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The primary objective of dealerships is to sell cars, but they offer other services as well. If you are in Porterville, Merle Stone Chevrolet is the best Chevy dealer in the city. We provide a wide variety of services. Here's what you can expect from us. Car Service Cars need regular maintenance, and we have certified service experts to handle your vehicle. Our servicing options cover the following areas: more Oil Change Most Chevys feature an engine Oil Life System (OLS) that determines when it is time for an oil change. If the OLS light turns on, we will change the engine oil for you. There are three grades to choose from, ranging from conventional to full synthetic. Additionally, we accompany this service with a free four-tire rotation and multi-point vehicle inspection. The latter covers multiple areas, such as: Checking the fluid levels Examining the tire wear, alignment, and balancing Wiper blades and glass condition inspection Brakes inspection Inspecting the remaining engine oil life Checking the battery condition and connections Visual inspection OnStar subscription checking Brake Repair If you hear brake noise, experience a pulsing brake pedal, or spot excessive brake dust on the wheels, we can repair or replace the brake pads. Tire Check Apart from checking tire wear and pressure, we can help you identify the best tire replacements for your Chevy. Parts Replacements Car parts degrade constantly. We stock and install genuine Chevrolet components to ensure your vehicle remains factory fresh. Financing We have a finance department to help you determine the best finance program that suits your lifestyle. This team will help you get: Competitive manufacturer and local bank rates Quick approvals Extended warranties Protection services to safeguard your vehicle Trade-In Merle Stone uses the Kelley Blue Book to get vehicle book values for trade-in purposes. You can exchange cars from any brand going back to 1992 (YOM) for a new or used Chevy. Chevrolet Protection This service is meant to enhance the Chevrolet ownership experience, and it includes the following: Extended Limited Warranty This offer applies to new GMC vehicles. It is backed by General Motors, the parent company for GMC and Chevrolet. The extended coverage goes for 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. It is better than the regular 3 years/36,000 miles. Protection Plan The protection plan pays for all repairs or replacements that are not covered by the warranty. It includes benefits like towing/road service, rental car payments of up to $40/day, lost key & lockout, and trip interruption. GAP Coverage If your car is involved in an accident and is written off by the insurance company, you will receive a sum equivalent to its market value. GAP coverage plugs the hole left for the deductibles or money owed. Others Protections Include: Advanced lease protection XS wear lease protection Appearance guard Pre-Paid Maintenance Tire and Wheel Protection With these vital services at a dealer, you can buy, use, and maintain your car with peace of mind. Visit Merle Stone Chevrolet today to utilize these services for your Chevy.

Driving around construction work zones can be frustrating, as it can add a substantial amount of time to your trip. However, you must practice safe driving habits in work zones, for your safety and that of the workers and other drivers there. Here are a few tips you should keep in mind the next time you're driving around construction work. 1. Watch for Workers Driving around construction areas is perhaps the most dangerous for construction workers. The workers are relying on every driver to drive safely past their worksite. You're required by law to slow down around any work zone, whether workers are there or not. But if workers are there, you should take even more precautions to ensure they can safely continue to fix your roads. more 2. Be Patient No one is in a construction zone to have a good time. Everyone there either wants to drive away from the construction zone as soon as possible or is working in the zone. Impatient drivers can cause traffic around construction zones to slow down even more and they can even make the area dangerous for other drivers and workers. Wait your turn and make your driving decisions calmly. Not everyone follows this rule. Even if you are patiently waiting your turn, the driver behind you may not. Do not react to other drivers' rude and impatient actions. It will only add to the problem. 3. Read the Signs Try not to simply follow the person in front of you. That person might be making a mistake you're about to repeat. Instead, read the signs in a construction area so that you can properly follow instructions and maintain a safe environment for everyone on the road. If you aren't well-versed in construction zone signs, you should take a minute to study them so you know what to do the next time you enter a work zone. Ignoring these signs can get you a ticket or, in the worst-case scenario, add to the list of deaths that occur in construction zones every year. 4. Avoid Distractions To be fair, you should always be actively avoiding distractions when you're driving. But the added obstacles and difficulty of driving through a construction zone requires you to eliminate distractions even more. Don't use your phone if your vehicle is moving. Don't reach for anything in your cabin when your vehicle is moving. Try to keep your eyes and focus on the road ahead. 5. Plan Ahead If you know you have to get somewhere within a certain amount of time, plan your trip ahead of time. Before you start driving, look up traffic conditions on the roads you're taking. If you can't spare the time to slow down for a construction zone, plan an alternate route or leave earlier. If you follow these tips and maintain an active sense of awareness while you're driving through construction areas, you're doing your part to create a safe environment for everyone involved. Though you should always stay alert and keep your eyes on the road, doing these things is doubly important when you're driving around a construction zone. Image by Thanks for your Like • donations welcome from Pixabay

