Is Your Vehicle Road Trip Ready? Stop by the dealership today.

The summer road trip season has begun. Before you embark on your journey, make sure your vehicle is in peak condition. Our Texas weather can take a toll on our cars and the roads we drive on. Temperature extremes, drought, and wet road conditions all contribute to the health of our vehicle, the safety of our passengers, and the performance of our ride. Whether your destination is a few hours away or takes several days to get there, make sure your vehicle is summer vacation and road trip ready.

At Don HewlettChevrolet Buick and Xpress Oil Change Plus, we offer a complimentary Pit Stop Service and a more extensive Road Trip Inspection.

Free Pit Stop. Our friendly service drive team members will check and adjust your tire pressure and  check and top off your oil, washer fluid and coolant. There’s no appointment needed for this service and it’s available anytime during our regular service drive business hours.

$119.95 Road Trip Check. This service includes:

•  Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection,
  

•  A/C Performance Check,

•  Front End Alignment,

• Checking and Adjusting of Tire Pressures,

•  Inspection of Tires for Proper Wear,

•  Checking and Topping off of Oil, Washer Fluid and Coolant,

•  Inspection of Windshield Wipers, and  

• Inspection of all Exterior Lights.

Please call 512.763.4866 or schedule your appointment online. 

Please note:  evacuation and recharge of freon, additional fluids, HD and 4wd alignments, and Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) may be extra.  Please ask your service advisor for details.  Offer expires 7/15/21.

And, don’t forget about our Full Service Accessories Department.  We offer Llumar® Ceramic window tint, racks and bars for the extras you need to take on your trip, hitches to tow your camper or  watercraft and much more.  Installation is completed on-site.  Stop by or call us today to learn more.  

Seguin, Going Nuts for History

Daytrippin to Seguin

by Chet Garner, the Daytripper

Just east of San Antonio sits one of Texas’s oldest towns named after one of Texas’s original heroes - Juan Seguin.  He was one of the Tejano leaders in the Texas Revolution who fought in the Battle of San Jacinto.  He’s now buried under a grove of majestic oak trees in a town that does an amazing job carrying on his legacy, even if it is a little “nutty.”   

1. World’s Largest Pecans - It’s a feat to have one of the “world’s largest” anything, but Seguin proudly claims three of the World’s Largest Pecans.  The story begins in 1962 when a group of locals wanted to honor the town’s pecan history and industry.  So they built a 5-foot long concrete pecan that still sits in front of the Guadalupe County Courthouse.  Forty years later, local pecan grower John Pape decided to build an even bigger pecan measuring 11 feet long, only to find out that a town in Missouri had already built an even larger one.  Finally in 2010, Seguin reclaimed the record with a monstrous 16-ft. long pecan statue that now sits outside the Texas Agricultural Education & Heritage Center.  So all trippers, myself included, can proudly selfie with the 1st, 3rd, and 4th largest pecans in the world.  

2. Powerplant Texas Grill - Right through the middle of Seguin flows the beautiful Guadalupe River that used to electrify the town via a stunning brick powerplant.  It was decommissioned decades ago, and is now a Texified (and electrified) restaurant.  Hungry folks will find steaks, burgers, and fried pickles aplenty.  But there’s nothing quite like diving into a huge chicken-fried steak smothered in queso, while overlooking the dam below.  

3. Son’s Island - Follow the river upstream and you’ll arrive at an unexpectedly exotic getaway on an actual island in the Guadalupe Riverbed.  Trade in your boots for flip flops and your car for a cabana as you spend the afternoon on “island time” wasting away in a hammock or renting a kayak.  I had to paddle around the entire island before I believed it was real.  It may be nowhere near the ocean, but it has all the sand, sun and water a Texas tripper needs.

