What is a Fuel System Service?
There are a number of maintenance tasks you need to perform as a vehicle owner in Pasadena to keep your car running smoothly. One important task that’s often overlooked is a fuel system service. Below, we’ll explain what a fuel system service contains, the benefits of scheduling this service, and some common signs that it’s time for a fuel system service.
Read the rest of this entry »Spring Break Activities near Pasadena, TX
Houston Zoo
Have some fun outdoors! Visit the Houston Zoo this spring break and experience the exciting events that are scheduled for March! See incredible animals and ecosystems, there’s something for everyone at the Houston Zoo. Catch the elephants splashing in their pool, feed a giraffe and more!
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™
Discover the fun that the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ has to offer! This Texas tradition has something for people of all ages to enjoy. You don’t need to travel outside of the city to see the country, experience how the Rodeo brings agriculture to Houston. Enjoy games, rides, rodeo food, shopping and so much more!
Houston Museums
Visit some of Houston’s most popular museums for a fun and informative spring break experience.
When you visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science, you’re exploring tropical rainforests, worlds galaxies away, going back in time to when dinosaurs walked the Earth and looking into the future of renewable energy. With 5 floors of permanent halls, and rotating exhibits this Houston museum will take you beyond the walls to experience the wonder of science.
Take your family to the Children’s Museum Houston to explore 90,000 square-feet of action-packed exhibits, hands-on workshops, educator-led science demos and more.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH), is one of the largest art museums in the United States. The permanent collection of the museum has more than 6,000 years of history with approximately 70,000 works from 6 continents.
Galveston, TX
Galveston is home to a number of the best attractions Texas has to offer, including Moody Gardens, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, Pleasure Pier and miles of beaches along Galveston Island. Whether you prefer to walk down the streets of the strand or drive along the sea wall, all paths can lead you on an unforgettable journey. With almost 200 historical markers on the island, there’s a lot to experience.
Contact Monument Chevrolet today to learn more about how you can find the right vehicle to meet all of your transportation needs.
What is a Vehicle Service Contract?
A vehicle service contract or VSC is an insurance policy on your vehicle. It’s a safeguard against expensive and unforeseen repairs that can occur. It can cover repairs for an agreed-upon period of time and miles.
Why Should You Get a Vehicle Service Contract for Your Car?
Unforeseen expenses for vehicle repair can leave you in a bind. A VSC reduces financial stress and gives you peace of mind so you can drive with confidence.
What is Covered under a Vehicle Service Contract?
Depending on the coverage level, a VSC can cover components from front/rear-wheel drive to electrical and computer components.
Purchasing a Vehicle Service Contact
Monument Chevrolet offers Ally Premier Protection that tailors coverage packages to your needs. They also include added assurances like roadside assistance, trip interruption and alternate transportation for the road ahead. You can add a Vehicle Service Contract to the end of factory warranty or 3rd party warranties as long as your vehicle passes inspection. Contact our finance department for more information.
How Often Should You Get a Chevy Oil Change?
If you own a Chevrolet, you want to make sure you maintain it properly so that it lasts as long as you need it. With that in mind, it’s important to know how often you should get a Chevy oil change. The answer is that it depends on how old your vehicle is and your personal driving habits.
How Often Should You Get a Chevy Oil Change?
Manufacturer Recommendations
Newer Chevrolets are equipped with an Engine Oil Life System, which is able to detect when the oil needs to be changed. The great thing about this system is that you don’t have to remember to schedule an appointment until you get the message to “Change Engine Oil Soon.” If you drive under ideal conditions, you may not see this message for a year, but if your conditions are not so perfect, you could see it in three months.
The manufacturer recommends that the engine oil be changed at least once a year, since oil does eventually break down, even under the best of conditions. However, this is much longer than the frequency that used to be recommended for vehicles, which was three months or 3,000 miles, whichever came first. The technology behind both engines and oil has advanced to the point where it’s no longer necessary to change it that often unless your habits dictate it.
Driving Habits Dictate Oil Change Frequency
The real factor in how often you should get your oil changed is your driving habits. Certain driving conditions cause the oil in your car to break down faster, meaning its engine protection properties don’t last as long. If you drive under any of the following conditions, check with your Chevrolet service center to determine the right oil change frequency for you.
