How do I schedule an appointment?

Please contact our Service Department at (608) 824-1330 and one of our Service Representatives will assist you or click here to schedule an appointment online.

How do I arrange a shuttle ride or service loaner?

Our free shuttle service is available to our customers from 6:00am to 6:00pm Monday through Friday.  Loaner vehicles are available on an appointment basis.  Please contact our Service Department at (608) 824-1330 for a reservation.

What if I drop my vehicle off after hours?

For our customer's convenience, Ballweg offers early/late drop off service.  One can obtain a special envelope from the night drop box located next to the entrance of the service department.  Fill out the information completely, sign at the bottom giving us authorization to diagnose or repair your vehicle, place your keys in the envelope, and drop it through the slot in the service entrance door.  A Service Representative will contact you with diagnostic information and estimate for repair.

When I come to Ballweg for Service, where should I go?

If you are in need of an oil change, tire rotation, light bulb replacement or wiper blades, you can pull up directly to our four Certified Quick Lube Lanes and our Quick Lube Staff will assist you with your needs while you wait.  If you require more in depth service, simply pull up to our two Certified Service Lanes, the doors will automatically open, and a Service Representative will come out and greet you.  After beginning the Multi-Point Inspection and collecting needed information, you may wait in our comfortable lounge or we can arrange transportation options for you.  Your vehicle will then be diagnosed and repaired by one of our GM-trained expert technicians.

What is Chevrolet Certified Service?

You want the best care for your GM vehicle, and no one understands that better than the GM-trained Certified Service technician.  From car maintenance and auto service to GM auto parts and accessories, chances are Ballweg has information you're looking for.  So take your vehicle back home to Ballweg, drive down the Certified Service lane, and let the experts there help you keep your vehicle in top operating condition.  Visit www.mycertifiedservice.com for special offers, maintenance guidelines, vehicle information and tips, and sign in to the GM Owner Center.

How often should I change the engine oil in my vehicle?

The majority of today's Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac vehicles are equipped with the Engine Oil Life System, which has made the 3,000-mile oil change obsolete.  Depending on the age of the vehicle, driving habits, and road conditions, vehicles with today's advanced engines can go much longer than 3,000 miles between oil changes.  Always be sure to check your engine oil level regularly, even with an Engine Oil Life System.

Most GM vehicles are now equipped with the Engine Oil Life System.  This system actually senses your vehicle's speed and engine temperature and can continuously monitor operating conditions.  This helps determine when it's time to change the oil.  This system can actually monitor your personal driving habits and your area's climate condition to let you know precisely when to come in for an oil change.  When the oil life system light come on, you come in.  It's that simple  It will help save you money and help reduce oil waste.

When the "Change Engine Oil Soon" message displays, service is required for the vehicle as soon as possible, within the next 600 miles.  If driving under the best conditions, the Engine Oil Life System might not indicate the need for vehicle service for more than a year.  The engine oil and filter should be changed at least once a year and the oil life system must be reset.  Ballweg Chevrolet has trained service technicians who will perform this work and reset the system.

What are the maintenance recommendations for my tires?

Tire Rotation

Since each tire performs different tasks (such as steering or front-versus rear-wheel drive), tires wear at different rates.  Rotating your tires at recommended intervals extends their useful life and achieves more uniform tire wear.

It's important to rotate your tires according to the correct tire rotation pattern.  Front tires encounter different tasks than the rear tires.  And a front-wheel-drive car's tires perform different tasks than those on a rear-wheel-drive car.  Your Owner Manual specifies which rotation pattern is right for your vehicle.

Beginning with the 2011 model years, owners of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac vehicles will be advised to see their dealer for a tire rotation every 7,500 miles as part of a newly revised maintenance schedule.

While the 2010 and prior Owner's Manuals recommend a range of 5,000 to 8,000 miles, the 7,500-mile tire rotation interval is a good rule of thumb.  However, any time you notice unusual wear, you should rotate your tires as soon as possible.  Check to ensure that your vehicle is properly aligned and that there are no suspension issues causing irregular tire wear.

Tire Pressure

Maximize your tires' performance and durability by monitoring and maintaining correct air pressure.  Air is a gas, expanding when heated and contracting when cooled.  For most of North America, fall and early winter are especially important times for checking tire pressure - as the ambient temperature falls, tire pressure goes down.

A good rul of thumb is that every 10 degrees Fahrenheit temperature change, tire pressure changes about 1 psi - higher as temperature rise, lower as they fall.  Check your vehicle's owner manual, or your driver's side door jame for recommended tire pressure.

Under-inflated or Over-inflated tires can cause:
1. Premature, irregular and unususal wear
2. Poor handling
3. Reduced fuel economy

Checking Air Pressure

Check your vehicle's tires at least once a month when the tires are cold (let the vehicle sit for at least 3 hours).  Look in your owner manual or your driver's side door jam for the recommended tire inflation for your vehicle.  Use a quality gauge.  Don't eyeball tires - radial tires can look fine even when they're under-inflated.

