Summer Tires vs. All-Season Tires: What’s the Difference? #PhilSmithChevy

Imagine this: you know you need new tires for your vehicle, but cannot make a final decision as to which type you should buy. You have visited multiple tire dealers in South Florida, compared your options, and are still confused as to how you can best move forward.

One of the primary reasons for your troubles may be difficulty understanding the difference between summer tires vs. all-season tires. Until you have a firm grasp on this, a final decision may continue to elude you.

Let’s start out by taking a look at five points that best describe the benefits of all-season tires:

• Capable of providing a high level of traction during winter months, which is a big deal for those who live in a cold weather climate.
• Longer tread life, meaning you will not pay for tires as often.
• Top of the line performance in both wet and dry conditions.
• Moderate tread depths.
• Suitable for a variety of driving conditions.

Now that you better understand what you get with all-season tires, let’s examine the benefits of summer tires:

• Improved agility, speed, and handling.
• Less grooving.
• Increased braking and cornering, suiting those who are interested in pushing the limits of the driving experience.
• Maximum handling performance.
• Better in wet driving conditions.

As you can see, there are areas in which both types of tires excel. For example, if you are concerned about being able to handle both dry conditions and light snow, all season tires are the way to go. Conversely, if you don’t want to give up anything in terms of performance, you are better off opting for summer tires.

Making a Decision

Choosing the right tire is not as easy as it sounds. Some people simply make a decision and hope for the best, but this could lead you down the wrong path.

When comparing both options, focus on where you live, how you drive, and the type of weather you are going to face throughout the year.

Final note: make sure all four of your tires are the same. In other words, you don’t want two all-season tires and two summer tires.

Are you still unsure of which type of tire is right for your vehicle? Don’t hesitate to contact us for targeted advice and professional guidance.

#PhilSmithChevy - Spring 2015!

Phil Smith Chevrolet

Spring is finally upon us, and that means we’ll all finally be able to get out of the house to spend time with friends and family, get the exercise we’ve been needing, or just enjoy being out in the sun for the day.

Spring is a great time to enjoy long drives or to take weekend road trips. Before you do that, you’ll need to take care of some essential maintenance — sort of like spring cleaning for your car. Here are a few things you can do to get your car ready for spring:

Get an Oil Change

Temperature changes can affect the viscosity of your oil and its ability to lubricate your engine. Tough driving conditions such as slushy or icy road, salt and mud can all cause your engine to work harder, and your oil may have deteriorated more quickly.

Now is the time to schedule a quick oil change. You can get in and out in under an hour and have the peace of mind that your car is protected and ready for the spring.

Change the Air Filter

Your air filter may have become very dirty and clogged after the long season of falling leaves and snow. Those leaves, pine needles and other tree debris may have fallen into your air filter and clogged it. The snow and ice may have fallen through and left your filter covered in dirt, salt and other minerals.

You need a clean air filter to handle all the pollen and bugs that are about to stage an all-out assault on your car. Change the air filter now and ensure top performance and fuel efficiency for your car.

Inspect the Tires

You need strong, healthy tires to ensure safe driving all year long. Now that the harsh winter season is over, check your tires for signs of wear. Check the tread depth, and look for signs of damage, such as exposed steel or bubbles in the tread.

If your tires only have minor wear, you may be able to simply rotate and balance them. However, you may find much more wear that can only be addressed by changing your tires.

Now that you are thinking about cleaning out your home, make sure you do the same spring cleaning for your car. Get a quick oil change and take care of these other essential maintenance tasks to get the best performance from your car this spring.

Phil Smith Chevrolet's Tip for Traveling with a Pet

Phil Smith Chevrolet's Tip for Traveling with a Pet

Everyone likes to take their furry friends along on road trips, but before you put the pedal to the metal, check out Chevrolet’s list of safety tips to make sure you and your pet get to your destination safely. When traveling with cats and dogs it is recommended that your pet is restrained in a pet carrier or safety seat. Our Chevrolet Equinox is perfect for traveling with dogs and cats with a spacious cargo area to accommodate a good-size carrier. It is also important to never leave any pet alone in the car as a parked vehicle can become dangerously hot in no time! Just like a child, no pet should hit the road without their favorite toy or treats. The optional cargo organizer in the Equinox is the perfect place to store everything you need to keep your pet occupied on the trip. Lastly make sure to bring your pet’s leash and a bowl for water as cats and dogs may get nervous along the trip and get dehydrated quickly. Of course if your pet can’t join in on the road trip you can always video chat back home or to the kennel with the available built-in OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot connection in the 2015 Chevy Equinox! Take consideration of these tips and you and your pet are bound for a great drive!

Phil Smith Chevrolet

1640 N. State Rd 7 (US 441)

Lauderhill, FL 33313

 United States