Blog

All Porterville Car Dealership Merle Stone Chevrolet Dealer Porterville Chevrolet Dealership Merle Stone Chevrolet Service Fun Things to do Near Porterville,CA Merle Stone Used Cars
2022-Chevrolet-Trax-07

Meet the 2022 Chevy Trax

Looking for a larger-than-life crossover that's available to you at a competitive price that you'll love almost as much as you love the driving experience that you get? The 2022 Chevy Trax may just be the perfect next vehicle for you. Get to know everything that the Trax does so well when you check out the features that we previewed for you. Head-Turning Sense of Style Why just arrive inconspicuously at your destination when you can show up and make a statement with the style that the Trax shows off? As soon as you turn a corner, everyone present is sure to take immediate notice of the sleek proportions and eye-catching details that Chevy's design team incorporated into this vehicle. Color choices like Stone Gray or Black Cherry help the Trax stand out even further from the crowd. more What's Inside That Counts Of course, looks aren't everything, but the Trax gives you a lot more than just a pretty face. Space and comfort abound in the cabin waiting to take you and your passengers on to their next destination, with four possible seating configurations to let you find the layout that best fits you. The advanced cargo management system lets you make the most out of the 48.4 cubic feet of storage space that this vehicle gives you to work with. Plugged in to the Latest Tech Intelligent, thoughtful integration of advanced tech features in the Trax elevate the experience that you get each time you set out on your travels. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility come built into the vehicle to give you the ability to effortlessly connect with your phone to access your multimedia library, contacts, navigation, and more. The available built-in wi-fi hotspot opens up even more possibilities for what you can do when you're on the go. Safety for the Road Ahead A comprehensive array of safety features allows the Trax to offer you a higher level of protection each time you head out on your travels. Standard features such as the high-strength steel safety cage and the ten advanced airbags that deploy in the event of a serious collision help to keep you safe in an accident. Available features like the side blind zone alert system work proactively to keep you one step ahead of potential obstacles on the road. Boundless Performance Potential No matter where your life takes you next, the Trax is ready to take you there with its confident capability. The 1.4-liter engine provides plenty of turbocharged excitement while also achieving a high level of efficiency, getting up to 32 miles per gallon on the highway. And with available all-wheel drive, you'll get a boost to your traction that will help you cling to corners and overcome slippery or rough terrain with ease. Want to get a better look at everything that the Trax is capable of? We'll let you get a hands-on experience with this exciting crossover when you stop in at our dealership. Take a test drive at Merle Stone Chevrolet in Porterville, CA today!

hotel bed and towels

3 Great Hotels for Visiting Porterville, CA

Located in the heart of San Joaquin Valley, in Tulare County, the city of Porterville, CA, is known as a gateway to some of the most beautiful nature reserves in the state, including Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Forest, and Giant Sequoia National Monument. If you are visiting the city and are looking for the best places to stay, these are some excellent hotels you should consider. more 1. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Porterville Welcoming guests with free high-speed Wi-Fi, complimentary hot breakfast, and a fully equipped fitness center, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Porterville hotel is one of the best accommodation options in the city. Located right off Highway 190 and less than two miles south of the downtown area, this place is a perfect spot for those planning to visit the national forests, hot springs, and parks that the region has to offer. Whether you are traveling alone, with a group of friends, or with your family, this Holiday Inn Express hotel is an excellent spot to unwind, relax, and recharge your batteries to explore the area. Each of the property's spacious guest rooms features a 32” flat-screen TV, as well as triple-sheeted beds and black-out shades. At the end of the day, make sure to check out the hotel's outdoor pool, which is open between 6 am and 10 pm. 2. Best Western Porterville Inn Located right beside the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, this Best Western property is another excellent place to stay while visiting Porterville and its beautiful surroundings. This hotel offers free wireless internet connection in all public areas, as well as a complimentary hot breakfast with fruits, eggs, juice, coffee, yogurt, and more. This property complies with Best Western's “Because We Care” program, an industry-leading initiative for best practices in cleaning and sanitizing. Getting from the Porterville downtown area to the Best Western Porterville Inn takes a little over five minutes by car, heading south along Jaye Street. Some additional facilities you and your family can enjoy in this property include a seasonal outdoor pool, a 24-hour front desk, a guest laundry, and free parking. The hotel also features large conference facilities and meeting rooms, as well as a fully-equipped fitness area. 3. Americas Best Value Inn Porterville Featuring a 24-hour reception, free Wi-Fi throughout the property, vending machines, and luggage storage, Americas Best Value Inn is a great and affordable option to stay in downtown Porterville. This hotel is located just half a mile from the main street, making it easy to reach the city center's attractions and restaurants on foot or by car. Additional facilities include flat-screen cable TVs in every room, work desks, as well as a guest laundry. Are you ready to visit Porterville and stay at one of these great properties? Before you hit the road, stop by Merle Stone Chevrolet. We have an extensive inventory of new and used vehicles for you to go on exciting road trips and explore the best destinations in California and beyond.

