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Although you can find coffee shops in nearly every place in the world, they are always as unique as the locations they call home. In the Porterville, CA area, that rings true. Come on out and discover these nearby cafes that you won't find anywhere else! The Mud House This family-owned business is proud to serve our area and they love getting involved with the community. They often host up-and-coming local musicians, making their shop the perfect place to combine music and coffee. Their drinks look stunning and if you need a little extra sweetness you can get them piled high with whipped cream, drizzled with sweet sauces, or even decorated with sprinkles. more 2.0 Coffee Co. For people who love products that are natural, you won't be able to get enough of this spot. Their coffee is lab-tested so you never have to worry about what you're consuming. They serve all the classic coffee drinks, including cold brew and mocha lattes, as well as their special 2.0 butter coffee and 2.0 butter latte. They also bake goodies in-house for you to enjoy on the side, plus keto options. Stafford's Chocolates At first glance, this may seem like just a chocolate shop but it's actually much more than that! They serve specialty coffee and everyone knows there's no better combination than coffee and chocolate. Of course, while you're there you can't miss their gourmet treats, including brittle, truffles, and a million different kinds of chocolates. Every piece is dipped by hand and made in small batches for the best quality. Exeter Coffee Company At another family-owned shop, this coffee is extra special because it is grown locally! They offer a full menu of many coffee drinks, including their brewed private blend, espressos, lattes, mochas, and more. If you prefer a beverage other than coffee, they have tons of tea, smoothie, and hot cocoa options. While you're there, you can even stock up on their merch to show off your favorite shop. Wildflower Cafe The cozy and casual atmosphere of this cafe makes it a lovely spot to start your day. Their decor is inspired by the overhanging oak trees and the nearby Pinellas Trail, giving the place a whimsical and fairy-like atmosphere. Get your morning coffee and a delicious meal here or come by for their Sunday brunch. Make sure to visit the market section for grab-and-go items, giftware, and other surprises. Wild Oak Coffee House Over in Springville, this little shop has a winning combination of coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and baked goods. They feature lots of locally-made goodies and ingredients and their homemade ice cream is also very popular. Make sure to enjoy their outdoor seating and the great view of the hills nearby. It's like fitting a little vacation in the middle of your busy day as you soak in the tranquility. Now that you know what makes the cafes in our area special, pick one and grab your morning coffee. Then, come by Merle Stone Chevrolet and discover why we have been known for our amazing service for the past sixty years!

If you're thinking about buying a full-size SUV, then you're going to adore the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. Complete with a range of high-quality features plus the good looks to match, it's easy to see why this is a favorite vehicle for both drivers and critics. The Tahoe's Basics Looking for an impressive SUV? The Chevrolet Tahoe is here to give you bold style, impeccable performance, and true comfort. This car's large size and versatility as well as its range of safety features make it a great option for families and solo drivers alike. If you're familiar with the Chevy Tahoe's previous iterations, then you'll notice a marked difference in the '21 Chevy Tahoe. Its new design provides it with an even more muscular look. You'll also appreciate the other new features which include an independent rear suspension for an even smoother, more comfortable drive. more Pricing Options There are six available trim levels for the '21 Chevy Tahoe, starting with the LS for about $49,000. The next trim is the LT, which you can purchase for about $54,300. If you're looking for even more great features, you'll want to check out the RST which starts at $57,100. Do you want even more luxury out of your driving experience? The Z71 trim is available starting at $59,200. You've also got the Premier available for the starting price of $62,600. The highest trim level is the High Country which you can expect to spend about $69,600 on. Performance No matter which of the six trim levels you opt for, you can expect incredible performance from the '21 Chevy Tahoe. There are three incredibly powerful engine options available. The first is a 5.3-liter V-8 engine that makes an impressive 355 horsepower. There is also an even more muscular 6.2-liter V-8 engine that will get you 420 horsepower. Do you prefer diesel over gasoline? The '21 Chevy Tahoe's third engine option will certainly be of interest to you. If you go with this one, you'll get a 3-liter diesel six-cylinder engine that gets 277 horsepower. Interior Style and Comfort The inside of the '21 Chevy Tahoe exudes style and versatility. Chevrolet only equips this SUV with high-quality materials that are both good-looking and soft to the touch. You'll also love how roomy this vehicle is. Even passengers in the third row will be able to stretch their legs out. You'll find a range of great features inside the new Chevy Tahoe. The car's infotainment system is intuitive, and the 10.2-inch touchscreen display is easy to see and use. Connect to the system with your phone using either Android Auto or Apple CarPlay and listen to your music using the available Bose audio system. If you've been looking for an SUV that's just as luxurious as it is functional and versatile, then the '21 Chevy Tahoe is the car for you. You'll quickly fall in love with its amazing features, impressive engine options, and fantastic comfort. Visit us today at Merle Stone Chevrolet to learn more. Image: Chevrolet.com

