Your Chevy’s battery has two main functions. It provides the power to start your engine, and it stores power for the electrical systems to draw from when your car is stationary. The battery, however, isn’t designed for long-term use. After a few years, your battery will start to decline, and it will need to be replaced. When this time comes, your Chevy dealer in Park Hills, MO, can replace it with a new car battery.

Battery Corrosion

When a battery gets older and weaker, the internal components start to break down. The chemical processes that allow your battery to store and supply power destroy the battery itself. Sulfuric acid in the battery converts into other chemicals, and this process reduces the battery’s storage capacity. Some of the sulfuric acid vapor will leak out of the battery case into your engine, where it will mix with moisture in the air.

The vapor and water form hydrogen gas which crystalizes around your battery terminals. This crystallized gas begins corroding the battery terminals, and this corrosion weakens your battery even further. Left unchecked, the corrosion can also eat through the battery connectors. Signs of corrosion are easy to see by checking your battery. The negative terminal will show flaky white power, and the positive terminal has a green-blue or white salt-like substance. It’s time to get a new battery.

Your Battery Is Old

The average battery life is 3 to 5 years before it needs to be replaced. The battery can last up to six years, but it’s also possible for a battery to wear out much sooner. Driving conditions, climate, driving habits, and a worn alternator can kill your battery much sooner. Cold weather, for example, degrades battery strength much faster, and hot weather can damage the delicate components inside the battery.

When your battery gets older, its maximum charging level decreases, and it becomes more difficult to charge to that level. This failure is progressive, making your battery steadily weaker. We advise that you have your battery tested at least every three years to ensure that it can still work efficiently. We’ll attach the testers to your battery, and we can replace it if it’s wearing out.

Damaged Battery Case

The hard plastic shell of your battery is designed to protect the delicate components inside it and to prevent chemicals like sulfuric acid from escaping. As we’ve seen, the chemical reactions inside the battery will start to destroy the battery. These reactions can also cause the casing to bulge outwards. The effects of extreme cold and heat contribute to this, and the casing can warp.

If you look at your battery and its looks slightly irregular in shape, it will need to be replaced ASAP. A damaged battery case can’t be repaired.

If your battery is showing signs of aging, it’s better to replace it than risk a dead battery. Call our service department at Park Hills Chevrolet and we’ll replace it.

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Located about 50 miles south of St. Louis, the city of Park Hills, MO is close to some of the largest and most diverse national forests in the region, as well as large cities full of history and places to explore. If you are looking for ideas to go on exciting day trips with your friends or family, these are some nearby destinations you should definitely check out while in the area.

1. Mark Twain National Forest

Established in 1939 and covering almost 1,500,000 acres of territory, Mark Twain National Forest is the perfect day trip destination for those looking for an escape from the bustle of the city and a place to enjoy some fresh air and beautiful sights. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, this expansive nature reserve contains over 10% of all forested land in the state of Missouri, as well as a wide variety of different species of flora and fauna.

Some of the attractions that make Mark Twain National Forest a popular destination among visitors from all over the country include Greer Spring, the Glade Top Trail National Scenic Byway, as well as a section of the Ozark Trail system. Located about 25 miles west of downtown Park Hills, this national forest can be reached in about half an hour by car, driving along route MO-8. Once here, popular activities include wildlife watching, kayaking, picnicking, hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

2. St. Louis

If you are looking for an urban destination where you can check out famous landmarks, historic sites, museums, and a vibrant cultural and gastronomic scene, the city of St. Louis is the place to go. Home to the famous Gateway Arch, the St. Louis metropolitan area has a population of a little under three million and is the second-largest city in the state. Getting here from Park Hills takes about an hour, driving north along routes I-55 and US-67.

The best area to start exploring St. Louis and the attractions it has to offer is the downtown area, where you can see not only the famous Gateway Arch but also the St. Louis Riverfront Park, the Old Courthouse building, the Basilica of Saint Louis, the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame Museum, and the Soldiers Memorial Military Museum. Other places you should not miss include the Missouri Botanical Garden, Forest Park, and Memorial Plaza.

3. Fort de Chartres

Located about 50 miles northeast of Park Hills, Fort de Chartres is one of the best day trip destinations for those wanting to learn more about the French heritage of the area. Originally built as a French fortification in the early 18th Century, this place served as an administrative center for the government of New France. Nowadays, the area features parts of the original bastion, a reconstructed gatehouse, as well as the oldest standing building in the state.

If you are planning to buy a new or pre-owned car to explore these and other wonderful destinations in Missouri and beyond, visit us at Park Hills Chevrolet! Check out our inventory, talk to our agents, and find the perfect vehicle for your needs.

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In our book, there are a lot of great reasons to get takeout. It’s a great way to make an evening more special without the expense of going out, or a perfect end to a long day when you want to relax without needing to cook. It can simply be a way to treat yourself to some of the excellent food the town has to offer. Here are our favorite picks for delivery food in Park Hills, MO.

1. BOGO Sandwiches

If you want a delicious deli-style sandwich, BOGO does the best. All the classics are available, from tuna melts to meatball subs. The Black Forest is an especially great option, packed with delicious Black Forest ham. The sandwiches are carefully prepared with fresh ingredients and packed with flavor. Their soups make a great accompaniment too. Perfect for a warming lunchtime delivery.

The best part is that you will be buying a sandwich for someone else too. BOGO stands for “buy one, give one” and that means a sandwich goes to someone in need every time you order one.

2. Casey’s

There’s perhaps no more satisfying delivery than a good pizza and here in Park Hills, Casey’s is the best place to get it. Their pizzas are all made from scratch with hand-made dough and 100% mozzarella cheese. They also have a great range of drinks, snacks, appetizers, and desserts to complete your order. Delivery hours are 24/7 so you can satisfy that pizza craving anytime you want.