servicing car

How to Tell When Your Chevy Needs a Transmission Repair

Your transmission is the hardest-wearing part of your engine. It takes the raw power of your engine and transfers it to your wheels in a controlled way. This control is regulated by your gears. If your engine's power wasn't regulated, it would tear itself apart. The transmission is a very hardy component, but it contains hundreds of parts. Any of these components can fail, and you will need a transmission repair. Our dealer in Porterville, CA can repair it for you. Noises in Neutral You can run a simple test if you suspect you may have a transmission problem. All you need to do is to switch on your engine and shift into neutral. A transmission that is working normally won't make any sound. If you hear bumping, grinding, or clunking noises you have a transmission problem. These odd noises may just mean that your transmission fluid needs to be topped up. They might also mean that there is a loose bearing or damage to the gear teeth. To be safe, call our service department and our technicians will examine your transmission. more Burning Transmission Fluid Transmission fluid fills your transmission and it acts to lubricate the components and reduce friction. Your transmission is filled with hundreds of fast-moving parts, and many of these parts depend on friction to work correctly. The fluid also provides the hydraulic power to allow your gears to shift easily. As the fluid flows through the transmission, it accumulates clutch debris and other detritus. This debris thickens and slows down the fluid, and it becomes more susceptible to overheating. As the fluid ages, it also gradually loses its viscosity and heat-reduction properties. Old transmission fluid can start to burn in the heat of the transmission, and once the fluid has burnt it loses its ability to provide hydraulic power for your gears. If you smell something similar to burning rubber, your transmission fluid is the most likely cause. Transmission fluid should be changed at regular intervals according to your car's service schedule. Leaking Fluid No one likes to find a pool of fluid under the car, especially if it's leaking from the transmission. New transmission fluid is bright red, but through working in the engine it will turn a darker red due to contaminants. If the fluid continues to leak, it will rapidly increase the temperature in your transmission. A lack of fluid will also make gear shifts noisier and rougher. If you have a fluid leak, you should call our service department right away. Our technicians can trace the leak and repair it. Repairing a leak doesn't have to be an expensive or complex job, but it should be undertaken ASAP to prevent further damage. Early diagnosis and repair of a transmission problem can save you a lot of time and money. If your transmission is showing signs of wear, call the experts right away at Merle Stone Chevrolet.

purchasing a car

4 Benefits of Purchasing a Car at Your Porterville Chevrolet Dealership

Is it time to buy a new car? You might be wondering where you should be shopping. Here are a few reasons why you should visit your Porterville, CA Chevrolet dealership. 1. Warranties One of the most important things to consider when you're looking into purchasing a vehicle is what the warranty will be like. Warranties can help protect you financially in case something goes wrong with your vehicle. They're a promise that your dealer makes to you, guaranteeing your purchase. You won't often get a warranty if you purchase your car from a private seller. That means that if something goes wrong with your car, you may not have the support you need to ensure that it gets fixed properly. Your dealer will always offer you a warranty, which will provide you with peace and mind and plenty of protection. more 2. Customer Service When you purchase vehicles from a private seller, you can't always expect to get great customer service. The unfortunate reality of this is that these sellers don't necessarily have reputations to uphold. This means that they don't need to provide you with particularly good or honest customer service. But when you go to your dealership, you can always count on getting customer service that goes above and beyond. Your dealer has a reputation that they need to maintain, and they'll work hard to provide you with service that goes beyond your expectations. 3. More Options There are plenty of shoppers who mistakenly believe that buying a car from a private seller will provide them with more options. But it doesn't take long for these buyers to see that the opposite is true. You are severely limited by what options are available when you go this route. It's a different story when you buy from your dealer. Dealerships keep their vehicles well-stocked, and it will also be far more convenient to look for cars at your dealership too. 4. Better Quality When you buy a car from a private seller, you should be aware of the risks you're running. One of the biggest risks is accidentally purchasing a poor-quality vehicle. You should also be aware that it can be difficult to tell the condition that a car is in until it's too late. This isn't something that you're going to need to worry about if you decide to purchase your vehicle from your local dealership. Your dealership is proud of what they provide their customers, which means that their cars are always quality. You can also count on their used vehicles being in great condition too. If it's time to buy a new car, it's important to know where you're going to buy it from. Purchasing from the wrong place could end up with you spending too much money on a bad-quality car. But when you go to your dealership, you'll know you're always getting great vehicles and excellent customer service. If you're ready to find your new car, visit us at Merle Stone Chevrolet.