Porterville, CA is full of old-town charm and is a gateway to beautiful sights like the Sequoia National Forest and the Great Western Divide Highway. The downtown area of Porterville also features numerous things to do, such as restaurants, antique stores, murals, and a multicultural art center. When you find yourself in need of a quick dessert break, make sure to check out the great ice cream places in and around Porterville! 1. D'Colores For those searching for a Mexican dessert, D'Colores is the perfect place for you to make a pit stop. The shop is located directly in Porterville and sells drinks, snacks, and desserts. Some of its treat offerings include milkshakes, basic sundaes, loaded sundaes, churro splits, and fresas con crema. If you're looking to mix sweet and savory, consider ordering nachos along with your dessert of choice! more 2. All About All About is also located in Porterville and has a large selection of flavors to choose from. Some of the shop's flavor options include chocolate peanut butter, dulce de leche, white pistachio, strawberry cheesecake, and matcha green tea. For those who cannot consume dairy, All About also has non-dairy soy flavors such as cherry chocolate chip, chocolate brownie, snickerdoodle, and vanilla bean. 3. La Michoacana Plus La Michoacana Plus is located in Porterville and boasts an entire menu that is available in both Spanish and English. Some of the treats sold in the shop include scoops and popsicles, some of which are made with water and some of which are made with milk. Available scoop flavors include rum with raisins, Reese's chocolate, cereals with yogurt, mazapan, and chongos. La Michoacana Plus also sell shakes and floats if you're looking for something to sip. 4. Spoons Frozen Yogurt Spoons Frozen Yogurt is a locally-owned and operated, family-run, self-serve frozen yogurt shop in Porterville. Spoons flavor choices include berry acai, cake batter, country vanilla, white chocolate mousse, strawberry shortcake, and graham cracker. If you're a fan of acai bowls, you can even get creative and make your own acai bowl at the shop using the berry acai frozen yogurt as a base and adding granola, berries, and coconut flakes as toppings! 5. Oasis Tropical Oasis Tropical sells scoops, other frozen desserts, and savory snacks in Porterville. The shop's menu boasts banana splits, fruit bars, chamoys, shaved ice, and sundaes. Depending on how strong your sweet craving is, Oasis Tropical allows you to order anywhere from one to six scoops. If you're looking to try something unique, consider trying the shop's Escamocha, which is your choice of scoop flavor mixed with granola and condensed milk. After you've spent some time exploring the town and finding your delicious treat, it is the perfect time to look for the new car you need. Stop by Merle Stone Chevrolet today and explore our expansive Chevrolet lineup! We have served Northern California since 1957 and provide a transparent experience to both new and existing customers.

