The Risks Of Brake Checking And Safer Ways To Deal With Road Rage | Bennington, VT

With recent floods all around the state, it’s incredibly important to know how to drive during potential torrential downpours! The Bennington Chevy team wants to make sure you’re navigating the road as safely as possible this season. We offer several maintenance services to get your car ready for the rain, such as replacing your worn wipers, adjusting your brakes, and rotating and balancing your tires. But, even if you stay on top of maintenance, drive slowly, and avoid all puddles, we know roads can be unpredictable and scary this time of year. So, the Bennington Chevy team has prepared some tips on what to do if your car starts to hydroplane in the rain: Take your foot off of the accelerator. Decelerating is your first step, and we know instincts will tell you to use your brakes to respond to hydroplaning, but sudden braking on a wet road can lead to skidding and a complete loss of control over your vehicle. Gently turn your steering wheel in the direction your car is hydroplaning. Stay calm and do not jerk your steering wheel in any direction. Steering slightly into the direction you are hydroplaning will allow your tires to realign with your intended direction, getting you back on track and helping you regain steering control. Wait until you feel your vehicle regain traction. All of this will happen in a matter of seconds or less and it is only when you feel your tires reconnect with the road that you should accelerate or fully brake. Take a moment to compose yourself. You’ve successfully recovered from hydroplaning, but the adrenaline is still pumping and you may be a bit shaken. We suggest pulling over and taking a breather before continuing on with your journey. We hope our team’s safety tips have helped you feel more prepared to take on the roads this season!

Vermont winters are no joke. Snow, sleet, icy mornings, it all puts extra stress on your vehicle. And while your Chevrolet is built to handle tough conditions, skipping essential winter Chevrolet vehicle maintenance can leave you stuck on the side of the road instead of enjoying the season. To keep your drives safe and stress-free, here are five things you might run into if you don’t take the time to winterize your Chevy. 1. Slipping and Sliding from Worn Tires Cold temperatures cause tire pressure to drop, and worn tread reduces grip when you need it most. Without proper traction, you’re more likely to slide on icy or snowy roads. Checking your tire pressure regularly and swapping to fresh (or even winter) tires can make all the difference. 2. Longer Stopping Distances with Weak Brakes Winter roads demand quick response. If your brakes are worn or rust has built up from wet conditions, stopping suddenly can become a risky challenge. A quick brake inspection now helps you avoid dangerous surprises later. 3. Dead Batteries on Freezing Mornings Few things are worse than running late on a freezing morning only to find your battery can’t crank the engine. Cold weather makes it harder for your Chevy’s battery to deliver power. Testing or replacing it before the temperature dips can save you from an untimely jump-start. 4. Poor Visibility from Dim Lights and Low Fluids When snow is falling or fog sets in, you’ll want every bit of visibility you can get. Burned-out headlights, wiper blades that streak, or low washer fluid can all make driving more dangerous. A multi-point vehicle inspection check ensures you see, and are seen, clearly. 5. A Cabin That Can’t Keep You Warm Your heating system isn’t just for comfort, it helps keep windows defrosted and visibility clear. If it’s not working properly, you’ll be left with a cold commute and foggy glass. Don’t wait until the first deep freeze to find out your heater needs repair. Nobody Knows Your Chevrolet Like We Do At Bennington Chevrolet, our Certified Service Department delivers unmatched expertise and care for your Chevrolet car, truck, or SUV. From routine maintenance to complex repairs, our factory-trained technicians know every detail of your vehicle and are committed to keeping it performing at its best. Whether it’s a multi-point vehicle inspection, brake service, battery replacement, or new tires, we use only GM Genuine Parts and ACDelco Parts to ensure lasting quality and reliability. Conveniently located in Bennington, VT, our service team makes scheduling easy and offers service specials to help you save. Trust the experts who know your Chevrolet inside and out, schedule your next service with Bennington Chevrolet today. Stay Ahead of Winter with Bennington Chevrolet All of these seasonal vehicle issues can be prevented with a simple winter maintenance check. From batteries and brakes to tires, fluids, and heating systems, our Certified Service team is here to keep your Chevy running strong all season long. Schedule your appointment today at Bennington Chevrolet and drive into winter with confidence.

Unexpected repairs can be costly. That’s why Bennington Chevrolet in Bennington, VT is proud to offer the Chevrolet Protection Plan: an easy and affordable way to purchase additional coverage on top of your manufacturer’s limited warranty. Drivers from North Bennington, Troy, Hoosick Falls, to Williamstown MA can ride with peace of mind knowing your Chevrolet is backed by the people who know it best. Why Consider the Chevrolet Protection Plan? When you buy a new, pre-owned, or leased Chevy, you’re investing in dependability and performance. But even the most reliable vehicles face wear, tear, and unforeseen issues. With the Chevrolet Protection Plan, you won’t have to worry about unexpected expenses throwing off your budget. Key benefits include: Comprehensive coverage endorsed by Chevrolet and backed by GM Three plan options to match your needs: Powertrain, Silver, and Platinum Coverage for up to 1,500 parts depending on the plan selected Customizable terms and deductibles Transferable coverage if you sell your Chevy Concurrent protection with your factory warranty At Bennington Chevrolet, we’ll help you select the right plan so you can stay focused on the road ahead. Chevrolet Protection Plan Options Powertrain Coverage – Safeguard essential components like the engine, transmission, and drive systems. Silver Coverage – Adds even more protection with expanded part coverage. Platinum Coverage – Our most comprehensive plan, covering nearly 1,500 components to keep your Chevy new-road-ready. No matter which level you choose, you’ll have the confidence of knowing your vehicle is covered by Chevrolet-certified service. Beyond the Basics: More Chevrolet Protection Options The Chevrolet Protection Plan is just the start. At Bennington Chevrolet, we also offer additional products designed to protect your investment and provide peace of mind: EV Protection Plan. – Tailored coverage for Chevrolet electric vehicles like the Bolt EV. EV Pre-Paid Maintenance. – Pay for tomorrow’s services at today’s prices. Pre-Paid Maintenance. – Covers scheduled oil changes, filter changes, and tire rotations. Tire & Wheel Protection. – Coverage for road hazards that damage your tires or wheels. GAP Coverage. – Added financial protection if your vehicle is ever declared a total loss. These plans help you prepare for the unexpected while keeping your Chevy running at its best. Warranty vs. Protection Plan: What’s the Difference? It’s common to confuse warranties, service contracts, and protection plans. Here’s what you need to know: Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty – Included with your new Chevy purchase, covering warrantable repairs for a set time or mileage. Chevrolet Protection Plan (Vehicle Service Contract) – Purchased separately and covers failure of specific parts. Can be added up to 8 years or 100,000 miles, is transferable, and can be canceled at any time. This means that even after your limited warranty expires, you’ll still have the confidence of Chevrolet-backed coverage. Drive with Confidence from Bennington Chevrolet Our goal, at Bennington Chevrolet, is to help you protect both your Chevy and your peace of mind. Whether you’re driving locally in Bennington, Shaftsbury, and Pownal, or commuting from Troy, Hoosick Falls, and Williamstown MA, we’ll help you find the right plan for your needs. Visit us today to learn more about the Chevrolet Protection Plan and other coverage options, or speak with our finance team about adding a plan to your new, pre-owned, or leased Chevy.