Category: News

Vehicle Recalls Save Lives.

Vehicle recalls are important.  So are dentist appointments.  But how many people put off visiting the dentist?  A lot.  How many people put off visiting the dealership to have a recall performed?  A lot.  Folks probably put off both appointments for similar reasons.

• Both types of visits can be inconvenient, painful or stressful.

We can’t speak for your dentist, but at Ron Westphal Chevy we take the sting out of having your recall(s) performed.

We’ll make sure we have your recall parts in stock and available for your vehicle.  And, if your recall requires a lengthy service visit, we’ll provide you with a loaner vehicle.  All our service loaners are nearly-new with under 4,000 miles and current model year.  We have nearly all models available;  Traverse, Cruze, Malibu, Impala, Silverado, Equinox and more. And, the good news is that vehicle recalls are performed at no charge to you.

Loaner car not for you?  No problem.  We’ll be happy to give you a ride to your nearby home or office and pick you up again when your recall is completed.  Your freshly-washed vehicle will be ready and waiting for you.

O.K.  How do you even know if you need a recall?  Make sure you have your vehicle’s vin id number handy.  The just call Ron Westphal Chevy’s service department at 630-898-9630 and we’ll be happy to look up your vehicle’s history and recall information.

Don’t put off off your vehicle recall.  Even if it doesn’t seem like an important fix, don’t delay your visit.  If your vehicle is not displaying any symptoms, don’t put off visiting your dealership.  It’s always better to nip a potential issue in the bud and avoid a possible future breakdown.

Ron Westphal Chevy Service Department has added convenient Saturday hours from 8 am to 4 pm.  You can schedule your service appointment online.  

Congratulations to our latest $500 Test Drive Winners for April and May.

 

 

 

 

VIEW ALL OUR TEST DRIVE WINNERS

Would you like to join our $500 Test Drive Winners?  It’s easy and fun.  All you have to do is visit Ron Westphal Chevrolet in Aurora, IL and test drive the vehicle of your choice.  New, used, car, truck, van, suv…you decide what you would like to drive.  No purchase necessary.  You must be 18 years or older to enter.

After your test drive, your salesperson will give you an entry form to fill out.  Then, put it in our entry box located in the showroom.  It’s that simple.  Ron Westphal Chevy selects a new winner every month.

And when you consider that an average state lottery has jackpot odds of about 100,000,000 to 1 …The odds for winning $500 at Ron Westphal Chevrolet are much better! 

Anton Yelchin, a rising actor best known for his role as Chekov in the new “Star Trek” films, was killed in a freak car accident.

Anton Yelchin, the actor best known for playing Chekhov in the reboot of the “Star Trek” movies, unexpectedly died Sunday when his SUV rolled down his driveway and trapped him against a security gate. The death raised the fear of anyone who’s ever parked on a steep incline and worried if the brakes would hold.

Rollaway vehicles kill about 93 people a year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  Between 2008-2011, there were were 370 known deaths resulting from an unattended car that had rolled away. NHTSA estimates that rollaway cars also injure about 2,000 people a year. The NHTSA also estimates that about 500 people every year are killed by cars in non-crash accidents — a quarter of those deaths involve carbon monoxide poisoning, and another quarter which involve someone getting crushed by the car, usually when the victim was working underneath it.

But these are just a tiny fraction of the number of people killed in traffic crashes. The CDC estimates that in 2013, 33,804 people died in motor vehicle accidents.

In Yelchin’s case, he appears to have been using a car that has come under scrutiny for its gear system. TMZ has reported, citing the Los Angeles Police Department, that when friends discovered Yelchin’s body, they found his car — a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee — idling in neutral.

The automotive blog Jalopnik reported Monday that the Jeep was one of 1.1 million vehicles that were recalled in April because of a confusing gear shifter that could cause the car to roll away unexpectedly,

Last year, NHTSA began investigating the unconventional gearstick design on these cars, which was causing crashes because drivers were mistakenly shifting to neutral when they thought they were shifting to park.

With a regular gearstick, drivers choose a transmission option (park, reverse, neutral, drive, etc.) by moving the stick into the corresponding notch or detent. Drivers can feel the stick settle into position.

