Is Your Chevy Having Electrical Problems?

January 27, 2023 · 3 min read

Modern vehicles are an intricate combination of electrical and mechanical parts. If your electrical components run into trouble, your car will quickly stop functioning properly. Here are some common electrical problems a car might experience. For most of these issues, it's best to have a trusted technician at your local Chevy dealership to take a look.

Faulty Alternator

The heart of your car's electrical power is your alternator. This component converts the mechanical energy of your engine into electricity to power every other electrical component of your car, including the ignition coils inside the engine. Alternators usually last a good seven to ten years, but a few things can cause them to break down earlier, such as leaking fluid, an overly tight serpentine belt, or a bad accessory that overloads it. If your alternator runs into trouble, the battery might take up the slack for a while, but pretty soon, all your electrical accessories will stop working. Without sufficient power for your spark plugs, your engine will falter too.

Aging Battery

The alternator charges the battery, which provides electrical power to the car when the engine's turned off. Every time your engine runs, your battery should fully charge up. If it fails to do so, then it might be on its last legs. Car batteries usually last three or four years but can become damaged by extreme temperatures or corrosion. If you can't start your car one morning, your battery probably doesn't have any juice. To know if the problem lies with the battery or the alternator, jump-start your car. If the engine dies again shortly after, then it your alternator is to blame it's not providing enough power to keep the engine going or recharge your battery.

Failing Electronics

A serious electrical problem will cause most of your accessories to fail. Your headlights and other lights will lose brightness and then die. Your dashboard might turn dark, and your air conditioning will also stop working. A single accessory failing indicates a problem with that part alone, but many accessories faltering together indicates a larger underlying electrical problem.

Fuses Blowing Out

Just like your house, your car has a fuse box designed to protect individual components from sudden electrical surges. Again, if one fuse blows, it might not be a big deal. But if fuses keep blowing, then you have more serious underlying issue that requires the attention of a technician.

Burning Plastic

Electrical malfunctions can sometimes melt the plastic insulation around connections and wiring. A burning plastic smell often points to electrical issues, especially if this smell is accompanied by failing lights and other accessory problems.

Your Chevy Dealer Finds an Electrical Flaw

During periodical vehicle inspections at your local dealership, technicians will use tools to plug into the onboard diagnostics port of your car. They can then collect data from your car's onboard computer and its many sensors and use this information to diagnose problems. This helps them to find and repair electrical issues. Have your car's electronics inspected today at Randy Wise Chevrolet. We're an award-winning dealership dedicated to delivering a top-notch customer experience.

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Jun 30, 2023 in Flint

Just Down the Road: 3 Favorite Bookstores Near Flint, MI

Literature enthusiasts will find a lot of reasons to love Flint, MI because it has some of the finest independent bookstores in the state. Whether you're looking for that particular comic collection or want to get your hands on some of the best BIPOC new literature, Flint has it. Your sassy and smart 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is an excellent way to get around town in style, and with parking assistance, finding a parking spot is a breeze. 1. Totem Books Totem Books, at 620 W. Court St, is both an excellent bookshop and cafe. It's got a welcoming, cozy vibe that invites you to come on in and stay for a while, and you'll meet plenty of fellow book lovers when you visit. Plus, everyone on staff is super amiable and eager to help you find that perfect book. There's also a crystal, incense, and music section to browse. Since it's easy to browse the racks and enjoy a fresh, delicious cup of coffee and a sandwich, it's a good idea to allocate a few hours of your day to visit this favorite Flint bookshop. more 2. Comma Bookstore & Social Hub If you're looking for both a bookshop and a community, Comma Bookstore & Social Hub, at 132 W. 2nd St, is a great option. Owned and operated by Egypt Otis, it's one of only a handful of Black-owned literature shops. Comma Bookstore & Social Hub specializes in bringing BIPOC writers' work to the forefront and featuring artists and non-profits. The community aspect of Comma Bookstore & Social Hub is one of the store's biggest draws. The shop offers a book club for youth, book readings, music, and Juneteenth celebrations. Drive on down and check out the social calendar of events to truly plug into the Flint community. 3. The Amazing Book-Store The Amazing Book-Store, at 3718 Richfield Rd, is a legacy comic bookshop in Genesee County selling a variety of new and old comics from DC, Marvel, Dark Horse, and Image. No matter what you're searching for, The Amazing Book-Store is likely to either have it or help you figure out where to find it. The staff is super knowledgeable and friendly and will make you feel like part of the family the second you step inside. If you're looking for the next great read, want to pick up some rare comic books, or are looking for an excellent gift for a loved one, Flint has what you need in terms of literature. Swing by and see us at Randy Wise Chevrolet to test drive a great vehicle that can get you everywhere you need to go in Flint. Image via Pixabay