- You make frequent short driving trips
- You frequently travel in stop-and-go traffic (rush hour)
- You drive in unusually dusty conditions
- You live in either an extremely hot or extremely cold climate
- You frequently tow heavy loads
- You frequently haul heavy loads
- You are preparing for a long road trip and it’s been at least three months since the last change
How to Tell If Your Oil Needs to Be Changed
As previously mentioned, most newer Chevrolets have an Engine Oil Life System installed, which will tell you when your oil needs to be changed. However, if your car is not equipped with this feature, you have other ways to determine if your oil needs to be changed. The normal color of clean oil is translucent amber. If it’s a dark, opaque brown, or black, your oil is dirty and needs to be changed.
If you hear a knocking or ticking in your engine compartment while you’re idling or driving, this is an indication that the level of oil is low, and as such, it’s not providing enough protection for engine parts. The sound you hear is the parts rubbing or hitting against each other. Check your oil level using the dipstick to determine whether you need to add oil, or simply bring it in to a service technician for an oil change.
Taking proper care of your Chevrolet will ensure its life is extended for as long as possible. Contact Monument Chevrolet to schedule your oil change today.
Top 3 Seafood Restaurants in and Around Pasadena
Anyone who loves some great seafood will feel right at home when they explore the dining options in the Pasadena, TX area. However, there are so many quality places to choose from, so it can be tough to know where you should go to enjoy your next seafood meal when you’re in town. In this list, we are going to explore the top three seafood restaurants in and around Pasadena.
Top 3 Seafood Restaurants in and Around Pasadena, TX
1. Baytown Seafood Restaurant and Crawfish Headquarters
Baytown Seafood Restaurant and Crawfish Headquarters leads our list with its large menu, quality ingredients, and innovative seafood dishes. Like many other seafood places in the area, Baytown Seafood Restaurant and Crawfish Headquarters works with a Cajun flavor profile, which takes many of its dishes to the next level in terms of flavor and intensity. The size of the menu ensures that everyone in your group can find something to enjoy here.
To kick things off, the appetizer menu here is quite impressive, offering tasty dishes like the Coconut Shrimp, Stuffed Jalapenos, and Boudin Balls. Moving into main courses, you can’t go wrong with a classic Cajun seafood dish such as a Shrimp Po Boy or a Seafood Gumbo. The fried offerings are hard to resist to, offering up dishes like Fried Whole Rednsapper and Fried Whole Catfish.
2. Marina Seafood Kitchen
Marina Seafood Kitchen takes the second spot on our list, and there are plenty of reasons why this restaurant is one that you will not want to miss. First of all, the restaurant always works to use fresh, local seafood whenever possible, which means that the menu is always changing based on the local seafood market. On top of this, Marina Seafood Kitchen has some flagship dishes, such as the Crawfish and Shrimp Basket, which will impress even the most experienced seafood eater.
The food here has a distinct Cajun influence, as seen in many of the sauces, spices, and flavor combinations present on the menu. We recommend trying out one of the restaurant’s classic dishes such as the Fish and Oysters or the Fried Catfish Filet. You can’t leave without trying some extra side dishes too, as the hush puppies, onion rings, and corn on the cob make the perfect addition to a meal.
3. Krab Kingz Seafood
Krab Kingz Seafood concludes our list with its casual take on contemporary seafood. As the name of the restaurant suggest, crab is the focus on the menu here. However, you’re sure to find plenty of variety as well.
We suggest the Boiled Snow Crab lunch. There is also value to be had in the Combos section of the menu. Complete your meal with some side dishes such as boiled eggs and potatoes.
When you are trying to find the perfect spot for some tasty seafood, we hope that you’ll take a second look at the restaurants we have covered above. Each one offers something different, which helps to make the Pasadena area the culinary delight that it is. Contact Monument Chevrolet today to learn more about how you can find the right vehicle to meet all of your transportation needs.
Test-Drive the 2021 Chevy Equinox Today
If you’re in the market for a new SUV, then the 2021 Chevy Equinox is one you’re going to want to check out. Here’s why you should test drive this incredible car.
Test-Drive the 2021 Chevy Equinox Today
The Basics
Looking for a reliable SUV that doesn’t discount the importance of good looks? The new Chevy Equinox offers a truly fantastic performance along with a sleek, elegant aesthetic.
This year, 2021 has brought the Equinox some upgrades to make this vehicle even better. Whether you want a family car or just something that can take you and your equipment from place to place, the new Equinox is perfect.
Pricing and Trims
If you’re looking to drive the new Equinox, then the first step is choosing which trim you want. If all you’re looking for are the essentials, go with the L for about $23,800. The LS offers a few additional features for $26,300, and the LT model will cost about $27,500.
Finally, if you want to go above and beyond your own expectations, consider going with the high-end Premier trim. This will cost you about $35,400 and offer several top-level features that you’re sure to appreciate.
