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There's nothing better than taking a new ride for a spin. Here in Garrettsville, OH we have many local and even national landmarks nearby. Cleveland, Akron, and Youngstown are all within short driving distance, and this area has so much to offer. From presidential houses to temples to theatres, there are a variety of sites that are sure to please everyone. more A Presidential Estate Did you know that Ohio has produced eight United States presidents? Our first stop is the James A. Garfield house. Garfield was the twentieth president of the United States. He served as president after the Civil War, and while his term was uneventful, his home in Hiram, OH is gorgeous. Be sure to check out the large front porch; that's where he held many campaign speeches. The house is part of the National Park Service and is located at 6825 Hinsdale St. Cascade Locks Historic District Head West to Akron to see Cascade Locks Park. It's a beautiful getaway in what used to be an abandoned urban landscape. It has since been restored to preserve the culture and heritage of the Ohio and Erie Canal systems. Check out the Mustill Store and Museum at the former Lock Fifteen to view some extraordinary exhibits and artifacts. The park is located near State Route 59 between locks ten and sixteen. Goodyear Airdock While you're in Akron, head over to the airport for a real treat. On the southern side of the airport is the Goodyear Airdock built specifically for the famous Goodyear blimps. The blimps are not an uncommon site in the area but when you see where they are housed you will be in awe of their size. The view from your new car will be perfect. Masonic Temple Are you afraid of ghosts? The Masonic Temple in Kent has been home to the Rockton Lodge 316 since 1923, however, it is also a very popular destination for paranormal investigators. It's a large structure that's very ornate and eerie and is the perfect place for a local adventure. Are ghosts real? Why don't you take the drive to find out? The temple is located at 409 Main Street. Loew's Theatre Let's head back to Akron for a little local culture. The Loew's Theatre, also known as the Akron Civic Theatre, has been hosting shows and special events for nearly 100 years. It is a breathtaking atmospheric theater, one of only five left designed by John Eberson in the United States. Check it out at 182 S. Main Street. A new Chevy will get you there in style. From beautiful countryside to bustling cityscapes, there is so much to see and do in Northeast Ohio. It is time to find that perfect car so you can experience it all. Visit Charles Auto Family to find the best ride for you.

Your Chevy transmission smoothly translates the engine power into energy to move your car. It does this seemingly effortlessly and efficiently. The key to a smoothly running transmission is regular transmission servicing. Without this, your transmission can suffer damage, and you'll need a transmission repair. As your Chevy dealer, we can fix it for you. These are some of the possible problems we can repair. more Strange Transmission Noises Your transmission doesn't make any sounds as it shifts gears. This makes strange noises from the transmission a reason to worry. Noises from the transmission are always a sign of a problem. The particular noise helps to identify the source of the problem. Your transmission may make slight buzzing sounds, and these sounds eventually graduate to humming or whining noises. Our technicians will need to investigate the cause of the noises. One of the most common issues is a lack of transmission fluid. Transmission fluid plays many vital roles in your transmission, including reducing the heat, lubrication, and providing hydraulic power. A lack of fluid can also lead to your transmission seizing up. Once we've found the cause of the problem, we'll fix it. Leaking fluid As we saw above, transmission fluid is vital for your transmission. This fluid is pumped through the transmission and provides a friction-reducing film around all the moving components. As the fluid flows, it also helps dissipate the heat in the transmission and provides the hydraulic power that's needed to shift gears. If your transmission springs a leak, we need to repair it for you ASAP. Transmission fluid usually has a sweet smell and is bright or dark red. If you see liquid this color underneath your car, it's time to call us ASAP. Don't drive if you're leaking fluid, as you can cause serious damage to your transmission. You might also see a black, burnt-smelling liquid under your car. This is transmission fluid that's overheated and burnt. Blocked Transmission Filter Your transmission has a filter, and its job is to capture and remove any impurities or debris from the system. The fluid is pumped through your transmission, where it accumulates rust particles, clutch debris, and other loose particles in the transmission. As the fluid passes through the filter, a magnet draws the metal fragments away, and the filter captures the other detritus. Over time, the transmission filter can become clogged. A clogged filter will reduce the speed of the fluid, which can lead to transmission overheating, gear damage, and other problems. We can easily check the filter and replace it for you if needed. If your transmission shows signs of strain, come and see us at Charles Auto Family.