fried-rice-1762493_1920

Where to Find the Best Chinese Food Near Porterville, CA

At Stone Chevrolet, we're always in the mood for some great Chinese. There are a lot of places where you can get it, but we'd like to tell you about our picks for the best Chinese food in Porterville, CA. China Cafe Go to 21 S. Main St. and visit China Cafe on any day but Sunday. They open at 11am (except Saturday, when they open at noon), and close every day at 8pm. This is one of the smallest restaurants in the city, and that just highlights how amazing it is that it's also one of the very best, of any cuisine. Once you try it, we think it will become your family's go-to spot for Chinese. You'll love the taste, the price, and the speedy service. While you're here, try the broccoli beef, the kung pao chicken, the ginger beef, and the fried won tons. The orange chicken is also amazing, and you need to try their rice and noodle dishes, too. If there's someone in your party who doesn't like Chinese (maybe the kids), they have good burgers and fries, too. more Asia Garden Asia Garden is at 895 W. Henderson Ave and is open 11am-9pm weekdays and until 9:30pm on Friday and Saturday nights. They're closed Monday, so plan your splurge for one of the other six days of the week! This place has some of the friendliest staff ever, and just about the only problem here is that the line can get a bit long. That's because there are so many people waiting for their delicious food. The spicy soup is a perfect choice, if you like things hot, as well as the noodles, and the Firecracker Hunan Queen and Sesame Seed Balls, the sweet and sour pork, and the Mongolian beef. The seafood here is also a particular favorite of ours. Chinese Food Factory On the first floor of Donut Factory #2 at 356 W. Olive Ave, the Chinese Food Factory is open from 5am until 9pm every day but Sunday, when they are closed entirely. This is a cool place where you can get amazing coffee and donuts for breakfast, come back for fried rice and garlic broccoli you'll devour, and then get desserts like Boba (try the taro flavor). The egg rolls are especially good, as are the chow mein and the noodles, which are thick and chewy, just like authentic Chinese noodles should be. The sweet and sour pork should not be missed, either. If you're there for breakfast, they have tea and smoothies, too. Prices are great, so be prepared for things to get busy during primary meal hours. New L&D Chinese Buffet This buffet is at 256 Henderson Ave and open 11am until 9pm (closed Wednesdays). This is the best buffet, bar none, for service, price, and flavor. You'll always feel welcome, and you'll always leave satisfied. Try the crab and the chow mein, for sure! Any of these places are worth your time to visit, and when you're finished, visit Merle Stone Chevrolet to get a new ride. We'd love to see you, and we're happy to share some of our other favorite meal spots with you when you come!