The 2021 Chevy Suburban is bigger and better than ever, with contemporary driver assistance features, advanced technology and entertainment, and versatile cargo space. This year, the Suburban introduces an independent rear suspension system, freeing up room in the cargo area and third row, an air suspension, and a downsized Duramax diesel engine. Our team at Merle Stone Chevrolet can't wait to help you find the perfect 2021 Suburban for you! 1. Design It's no surprise that the 2021 Suburban received the Best Large SUV for Families award from U.S. News & World Report, in addition to making the Editors' Choice List (Large SUV) with Car and Driver. This larger-than-life SUV offers best-in-class legroom in the second row and a newly expanded third row. In addition, its best-in-class cargo volume has a storage capacity of up to 144.7 cubic feet, allowing plenty of space for whatever you're hauling. You can also opt for the power sliding center console. It slides back up to 10 inches, providing secure and hidden storage space between the seats. more 2. Technology The 2021 Suburban is the premier choice for passengers looking to stay connected and entertained. The available Wi-Fi connection and new rear-seat media system, complete with dual 12.6-inch LCD touchscreen displays, make perfect companions for any road trip. Meanwhile, the 10.2-inch infotainment system provides everything you need to navigate the open road. And with Alexa built in to stream music, add to your Amazon shopping list, and connect to your smart home devices, you'll never be without a co-pilot. If you're towing cargo behind you, the advanced trailering system, offering customized trailer profiles, pre-departure checklists, and trailer tire pressure/temperature monitoring, is ready to lend a hand. You can also use the rearview camera to see the trailer and maneuver into tight spaces. 3. Safety The 2021 Suburban offers various driving assistance features to keep you and your passengers safe on the road. Forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking and front pedestrian braking comes standard, minimizing the risk of head-on collisions with others. The Suburban also comes standard with a following distance indicator, providing the gap time between your vehicle and the one you're following, along with automatic high beams that turn on and off depending on traffic. Drivers can also opt for lane change alerts with side blind zone alerts, and lane-keep assist with lane departure warnings to prevent collisions between lanes. The rear traffic alert lets you see easily behind you, while the HD surround vision displays a digital overhead image of the area. You can also spring for 24/7 OnStar support for additional confidence and peace of mind. 4. Performance With the most advanced suspension in its class and more powertrain options than any competitor, the 2021 Suburban delivers the comfort and capability you deserve. A pair of V8s and a diesel six-cylinder complete the engine lineup. The 5.3-liter V8, standard on all but the top-tier High Country model, delivers 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The 2021 Suburban can also be fitted with an adaptive suspension system that enhances ride comfort. By lowering or raising the Suburban's ride height based on driving conditions, the suspension system improves passenger accessibility, aerodynamics, and ground clearance. Whether you're looking for unbeatable space or impeccable handling and advanced entertainment options, the 2021 Suburban is worth a look (or two). Stop by Merle Stone Chevrolet today for a test drive!

The 2021 Chevy Blazer is a mid-size SUV that stands out among the rest. Here's why you'll want to consider this car if you're shopping for a new vehicle. The Blazer's Basics SUVs are great cars if you're looking for a larger, versatile vehicle. The Chevy Blazer is a fantastic mid-size SUV, providing drivers with a range of features that make driving super fun and convenient. If you're interested in a car that's just as happy to take you to work in the morning as it is to explore nature, the Blazer is perfect. There are a few upgrades included with the 2021 Blazer that you're going to appreciate. This included some updated safety features as well as some new available paint colors for a brighter, bolder look to this already sporty SUV. more Models and Pricing Options Thinking of buying the 2021 Blazer? There are six available trim levels to check out. The first, providing you with just the basics is the L, costing about $28,800. One step up from that you've got the 1LT which goes for around $32,300. You may also want to consider the 2LT which costs about $33,100. The latter three trim levels offer great options for those who want a little more luxury. The 3LT will cost you around $37,300, and the RS goes for about $40,800. Finally, you've got the Premier, which is available for around $42,500. Engine There are three available engine options for the 2021 Blazer. Going with the standard engine will provide you with a 193-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that feels super smooth and responsive to drive. If you want something with a little more power, consider going with the available turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 230 horsepower. If neither of those engines quite fit the bill, you've also got a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that makes an incredibly powerful 308 horsepower. No matter which engine option you go with, you'll love the feeling of driving the 2021 Blazer. The car comes standard with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available. Interior and Cargo Space You'll love the inner styling of the 2021 Blazer. The interior design matches the car's bold exterior, offering you a driver-focused layout and plenty of options that make for a super comfortable ride. The super easy-to-use climate control system allows you to maintain your ideal temperature, and the available ambient lighting and heated and ventilated front seats add even more luxury. Planning on taking your new 2021 Blazer on an adventure? Whether you're just packing a weekend bag or you're got some camping gear to haul with you, the Chevy Blazer has all the space you need. The 2021 Blazer offers plenty of fantastic features, and it's easy to see why so many drivers and critics love this mid-size SUV. When you test drive this car, it won't take long for you to fall in love with its style, performance, and range of useful features. Ready to take it for a spin? Come see us today at Merle Stone Chevrolet.