Finding a favorable car financing option is the first step to owning your dream SUV or truck. Many people don't realize you can get vehicle financing at your local GMC dealer. This is a great option because the dealer can help you with all your financing questions and quickly arrange for a car loan. Here are some benefits of getting financing at your dealer. more 1. Enjoy Competitive Rates Direct From the Manufacturer and Local Banks Dealerships have access to competitive rates direct from the manufacturer and local banks. This means that you are more likely to get a lower interest rate on your loan, which can save you money over the life of the loan. Additionally, by working with the dealer, you can avoid the hassle of shopping around for the best rate yourself. The dealer will work with you to find the best possible interest rate based on your credit history and other factors. 2. Access to a Personalized Finance Package When you choose dealer financing, you can take advantage of their personalized finance package. This package is tailored specifically to your needs, based on factors such as your credit history and the type of car you're interested in buying. The benefits of the  Package include lower interest rates, flexible repayment terms, and a range of other perks. In addition, by going through your dealer, you can rest assured that they will help find a package for you regardless of your credit score. 3. Enjoy Extended Warranty Packages The extended warranty provided by your dealership can help cover the cost of repairs if your car breaks down due to normal wear and tear. It can also provide peace of mind in knowing that you won't have to pay out of pocket if something goes wrong with your car. Before signing up, read the fine print to understand what is and is not covered. Otherwise, an extended warranty can be a great way to protect your investment and keep your car on the road for years. 4. Enjoy a Quick Auto loan Approval Getting an auto loan from your dealer can be a great way to get the car you want with quick and easy approval. Unlike banks and other credit lenders, dealerships have a streamlined financing process that makes it easy to get the loan you need. Plus, with GMC's exclusive financing offers, you can get a great rate on your auto loan. It pays to go to your local dealer when you're in the market for a new or used car. Not only will you have access to an extensive inventory of vehicles, but you can also take advantage of the great financing options. Contact us at Charles Auto Family today to kickstart your dream of owning a GMC. Our team of experts will be glad to assist you.

Your alternator generates all the electrical power for your car. It also provides the power to recharge your battery. A worn alternator will always show clear signs that something is wrong. As your GMC dealer, we can provide alternator repair if you need one. These are a few of the signs that your alternator is struggling and needs help. more Whining Sounds As your alternator gets older it produces less power. Your car's electrical demands are relatively fixed. This means you'll start to experience a shortfall in electricity supply. The alternator will try to produce more electricity by working harder. As the alternator spins faster and faster, it will overwork and suffer further damage. You'll hear a whining sound from the alternator as it spins faster, and this sound increases as your RPMs increase. It will also produce a loud whining sound when your car is idling. These sounds are similar to the noises a damaged power steering pump makes. Our technicians will test your alternator, and we can easily replace it if it's failing. Burning Wiring Wiring connects the alternator to all of your car's electrical components and devices. This wiring is protected by thick plastic and rubber insulation as an engine is a harsh environment. In time, these wires can fray or break due to wear and tear. A broken wire will cut off the power to the component it's connected to, and this can cause additional problems. Your GMC computer will recognize the loss of power to the component and instruct the alternator to supply more power. As the alternator sends more electricity through the damaged wire, it will rapidly heat up. The heat from the electricity can cause the wire's insulation to catch fire. A burning plastic or rubber smell from the engine is a clue that your wiring needs to be checked. Dim and Bright Headlights If your headlights are dim, this could be due to an alternator fault. When an alternator can no longer supply enough power to meet demand, your GMC computer will start to shift power. The available electricity will be moved between components as needed. This can lead to strange electrical glitches as one component fails when you activate another component. Dim headlights are a sign that they're receiving only enough power to switch on. The lights may suddenly blaze brighter than they should if more power becomes available. This is an easy way to test that the alternator is the problem. Headlights are sensitive to electrical fluctuations, and you'll find that you have to replace your bulbs more frequently. Call our service department at Charles Auto Family if you have any problem with your alternator.