2021 trailblazer

Get to Know the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer

If you're thinking about buying a new SUV, the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer is definitely one you'll want to consider. Ready to learn more about this car? Here's a close-up look at what it has to offer. The Trailblazer's Basics SUVs are great, versatile vehicles that offer plenty of practicality. If you're looking for an SUV that can offer you all the benefits of these vehicles without being too large or bulky, the Chevy Trailblazer is the perfect vehicle for you. This good-looking and high-performing crossover is a favorite amongst drivers everywhere, and it's easy to see why. All-new for 2021, the Chevy Trailblazer provides drivers with bold, sporty styling, a fun-to-drive engine, and a range of fun and functional features. You won't need to spend long with this vehicle for it to make a major impression on you. more Trim Levels You've got a few trim levels to choose from if you're thinking of buying the '21 Chevy Trailblazer. The standard model is the L which will cost you about $19,000. You may also want to take a look at the LS starting at $21,600, or the LT which starts at $23,700. If none of these trims are quite fitting the bill, then one of the two higher trim levels could be right for you. The Activ provides you with even more features for about $25,500, as does the RS, starting at around the same price point. Engine and Performance There are two different engine options for the '21 Chevy Trailblazer, both of which are sure to delight you. The standard engine is a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine making 137 horsepower. There's also a 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder powertrain available that will get you 155 horsepower. Going with the 1.2-liter engine will get your '21 Chevy Trailblazer's standard front-wheel drive. If you decide to go with the 1.3-liter engine, front-wheel drive will still be standard, but you have the option of getting all-wheel drive instead. Regardless of the engine setup and drivetrain you end up with, you'll love the smooth feeling of driving this car. Interior and Comfort No matter how long you need to spend in your vehicle, it should be a comfortable experience. Chevy agrees. That's why they've equipped the '21 Chevy Trailblazer's interior with high-quality materials and super comfortable and supportive seating. There's also plenty of legroom, and lots of space for you to store any luggage or gear you're bringing with you on your drives. You'll love the other features that can be found in the '21 Chevy Trailblazer too. The car's infotainment system is easy to use and connect to. There's also an available seven-speaker Bose audio system that makes listening to your favorite music while you're driving a fantastic experience. The '21 Chevy Trailblazer is a car like no other. Although it's all-new this year, it's already made a name for itself as a fun, functional, and versatile vehicle. Ready to check it out for yourself? Come see us today at Merle Stone Chevrolet in Porterville, CA.

2021-Chevrolet-Spark-17

6 Reasons Drivers Love the 2021 Chevrolet Spark

Drivers love the technologically advanced, fuel-efficient 2021 Chevrolet Spark. As one of Chevrolet's most popular models, the 2021 Spark is available in a variety of colors and styles that are sure to appeal to any driver. Here are six reasons why drivers love the Spark. Style Driver's love the Spark's fresh aerodynamic design and Chevrolet's signature chrome grille. The Spark never goes unnoticed with available LED running lamps, projector headlamps, and bright, head-turning colors. With its low base price, you can get a car that looks great without spending too much money. more Lots of Options The Spark is available in four trims: LS, 1LT, ACTIV, and 2LT. The 2LT has standard features like heated front seats and push-button start, while power sunroofs are available on the LT and 2LT models. Sports car enthusiasts like the  ACTIV with its sleek design and raised suspension. The Spark is powered by a 1.4-liter engine and is available with a five-speed manual or automatic transmission. All trims have standard air conditioning, airbags, and a rear vision camera. Buyers love that you have lots of options with Spark ranging from ten color choices to high-tech features. Advanced Technology The Chevrolet infotainment system has become one of the most technologically advanced in its class. With a 7-inch touchscreen, two USB ports, and Apple Carplay, you will always have entertainment ready to go. You can easily access your phone apps by connecting your phone to the display. The system responds to your touch almost as quickly as a smartphone, with fast response times for easy, intuitive control. Keeping in touch on the go is also easy with the option of a WiFi hotspot. myChevrolet Mobile App The Chevy's Mobile App, you can control certain features of your car through your smartphone. Use your key fob to lock your doors, start and stop your vehicle and check your fuel and tire pressure. These high-tech features are convenient and provide peace of mind any time of the day. Safety & Driver Assistance Chevy has worked to make the Spark as safe as possible. The vehicle offers a standard rear vision camera to ensure you can back out of even tight spots safely. With the use of sensors, you can feel completely at ease once exiting the vehicle. Rear Park Assist is standard on the 2LT model with the option of a Driver Assistance Package with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, and Forward Collision Alert. Fuel Economy The Spark is fuel-efficient with an EPA rating of 29 mpg city and 38 on the highway for manual transmission. If you want even better gas mileage, try out the automatic transmission (CVD) LS and LT models at 30 mpg city and 38 mpg on the highway. With advanced technology making your drive easier, you'll love all that Spark has to offer. Stop by Merle Stone Chevrolet for a look at the features Spark has to offer. We'll be happy to schedule a test drive of this great car!

