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Your car's alternator is essential to your vehicle's performance. The alternator works alongside your car's battery to power the entire vehicle, which is why it's imperative that you are aware of when your vehicle is in need of alternator repair. Let's take a closer look at some of the signs that your vehicle is having alternator-related issues. more 1. Weak Headlights Your alternator is a key component in your vehicle's electronics functioning properly. This is why one of the first telltale signs of an alternator issue is the problem with your vehicle's electronics, such as its headlights. If your headlights flicker or appear dimmer than usual, that may be a sign that your alternator is experiencing issues that are causing it to underperform. 2. Electrical Failure Although the headlights are the most obvious electrical components of your vehicle, most of your car is also powered by electricity. Power windows, locks, dashboard lights, air conditioning, heating, and your car's radio are all also powered by the electricity generated in part by your alternator. If any of these functions begin to fail or stop performing properly, this could be a sign that your alternator is experiencing issues and needs to be checked by a professional vehicle technician. 3. Unusual Noises Strange noises coming from your vehicle could be indicative of many different issues, but it's important to keep in mind that the issue could be a problem with your alternator. Because the alternator works directly with your car's engine, oftentimes if the alternator begins experiencing problems it will affect the engine directly. This can lead to bearing failure in the engine which is usually accompanied by strange rattling noises as you drive. If your vehicle begins making these strange noises, it's always best to have it checked out by a professional technician who can properly diagnose the problem and cause of the unusual noises. 4. Problems Starting If your vehicle is having problems starting, it's not always a sign that your battery needs to be replaced. Sometimes it is a sign that your alternator is experiencing issues that are preventing it from properly assisting in the flow of electricity within your vehicle. If your car begins stalling or having issues starting, it is best to bring it in to a professional technician who can determine if the problem resides in your battery or your alternator. 5. Check Engine Light The easiest way to tell if there's an issue with your alternator is if one of the dashboard's diagnostic lights turns on. Sometimes a vehicle will have a specific light to indicate alternator problems but alternator issues are usually indicated by the standard Check Engine Light. Anytime this light appears on your dashboard, it is important to have a professional properly diagnose the issue before assuming what the light is trying to tell you. An essential part of ensuring the continued health of your alternator and your vehicle is routine maintenance. Call Orr Chevrolet of Fort Smith at (479) 259-2047 to schedule routine maintenance and check on your alternator today!

Believe it or not, tires don’t last forever. They may seem extremely durable and resistant to the wear of your daily drive, but the sad truth is they have an expiration date. But how long can you expect your brand-new tires to last? more While it’s not a simple answer, there are some basic guidelines you can follow when it comes to managing the lifespan of your tires. With that said, it also depends on how you use them, what types of tires you’re riding on, and more. What You Need to Know About Tire Lifespan Here are a few things to keep in mind when determining when your brand-new tires need to be replaced: The general consensus is that you should start having your tires inspected annually by a professional after five years of use. Different driving styles matter -- do you peel out at every green light, or do you ease onto the gas and avoid sudden stops? Chances are if you’re a driver of the former mindset, your tires may be nearing their end around that five-year mark By 10 years, your tires will need to be changed. Even with proper tire maintenance and safe driving, your tread will wear down and the rubber will start to deteriorate. For your safety and that of your loved ones, be sure to replace your tires every 10 years Regular maintenance is important. Some of the best ways to ensure your tires make it to 10 years is to keep them properly inflated, schedule regular alignments and tire rotations, and adopt safe driving habits. Obviously this isn’t always in your control, but being wary of what you’re driving on and over helps too. Avoiding potholes, speed bumps, curbs and other large objects/obstructions in the road is a great way to maximize the duration of your tires’ effectiveness. Be sure to use the correct tires. Using summer tires on snow or ice (or vice versa) isn’t ideal, and all four tires should be of the same type. It’s also important to ensure that you’re using the correct tires for the size of the rims on your vehicle. Signs Your Tires Need to be Replaced Now that you know how to avoid wearing out your tires prematurely, we’ve also got a few tricks to test whether or not your tires are ready to be decommissioned. One of the oldest and most well-known tricks is to insert a penny into the primary tread, with Abraham Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see his entire head -- meaning not even his hair has been given a slight trim -- the tread is too worn and you’re due for a new set. Most tires also have wear indicators in specific spots. If these wear indicators are even with the rest of the tread, it’s time for those tires to go. The Most Important Part: Your Safety Let’s be honest -- no one wants to purchase new tires. However, continuing to drive on worn-out, deteriorating tires is extremely unsafe and can put you, your passengers, and other drivers in danger. Don’t risk it. If you’re seeing the signs and your tires have failed the penny test, visit the Orr Chevy Fort Smith service department for an excellent experience and a fresh new set of rubber shoes for your steed.