But a new, different, design was used in the cars affected by the recall, which include certain recent models of the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

These cars use a “monostable electric gearshift assembly”, which resembles an arcade joystick. To shift gears, drivers push the gearstick forward or backward and hold it there until the change registers on the display. Drivers then release the gearstick, which springs back into its centered position.

Vehicle recalls are important.  If you have a received a recall notice for your Chevrolet vehicle, please contact our service department at 630-898-9630 to schedule an appointment.  If you prefer, visit our website to schedule your appointment online.

Silverado versus Ford

A 28 pound toolbox makes the Ford F150 cry “Uncle.”  It’s the old Silverado verse Ford story and the end results are in Chevy’s favor.  Again.

Take a regular old toolbox.  Something an average guy might have in the basement or garage.  Let’s make it a steel box that weighs 28 pounds or so.  And then, we’ll take that toolbox and throw it into aluminum bed in a new Ford pickup.  Why not?  General Motors did just that.

The toolbox dented the F150’s stamped aluminum bed once.  It actually punctured the bed floor the remaining 13 times.  Yep, 13 out of 14 times the toolbox created an actual hole in the Ford’s bed.  And no, it wasn’t dropped from 6 stories.  It was pushed diagonally off the side rail of the truck.  That’s a real-life situation.  It’s a real-life situation that creates a hole in the bed of your pricey new Ford pickup.  Yikes!

Hokey dokey.  So, the Ford failed the toolbox test.  Whattabout Chevy Silverado?  GM did the exact same test to a new Silverado truck.  Although it did sustain some cosmetic damage (dents and scratches), it did NOT have any holes, tears or rips in the roll-formed high-strength steel pickup bed.  O.K.  So, Silverado got a couple of dents while the Ford bed actually had holes.

You really have to consider which vehicle is going to have your back.  Yeah, you might treat your new truck like a queen for the first month or two…but after the honeymoon is over the real you’ll be throwing a whole bunch of items in the bed of your new truck.  You know you will.  So why not answer the age-old question of Silverado versus Ford and throw your stuff in the bed of a truck that can take it and ask “Yes sir.  May I have another?”  Chevy Silverado.  It’s always the right choice.

If you are looking for a truck that works as hard as you do, visit Ron Westphal Chevrolet in Aurora, IL.  We have a wide variety of new and pre-owned Chevrolet trucks.  If you have a questions or would like a price quote, give our customer care team a call at 630-898-9630.  Westphal Chevy has always been known as a truck dealership…why not give us a try?

 

The next generation Volt

is giving customers what they’ve been asking for.  More electric range.  Offering nearly 20 more miles of pure electric power versus 2016 models, the 2017 Volt cruises up to 53 miles on with a total range of up to 420 miles.  Chevrolet has refined the aerodynamics and drag coefficient, resulting in a 40 percent increase in efficiency over the first-generation Volt.

The new Voltec propulsion system has 2 new motors for maximum power delivery. while increasing fuel efficiency.  GM expects typical Volt owners to go over 1,000 miles between fill-ups by charging regularly.  So say “Bye, bye gas stations, Hello Volt!”

The first generation Volt was a breakthrough vehicle and the second-generation Volt takes that idea even further.  You’ll have no worries due to Volt’s standard gasoline powered generator.  The backup generator takes you hundreds of miles beyond the battery’s range so there’s no need to stop and re-charge at inconvenient times.  GM reworked every system of the Volt to make it more efficient and the next-generation Volt is over 230 pounds lighter than it’s predecessor.  All-New Volt also has a brand new battery cell that delivers 20 percent more energy by volume even though it weighs 21 pounds less than last year’s model.

The next generation Volt has more upscale materials in the interior that offer a sleeker and richer appearance.  The controls are designed to be just where you would want them.  Apple CarPlay allows you to access features through your iPhone such as Google Maps and Spotify.  And, if you own an Android Smart phone don’t feel left out.  GM has included Android Auto compatibility so you can select phone apps easily.

So, if you would like to average over 125 miles per gallon while reducing your carbon footprint, stop by Ron Westphal Chevrolet for a free demonstration drive in the next generation Volt.  Or, if you have any questions, feel free to call our customer care team at 630-898-9630.

Malibu Teen Driver Video

Malibu Teen Driver is the all-new 2016 Chevrolet Malibu will debut a system, called Teen Driver, that provides parents with a tool to help encourage safe driving habits for their kids, even when they are not in the car with them.