Here at Charles Auto Family, we believe that regular brake maintenance is essential for guaranteeing the safe operation of your vehicle. If you need a brake repair, you can be confident that we will get the job done right. As a GMC dealer and a Chevy dealer, we service all makes and models. We look forward to helping you with the maintenance of your vehicle. more Squealing One of the first signs that you need brake maintenance is when you start hearing a squealing noise when you apply the brake. Eventually, you will listen to this noise all the time. Most brake pads are made with wear indicators found on top of the brake pads. Once the brake pad wears down enough, these wear indicators will rub against the rotors creating an unpleasant noise alerting the driver that they need to have their brakes serviced. Clicking Some drivers will luck out and hear a clicking noise rather than a squeal. Some brake pads are designed with a holding device and are held with bolts, pins, or clips. Brake pads are designed to fit tightly, so they don't move around. If they become loose, you will hear a rattling noise. When the brake is pushed or released, you will hear a clicking noise. Longer Stopping Time Well-maintained brakes are very responsive. If you are applying the brake, and the car does not seem to be stopping as quickly, as usual, that is a sure sign that you need brake maintenance. Pulling To One Side Brake pads do not wear at the same rate. One side might wear faster, and you will find that your vehicle will pull to the side when you are braking. It would be best if you had your car checked at the first sign of this. This brake problem can cause damage to your steering rack. Other reasons can cause your car to pull to one side, and it is essential to have it checked. If you have brake pads that are wearing, you should have both pads replaced simultaneously. Vibration A sure sign of a brake problem is vibration in your brake pedal when applying pressure. It will start slowly and eventually become worse as the brake pad wears. Brake pads are held together with a resin. As the brake pads wear down, the resin will heat up and spread over the rotor, and the resin does not distribute evenly, which causes vibration. Vibration is a warning sign that something is wrong with your braking system and should not be ignored. Brakes that aren't working properly are a safety concern, and you should have them checked as soon as you notice a problem. You can feel confident bringing your vehicle to Charles Auto Family. We treat every customer like family. We guarantee that your brakes will be working great by the time you come pick up your car. We hope to see you for your brake maintenance. Call Charles Auto Family to book your appointment.

In this article, we will explore signs your car's radiator needs to be repaired. If you notice any of these problems, it is important to take your car to your Chevy dealer or GMC dealer for radiator repair! Ignoring these signs can lead to more serious problems, such as engine damage. more The Car Overheats Frequently If your car overheats frequently, it is a sign that your radiator needs to be repaired or replaced. Overheating can damage your engine. Overheating can damage your engine in a number of ways. First, the overheated engine oil can cause the metal parts of the engine to wear down. This can lead to serious problems down the road. Second, overheating can cause the gaskets that seal the engine to break down. This will allow coolant and oil to mix, which can damage the engine even further. Finally, overheating can cause the pistons and valves to warp. This will make the engine difficult, if not impossible, to start. The Car Takes a Long Time to Heat Up If your car takes a long time to heat up, it is another sign that your radiator needs to be repaired or replaced. When the radiator is not working properly, it takes longer for the engine to reach its operating temperature. This can cause the engine to run less efficiently and use more fuel. The Car Overheats at Low speeds If your car overheats at low speeds, it is a sign that there is not enough airflow through the radiator. This can be caused by a number of things, such as a clogged air filter or a fan that is not working properly. Regardless of the cause, it is important to have the problem fixed as soon as possible. Allowing the car to overheat can damage the engine. There is Coolant Leaking from the Radiator If you notice coolant leaking from the radiator, it is a sign that the radiator needs to be repaired or replaced. In most cases, a leak indicates that the radiator is damaged and needs to be replaced. However, it is possible to repair some types of leaks. If you are not sure what type of leak you have, it is best to take your car to a dealer and have them inspect the radiator. The Radiator Cap Is Damaged If the radiator cap is damaged, it can cause the car to overheat. The radiator cap is responsible for maintaining the correct amount of pressure in the cooling system. If the pressure gets too high, it can cause the car to overheat. Conversely, if the pressure gets too low, it can cause the car to overheat. Either way, it is important to have the radiator cap replaced if it is damaged. The Radiator Fan Is Not Working If the radiator fan is not working, it can cause the car to overheat. The radiator fan helps to cool the engine by circulating air through the radiator. If the fan is not working, the engine will overheat because there is not enough airflow through the radiator. In most cases, a faulty radiator fan will need to be replaced. Have you ever noticed any of these problems with your car's radiator? Visit us at Charles Auto Family, where we specialize in keeping your GMC or Chevy vehicle running like new.