Every house has tools that you can't live without: hammers, wrenches, and screwdrivers come to mind. Why wouldn't a car have basic tools too? You might want to safeguard yourself from troubles on the road, or simply want to run maintenance on your car yourself. Having a car tool kit filled with essentials can be very helpful. more 1. Socket Wrenches A good socket wrench will certainly come in handy. Make sure you get the right set of wrenches for your vehicle and also make sure you have the correct socket size for your tires. This makes removing lug nuts and changing a flat tire a snap, and it's a must-have tool. 2. Duct Tape Let's be honest for a second: is there anything a good roll of duct tape can't do? From providing an impromptu patch job to holding an object in place long enough for proper repairs, it's something every driver should keep in their arsenal. 3. Work Light While a flashlight or phone might be able to illuminate a small area at night, chances are you might need both hands for certain types of repairs. A high-quality work light can allow you to work hands-free in a well-lit area, speeding up the repair process and turning night into day. If you get one that is battery powered, then make sure to always check the batteries, and have a few replacement ones on hand. 4. Lubricant This is a must-have, especially if you are repairing an older car. Sometimes parts get rusted, dry, or just plain stuck, and a few drops of lubricant will allow you to get things moving again. Make sure to always have at least two full bottles on hand, and partner them with a rag to catch any spills. Additionally, there are several different types of lubricants, so make sure to use the one that will provide you with the most benefit. 5. The Manual Remember the manual? The large paperback booklet that came with your car and probably is sitting in the glovebox? The book that wasn't read? Well, it's often the most valuable piece of a tool kit. Since it was made specifically for your vehicle, it contains a lot of useful information that will help you make repairs. If you want to find the exact model of your vehicle or an exact specification number, it's all there in the manual! A good tool kit can last you quite a long time. You might not use it as much as an emergency tool kit, but it can help you repair your car in a pinch. So always make sure to keep it well stocked and up to date, and it will be there when you need it the most. If you want to find great starter tool kits, then be sure to visit or call Orr Chevrolet of Fort Smith to get started.

Chevy cares, and there's no better way to find out how than by visiting your Fort Smith Chevy dealer. more Choosing Your Vehicle Our online inventory offers you both convenience and selection with hundreds of vehicles from which you can choose. You can search for your next Chevrolet vehicle by clicking on our Search New, New Cadillac Inventory, Work Trucks, Search Pre-Owned, or Specials tabs on our website. Shop.Click.Drive This innovative tool allows you to choose your vehicle online and select its trim and accessories, extended limited warranties, and schedule its delivery (if applicable). You can also order your vehicle by email, chat, phone, or text. Delivery of Your Vehicle Getting your vehicle doesn't get any easier. We will deliver your newly purchased vehicle right from our floor to your door. Owner Benefits Orr Chevrolet offers a free lifetime Powertrain warranty at no additional cost when you purchase a new car or truck. Some of the benefits include: Free lifetime car washes Free oil changes for 2 years 100% coverage on parts and labor No maximum mileage No deductible Full coverage of all powertrain components and related internal parts Coverage of your engine block, cylinder head transmission, transaxle front wheel Coverage of your rear-wheel-drive system and all related internal parts and components Price Matching When you shop with us you're getting a great price on your vehicle. Ask us about our Price Match Guarantee. Special Financing Chevy is offering well-qualified buyers 0% APR for 84 months or deferred monthly payments for 120 days. Easily get your free credit score and get pre-qualified today. Just go to our website and click on the "Get Pre-Qualified Now" button to complete the application. Chevrolet First Responder Discount Chevy is lending a helping hand to our heroes by offering the Chevrolet First Responder Discount. It is available to eligible healthcare professionals now through June 30th. Certified Chevy Service Our Certified Service experts are here for all of your vehicle's service needs. Consider the Service Department as a one-stop-shop for your vehicle's maintenance needs while offering convenient hours, competitive service and parts pricing, and advanced technology. Make an appointment online today. Convenient Hours of Operation You'll find a convenient time to visit our Sales, Service, or Parts Departments. Sales: Monday through Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Service: Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Parts: Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All Departments are closed on Sunday Fort Smith and Our Community At Fort Smith, we appreciate our customers and the communities they serve. We support Make A Wish, the United Way, Relay For Life, and Honor The Fallen. Chevy and Fort Smith are here to help you with your next Chevy vehicle, every step of the way.