With its desert location and rocky environs, Porterville, CA might not be the first place you might think of when it comes to fishing. However, those willing to step outside and explore will find themselves pleasantly surprised, as there are lots of great fishing spots to discover. Here are some of the best places to wet a line nearby. 1. Lake Success This large lake is fed by the Tule River and offers 2,400 acres of water, and 30 miles of shoreline to fish from. During the winter and spring, the lake is stocked with rainbow trout, and bass, catfish, crappie, redear, and bluegill can all be found here. The shallow lake offers a perfect habitat for these species, especially in and around the covers on the fringes of the lake. The south fork near the bridge usually provides the best fishing, especially for catfish. more 2. Bravo Lake Located to the north of Porterville, in the small town of Woodlake, CA, Bravo Lake is a popular family fishing spot. The lake is best fished from the long shoreline, where bass, catfish, and trout species are the most commonly found. You can also fish from a kayak or small boat but remember that only small personal watercraft are allowed on the lake. 3. Lake Isabella While it may be some distance away in Kern County, this excellent lake is well worth the trip. It's probably best fished from a boat but permits cost $45 but are valid for a year. In addition to the usual largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish, this lake is also home to the more unusual kokanee salmon, as well as rainbow and brown trout. One of the best places to fish for trout is along with the engineering point, between the two dams, whereas salmon are usually caught around Piney Point or along the flume. 4. Lake Woollomes Located less than 30 minutes’ drive from Porterville, this small reservoir attracts flocks of waterfowl as well as anglers to its clear waters. Anglers will find rainbow and brown trout, largemouth bass, bream, carp, and catfish here. Fishing tends to be best in the early morning, and is easiest to do from the banks, although boats are allowed on the lake, provided you have a required all county boating permit, and only launch from the provided boat ramp. 5. Lake Kaweah Since the fish population was exterminated in 1987 by the DFG, to remove white bass from the lake, the fish population here has been slowly rebounding. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout during the winter and spring months, and the lake also boasts a significant population of re-introduced wild brown trout. channel catfish, largemouth bass, and bluegill can also be found in large numbers here. These are just a few of the best fishing places around, head outside today and you'll be sure to find your new favorite. Looking for a new vehicle to carry all that fishing gear? Come on down to Merle Stone Chevrolet today and check out our excellent selection of new and used cars.

Want a hardworking truck that ticks every box and looks great doing it? Then look no further than the always-dependable 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500. With fantastic new features and incredible power options, you'll love what's available with this new model. New for This Year The latest model has seen a number of upgrades designed to give you more bang for your buck. With a new infotainment system, impressive trailer-towing technology, and more choice than ever before, you'll be thrilled with what's available in 2021. more Customization You can design this pickup to be whatever you need it to be. There are eight trim levels available, plus choose from three separate cab and bed sizes. The regular cab seats three, while the double or crew can seat up to five. Whether you're after a no-fuss ride that gets the job done, or you want something that feels more like a luxury vehicle, you can make this car your own. For the latter, enjoy upgrades like heated seats, a sunroof, and a 360-degree camera system. If you're after the cheapest option, go for the standard 1500, which will set you back about 30k. Even in its most basic form, there's ample legroom, bed capacity, and cargo space, plus plenty of muscle; it's a fantastic pickup no matter what your trim. Power The customization doesn't end there. Choose from five killer engines, including a turbocharged four-cylinder with 310-horsepower, a 420-horsepower V8, and a turbocharged 6-cylinder diesel. Towing capacity has gone up with this model, and it now has a maximum towing capacity of 13,300 pounds. It can haul up to 2,280 pounds depending on the trim. You can opt for the Advanced Trailering System, which gives you a host of helpful features to optimize how you look after your trailers such as trailer service reminders and a pre-departure checklist. Handling Given how muscular of a truck it is, you'll love how smooth this Chevy drives. It's responsive and easy to maneuver even in the most confined areas. Rear and four-wheel drive options have you covered no matter how off-road you want to get. Choose between 6, 8, and 10-speed automatic transmission. Interior High-tech features are available, including excellent safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. Connecting your phone is simple thanks to the standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Blast your favorite tracks as your tear down the highway with an optional seven-speaker Bose audio system. The layout of the interior has remained faithful to past designs, staying simple and easy to use. Comfortable, spacious seating comes in either cloth or genuine leather upholstery, and power-adjustable front seats have a range of movement to fit pretty well any driver. In 2021, the Chevy Silverado 1500 has proven once again to be the kind of robust, reliable pickup that will help you get any and every job done. Ready to get your hands on one? Come on down to Merle Stone Chevrolet in Porterville, CA, today.