man siting on work from a hiking trip

5 Great Outdoor Activities to Enjoy Porterville, CA

There is no shortage of outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy together in and around Porterville, CA. The region has plenty of water sports activities, thousands of miles of multi-purpose trails, thrilling rides, and massive waterslides. 1. Hiking, Biking, and Horseback Riding in the Sequoia National Forest The vast 1.1-million-acre Sequoia National Forest boasts 1,147 miles of multi-purpose trails for every skill level that winds through more than 314,448 acres of breathtaking wilderness areas. There are multitudes of short easy to moderate paths for day use that meander through beautiful sections of the forest and provide spectacular views and more advanced and challenging trails that cut through six wilderness areas. These trails are for backpackers and horseback riders with primitive campsites along the way. more 2. Watersports at Success Lake The 2,450-acre Success Lake is the prime spot in the region for all sorts of exciting watersports activities. The Success Marina in the Tule Recreation Area has boat launch ramps and rents an assortment of watercraft. Watersports enthusiasts come here from all over the region to swim, boat, sail, canoe, kayak, ski, and fish. 3. Camping at the Tule Recreation Area If you want enough time to participate in all the fun activities at Success Lake, pitch your tent or park your RV on the shores of the lake at the Tule Campground in the Tule Recreation Area. The campground is dotted with shady trees and has 103 campsites, some with electric hookups. Each site has a picnic table, fire pit, and grill. The sites are close to restrooms with hot showers and flush toilets and provide easy access to the activities on and around the lake. The campground is open throughout the year. 4. Thrilling Outdoor Fun at Visalia Adventure Park Take your family and friends for a day of thrilling fun at the seven-acre Visalia Adventure Park. Race around the track in one of the go-karts, practice your swing in the batting cages and splash and bump your way around the lagoon in an electric bumper boat. The lagoon has a waterfall and a geyser to add a little extra excitement. If your kids are not big enough for the go-karts, the park has Kritter Karts, save and slow mini go-karts for the little ones. Challenge your family and friends to a game of miniature golf on the 18-hole course. The Sequoia National Park-themed mini-golf course feels like a golf course with trees and scenic landscaping. To cool down, slide down one of the waterslides at Sequoia Springs that boasts 80 different water play areas and 45 water features. 5. Take a Dip in the Porterville Swimming Pool The perfect place to be on a hot day is in the massive Porterville Swimming Pool. The 5,590 square foot pool has a zero-depth entry, a dive tank, a diving board, and a 137-foot slide, and there are lifeguards on duty to ensure everyone's safety. There is also an area designated for lap swimming. Go on an outdoor adventure and enjoy loads of fun activities and excitement in and around the city. Visit Merle Stone Chevrolet today, and our certified Chevrolet technicians will ensure that your vehicle is in excellent running condition.

dark blue 2021 chevy malibu

At a Glance: The 2021 Chevy Malibu

The popular 2021 Chevy Malibu is a family car that doesn't skimp on style or performance. This top-rated sedan has remained a big hit with drivers for its sharp styling and overall value. If you're looking for a little more excitement behind the wheel, stick around to see all the ways that the Chevy Malibu stands out. Overview The Malibu is a family sedan offered in five trim levels: L, LS, RS, LT, and Premier. Want just the essentials? The L trim level offers an eight-inch color touchscreen, infotainment system, and cruise control. Features like heated front seats and LED taillights are found on the LT and Premier levels. Opt for the top-of-the-line Premier if you want a more powerful engine, heated steering, and ventilated seats. more New in 2021 The Malibu introduces a Sport Edition appearance package which is available on the LT. The package adds a sharp black grille, black logos, and 19-inch black wheels. The 2021 Malibu also adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Performance & Fuel Economy Malibu's standard engine is a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder with 160 hp and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. If the standard engine isn't powerful enough, the 2.0L V6 on the Premier model churns out 250 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, allowing you to cruise down the highway with ease. Malibu's fuel economy is also a major bonus. The 1.5L engine runs at an estimated 29 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. Interior The 2021 Malibu features a sleek dash with easy-to-use technology. The driver's console is customizable so that you can access and display real-time information using the buttons on your steering wheel. The driver information center also displays warning messages and other important vehicle information. Chevy Malibu also offers features specifically for teen parents and drivers. Teen driver technology helps drivers with speed alerts and other features. Reports are also available for parents to track their teen's driving habits. Infotainment System & Technology The Malibu offers an infotainment system that's easy to use. The newly available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability allow you to answer calls and texts using your car's touch screen. The eight-inch diagonal screen is standard with built-in navigation, and wireless charging is available on the Premier model. The myChevrolet App helps you to maximize comfort and convenience. Available on iOS and Android, the myChevrolet App will enable you to start your Malibu or check its location remotely.  It also allows you to lock or unlock doors, check tire pressure and fuel, receive maintenance alerts, and schedule dealer service. Safety Features The Malibu has a suite of features to assist drivers. These features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, and Lane-Keep Assist. A rear-vision camera comes standard on the Malibu, so you can see what's behind you when backing up or parallel parking. The camera also helps you see small children or pets behind the car. With its sleek styling and comfortable ride, the Malibu is sure to be your next favorite car. Stop by Merle Stone Chevrolet to check out the new Chevy Malibu today. We'll be happy to share more information or schedule a test drive.