GM has introduced technology to give parents more real-time control over their teenager’s driver education.

Officials with GM say the introduction of its Teen Driver technology to its 2016 Chevy Malibu vehicle represents a shift that many other companies will follow: one that incorporates more safety technology into the automobile.

GM’s system goes after teen drivers where it really hurts: it doesn’t allow the radio to be played until seatbelts are fastened.

“It’s a big hit so far,” said Patrick Hernandez, GM’s regional communications manager for the Southeast. “Parents can better educate their young drivers and help them learn to create good driving habits.”

Hernandez was in town last week to promote the new system in the region.

When parents enable the car’s data tracking feature, it gives periodic report cards on a driver, logging the distance traveled, max speed, number of times they drive more than a predetermined speed and how many times a front-collision sensor goes off.

It serves as a sort of password-protected digital report card for teen drivers.

In addition to the safety features, the Malibu also integrates with both Apple and Android phone operating systems, allowing hands-free text messages and alerts.

Hernandez said most consumers now live their lives on the phone and it’s important for the car industry to meet its customers there.

“That’s something that is really important because the phone is the future,” Hernandez said. “It’s how we connect to everything.”

Shop for your new 2016 Chevrolet Malibu at Ron Westphal Chevrolet.

Visit our website 🙂

What’s new 2017 Trax

Athletic, Contemporary Style
• Restyled front end and hood
• New headlamp design with improved lighting
–LED signature DRLs are included on the LT
and Premier models
• Restyled rear with new taillamp design
–LED signature taillamps and side markers
are included on the Premier model
• All-new 18-inch alloy wheels included on Premier models
• Body-color outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs) on LT and
Premier, black ORVMs on LS
Premium Interior Design
• New, refined seating fabrics with accent stitching
and new color combinations
• New leatherette seating choices on Premier
• New instrument panel design
• Redesigned driver’s display in IP
• New Express-Up/Down windows on the driver’s side,
and Express-Down on passenger-side window
and rear windows
Advanced Safety and Technology
• Standard Chevrolet MyLink™1 with 7-inch diagonal
color touch-screen includes access to Apple CarPlay™
and Android Auto™ compatibility2

• Available active safety alert packages offered
on Trax for first time
• Driver Confidence Package
–Rear Cross Traffic Alert
–Side Blind Zone Alert
–Rear Parking Assist
• Driver Confidence II Package
–Forward Collision Alert
–Lane Departure Warning
• Available Keyless Open and Start

INTERIOR DESIGN
• Chevrolet dual cockpit design, new for 2017 with instrument
panel that gives driver and passenger access to
key functions
• New-for-2017 cluster design
• Detailed execution throughout enhances impression
of quality
• Enhanced fabrics and accent stitching create premium
look and feel
• Chevrolet Ice Blue backlighting incorporated on all control
surfaces as well as the instrument cluster
• Storage drawer under passenger seat in LT and Premier

What’s new 2017 Trax

Be the first to order a brand new 2017 Chevrolet Trax!  Call our customer care team today at 630-898-9630.

Find your perfect vehicle on our website!

2017 Trailblazer.  Yay!

2017 Trailblazer

Holden has made official what we’ve known for some time. The Holden Colorado 7 is dead. Long live the Holden Trailblazer.

The Trailblazer name will take the place of the Colorado 7 designation when the updated and refreshed sport utility vehicle debuts later this year in Oz. Holden says the luxurious features, improved ride and capability warranted it to take on the global nameplate.

“With the redesigned 2017 Trailblazer, we have dialled up the luxury and ride comfort to offer a more premium SUV that’s comfortable and confident in urban areas, but remains just as capable for weekend adventures,” said Holden’s Executive Director – Marketing, Geraldine Davys.

“The move to adopt the Trailblazer name emphasizes the vehicle’s new direction into a more luxurious and premium space.”

The 2017 Chevrolet Trailblazer was revealed in Brazil, where it sports plenty of design cues from the Chevrolet Trailblazer Premier concept, which was shown in Bangkok two months ago. More premium interior materials, refined exterior design, but rugged capability are present, along with the most up-to-date technology and safety features.

Look for the 2017 Holden Trailblazer to debut later this year.

Miss the old Trailblazer?  I do.  My brother still drives my dad’s old 2005 Trailblazer.  It’s still looks great and runs like top.  I am very anxious to see and drive the all new 2017 Chevrolet Trailblazer.