If you enjoy having a slice of pizza with family and friends, Porterville, CA has plenty to offer. With over 15 different pizzerias to choose from, you can choose selections ranging from the classics to gourmet pizza that is unlike anything you have ever tasted before. Our top places for the best pizza in town include those with a rich history as well as vegetarian options. Enjoy a slice at one of these locations in the San Joaquin Valley. more Poor Richard's Pizza At Poor Richard's Pizza, you will be submerged in history as you step into one of the historic buildings of old Main Street. The family-owned business has been around since the 1970s and is most famously known for frozen beer mugs and thin crust pizza. The intricate stained glass and stunning wooden bar are some of the main attractions of this nostalgic pizza parlor. Whether you are enjoying a family gathering or simply having a drink with friends, you will get a taste of why Poor Richard's pizza has been a hometown favorite for generations. Make sure you drink responsibly and with moderation, for alcohol is intended only for adults of legal drinking age; do not drink and drive. Round Table Pizza If you are looking for hand-rolled dough, gluten-free, and vegetarian-friendly options, Round Table Pizza has got you covered. The founder, Bill Larson, shared his passion for quality ingredients in pizza back in 1959, and today his visions are still being honored by using many of the original recipes. With a modern twist on the classic medieval flair of the 1959 restaurant, Round Table Pizza offers a new seating experience with a contemporary feel. Their pizza is available in sizes ranging from personal to extra-large, and some locations offer special deals. Tony's Pizza Tony's Pizza has been offering its twist on New York style pizza for 36 years. The children of Tony and Patricia have opened multiple locations around the Kern and Tulare County, including the Porterville location, which opened in 2015. The most requested pizza on their list is one of the specialty pizzas known as the Chile Verde Pizza that entices customers with its tender pork simmered in a green chili sauce and mozzarella cheese on their signature pizza dough. Pizza Guys By starting every day with fresh, handmade dough and shredded mozzarella, Pizza Guys are sure to please. The high-quality toppings and their signature sauce, made from tomatoes grown in Central California, are incorporated into each of their gourmet pizza selections. Whether you decide to create your own or choose one of their specialty pizzas, they offer special deals and discounts to meet each budget. Now that you have settled on a pizza place, you will need a reliable ride to get you there. Merle Stone Chevrolet makes shopping for new and pre-owned vehicles in Porterville a fun experience and keeps the stress to a minimum. Contact Merle Stone Chevrolet today to find the automotive service you have been looking for.

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.