The future has arrived, and it's called the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. This all-electric car offers convenience, incredible performance, and a bold exterior. You'll enjoy all the unique, modern features you discover. You can ride in style in a Chevrolet Bolt EV. Here are the top features you'll find when you take your seat behind the wheel. Seating Options You'll find some great seating options inside the 2021 Chevy Bolt EV f or both the LT and Premier trim levels. Standard features include six-way manually adjustable front bucket seats and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. Between the front seats is a front center console with a sliding armrest. The Premier offers additional features such as heated front and rear outboard seats and perforated leather-appointed seating, while the LT comes with deluxe cloth seating, and you can get the available heated front seats. more Comfort Features You'll find a great comfort setup in the Chevrolet Bolt TV to help keep you content, even on long trips. The Premier offers comfort features that include an automatic heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and ambient instrument panel lighting. Standard features include automatic climate control, a cabin air filter for fresh air, plenty of cup holders, and storage space for everything you need to bring along for the ride. You also get power windows and locks, carpeted floor mats, and a rear center armrest. Technology and Connectivity To help keep you and your passengers connected and entertained while on the road, the Bolt EV comes with various technology features. The Premier includes features such as a Bose premium seven-speaker audio system with subwoofer, a wireless charger, and USB ports for charging. Standard features include a Chevrolet Infotainment System with a 10.2-inch color touch-screen display, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot, and wireless phone connectivity so you can access your maps, music, and even your messages. Safety Features Safety is always at the forefront for Chevy vehicles. The Bolt EV offers either an HD rear camera or HD surround-vision camera to make you aware of what's behind you. The Premier's standard features include lane change alert with side blind zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. Available features include automatic emergency braking, a following distance indicator, forward collision alert, and front pedestrian braking. Chevy Mobile App With the new myChevrolet mobile app with Energy Assist, you'll always know what's going on with your car. This app uses key information related to driving conditions, the current charge status, and real-time weather so it can recommend any needed charging stations along your route and calculate an accurate range. Changes are automatically updated as you continue to drive, so you don't have to worry about when or where to stop for a charge. If you want to check out the all-electric Bolt EV for yourself, visit Merle Stone Chevrolet. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff would be happy to answer any questions you have, give you a tour of the showroom, or even get you behind the wheel for a test drive.

The 2021 Chevy Equinox has a lot going for it: lots of tech features, cargo space, and nimble driving. Introduced in 2004, it was originally a midsize SUV but was later turned into a compact crossover. Features of the 2021 Chevy Equinox Value The Equinox starts at a surprisingly low price of $23,800 but can go up to $33,000 if you opt for the Premier all-wheel-drive version. It's also fuel-efficient, getting 31 miles per gallon on the highway and 26 mpg city, for a combined 28 mpg. Chevy stands behind the Equinox with a great warranty, featuring five years or 60,000 roadside assistance. You also get 12 months of maintenance, and a powertrain warranty good for five years or 60,000 miles. The corrosion/perforation warranty is good for 8 years or 100,000 miles, and the basic warranty gets you three years or 36,000 miles. more Performance The engine is a 1.5 Liter turbo engine that produces 170 horsepower, and 203 foot-pounds of torque. It comes paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and a 120 amp alternator. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available if you need to get through ice, sand, or snow. The Equinox also features independent suspension for the front and rear, with gas-pressurized shocks for both as well. Power steering is standard, and it is speed-sensitive, so you get more assistance at slower speeds and less as you go faster. So you can maintain control without feeling like you need to muscle the steering wheel into position. Comfort As you would expect the level of luxury varies by trim level. The base model L features cloth upholstery, with a six-way adjustable driver's seat. The passenger seat is four-way adjustable, and the floor is carpeted. Manual air conditioning is included. The Premier features some nice upgrades like all leather seating, with heated seatbacks. The driver's seat is eight-way power-adjustable, while the passenger seat has that feature available. Two-way power lumbar support is standard for the driver's seat, and heated rear seats are available. Technology If you opt for the L trim level, you'll get two 12V DC power outlets and 4 USB ports. Remote keyless entry is standard, as is a touchscreen that gives you control over a six-speaker sound system. You can also control it from the steering wheel, and navigation is standard. The Premier features a 120V AC power outlet and six USB ports. There are sunroofs for the front and rear, while a panoramic sunroof is optional. It features a touchscreen for the front and rear, and a seven-speaker bose sound system is available. Space With the Equinox, you've got more than enough room for the whole family and your cargo. There's room for five passengers and 29 cubic feet of rear cargo space. If you've got a lot to haul, the seats can be folded down to give you 63.9 cubic feet of cargo space. If you're looking for an SUV that comes in at a bargain price while still being loaded with features, the Equinox might be the one for you. Find out more at Merle Stone Chevrolet in Porterville, CA.