4. Guero’s Backyard - There ain’t no party like a taco party at Guero’s. In the backyard of this historic (and pink) home, a local couple is whipping up some of the best fusion street tacos on earth.  Wrapped inside a thick, homemade tortilla, you’ll find concoctions like the “Marissa” with seared ahi tuna, seaweed salad, and gorgonzola cheese or try the “Soul Train” with shredded beef short ribs and collard greens.  Tacos will never be the same.

5. Haunted Magnolia Hotel - A town as old as Seguin is bound to have a few spooky skeletons still in the closet.  For those who want an eerie encounter with history and maybe even a ghost, take a tour of this historic hotel that was built in 1840 by one of the original Texas rangers.  Famous lawman Jack Coffee Hays was even married in front of the fireplace. Armed with ghost gadgets and photos, the owners will take you on a hair-raising tour and share the stories of the thirteen spirits who checked into the hotel, but never really checked out. 

So whether you follow my footsteps or forge your own path, I hope to see you on the road in a Chevrolet from my friends at Don Hewlett Chevrolet in Georgetown.

Are You Looking To Sell Your Vehicle?

You may have noticed around town (state and nationally as well), that new and used car inventory is getting very slim.  Inventory levels in the automotive industry are squeezed very tight right now all because of a global micro-chip shortage.

Yes, it’s hard to believe that we can build thousands of vehicles and one little, tiny micro-chip keeps them from being completed and shipped to the dealer - but that’s what’s happening. 

Don Hewlett Chevrolet Buick needs used inventory.  Cars, Trucks and SUVs are in high demand, regardless of make, model, mileage, or condition.

The pre-owned market is HOT, and you will be pleased with the value we can offer.  If you have the title, we can pay cash.  If you have a lien, we can pay off your loan.  If you simply don’t drive your car anymore, we will get it out of your driveway, off of your insurance and put cash in your hand.  All we need is the title or a copy of your loan statement and your key.

If you have any questions or would like to bring in your vehicle, call me personally or inquire at our front desk saying, “I’d like to sell you my car”.

Thank you for your time.  I’d love to discuss purchasing your vehicle. Please call me at the number below or Tony Edgington, our Used Car Manager at 512-681-3020.

John Chauvin 

512-681-3082

 

REVIEWS MATTER TO US

We receive a lot of reviews at Don Hewlett Chevrolet Buick and we are grateful for all of them, both the good and the not quite so good. Reviews help us as we strive to completely satisfy each guest.  The following review is from one of our newest customers. Jeff discusses what makes Don Hewlett different from other Chevy dealers. 

“A HUGE shout-out of praise and thanks to Megan at Don Hewlett Chevrolet in Georgetown :) On a Saturday morning, I found myself sitting behind the wheel of a 2020 1500 Silverado that would not start, with a check engine light on and a diagnostic report sent to my email that suggested I have the vehicle serviced in just 1 day. I called the dealership from which I purchased this vehicle (not Don Hewlett) and was told that I needed an appointment, which I can understand to a degree, but was frustrating to hear given the nature of my issue and how new the vehicle was.  The best the other dealership could tell me was to try another dealership ... which I did, and they couldn't help... so I started calling other area Chevy dealers, all with little luck, until Megan at Don Hewlett heard my case. She understood my frustration and did her absolute best to speak directly with the Shop Foreman to see if they could help address my concerns - and sure enough, they told me to come on in (thankfully, I had managed to get the truck started!). 

Once there, Megan was extremely courteous, knowledgeable, and helpful when it came to having the team look at my truck and diagnose the issue. She then showed me around the beautifully kept facility as I prepared to wait in person. During the wait, which was not long at all, Megan kept me updated as to what was being done, the progress and what I could expect - and then when service was complete, she helped explain my issue (a few resets to computer codes that were causing the trouble), thanked me for my patience and even mentioned a courtesy car wash. 

