Blog / Georgetown Buick Dealer

TIPS TO PREVENT HEAT RELATED BREAKDOWNS

Texas summers continue long past Labor Day, often lingering into October. Long summers mean hot temperatures and after a while, hot temperatures can wreak havoc on your vehicle’s performance.

1. Check all vehicle fluids. Hot temperatures can cause added strain on your car’s systems so be sure to check the oil, coolant, transmission fluid, windshield wiper fluid, and brake fluid in your car regularly to be sure they are at the proper levels.

2. Check your car’s temperature gauge. If the light comes on, or the thermometer enters the red zone, you should safely pull over. Driving even a short distance with an overheated engine can cause damage, and possibly lead to expensive repairs. If you find yourself in this situation, wait for the engine to cool completely before driving. Do not try and cool the engine with water. A quick change in temperature can cause damage.

3. Do not remove the radiator cap (when the engine is hot). Doing so can cause hot steam and coolant to spray out, possibly causing injury. Wait for the engine to cool completely before adding coolant and water.

4. Check tire pressures. As the temperature fluctuates, so will the air in your tires. This can lead to possible problems if your tires become over or under-inflated.

5. Don’t forget about our complimentary Pit Stop service. We will happily check and top off your car’s under hood fluids and check your tire pressure on the service drive, anytime our service department is open. Just pull up and let one of our attendants know you are here for a FREE Pit Stop.

Remember, NEVER leave children or pets alone in a car. A parked vehicle can reach dangerous temperatures in just a few minutes. Pro Tip: Try leaving your wallet or purse in the second row with your child or pet to help you remember to check that back seat!

These helpful tips together with regular vehicle maintenance from our Xpress Oil Change Plus vehicle maintenance center should help you avoid untimely heat-related breakdowns. Enjoy the rest of the summer, drive safely, and stay cool! Give us a call at 512-371-6014 when we can next be of service to you, your family or place of business.

Posted in:

Related Posts

Fleet and Commercial Sales: Tailored for Every Business Size

When most people hear “Fleet and Commercial Sales,” they often think of large companies managing dozens—or even hundreds—of vehicles. But at Don Hewlett Chevrolet Buick Inc., our Fleet and Commercial Sales Department is built to serve businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re a small business owner in need of just one vehicle—be it a compact SUV, an EV, a light-duty truck, or even a specialized Class 7 truck—our experienced team is ready to assist. You don’t need a massive fleet of white trucks to benefit from our commercial expertise. We also offer one-stop shopping through our in-house accessories department. Need window tint, toolboxes, custom lighting, or graphics? We can help outfit your new commercial vehicle and have it road-ready from day one. Our clients span a wide range of industries, including real estate, janitorial services, landscaping, window washing, small moving companies, insurance adjusting, bakeries, construction, farming, ranching, and many more. No matter your profession or vehicle needs, our Fleet and Commercial experts are here to simplify the buying process and deliver a solution that works for you. Let us help keep your business moving forward. Robert Cardosi Fleet Manager Don Hewlett Chevrolet Buick, Inc.

Car Buying & Tariff Questions

By now, just about everyone is aware that the new administration of the United States government implemented a tariff on new vehicles built outside the U.S., starting April 2nd of this year. What seems to be causing some confusion is how it all plays out and what it does to the cost of vehicles today. To add to that confusion, some vehicles that are assembled here have parts made in other countries—and those parts are subject to the tariff, even though the vehicle was built in the U.S. I believe the biggest misconception is that tariffs only apply to import car brands sold in the U.S., and not domestic car brands. While there are import car companies assembling vehicles right here on U.S. soil, there are also domestic car companies with assembly plants in Mexico, Canada, and other countries around the world. Many of those domestic cars may be sold here in the U.S. but were built in Mexico, Canada, or elsewhere. Another misconception is that on April 2nd, all new vehicles subject to tariffs immediately went up in price. That is not the case. In fact, not a single vehicle on our lot has a tariff attached to it from that date. The best news—and I can only speak for General Motors and Volkswagen—is that neither of them has raised prices. So, even the vehicles being shipped to us now have no tariff costs passed along to consumers. Both General Motors and Volkswagen have chosen to absorb the tariff themselves. We understand there is some confusion, and as a dealer body across the country, we are somewhat playing the waiting game as well. What we do know is that today, it’s business as usual. Prices have never been better, the deals are HOT, and NOW is the time to buy. Not a single vehicle on our lot has a tariff attached. We hope to see you soon! John Chauvin – General Manager Don Hewlett Chevrolet, Buick Inc.

REMEMBERING DON & PATTI HEWLETT

By John Chauvin, General Manager It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the passing of our founders, Don and Patti Hewlett. While it’s been several years since they fully retired, there are still a few of us here at the dealership who worked alongside of our founders, including me. If one were to look up “All-American Couple”, Don and Patti’s photo would be there. The two of them met very early in life, dated in high school and got married shortly after. The love they had for one another was second to none and it was obvious to everyone - even some 70+ years later. Over the years while Don and Patti were raising their own family, they were also building a business together. The love and passion for each other and their own children was also a true partnership and blessing. Their beliefs and values carried over, even all the years later, to their extended family of nearly 400 employees. As time passed and the family and business both grew, Don and Patti simply grew with it. Not once did they ever change or waiver from their original values and beginnings. For me personally, it is hard to find a more loving, wholesome, kindhearted and genuine couple. To Don and Patti, your love, passion and caring for others – and certainly your legacy, will live on forever, we will make sure of it. You are truly loved and will be greatly missed by the entire Don Hewlett organization.