Performance
You’ve got the choice between two engines if you’re getting the 2021 Equinox. The first two trims will operate with the help of a 170-horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Going with either of the latter trim levels will grant you the option of a powerful 2-liter turbocharged engine if you’re looking for a little more muscle.
The new Chevy Equinox will also provide you with some great fuel economy. You can expect to get 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg when you’re driving on the highway.
Technology
The new Equinox has the best safety technology available to keep you and your passengers protected on the road. The car’s Following Distance Indicator will make sure you’re never getting too close to cars ahead of you, and Forward Collision Alert with Automatic Braking will help prevent accidents before they happen.
Connecting your phone to the car’s infotainment system is simple and intuitive, and you’ll want to remember to download the MyChevrolet App to control certain aspects of the car from your phone.
Comfort and Interior
Relax in the 2021 Equinox’s comfortable and luxurious interior. The car’s seating is ergonomic and supportive, and the materials used throughout the cabin are sturdy and of great quality
You’ll also appreciate the amount of space in the new Equinox. There’s lots of legroom for you and your passengers, as well as lots of storage space. The seats can be folded down for large items, and there are lots of places to tuck away small things you don’t want rolling around, or anything you don’t want to be visible.
SUVs are great vehicles, and the 2021 Equinox in particular has the features and performance to impress any driver. Whether you’re just headed to work, or you’re looking for something that will take you and all your stuff on a road trip, this car is the perfect choice. If you’d like to test drive one, then come see us at Monument Chevrolet today.
See Why Drivers Love the 2021 Chevy Camaro
The 2021 Chevy Camaro has a reputation second to none and is built for drivers who love driving. The two-door coupe comes with numerous personalization options and a starting price of only around $25,000. Buyers also have the option to choose from six premium trims and countless performance upgrades.
See Why Drivers Love the 2021 Chevy Camaro
Classic Camaro Style
The 2021 Camaro coupe retains an exterior that is obviously a Camaro as soon as you look at it. The modern muscle car’s appearance can be upgraded with even bigger wheels and a vented hood, which add to its intimidating good looks.
Range of Engine Options
The 2021 Camaro comes with a range of engines to suit all requirements. The base engine is a powerful 275-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder. The gutsy 335-horsepower V6 engine has an awesome soundtrack to match its power. The upper trim levels feature Chevy’s small-block V8 engine that produces a sensational 445-horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque.
Transmission Options
The standard six-speed transmission screams this is a driver’s car. An eight-speed automatic transmission is optional with the four-cylinder engine, and an agile 10-speed automatic transmission is available with the V6 and V8 power plants.
Awesome Driver Experience
The Camara provides a simply stunning car-and-driver connection. The chassis gives an unparalleled driving experience with precise handling and steering. The ride is firm and comfortable at the same time. This is a car that owners just love to drive.
Fuel Economy
The turbocharged four-cylinder will earn drivers 22 mpg around the city and 30 mpg on the freeway. The V6 engine continues to earn great mileage with 18 mpg around town and 29 mpg. With all that power available in the V8 engine, drivers get a true muscle car that earns an amazing 16 mpg around town and 26 mpg while cruising along the freeway.
ZL1 Muscle
Drivers looking for the ultimate 2021 Camaro experience have the Camaro ZL1 option. This is an all-American muscle car that can outrun many hyper-expensive exotic sports cars. Magnetic Ride Control suspension comes standard with the supercharged Camaro for an outstanding driver experience. The ZL1 can be upgraded with Chevy’s 1LE performance package to include track-ready suspension and wider tires for even more performance.
Cabin and Tech
The 2021 Camaro’s interior comes built with plush materials based on a modern design while retaining a style that lets you know you are behind the wheel of a potent driving machine. The Infotainment 3 System comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen and syncs with Apple and Android phones with ease. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity are also standard.
Driver Safety
The 2021 Camaro was awarded a five-star crash rating and comes with an extensive array of driver-assistance technology available. Key driver-assistance features include a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning, and rear parking sensors.
It is easy to understand why the 2021 Camaro improves on its legendary reputation with all the driver options and performance choices available. Learn more about the 2021 Camaro with Monument Chevrolet now.
Chevy’s Silverado line of trucks is an award-winning and iconic lineup and has been for decades. This line of trucks has always reflected top-of-the-line comfort and an absolutely premium towing and hauling experience. The Silverado, now in its fourth generation, has always been a powerhouse, capable of handling whatever you throw at it. Does the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 live up to that expectation?