3. Pasta House

For delicious warm comfort food try some Italian dishes from Pasta House ordered straight to your house. Okay, this does mean pizza again, but who doesn’t love pizza? Of course, there’s a range of other options such as Nonna Tucci’s meatballs or artichoke & spinach dip con crostini. Our favorite is definitely penne romano with chicken spiedini, a charcoal-grilled piece of chicken over penne with sun-dried tomato pesto.

All the orders are made fresh to order using authentic recipes. Don’t forget dessert too, finish up with a delicious slice of cheesecake or some tiramisu.

4. First Wok Chinese Restaurant

Order some delicious quality food with this Chinese takeout. The portions are huge and the prices are low. And if you want food packed with a variety of flavors and made from fresh ingredients, this is the place for you.
There is a huge range of options including shrimp, chicken, beef, or vegetable- depending on what you’ve got a hankering for. The house specials are all worth a try. We recommend the jumbo shrimp with vegetables, egg white, and wine sauce.
We think these are all fantastic options for a take-out and any one of them will improve your day with delicious and satisfying food. But for when you aren’t ordering in and you want to get out and about, make sure you are driving a car you love. Contact Park Hills Chevrolet to schedule a test drive in a beautiful new or used Chevrolet today.

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The radiator, thermostat, and water pump are part of the cooling system, and together they perform the critical task of keeping your car’s engine cool. Overheating is one of the first indications of radiator problems. The following signs will warn you when you need to get to your Chevy dealer for a radiator repair to avoid extensive engine damage and high repair costs.

Constant High-Temperature Readings

Every component in your car’s cooling system must properly function to keep the engine cool. A constant high-temperature reading could be due to low fluids or a broken or malfunctioning thermostat. When the thermostat is not working properly, an incorrect amount of fluid will be released, and your car will overheat.

An overheating issue will not go away on its own. Your Chevrolet technician will quickly determine what is causing the problem and repair it effectively before the heat damages other vehicle components.

Overheating When Idling

When your car overheats when idling, the culprit is most likely the cooling system. If your vehicle overheats while idling, the radiator fan might be malfunctioning. If your car is overheating, pull over. You need to turn off the engine and wait for it to cool down. In the case of overheating, ask your Chevrolet technician to inspect your vehicle’s cooling system as soon as possible.

A Coolant Leak

If you have to fill up the coolant more often, it might indicate that your car is leaking coolant. Check under your vehicle, and if you spot bright green, pink, orange, or yellow puddles, coolant is leaking out. The leak could be from a degraded or loose hose or the radiator itself. If left unattended for too long, leaks could cause severe damage.

White Smoke From the Tailpipe

An internal coolant leak could cause white smoke to come out of your car’s tailpipe. If you see white smoke, pull over and wait until the engine is cool before you check the level of the coolant. If it’s low, there might have a coolant leak. Ask your Chevrolet technician to take a look as soon as possible.

Steam From Under the Hood

If you see steam from under the hood is a sure sign that your vehicle is overheating and that the radiator might be malfunctioning. The best cause of action is to pull over and wait for the engine to cool down. Don’t drive your car any further. Contact your dealership while you wait and ask for assistance.

A Clogged Radiator

If your car is overheating and you see a thick sludge inside the radiator, your radiator is clogged. The thick gooey substance will block the radiator and prevent the coolant from flowing freely, making it more difficult for the radiator to distribute the correct amount of coolant to the engine.

Rust and Contaminated Coolant

Rust will cause extensive damage. A sign that your radiator is rusty is when the coolant is a brownish color. Act fast and get help from your Chevy technician before the rust makes holes that cause leaks. If you don’t get the leaks repaired quickly, the problem will worsen and cost lots of money to repair.

If your car shows signs that your radiator needs repair, it’s best to schedule an appointment with a qualified Chevrolet technician. You don’t want too long to avoid more damage that will lead to expensive repairs. Contact Park Hills Chevrolet today. Our qualified and skilled Chevrolet technicians will ensure that your car’s cooling system works perfectly.

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There’s nothing better than a pizza. Here at Parks Hills Chevrolet, it’s one of our favorite indulgences. If you agree, why not try one of the best pizza places in Park Hills, MO? We have a few recommendations we think you’ll like if the chain spots aren’t doing it for you anymore.

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Leave all the stress of everyday life behind with an SUV that helps you get away from it all for a while. You’ll get an SUV that can do everything your busy life calls on it for and look good while doing it when you choose the 2021 Chevy Equinox. If you’re interested in getting yourself an Equinox like all sorts of drivers are already doing, start by getting the information you need about this vehicle from our guide below.

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The average midsize car has a curb weight of 3,361lbs. That is a lot of weight that your brakes need to slow down and stop, especially in emergencies when you need to come to a stop quickly. That is why it is essential to make sure the brakes on your car are healthy; if you need a brake repair, then your local Chevy dealer is the perfect place to start.

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Your Chevy dealer is one of the best resources for support, maintenance, and providing Chevrolet parts for your vehicle. Your Chevy dealer in Park Hills, MO, offers a lot of great advice and benefits when it’s time to replace a part or complete a repair. There are important reasons to replace your vehicle’s parts at your dealership in Park Hills, MO.

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A freshly brewed cup of coffee is the best way to start the day. There are some great coffee shops to visit in and around Park Hills, MO, for your next espresso fix or a hand-crafted latte. 

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Are you in the market for a new car? If so, take a look at this article to learn about five features that will make your decision easier. The 2021 Chevy Tahoe is an outstanding vehicle with many excellent features, and we’ll be discussing them below!

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