golf ball on field

The Top 6 Golf Courses Near Porterville, CA

Porterville, CA is a pleasant, welcoming town in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Basking in sunshine for much of the year, the area's many fine golf courses offer breathtaking views of the nearby peaks under clear blue skies. If you're looking for a satisfying round or two on fun, challenging tracks, Porterville is the place for you. River Island Country Club This excellent 18-hole championship course has been voted the toughest course in San Joaquin Valley. Giant sycamore and oak trees and a pretty river island add to the difficulty of its scenic, humped and sloping 6910 yards of top-notch green. It's a full-service club with outstanding amenities, so you can be certain of a seamless experience. For less experienced golfers, there are P.G.A. professional staff members on hand to assist in planning your route around the fairways. more Valley Oaks Golf Course You can choose a different 18-hole rotation each time you visit this wonderful combination of tracks by altering your route around their three separate 9-hole layouts. The Valleys Course and the Oaks Course offer classic treelined layouts and broader fairways respectively, all meandering through gorgeous scenery. The Lakes Course offers more challenging, characterful greens, with a lake to watch out for, as well as the traps and bunkers. Porterville Municipal Golf Course For a quick game right beside town, pay a visit to this charming 9-hole course, which has 2,894 yards of gently sloping Bermuda grass. Open since 1920, it has an impressive century-long history, making it the area's oldest course. The staff are helpful and friendly. A few other features include a good billiards table and glow-in-the-dark golf balls. Visalia Country Club With 6,668 yards of play, this par 72 course to the north of town provides a nice challenge for any golfer, with spacious greens, professional-quality traps, and plenty of trees and water features. It comes complete with a driving range, greens for putting and chipping, and a superb restaurant. The club's Director of Golf, Scott Stubbs, once won the Southern California PGA Professional of the Year Award, so you know you're in good hands. Delano Golf Course In the neighboring town of Delano, you'll find this well-equipped and maintained 9-hole course in Memorial Park. A suitable track for a relaxed afternoon spent honing your skills at a nice slow walking pace. The driving range, putting and chipping greens, and practice bunker are all great quality. You can build up an appetite before your game with some classic American food at the Hole in One Restaurant. Tulare Golf Course For some of the region's most challenging greens, head west of town to the Tulare Golf Course. With elevated fairways lined tightly with pretty Chinese pistachio and eucalyptus trees, this 6,762-yard, 18-hole course provides a satisfying track for golfers of even the highest proficiency levels. Whether you win or lose, the stunning mountainous views and hearty fare of their charming American diner make the visit worthwhile. Whichever of the above courses you choose, follow up your game with a visit to Merle Stone Chevrolet, a trusted dealership that's been serving the local community with new and used vehicles since 1957.