If you want a pickup truck but don't like too much bulk, consider the 2021 Chevy Colorado. This truck has the power of a larger model packed into a smaller space; it's that perfect in-between truck for someone needing a mix of comfort and capability. With several excellent engine options and more features alongside them, you can't go wrong with the Chevy Colorado, so let's look at some of the most impressive features. 1. Several Powerful Engine Options As we stated above, the Chevy Colorado has several excellent engine options to choose from. The base engine is highly practical, with 200 horsepower in its four-cylinder construction. It can handle tow loads of 5,500 pounds - plenty for the average person hauling gear, or bringing jet skis to the beach. It's also great for towing small campers. If you need a little more power, consider the V6 engine with 398 horsepower. That one can handle 7,000 pounds of gear, enough for towing a larger camper or a small boat. If that's still not enough, you can get 7,700 pounds of towing capacity out of the diesel engine for the Chevy Colorado. This is slightly above what some competitor models can tow with their most powerful engines. more 2. Off-Roading Trims Available Perhaps towing isn't your priority - off-roading is. Most pickups are ready for some off-roading as they're highly durable vehicles, but the Chevy Colorado goes above and beyond. There are some Colorado trims, like the Z71, that are ready for off-roading right out of the gate. The Z71 has hill descent control, four-wheel drive, and a heavy-duty suspension. This is fantastic for trails and bumpy terrain that you may encounter on your adventures. For further prowess off the road, consider the Chevy Colorado ZR2. This model has the same features outlined above, with the addition of rear and front differentials that lock. These are excellent for increasing traction on loose terrains like gravel and sand. You're also protected from any debris found on the loose ground, thanks to the rocker protection and special shocks found on this Chevy Colorado model. 3. Safety Features No matter where you choose to drive, you can do it safely and efficiently in the Chevy Colorado. One standard feature that parents will love is the Teen Driver System; this system lets you set a maximum speed for the truck, so nobody can above your chosen limit. Then, pair your phone with your truck via the accompanying app that lets you can monitor your teen's driving habits. If you'd like further safety you can upgrade your truck to include lane departure warnings and forward collision alert. These features are helpful for drivers of any experience level. It's always nice to know that your vehicle has your back when you're on the road. If the Chevy Colorado won you over, visit us at Merle Stone Chevrolet. We'll get you set up for a test drive so you can appreciate these features in person. Select your engine, ask about the trims and upgrades, and drive away in style.

An alternator is a generator that provides power to keep your vehicle's battery charged. This is an important part of your vehicle, as it cannot run properly if the alternator fails. When you're driving, you'll want to stay alert for some of the warning signs that your vehicle's alternator may be faulty. Take a look at some of the warning signs below, so you can take care of the problem as soon as possible. 1. Abnormal Engine Sounds and Smells If you start your engine and it makes squealing or rattling noises, you may need to have your alternator looked at. Additionally, smelling burnt rubber could mean that the alternator belt is deteriorating. Make sure to inspect your alternator belt regularly so that you don't replace the alternator when a less expensive component is creating the issue. more 2. Structural Damage Your alternator goes through a lot during its lifetime. Obviously, using it will cause wear over time, and this eventually has an impact on the structural integrity of the part's casing. When inspecting your alternator, look for cracks or other damage, and replace it immediately if you notice any structural damage. If you have repeatedly replaced your alternator as a result of structural damage in an unreasonably short period of time, you may have more significant mechanical issues to deal with. This repeated issue can manifest if a pulley is off-center or the alternator's tensioner is too tight. 3. Battery Refuses To Stay Charged If your battery doesn't stay charged, you could have a couple of different problems. Your battery could be too old to operate correctly, or your alternator could be damaged or dead. If your battery isn't old, the latter is almost certainly the problem. An onboard computer keeps track of the voltage output of your alternator and the charge level of your battery. When either of them has issues, you should see a warning light turn on somewhere on the driver's instrument panel. 4. Starting Difficulty or Stalling If your vehicle stalls at stops or is particularly stubborn when you're trying to start it, you may have a faulty alternator. Make sure you get your vehicle checked out as soon as possible after the first stalling incident. Procrastination can lead to disaster because a vehicle that stalls at the wrong moment can cause a severe accident. 5. Other Systems Keep Failing A failing alternator will cause issues with every electrically powered system and feature in your vehicle. If your outlets and USB ports aren't charging when devices are plugged in, your alternator may need attention. On the same note, your air conditioning and heating systems are connected to the alternator as are the safety systems, so if you notice problems with any of these elements, you should definitely have your alternator checked out. As long as you stay vigilant in terms of vehicle maintenance, you should have no trouble discovering alternator issues before they cause serious problems. If you notice any of the issues listed above, bring your vehicle in to Merle Stone Chevrolet in Porterville, CA to have it inspected before it becomes a major or costly problem. Image by Johnny Gejdner from Pixabay

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