You need to get your Chevy oil changed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. We recommend getting your oil changed every 8,000 miles to ensure you stay on top of things. This equates to getting your oil changed two to three times a year, so make sure you have a regular appointment with your Garrettsville, OH Chevy dealer. more 1. Your Vehicle Produces Excess Exhaust Fumes If your vehicle starts producing dark, smoky exhaust fumes, then it could be a sign that you have old oil in your vehicle. It can be a sign that your fuel is burning up incorrectly and being expelled through the tailpipe. You shouldn't be able to see the gases that pass through your tailpipe, so visible emissions always warrant a trip to the dealer. However, dark exhaust fumes are a symptom of several different problems, so make sure your technician checks out your vehicle thoroughly to rule out any other causes. 2. Your Oil Level Is Falling Your oil level lowers as you drive, and you may need a top-up between oil changes. However, the oil level should never fall rapidly. Keep track of your oil level by checking it every few weeks, and if you notice that it seems to be substantially lower than the last time you checked it, then you may have an oil leak. You'll need to get the leak repaired, and get an oil change or top-up while you're there. 3. Your Engine Gets Louder The oil is responsible for lubricating your engine. An engine that isn't lubricated properly will get louder over time. If your engine seems much louder than it did a few weeks ago, then you may not have enough oil in your engine, so you need to get an oil change or top-up. 4. Your Oil Texture Changes Motor oil should start off light amber and slightly translucent. It should be smooth and free of debris, and it will be slightly thick, but not too thick. The oil will darken with time, and it may get thinner. However, if it becomes runny, then you need an oil change. If your oil becomes too dark to see through, then you also need an oil change, and if it's cloudy, irregularly textured, or gritty, these are signs that you need an oil change, too. 5. Your Vehicle Is Leaking Oil If you spot motor oil near your vehicle, then you most likely have a rapid oil leak. You need to get somebody to tow you to the dealership, and then you can get that leak fixed. You also need to get your oil changed before you can get back out on the road safely. Inspecting the area around your vehicle before you drive somewhere is a good idea, as you'll see if there's so much as a tiny spot of oil leaking from your vehicle. You don't want to be out on the road and suddenly realize that all of your oil has leaked out while you've been driving. Come to Charles Auto Family. We'll change your oil for you, and we'll advise on how often you need it changed in the future.

If you're looking for an outstanding SUV, take a look at the Tahoe and the Traverse. What's the difference between these two Chevrolet models? Stick around and learn all about them, so you can pick the best one for you and your family. The fully redesigned 2021 Tahoe is a terrific choice for a large SUV. It offers agile handling, capable engines, and loads of passenger and cargo space. The smaller Traverse is a midsize SUV with a robust engine that delivers great gas mileage. With a reasonable starting price, it's one of the best values in its class. more Talking About Reliability The Tahoe touts a class-leading predicted reliability rating from J.D. Power. People want to purchase reliable cars, and this rating is an important factor when picking out your next new Chevy SUV. The 2021 Tahoe earned a perfect, five-star rating. That score leads the class in forecasted short-term dependability. Chevy's new Traverse did well on the organization's assessment too. It earned an average mark of three out of five stars. For an SUV at this price point, that's hard to beat. A Look at the Interior The Tahoe is larger, so it offers more interior space. There's seating for seven people, or opt for the second-row bench seat and transport eight passengers. Its base LS trim seats nine on standard cloth upholstery. Move up the trim levels and get niceties like heated leather seats and faux-wood trim. For cargo space, how does a whopping 122.9 cubic feet sound? If you want one of the best-midsized cargo haulers in the class, opt for the Traverse. It puts up a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet with both rear rows folded down. The Traverse offers room for eight passengers standard, or opt for the available second-row captain's chairs and get seating for seven. Its spacious cabin is designed to move people, and even the third row can accommodate adults. That's a rarity in this class. Talking Technology If tech tops your list, get to know the new Tahoe. It's loaded with Chevrolet's Infotainment 3 Plus system that features a 10.2-inch touch screen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That's hard to find for the 2021 model year, even on luxury rivals. The Traverse comes equipped with the same infotainment system with a smaller, 7-inch touch screen. It features a Wi-Fi hot spot, six USB ports, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Give Me Power The new Tahoe gives you three choices under the hood. There's the standard 5.3-liter V-8, a 6.2-liter V-8, and a newly introduced turbodiesel 3.0-liter inline-six. No matter which powertrain you pick, you'll get ample power and 8,400 pounds of towing capacity with the diesel. Each trim in the Traverse lineup comes equipped with a 310-horsepower V-6 engine that's paired with a slick-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission. It features a fuel-saving stop-start function to earn 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg highway. Whether the larger Tahoe or its sibling the Traverse piqued your interest, why not test drive both? Come and see us at Charles Auto Family to see them for yourselves!