All in all, I was so relieved to have found a dealership, and a service member that was willing to take the time to understand my frustration and help me get my issues resolved in the most effective, respectful way possible. At the end of the service, I had wished I had purchased my vehicle from this dealership (and not any of the others I spoke to that morning) and would happily bring my return visits to them in the future. Megan was excellent and should be commended. Thank you!”

Jeff, Round Rock, Texas

What to do When Driving Conditions Aren't Optimal

Let’s face it, even though road conditions may not be great, we still need to get to work, the store, pharmacy, etc. Here are a few tips to make sure you get to and from your destination safely.

Defrost your car.  If possible, start your car before leaving your home. Make sure your windows and mirrors are clear of any ice or snow.

Maintain your momentum.  Leave enough room between you and the car in front of you. Don’t speed.  Remember to take extra caution when traveling on overpasses as they tend to freeze first.

Changing Lanes. If you are going to change lanes, maneuver slowly.  If your vehicle slips, it’s important to remember not to over-correct or panic.  The Stabilitrak® system in your GM vehicle will assist your maneuver.

Skidding.  In case of a skid, remember, don’t pump the brakes.  Look in the direction you want the car to go and steer smoothly.  For newer vehicles with anti-lock brakes, don’t pump them.  Maintain pressure on the pedal and let the ABS system modulate the braking.

Call OnStar® if Stranded.  Don’t forget about OnStar. Drive with confidence knowing an Emergency-Certified Advisor is ready to help no matter what happens out on the road. If you’re not currently subscribed to OnStar, give us a call today (512) 681-3044.  We can help.

Have an accident? Let our friendly team of professionals in the Hewlett Collision Center help put your car back to pre-accident condition. The Hewlett Collision Center is the best part of a bad situation! www.hewlettcollision.com

Winter Driving Tips to Keep You Safe on the Road

Don’t drive on empty! Bad weather can cause traffic delays and the last thing you want to do is run out of gas.  We recommend keeping your gas tank at half full.

Prepare your car for winter weather*.  Make certain your battery, wiper blades and other critical parts are ready.  Be sure your fluids are topped off as well and always leave the house with a fully charged cell phone.

Have your tires checked.  Make sure they are in good condition and filled to the proper pressure.

Know your vehicle.  Review the sections of the owner’s manual that cover antilock brakes, traction control and four-or all wheel drive (if equipped).  For easy access to your owner’s manual check out the myChevrolet app or myBuick app.

Stock your car.  Sounds like a no brainer but us Texans don’t always think about things like this.  Carry an ice scraper, flashlight, jumper cables, emergency flares, a blanket, and some bottled water might also prove helpful especially if you’re taking a road trip.

Enroll in OnStar®.  If you're not currently subscribed to OnStar, give us a call today (512) 681-3044.  We can help. 

*On every maintenance visit to a Hewlett dealership your vehicle’s under hood fluids, tires and battery are checked to ensure that these are all set to their proper operating levels. This is a service we provide free of charge because we care about your safety and peace of mind!

Take Alexa Along for a Ride and Enjoy A Truly Connected S(YOU)V Experience

Ever wish you could take Amazon’s Alexa along for a ride? Now you can!  

The first ever Buick Encore GX is available with Alexa fully integrated into the infotainment system. This compact 5-person SUV is innovative and engineered to fit the way your life moves.  It's intelligent and allows you to link accounts and pair your phone with the vehicle's Bluetooth giving you access to hands free calling, connecting to your smart home, and staying up to date on the latest news and sports. Wait there is more! Connect seamlessly to check calendar events, to-do lists, get

directions and even stream your favorite music service. The possibilities are endless, simply just ask Alexa! 

The Encore GX is available in several trim levels.  Stop by today and discover an S(YOU)V built with YOU in mind. 

 

Do I Really Need New Tires?

When tires are properly inflated and in good condition, the handling, stability, safety, and fuel economy of the vehicle are maximized. On the other hand, if your tires are old, have 5-7,000 miles on them, are worn out or damaged, and have less than 1/8" tread depth, turning and stopping may be compromised and the remaining safety systems on the vehicle may not be able to overcome the loss of control. 