Read the rest of this entry »Explore the Scenery at Armand Bayou Nature Center
Take some time to reconnect with nature and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Armand Bayou Nature Center. Covering over 2,500 acres, the nature center is composed of the wetland forest, prairie, and marsh habitats that the Houston area once teemed with. Known as one of the top birding locations in the area, it’s a great place for solo adventures, group outings, and everything in between.
Guided Kayak Tours
Start exploring this section of the Texas Gulf Coast with a guided kayak tour, a great way to experience an abundance of birds, reptiles, and other wildlife in the midst of their daily routines. Not only will you have an up-close view of a natural, beautiful setting, but you can also be a part of it.
The kayak tour covers two to three miles and lasts about three hours. Plan to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and insect repellant to make your waterway explorations as comfortable as possible. You’ll need to book your tour ahead of time through the ABNC website, and groups up to seven can be accommodated.
Take a Pontoon Cruise
If you’re in the mood for something a little less exhausting than a kayak tour, the pontoon cruise is the perfect fit. Hop aboard the ‘Bayou Ranger II’ and start drinking in the incredible scenery throughout the bayou ahead. Animals will be on the hunt for food and shelter, and you’ll have a front-row seat to watch it all unfold. Take a morning tour and let the casual pace of the water refresh your senses after sunrise.
Or you can opt for an evening cruise if you would like to catch some of the bayou’s animals at their peak activity time. Enjoy a tranquil sunset as the bayou hums with its evening preparations. Keep in mind the pontoon cruise is only available on Saturdays, and you will need to make your reservation in advance. Groups up to eight can fit on one tour, making them a great choice for family outings.
EcoCamps for Kids
With three different age groups available, the ABNC has excellent programs for ecologists-in-the-making as young as 18 months up to age 12. For two and a half hours on Wednesdays or Fridays, children can explore all kinds of important topics that will stimulate curiosity and passion for our natural world.
Now is the time to explore the many wonderful facets of the Armand Bayou! Visit us at Monument Chevrolet today and let us help you get there.
4 Impressive Features of the 2021 Chevy Blazer
If you want a mid-size SUV that feels more like something sporty, consider the 2021 Chevy Blazer. This vehicle is powerful and smooth, and it has several impressive features that we think you’ll adore.
1. Above-Average Safety Features
A lot of vehicles have safety features these days; it’s almost standard as technology improves in vehicles. However, most of the time you have to pay for the features. Safety is seen as a luxury, not a right – but that’s not the case in the Chevy Blazer. With this SUV you get four standard safety features: a rearview camera, automatic emergency braking, a tire pressure monitor, and rear parking assistance.
With that said, there are some safety features that you can grab as paid upgrades. These features are excellent for new drivers who have trouble staying centered, but they’d be fantastic for anyone. Having some extra help on the road never hurts. So, you could equip your Blazer with:
- Lane-keeping assistance
- Lane-change alerts
- Lange-departure warning
- Forward-collision alert
- Side blind-spot alert
2. Lots of Cargo Space
In the Chevy Blazer, you have a lot of room for that cargo. By default, you have 30.6 cubic feet to fill, a measurement that’s on-par with some larger SUVs on the market. If that’s not enough for you, fold down the rear seats. That gives you 64.2 cubic feet of space instead, which should be more than enough for most peoples’ needs.
3. Surprising Maximum Towing Capacity
While SUVs aren’t exactly known for their towing prowess, the Chevy Blazer wants to change that. It can handle a maximum towing capacity of 4,500 pounds. This is the same as some larger SUVs, making this an incredibly impressive feat.
With that capacity, you could handle a small boat for a beach trip. You could also hitch up a trailer, pile it high with gear, and move house without renting a moving truck – well, as long as you don’t mind taking more than one trip.
4. Smooth and Steady Handling
Whether you have a full cargo area or a trailer attached instead, you can’t beat how smooth and agile the Chevy Blazer feels. Its handling is comparable to a sports coupe. As SUVs can be quite large and intimidating, finding one that feels like something smaller and easier to handle is amazing. That makes the Chevy Blazer a highly approachable vehicle for new drivers, or for people converting from a sedan or a sports car. It’s a fantastic starter SUV.
The steering dynamics are delightful, the vehicle is highly responsive, and it handles sharp corners beautifully. You really can’t do better in terms of handling, even if your Blazer is packed with passengers and cargo, and towing a trailer too.
Are you interested in this stunning SUV? Come and visit us at Monument Chevrolet so we can set you up for a test drive. See how you feel this vehicle handles, and see if it’s the perfect fit for you.
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