If you're ready for a new car, think about getting a Chevy. For over 100 years, Chevy has produced reliable, safe, innovative, high-quality vehicles. The 2021 Chevrolet Trax is a stylish, powerful, and safe vehicle that's packed with many incredible features. Basics About the 2021 Chevrolet Trax This compact SUV seats up to five and is ready for anything. It even has eight different seating configurations so you can fit everything you need into the vehicle. With a high-strength steel safety cage as well as many advanced safety technologies, the Trax is incredibly safe so you can drive with confidence. It has even been awarded five stars by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's New Car Assessment Program for its safety. The Trax measures 167.7 inches long and is 65 or 66.5 inches tall, depending on the trim. With 36.6 inches of front headroom. 40.8 inches of front legroom, and 54.1 inches of front shoulder room, you won't feel cramped in the Trax! more Pricing The Trax has two trims: The Trax LS and the Trax LT. The Trax LS The Trax LS has a starting price of $21,400 and is equipped with 10 airbags, a fold-flat front passenger seat, and the Rear Vision Camera. It also has a 7-inch diagonal color touchscreen and the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System so you can stay connected and get where you need to go. The Trax LT This trim is equipped with LED daytime running lamps, roof rack side rails, and cruise control. It also has a remote vehicle starter system and many other incredible features that make driving the Trax LT fun and safe. The Trax LT's starting price is $23,200. Great Features Rear Vision Camera and Rear Cross Traffic Alert The Rear Vision Camera is a standard safety feature that will automatically display a live view of the area behind your car on the touchscreen when you're in reverse. Thanks to Rear Vision Camera, backing out of driveways or parking spaces is even easier. The available Rear Cross Traffic Alert provides even more help while you're backing up. This feature will emit audible beeps and display warning triangles on the Rear Vision Camera screen when it detects right or left rear cross-traffic. Rear Park Assist Backing into parking spaces can be difficult and stressful but it doesn't have to be. With Rear Park Assist, your Trax will provide distance alerts for any nearby objects it detects. This feature will activate when you're driving at a low speed in reverse so you can avoid hitting any objects as you're trying to park. Visit Merle Stone Chevrolet in Porterville, California today for an incredible Chevrolet shopping experience. Our dealership has a wide selection of new and used cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as top-notch customer service. Our friendly and knowledgeable team members can help you find the perfect Chevy for your driving needs and your budget. The experts in our service department can perform routine maintenance and repairs so you'll be able to enjoy your Chevy for years to come.

California is known for its melting pot of cultures. Having so many different cultures represented means fantastic restaurants showcasing the culture's cuisine. Even in the small town of Porterville, California, you can find delicious Mexican food. When you just can't stop thinking about those crispy tacos, here's the top Mexican restaurants in and around town. 1. China's Alley Mexican Restaurant Located right in town is China's Alley. This spot has all your classic Mexican dishes such as tacos, burritos, and nachos. The menu is extensive, so you can eat here again and again and still try new dishes. They have great dinner specials and even a dinner section if you want the same delicious meal but a smaller portion. If you're over 60 years old, they have a section on their menu that includes all your favorite meals but at a lower price. more 2. Vejar's Mexican Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge In Tulare, you'll find another great Mexican joint. Vejar's has been operating for over 45 years. Their dishes are still made with original recipes. Chefs prepare their corn and flour tortillas every day. They're even open for breakfast, so you can always get your Mexican cuisine fix. Whatever dish you choose, you'll have to pair it with one of their house made margaritas. Alcohol is intended only for those 21 years or older. Please drink responsibly. 3. Que Pasa Mexican Cafe Close to Vejar's is Que Pasa. This restaurant first opened in 1999 in Bakersfield and has since expanded. They take traditional Mexican dishes and bring innovative flare to them. Even though everything on their menu is mouth-watering, their sizzling fajitas is the way to go. You have the classic options of chicken or steak and jumbo shrimp or seafood, which includes shrimp and Mahi Mahi. To finish off your meal, why not try their chocolate enchiladas. 4. El Sarape Mexican Bar and Grill In Pixley is El Sarape. This family-owned and operated restaurant is serving up a wide variety of American and Mexican meals. The Mexican dishes on their menu reflect traditional Mexican cuisine. They're known for having some of the best wet burritos in the area. If you've never had a wet burrito, it's a burrito smothered in various sauces, whether that queso, enchilada sauce, or sour cream. Whatever you order, be sure to get rice and beans too. 5. Maximos Taqueria Maximos is serving up fast and fresh Mexican food to their patrons. This joint does its best to buy ingredients from local farmers, so the ingredients spend less time traveling before being served. You can get three street-style tacos for only six dollars here. Along with all your favorite dishes such as quesadillas, tacos, and burritos, you can even order a burrito bowl. They also have a small selection of seafood meals to choose from. Whether you're staying local to town or venturing a short distance, you'll find excellent Mexican food. Once you've tried all the fantastic places on this list, stop by Merle Stone Chevrolet for even more suggestions.

