Blog / Bennington Chevy Service

Use Your Spare Change To Check Your Tire Treads! | Bennington, VT

BLOG_HEADER_1

Can you remember the last time you changed out your tires? Or even checked your treads? Well spring is right around the corner and that means rainy roads, dramatic temperature changes, and all sorts of other hazardous road conditions. If your tire’s treads are worse for wear, then you’re driving with little to no grip! To keep you safe on the road ahead, Bennington Chevy has put together three easy ways of checking your tread depth using spare change! Check out our tips below and be sure to schedule your service appointment for your tire change at Bennington Chevy today!

Bennington Chevy's Tire Tread Tips:

The Penny Test:

  • Insert a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head facing upside down and toward you. Once the penny is inserted, if you can see the entire head, your tread depth is less than 2/32” and that means your tire is too bald and unsafe to drive on.

The Quarter Test:

  • Just like with the penny test, place the quarter upside down into the tread groove with Washington’s head facing toward you. If the tread reaches Washington’s head, you have at least 4/32” of tread remaining, meaning your tire is still in good shape!

Tread Wear Indicator 

  • Don’t have any coins laying around? Take a look at your tread wear indicator bar that is molded onto the tread of your tires. These bars are found at the bottom of the tread grooves in multiple spots. When these bars are visibly flush with the adjacent ribs, your tire has no more than 2/32” of tread left. This is a visible indication that you need new tires for your vehicle!
Posted in:

Related Posts

Winter Maintenance

Five Winter Driving Problems to Avoid with Easy Chevrolet Vehicle Maintenance

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.

Chevrolet Protection Plan

Protect Your Chevy and Your Budget with the Chevrolet Protection Plan at Bennington Chevrolet

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.

Car Maintenance Tips

Spring Into Smooth Driving: Essential Car Maintenance Tips from Bennington Chevrolet

As winter fades away and spring arrives in Bennington, VT, it’s time to give your vehicle the attention it deserves. The colder months can take a toll on your car, from icy roads to salt buildup, making spring maintenance essential to ensure safe and smooth driving. At Bennington Chevrolet, we’ve put together a spring car care checklist to help you protect your investment, improve performance, and prevent costly repairs. 1. Inspect and Replace Windshield Wipers Winter ice and snow can leave your wipers cracked and ineffective, making it difficult to see clearly in spring showers. Replace worn-out wipers to ensure optimal visibility during rainy days in Bennington and beyond. 2. Check Tire Pressure and Alignment Cold temperatures can cause tire pressure fluctuations, leading to uneven wear and poor fuel efficiency. As the weather warms up: Check tire pressure and adjust it according to your owner’s manual. Inspect tread depth for signs of excessive wear. Schedule a wheel alignment to prevent drifting or uneven handling, especially if you hit potholes during winter. If you used winter tires, now is the time to swap them out for all-season or summer tires for better efficiency and performance. 3. Test and Maintain Your Brakes Winter driving can be tough on your brake system. If you hear grinding, squealing, or feel vibrations while braking, it’s time for an inspection. Even if your brakes seem fine, it’s smart to have them checked to ensure maximum safety. 4. Check Your Battery’s Strength Extreme cold can weaken your car battery, increasing the risk of failure just when you need it most. To avoid getting stranded: Check your battery’s voltage and clean any corrosion from the terminals. If your battery is more than three years old, consider replacing it to prevent unexpected issues. 5. Test the Air Conditioning System With warmer temperatures on the way, you don’t want to find out your A/C isn’t working on the first hot day. Test your air conditioning now, and if it’s not blowing cold air, you may need a refrigerant recharge or system inspection. 6. Change the Oil and Fluids Winter driving conditions can cause oil to thicken, making your engine work harder. A spring oil change ensures proper lubrication and helps maintain engine efficiency. Additionally, check and top off other essential fluids, including: Transmission fluid Coolant Brake fluid Windshield washer fluid 7. Deep Clean Inside and Out Winter road salt and debris can cause rust and corrosion, especially on the undercarriage. A thorough exterior wash and wax will help protect your vehicle’s paint. Inside, vacuum carpets and replace cabin air filters to reduce allergens and improve air quality as pollen levels rise in Bennington and the surrounding Vermont area. Spring Into Smooth Driving with Bennington Chevrolet Regular seasonal maintenance extends your vehicle’s lifespan and keeps you safe on the road. Whether you need an oil change, brake inspection, battery test, or tire service, the certified technicians at Bennington Chevrolet are ready to help. Schedule your spring maintenance appointment today at Bennington Chevrolet, 24 Performance Drive, Bennington, VT 05201, and keep your vehicle running at its best all season long!