Looking for a modern SUV?  Why not visit Ron Westphal Chevrolet in Aurora, IL.  We have a massive selection of new, used and GM Certified pre-owned SUV’s in stock.  We offer a wide variety from Spark Hatchbacks to Trax, Equinox, Traverse, Tahoe and Suburban.  Whether you need to seat just one or up to 8 we have a sport utility vehicle that will work for you.  Call our customer care team at 630-898-9630 to schedule your test drive.  Thanks for reading this article.

Read more: http://gmauthority.com/blog/2016/05/officially-official-holden-adopts-trailblazer-nameplate-for-upcoming-suv/#ixzz4848X5EFr

The Top 6 Innovations:  Not everything we rely on today was intended for its current use. Sometimes, the best ideas come from unexpected places, proving that when you discover something that works, you can’t help but see the possibilities.

1. Charles Goodyear accidentally put a combination of rubber and sulfur on the stove and walked away. When he came back, he found a tough and durable material now known as the plastic we use today.
2. Temper foam, that popular padding that absorbs shock while providing comfort and protection, is now widely used in the helmets of race car drivers. It was originally invented in 1966 for use on seat cushions in rocket ships.
3. The earliest known compass dates back to 206 B.C. and was made from a naturally magnetic stone. Modern GPS technology indicates position but not direction, solidifying the compass’ vital role on the road of life.

   

   1. Race car drivers use four and five-point harnesses because they understand the importance of full-body protection. This vital piece of technology is used in modern-day child safety seats as well.
   2. The first known wheels were not invented for transportation. Instead, they served as potter’s wheels. It wasn’t until 300 years later when someone figured out how to use them for chariots.

      

      ACDelco originated as the true GM Original Equipment parts brand and remains that way today, yet it’s also the right fit for most makes and models on the road. Plus, ACDelco offers off-road, marine and industrial equipment, proving that when you start with the original, the innovations never cease.

      The Top 6 Innovations

      Need ACDelco parts?  Call Ron Westphal Chevy at 630-898-9630 or visit our website today.  We are a family owned, recently renovated dealership in Aurora, IL.  Read the original article.

2016 Chevy Cruze Mylink review

In the past, compact cars were the vehicle of choice for owners of freshly minted driver’s licenses and the exceedingly frugal. But in recent year automakers have entered into something of an arms race for premium features at a not-so-premium cost. Take examples like adaptive cruise control in the Honda Civic, or a heated and cooled driver’s seat in theHyundai Elantra. Ahead of our first drive in the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze, we spent some time in the cabin and poring over the option list to see how it stacks up to the competition.

In the Cruze, Chevy’s latest step toward a compact-car doomsday weapon is the center stack. The seven-inch, MyLink touchscreen is standard across the range, and it’s excellent. It’s pretty and quick to respond, but pairing it with a smartphone is key to its appeal. Compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, your phone connects quickly and easily via a USB port. Using navigation via your phone means the basic MyLink has all the same functionality as the Premier’s optional, nav-equipped touchscreen – only without the $1,995 premium. But it’s also more intuitive and easier to manage than the system in Chevy’s other models which use an eight-inch touchscreen.

In the past, compact cars were the vehicle of choice for owners of freshly minted driver’s licenses and the exceedingly frugal. But in recent year automakers have entered into something of an arms race for premium features at a not-so-premium cost. Take examples like adaptive cruise control in the Honda Civic, or a heated and cooled driver’s seat in theHyundai Elantra. Ahead of our first drive in the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze, we spent some time in the cabin and poring over the option list to see how it stacks up to the competition.

In the Cruze, Chevy’s latest step toward a compact-car doomsday weapon is the center stack. The seven-inch, MyLink touchscreen is standard across the range, and it’s excellent. It’s pretty and quick to respond, but pairing it with a smartphone is key to its appeal. Compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, your phone connects quickly and easily via a USB port. Using navigation via your phone means the basic MyLink has all the same functionality as the Premier’s optional, nav-equipped touchscreen – only without the $1,995 premium. But it’s also more intuitive and easier to manage than the system in Chevy’s other models which use an eight-inch touchscreen.

2016 Chevy Cruze Mylink review.  Original article:  autoblog