Insurance Partner Scorecard: the best type of work review.

WOW. In the previous four-month period (November, December, January, February) Hewlett Collision was consistently ranked among the top-five partner collision repair shops with Farmers Insurance (out of 487 partner shops in the entire state of Texas). 

Per the (CCC) Certified Collateral Corporation analytic scale emailed to us each month, Hewlett Collision also received an evaluation scorecard of 898 out of a possible 900. This scorecard evaluates data in the following categories: quality of work, cycle time, estimate accuracy and customer satisfaction. These categories are just as important to our clients as the insurance companies we deal with on a daily basis. We are very proud to be at the top of the satisfaction list.

What does this scorecard mean for our customers? When all the numbers and figures have been tallied, it means that we work harder, faster and more efficiently than almost everyone else in Texas. It means that at the close of business hours, it has been our solid working relationships with customers (and insurance companies) that have earned us status among the most respected partners in the state. Rest assured, you'll receive a stress-free experience knowing that Hewlett Collision is consistently recognized for doing quality repair work at a fair price. 

Please keep Hewlett Collision in mind should you ever need auto collision repair.  Feel free to share our coupon below with a friend.  #chooseHewlett

2019 Chevrolet Blazer. The new standard in design.

2019 Chevrolet Blazer

To see our current Blazer inventory click here.

The long awaited, much anticipated, all new Blazer has arrived on the Don Hewlett Chevrolet Showroom!  The latest member of the Chevy crossover family is bold with sophisticated styling both inside and out.  Wait until you see the difference!

The all-new Blazer is 5" longer in the wheelbase compared to the 2019 Equinox.  It is 8" longer overall and with a 4" width advantage, you can imagine the interior possibilities.  The Blazer comes in 4 different models.  The L, LT, RS and the Premier.  The standard powertrain on the Blazer is the 2.5 liter 4-cylinder and is available in the L and the 1LT.  The 3.6 liter V6 is available in the 2LT, 3LT, RS and the Premier model.  The increased interior comfort and cargo capabilities are matched with an aggressive 4500lb towing capacity. 

Spring is on the way and the all-new Blazer would make a great traveling companion.  It’s the perfect two-row midsize SUV with lots of room for your cargo.  It truly is the perfect vehicle for your next journey, your daily commute or a night on the town.

Let me personally invite you to come, see and drive the all-new Blazer.  One of our professional sales associates would be happy to provide you with a demonstration. Price starts at $28,800.

Happy motoring,
Mike Stephens

Myth Busters

THE DEALER IS MORE EXPENSIVE THAN A LOCAL INDEPENDENT SHOP

Many drivers believe that servicing and maintaining their vehicle at a new car dealership is inherently more expensive than having similar work done at the local independent shop. The most common reason given to support this is the fact that independents have historically charged less for labor. While this may have been true years ago, the technology found in today’s vehicles coupled with the rising costs of the required modern diagnostic equipment have significantly narrowed this labor gap. Common sense tells us, however, there is more to getting your vehicle serviced than simply the labor costs. For instance, independent shops tend to use universal and substandard aftermarket products and mark them up as much as they like. Franchise dealerships are required to use factory-original equipment when maintaining and repairing your vehicle. Yes, factory equipment can come with a higher initial price tag, but these components are less likely to create further repair bills down the road. 

The truth is, repair and maintenance costs are comparable between private shops and dealerships when you consider all that’s involved:

·         Original equipment factory replacement parts

·         Better parts and labor warranty coverage

·         A national network of GM warranty service centers in-case of a follow-up concern

·         All-inclusive repairs to ensure a complete fix  

·         GM Factory trained technicians

·         Nicer / Newer Facilities

·         State of the art equipment

Basic Tire Maintenance Tips

The tires on your vehicle are the only thing between you and the road. When these tires are properly inflated and in good condition the handling, stability, safety and fuel economy of the vehicle are maximized. On the other hand, when the tires are under inflated, worn out or damaged, the remaining safety systems on the vehicle cannot overcome the loss of control that comes with a blow-out or a hydroplaning situation. 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!

Every tire manufacturer stresses the importance of regular tire rotations and visual inspections to maximize the life and safety of their respective tires. The normal cadence for this service is between 5-7,000 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 tread wear on all four tires sustaining the performance and increasing the life of the tire. Failing to rotate the tires on front, rear or all-wheel drive vehicles can lead to premature wear, irregular tread wear patterns and vibrations. The same emphasis needs to be placed on maintaining proper vehicle alignments. There’s 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.

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 result in an accident.

The good news is you are not alone in this effort and you do not have to become a tire expert to maximize the life and ensure the safety of your vehicle’s tires; You have friends who happen to be experts in all things ‘Tire’. By making regular visits to our Xpress Oil Change Plus vehicle maintenance center you will be doing your part to protect your family and your wallet against unexpected tire issues down the road. At Xpress there is never a need to make an appointment, but if you prefer to do so - Please visit https://www.xpressoilchangeplus.com/ to give us the chance to prepare for your arrival. As always, thank you for choosing Don Hewlett as your preferred servicing dealer.

We look forward to seeing you soon!
Your Service Team at Don Hewlett Chevrolet Buick
and Xpress Oil Change Plus

By Greg Grove
Service Drive Manager