or Volt at Ron Westphal Chevy in Aurora, IL.  Visit our website, call us at 630-898-9630 or visit our showroom today.

Source: Teen Driving, Not Sex, Drugs or Academic Performance, Tops Parents’ List of Concerns

GM Recycles 2 Million Flint Water Bottles into Fleece

General Motors is adding 2 million water bottles from Flint, Michigan residents into its Do Your Part water bottle recycling initiative. The company partnered with Schupan Recycling to collect the bottles. The plastic is washed, flaked and turned into fleece to make three products: Chevrolet Equinox V-6 engine covers, insulation for The Empowerment Plan coats for the homeless, and air filters for 10 GM plants.

Source: GM Recycles 2 Million Flint Water Bottles into Fleece

All-new Intake System on 2017 Duramax Diesel

All-new Intake System on 2017 Duramax Diesel
All-new Intake System on 2017 Duramax Diesel at Ron Westphal Chevrolet in Aurora, IL.

All-new Intake System on 2017 Duramax Diesel

New for 2017, Chevrolet Silverado HD trucks feature a patented air intake system that drives cool, dry air into the engine for sustained performance and cooler engine temperatures during difficult driving conditions. The intake system underwent extensive testing based on the most challenging real-world driving conditions to ensure capable performance no matter the weather.

Looking for a new Diesel?  Call our Customer Care Team at 630-898-9630 or Visit our Website today.

Source: All-new Intake System Feeds Duramax Diesel on 2017 Silverado HD

2017 Corvette Grand Sport

2017 Corvette Grand Sport
2017 Corvette Grand Sport will be at Ron Westphal Chevy in Aurora, IL.

2017 Corvette Grand Sport Has Racing Roots

A ‘purist’ model that leverages a half-century legacy of motorsports success

GENEVA – With Corvette Racing in its DNA, the all-new 2017 Corvette Grand Sport is a pure expression of the car’s motorsports-bred pedigree. It was introduced today at the Geneva International Motor Show.

Like the 2015 Le Mans-winning Corvette C7.R GTE Pro race car, the new Grand Sport combines a lightweight architecture, a track-honed aerodynamics package, Michelin tires and a naturally aspirated engine.

The 2017 Corvette Grand Sport offers an estimated 1.05g in cornering capability – and up to 1.2g with the available Z07 package.

Heritage-inspired design cues and exclusive features acknowledge the historic Grand Sport legacy, established in 1963 to take on the world’s best sports cars. Only five were built before a corporate decision suspending direct motorsports involvement ended the project.

“Racing has been part of Corvette’s essence for more than 50 years and that track experience has helped us build better, more capable cars,” said Mark Reuss, executive vice president of Global Product Development and Global Purchasing and Supply Chain. “The global acclaim for the seventh-generation Corvette validates that direct link and the 2017 Grand Sport takes its track-bred technology to a new, exciting threshold.”

The Corvette Grand Sport coupe and convertible go on sale this summer in the U.S. and in the fall in Europe.

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS

  • Lightweight architecture and track-honed aerodynamics
  • An engine offering an estimated 1.05g in cornering capability and up to 1.2g with the available Z07 package
  • Coupe and convertible available this summer in U.S. and fall in Europe  
  • Grand Sport Collector Edition available later in model year

No holding back

Engineers adapted the chassis tuning, upgraded cooling systems, and performance technologies of the Corvette Z06 to give the new Grand Sport capability commensurate with its racing-derived history.

“We didn’t hold back with the new Grand Sport,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. “For the first time, buyers can equip the Grand Sport with a Z07 performance package – which adds carbon-ceramic brakes, Michelin Sport Cup 2 summer tires, and carbon-fiber aero package that delivers true downforce.”

The result is a potent track car. In fact, the Grand Sport with the Z07 package is less than one second off the track record for the previous-generation Corvette ZR1 on the road course at GM’s Milford Proving Ground.

Content highlights for Grand Sport include:

  • Michelin Pilot Super Sport summer tires: 285/30ZR19 (front) and 335/25ZR20 (rear)
  • Specific Grand Sport wheel design: 19×10 inches (front) and 20×12 inches (rear)
  • Brembo brake system with (355 mm) 14-inch rotors and six-piston calipers in front and (340 mm) 13.4 inch rotors and four-piston calipers in the rear
  • Standard magnetic ride control, specific stabilizer bars and unique springs
  • Standard electronic limited-slip differential
  • LT1 V8 engine rated at (343 kW) 460 hp, with dry-sump oiling system and active exhaust
  • Seven-speed manual transmission with active rev match and available eight-speed paddle-shift automatic with specific performance calibration
  • Available Z07 package adds carbon ceramic-matrix brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport 2 Cup tires.

In addition to track-focused aero elements, the Grand Sport also features specific front fender inserts, a Z06-style grille and wider rear fenders – a distinctive design package that gives the car a track-ready attitude.

Grand Sport models are offered with the Stingray’s full exterior and interior color palette. An available Heritage package includes hash-mark fender graphics in six colors, with the hash-mark detail carried onto the interior’s brushed aluminum trim. Full-length stripes are also offered.

“The choices are almost endless,” said Harlan Charles, Corvette product marketing manager. “The packages take personalization to an unprecedented level, enabling customers to create their own Corvette Grand Sport statement like no other.”

Grand Sport Collector Edition

The Grand Sport Collector Edition features an exclusive Watkins Glen Gray Metallic exterior with Tension Blue hash-mark graphics, satin black full-length stripes, black wheels and a unique Tension Blue full leather and suede-wrapped interior.

The Tension Blue color is a bold, modern take on the hue historically associated with the Grand Sport. Inside, a three-dimensional representation of an original Grand Sport race car is embossed in the headrests and that shape is also used on an instrument panel plaque that carries a unique build sequence number.

The Collector Edition will be offered later in the model year in the U.S. and Europe.

 

Source: Chevrolet Pressroom – United States – Corvette GS