Jun 23, 2023 in Flint

3 Fantastic Weekend Getaways in Driving Distance of Flint, MI

19th century as one of the key stops along the historic Saginaw Trail. Thanks to its privileged location, this city is an excellent gateway to explore Michigan in your 2023 Chevrolet Bolt. If you are searching for new places to discover, here are three popular weekend getaways in the area. more 3 Unforgettable Weekend Escapes within a Short Drive of Flint, MI 1. Detroit Known for its historical automotive background, its diverse population, and its vibrant music scene, the city of Detroit is, without a doubt, the best local destination for a weekend escape if you like big urban areas with plenty of activities going on throughout the year. Home to more than four million inhabitants in its metropolitan area, Detroit sits right along the Canadian border and can be reached in about one hour's drive from Flint via route I-75. Whether you are looking for museums, famous landmarks, great restaurants, or beautiful urban parks, Detroit is a place where you will always find a great new spot to visit. Some of the main tourist attractions you can find in the state's most populous city include Belle Isle, Comerica Park, the Ambassador Bridge, Renaissance Center, and the Washington Boulevard Historic District. 2. Ann Arbor Home to a sizeable student population and the central campus of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor has become a popular tourist destination among visitors from all over the country thanks to its beautiful architecture and local landmarks. Located about 55 miles south of Flint, this city can also be reached in a little under one hour by car via route US-23. Although heading to the city's downtown area and just walking around is a great way to start exploring Ann Arbor, there are plenty of nearby tourist attractions you should not miss. Some of the main local landmarks include the University of Michigan Museum of Art, the Kerrytown neighborhood, Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum, Hudson Hills Metropark, and the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History. 3. Island Lake Recreation Area Covering an area of more than 4,000 acres and welcoming over one million visitors every year, Island Lake Recreation Area is another excellent destination for a weekend getaway. A beautiful nature reserve on the banks of the Huron River and the shores of Kent Lake, this place is an excellent spot for boating, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. If you are looking for a used or brand-new Chevrolet vehicle to take your friends and family on unforgettable trips, you´ve come to the right spot! Hit the road and visit us today at Randy Wise Chevrolet to check out the extensive inventory of cars, trucks, and SUVs we have available for you. Image via Pixabay

Jun 16, 2023 in Flint

Trim Levels of the 2023 Chevy Blazer

The 2023 Chevy Blazer is well-built and roomy, with up to 64.2 cubic feet of cargo space and a max towing capacity of 4,500 pounds. The Blazer isn't just practical; it's stylish and sophisticated with a sporty edge. With four models to choose from, ranging from the capable 2LT and 3LT to the sporty RS to the all-encompassing Premium, there's a Blazer to fit everyone's style and needs. So why not take a closer look at this versatile and impressive SUV? more Trim Levels of the 2023 Chevy Blazer 2LT 2023 Chevy Blazer The Blazer 2LT is the perfect combination of stylish and sporty. This model comes equipped with a 2.0L Turbo engine and a 9-speed transmission. The exterior boasts a circular dual-outlet exhaust, 18-inch silver-painted aluminum wheels, and a signature black grille with a bright chrome header bar. Inside, you'll enjoy added comforts with an 8-way power driver seat, keyless open and start, Chevy Safety Assist, a Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus system, a remote vehicle starter system, and dual automatic climate control. 3LT The Blazer 3LT includes added features like a convenient programmable liftgate, Universal Home Remote, Auto-dimming rearview mirror, perforated leather-appointed seats, and Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert for additional safety. The 3LT model showcases sleek black roof rails and is available in two distinct editions: the Midnight/Sport Edition and the Redline Edition; both are guaranteed to turn heads on the road. RS With a 3.6L V6 engine, tuned dampers, and an RS-specific steering wheel, the Blazer RS is ready to conquer the road. The exterior boasts a custom black mesh grille with a hexagonal design, a black chrome header bar, a black bowtie emblem, black RS badging, rectangular dual-outlet exhaust, 20-inch gray-painted aluminum wheels, and an available two-tone roof. The RS also features Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Premium system with Navigation, a hands-free power liftgate, and available red-accented or Nightshift Blue-accented interior options. Premier The Blazer Premier offers affordable luxury and comfort. The exterior showcases silver-painted roof rails, integrated rectangular dual-outlet exhaust, chrome-accented body-color door handles, bright front sill plates, Premier-specific 20-inch aluminum wheels, and a signature bright chrome-accented grille with a chrome header bar. The cabin boasts luxurious perforated leather-appointed seats with suede microfiber accents and the option of a sleek full jet black or jet black and modern maple sugar color scheme interior. The Blazer is a stylish SUV that is a trendsetter among its peers. The sporty midsized SUV that can set up to five has space throughout for all your needs. Whether you're traveling with family or need extra room for your stuff, the Blazer's spacious cabin will ensure everyone is comfortable. Visit Randy Wise Chevrolet today to test drive this incredible trailblazing SUV for yourself! The innovative and adventurous Blazer is ready to take you on all of life's journeys in comfort and style.