Having a new driver in the family can be an exciting but nerve-wracking time. This season can be made a little easier with the 2020 Chevy Trax. From its advanced safety systems to the available all-wheel drive, the 2020 Trax is packed with features that will give you and your new driver the added confidence you both want. Here a few features that make the 2020 Chevy Trax a perfect first vehicle. 1. Available All-Wheel Drive The available all-wheel drive on the 2020 Chevy Trax adds a level of safety by monitoring all four of the tires and automatically maximizing traction when needed. Both you and your new driver will feel better knowing that the Trax can handle difficult driving conditions like sleet, rain, and snow. more 2. StabiliTrak Control System The StabiliTrack control system helps the driver stay in control on the road, especially in emergency situations. When needed, StabiliTrack will automatically adjust the engine torque and brakes to help the Trax stay on its planned route. If the Trax senses that the vehicle is taking a different path than intended, it will automatically apply the needed brake pressure to help keep your new driver on the road and going in the right direction. This system also includes traction control and brake assist. The traction control will automatically activate the brakes or lower the engine power when it senses slippage. The brake assist monitors how the driver hits the brake pedal. If it notices that it was slammed extra fast and hard, it will give added braking assistance. 3. Advanced Safety Features With its 10 standard air bags and available advanced safety features, the 2020 Chevy Trax will help keep your new driver safe on the road at all times. A few of its available advanced driver-assistance features include forward collision alert, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear park assist, and side blind zone alert. The forward collision alert notifies the driver if it senses an incoming front-end collision or if the driver is following a vehicle too closely. The lane departure warning helps prevent collisions due to accidental drifting into other lanes. Rear cross-traffic alert and rear park assist make operating in reverse a little easier by alerting the driver of traffic crossing behind the vehicle and objects nearby while parking. Checking blind spots can be tricky, but with side blind zone alert, new drivers will have extra help thanks to the side mirror warnings given when the Trax senses a vehicle in a side blind zone. 4. Fuel-Efficient Since most new drivers don't have a lot of money to be dumping into filling up the gas tank, the fuel efficiency of the 2020 Chevy Trax makes it a great first vehicle. Its 1.4-liter ECOTEC engine delivers the perfect mix of power and efficiency. When equipped with all-wheel drive, the 2020 Trax offers up to 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. If you're looking for a safe, reliable, and efficient vehicle for your new driver, the 2020 Chevy Trax is the perfect fit. Head on over to Merle Stone Chevrolet to check out their current inventory.

Whether it's your first vehicle or your fifth, buying a car comes with its own set of challenges. That's why we've put together this list of helpful tips and strategies. Use this handy guide before you head to the dealership so you'll be better prepared for your next new set of wheels. Set a Budget The first step in the car buying process is to set a realistic budget. Expand your thought process here because there's more to owning a car than your monthly loan payment. Remember to include essentials like gas, insurance, and maintenance. Once you've got this bottom-line number, you'll have the tools you need to negotiate a deal. It's also a good idea to have a sense of how much money you want to put down. If you need help putting together your budget, use an online car affordability calculator, such as the one by MoneyUnder30.com. more Do Your Research The last thing you want to do is arrive at the showroom without doing any research. What kind of vehicle do you need? If you have a large family, you may want a three-row SUV like the Ford Expedition, or if you have a long commute, consider a fuel-efficient option such as Ford's Fusion Hybrid. Resources such as U.S. News and World Report rank cars based on real-world data. You can search for things such as “best cars for families” or “ best used full-size trucks.” Test Drive Your Prospects Once you've narrowed down your options, head to your local showroom for a test drive. If you're buying pre-owned, it's a good idea to inspect the car to ensure it's in good working order. Listen for squeaks, rattles, or whining noises. Check the body for dents, rust, and cracks in the windshield. Turn on the infotainment system and the A/C, roll the power windows down, and make sure to take your test drive to the highway, so you can see how it performs at speeds over 55 miles per hour. Boost Your Credit Score Having a good idea of your credit score will help you negotiate your interest rate. If your credit isn't as great as you hoped, use these tips to give it a boost: Always pay your bills on time. Make frequent, "micro" payments throughout the month to keep balances low. Dispute any errors on your report. If you don't already have credit, apply for a secured credit card backed by a cash deposit. Financing Options Get to know your financing options, including direct lending and dealership financing. You may choose to borrow money directly from a bank, finance company, or credit union, or you can apply for financing through the dealership. Pay attention to the interest rate and the period of time in which you'll have to pay. The higher the interest rate and the longer the term, the more your new car will cost you. Avoid buyer's remorse when shopping for a car with these steps. Having a clear picture of your budget and vehicle requirements will help power you through negotiations with confidence.