Air Pressure. The tires on your vehicle are the only thing between you and the road. The air pressure in a tire is like oil in the engine; when it is low, the resulting internal damage is often unseen until it is too late. Tires naturally lose 1-2 psi per month, so ongoing neglect can result in a tire that fails to support the weight of the vehicle and the occupants. When this happens, the resulting blow-out can result in the loss of steering control which can lead to vehicle damage or even personal injuries. 

Tire Rotations. Every tire manufacturer stresses the importance of regular tire rotations to maximize the life and safety of their respective tires. The normal cadence for this service is between 5 and 7,000 miles. Today’s front-wheel-drive vehicles cause the front tires to wear at a much faster rate than the tires on the rear of the vehicle. By consistently rotating the front tires to the back and the back tires to the front in an ‘X’ pattern, you can extend the life and promote even treadwear on all four tires sustaining the performance and increasing the life of the tire. Failing to rotate the tires on the front, rear or all-wheel drive vehicles can lead to premature wear, irregular treadwear patterns, and vibrations. 

Alignments. In addition to keeping your tires inflated to the recommended psi and having your tires rotated regularly, attention needs to be placed on maintaining proper vehicle alignments. There is no gray area here – if the vehicle is not tracking down the road correctly your tires will begin to wear prematurely and, if left unchecked - will cost you money. 

Inspections. Finally, drivers should perform a visual inspection of their tires on a regular basis, especially after hitting a pothole, curb, or any type of road debris. Bulges, cuts, and other visible damage weaken the internal components of the tire, which can lead to a blow-out. Regular visual inspections will often identify any potential problems before they happen. 

The good news is: 

You do not have to become a tire expert to maximize the life and ensure the safety of your vehicle’s tires. By making regular visits to Xpress Oil Change Plus you will be doing your part to protect your family and your wallet against unexpected tire issues down the road. 

Right now, General Motors and Don Hewlett are offering a rebate when you purchase a set of 4 tires. Select from BFGoodrich, Firestone, Michelin, Goodyear, and more. Use your GM or BuyPower Card and double your savings and don’t forget, we do offer a Tire Price Match Guarantee. Provide us with a better price at the time of purchase and we’ll match it. 

For more information visit DonHewlett or XpressOilChangePlus or contact us at 512-681-3046.

Experience This Premier GM Fleet Event of the Year

 

Tips to Help 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.  We’ve put together a list of tips to keep your vehicle running properly.

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.

These helpful tips together with regular vehicle maintenance from our Xpress Oil Change Plus center should help you avoid untimely heat related breakdowns.  Enjoy the rest of the summer.  Drive safe and stay cool! Give us a call at (512) 681-3046 when we can next be of service to you, your family or your business.

Vehicle Recalls. What Should I Do?

If you have owned a General Motors vehicle for any length of time, you most likely have received a Recall Notice from the manufacturer in addition to a phone call or postcard from the Customer Loyalty Center here at Don Hewlett Chevrolet.  A ‘Product Safety Recall’ can be issued for several things and should be taken care of at your earliest convenience. 

If you receive a recall notice, we ask that you:  

·         Simply call our Customer Loyalty Center during normal business hrs. (7-6 M-F, 7-1 Sat) at (512) 763-3555 and let our staff know you need to schedule a recall appointment.

·         When you call, please have the letter you received from GM in hand. We will need to know your (VIN) Vehicle Identification Number (this should be on the letter or you can find it on your vehicle insurance card), the Year/Make/Model of your vehicle and a good contact phone number along with your current email address.

·         Once we receive your call, our staff will guide you through the process of determining which recalls show to be active for your vehicle (all recalls are VIN specific).  They will verify parts availability and will work with you to set a convenient time to meet with a Service Advisor.