2021 chevrolet spark parked with trunk open

3 Key Features of the 2021 Chevrolet Spark

The Chevrolet Spark has had a fan following ever since its much-anticipated 2012 debut. This commuter car is a top choice among buyers for its exceptional affordability, small and agile body style, and impeccable fuel economy. Chevy has put the Spark within reach of every buyer with its extremely reasonable price tag, as well as its reliable and durable build and low-cost maintenance and parts. The 2021 Chevrolet Spark is a fantastic compact hatchback, pleasing a variety of consumers. 1. OnStar Communications System Comes Standard Every 2021 Spark trim level in this lineup comes standard with a top communications system. If drivers ever find themselves in trouble or on the side of the road, all they need to do is press the little blue button of the system to be automatically connected with a roadside assistant respondent. This system includes an automatic crash notification that will call for help if you find yourself involved in an accident. The OnStar Communications System can also be called upon to provide driving directions should you become lost or in need of help. more 2. Advanced Infotainment Features Every model of the 2021 Spark comes standard with Chevy's Infotainment 3 interface. An infotainment system this sophisticated is typically reserved as an upgraded feature or on higher-end trim levels, but Chevy makes it standard across the Spark lineup. Every model comes equipped with a 7.0-inch touchscreen display that automatically syncs with your compatible smartphone through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Drivers and their passengers will also enjoy the 4G Wi-Fi hotspot that comes standard in every 2021 Spark. This Wi-Fi feature is extremely useful, as no one in the vehicle will need to waste their own data in order to stay connected to their network. The hotspot is also a great feature for creating movie nights while camping or streaming your favorite music by the lake. The overall driving experience is elevated by the four-speaker stereo system that turns every song into a soundtrack for your journey. 3. Strong Manual Transmission Drivers can choose between a standard manual transmission, which delivers superbly strong acceleration, or the available automatic transmission which makes every drive effortless. The manual transmission comes standard and has become a favorite among drivers who enjoy swift transitions and a highly responsive gearbox. The Spark's 98-horsepower engine compliments the transmission, providing a great performance while gracefully achieving highway speeds. This hatchback earns an EPA estimated 29 miles per gallon in the city and 38 miles per gallon on the highway, regardless of the transmission it is equipped with. Budget-conscious buyers love the 2021 Spark, not just for its low purchase price but also for its money-saving fuel ratings and maintenance costs. Its extreme value doesn't mean it sacrifices important qualities, however; the 2021 Spark is still packed with many highly sought-after features like advanced technology, convenient amenities, and an overall youthful style. Call or come by Merle Stone Chevrolet today to take this compact car for a test drive and discover its incredible overall value.

person with hiking boots

5 of the Best Hiking Trails Near Porterville, CA

Porterville is a great town for folks who love hiking. Its proximity to Sequoia National Forest makes it a haven for explorers who don't want to travel far to get to the great outdoors. In fact, the sheer number of trails around this town may make it difficult to pick the best destination for your next outdoor excursion. Thankfully we're here to help. Here are some of our favorite hiking trails near Porterville, CA. Big Sycamore Trail Big Sycamore Trail is located on the banks of Lake Success only a short drive east of central Porterville. This trail is only a mile long and gains little altitude, making it perfect for families and people interested in easing their way into hiking as a hobby. This well-shaded trail features a scenic river crossing, as well as plentiful views of the gorgeous trees that give this trail its name. more Bartlett Park Loop Also located near Lake Success is the Bartlett Park Loop, a 2.4-mile paved trail that showcases the beauty of Porterville's Bartlett Park and a wide stretch of the Tule River. The ample green space that Bartlett Park provides is a perfect place to hold a mid-hike picnic. Keep in mind that this trail is mixed-use, so be wary of bikers when you visit. Trail of 100 Giants Enclosed within the nearby Sequoia National Forest is the gorgeous Trail of 100 Giants, named after the gargantuan Sequoia trees, that line the 1.5-mile-long path. This trail is paved and has a relatively gentle altitude grade, making it another trail perfect for families or beginners looking to get deeper into the natural beauty that the national forest provides. Stagg Tree Trail This trail is a hidden gem nestled away north of the charming town of Pierpoint found along State Route 190. Though the trail is on the shorter side at roughly one mile in length, both beginner and experienced hikers will want to make the trip. That is because the trail leads straight to the breathtaking Stagg Tree, the fifth largest tree in the world and tallest sequoia tree in the region. Ladybug Camp Trail Also tucked into the Sequoia National Forest is the Ladybug Camp Trail, accessible via State Route 198. This peaceful 7.2-mile trail features great opportunities for wildlife watching and showcases some of the amazing plant life native to this region. The trail follows a small creek that offers great views for almost its entire length but be wary of the poison oak that can be found at some points closer to the water. With trails as gorgeous as these so close nearby, it should be a breeze to plan your next expedition. Whether you're going out for a day trip or planning out an entire weekend of camping fun, you need a reliable vehicle to get you out there. Visit us at Merle Stone Chevrolet, where our associates can help you find a car as rugged as the landscape right outside your back door. Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

Contact Us

Fill out this form below and we'll contact you shortly
*Required Fields