Auto manufacturers are required by law to provide the necessary recall repairs free of charge. They do this through their established franchise dealer network using factory original parts. In doing so, General Motors can better guarantee the quality, consistency, and efficiency of these needed repairs.

Most recall repairs can be completed quickly (under two hours). However, we do ask our customers to allow us a full day with their vehicles.  We do have a limited number of complimentary customer loaner vehicles available daily - by reservation only - but we try to save these for our guests with vehicles that will be staying overnight.  We also have two free full-time Customer Courtesy shuttles that are ready to take you to work, back to the house, or wherever you need to go within the North-Austin suburban corridor.  

We have found that when our customers follow the simple steps listed above the recall repair process goes smoothly. If you’d like more information from GM regarding the recalls specific to your vehicle, please click this link: https://my.gm.com/recalls

The technicians at Don Hewlett Chevrolet Buick have performed thousands of recalls over the years and are trained to identify and repair the specific components involved.  We would like to thank our customers for continuing to put your trust in the Hewlett brand. Rest assured we are certainly proud to represent General Motors in this Central Texas area and stand ready to assist all current GM owners with their vehicle needs.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRUCK

The Accessories Team at Don Hewlett Chevrolet would like you to check out their latest project! This 2020 Texas Edition Silverado 3500 has it all!

• Premium LLumar® window tint is one way to survive a hot Texas summer especially considering the inside temperature of a vehicle can hit 130 degrees. LLumar offers the highest quality products with 99% UV protection. Window tint looks great and keeps the interior of your vehicle significantly cooler.  It's also a great way to keep your belongings hidden.

• One way to add style to your truck is by adding Bushwacker Fender Flares. Fender flares can be painted to match the truck and are flexible enough to withstand any environment from road debris to brush lined trails. 

• Four-inch chrome side steps. There are several reasons that customers add side steps to a truck: they enhance the appearance,  they add convenience for passengers getting into and out of the vehicle, and they offer protection from road debris. Our accessories department offers a wide range of side steps and running boards that can be customized to fit your needs and your vehicle.

• Husky® Liners can make all the difference. They are nearly indestructible and contoured to fit your vehicle’s interior flooring perfectly. These liners provide a level of protection and comfort minimizing the effects of everyday wear.

• If you like to go “off-road” or like the look of a truck that is high off the ground, then a Lift Kit is for you. The 2” lift kit added to this vehicle gives tires additional clearance while still retaining the factory suspension geometry and alignment.

• A Firestone Suspension Air Bag Kit was also included to complete this masterpiece. It was specifically designed to maximize the safe load carrying capacity, stability, and quality ride of this 3500HD.

All these additions and more are available through our Accessories Department. Come by today and speak with one of our specialists or call 512-681-3194.for more information. Follow us on Facebook at Don Hewlett Chevrolet Buick for updates on our latest projects and vehicles.

SHOP. CLICK. DRIVE!

The Best Way to Reserve Your New Chevrolet or Buick from Don Hewlett.

Are you looking for the easiest and best way to reserve a new vehicle and estimate your monthly payments? Then look no further! DonHewlett.com offers SHOP. CLICK. DRIVE. for every vehicle in stock.

SHOP. CLICK. DRIVE. is an easy to use tool that instantly estimates your payments and provides pre-approval for financing. It is easy and can be done from the comfort of your home or your office. Just ask Chet!

By using SHOP. CLICK. DRIVE., you can shorten the sales process and save time by completing most of the vehicle purchase process in advance. Once complete, you can choose a time to pick up your new vehicle here at the dealership or you can arrange for free delivery to your home or office. Your new vehicle will be detailed, sanitized, and fueled for your first drive!

This month, GM is offering 0% financing for 84 months on select new vehicles including the popular 2020 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab and the stylish 2020 Equinox, one of the most popular SUVs on the market.  With over 500 new and 200 used vehicles in stock, you’re sure to find the model, color, and extras that are important to you.