Be sure to look for objects that have become wedged in the tread - they can work themselves further into the tire and cause air loss.

And don't forget to check the spare!

Tire Balancing and Alignment

If you notice your vehicle vibrating on a smooth road, your wheels may be out of balance.  A tire that is out of balance often affects ride quality and can shorten the life of tires, bearings, shocks, and other suspension components.  A speed-dependent vibration - becoming noticeable around 45 mph and increasing as speed increases - is probably balance-related.

If you notice unusual tire wear or that your vehicle pulls one way or the other, the wheel alignment may need to be reset.  Alignment is critical for ensuring that you get maximum wear and performance from your tires.  Poor alignment results from your car's suspension and steering system becoming out of adjustment with each other.  The biggest indicators of your vehicle being out of alignment are pulling one way or the other as you drive or unusual tire wear.  Improper tire inflation can also cause unusual tire wear.

Your vehicle may have both front and rear wheel alignment specifications.  Ballweg Chevrolet can recommend the alignment type that's right for your vehicle.

Replacement

One sure way to know when to replace your tires is when the tread wear indicators-called "wear bars"-appear.  These wear bars look like narrow strips of smooth rubber across the tread and appear when it's time to replace the tires.  You should replace the tires if you can see three or more tread-wear indicators around the tire.  Other ways to know when you need to replace your tires include cord or fabric showing through the rubber, cracks or cuts in the tread or sidewall deep enough to show cord or fabric, bulges or splits in the tire, and punctures or damage that cannot be repaired correctly.

You may not realize it, but most Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac dealerships sell brand-name tires such as Bridgestone, Firestone, Goodyear, Michelin and many more.  The Certified Service technicians at your dealership can recommend the tires that are right for your vehicle your driving hapits and your budget.  And, Ballweg Chevrolet offers a 30-day price match guarantee, so if you find the same tires at a better price within 30 days of purchase, we'll refund the difference.

How often do my brakes require service?

Stopping power is crucial to a safe and successful driving experience.  So when you need new brakes, visit Ballweg Chevrolet, where Certifited Service experts can recommend quality brakes, like DuraStop components from ACDelco.

Sometimes, your GM vehicle's brakes will alert you when there's trouble.  Whistling noises, chirping sounds, and grinding are indications that maintenance is required.  Here are some common causes of brake pedal pulsatin and/or noise.

1. Worn brake pads
2. Heat-cracked or worn rotors
3. Loose-fitting brake pads in the caliper
4. Missing or damaged noise insulators
5. Uneven torque of lug nuts or caliper hardware

Vehicles often come equipped with a small thin piece of metal attached to the brake pad to act as a warning indicator when the pad material is getting low and the brake pads should be replaced.  This device makes a chirping noise on brake application, letting you know it is time to have your brakes serviced.

Ballweg Chevrolet will also perform a Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection every time your vehicle is in for service.  This includes checking the condition of your brake system.  Whether you need brake replacement or service, your Certified Service technician can help you get safely - and confidently - back on the road.

What is a Multi-Point Inspection?

With a Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection, you get a thorough assessment of your GM vehicle by GM-trained experts.  Here's what the Certified Service experts look for:

1.  Just a quick check to see what your vehicle's remaining oil life percentage is.
2.  They inspect tire wear, wiper blade and glass condition.
3.  They inspect fluid levels to make sure they are at optimum levels.
4.  They check the condition of your brake system.
5.  They make sure the battery connections are in top working order.
6.  They check for visible leaks in crictical systems that might indicate a problem.
7.  They also check the visual conditions of many components.

So protect yourself and your automotive investment with a comprehensive and complimentary Multi-Point Inspection at Ballweg today!

What are genuine GM parts and why are they recommended for my vehicle?

When you head down the Certified Service lane at Ballweg, you can be sure we carry a full line of Genuine GM Parts, each one designed and manufactured to exacting standards for your specific GM vehicle.  High-quality Genuine GM Parts are specifically designed, made and tested to help keep your GM vehicle running at peak performance and appearance-after all, your vehicle is an original.  It pays to keep it that way.  Whether you're restoring an old favorite or personalizing your newest vehicle, count on Genuine GM Parts to provide genuine dependability.

What are GM accessories and performance parts?

You own it-now make it yours.  Personalize your GM vehicle with the latest GM accessories and get the legendary power of GM's finest performance parts.  Select your favorite accessories, share your ideas with us and we'll use our Accessories Reference Catalog (ARC) to find the accessories you want.  Be confident that GM Accessories are designed to stand out and tested to stand up.  Allow us to arrange installation of your accessories so you can quickly get your new vehicle delivered the way you want it...designed by you.

What is Onstar Vehicle Diagnostics?

OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics is a powerfully simple way to know what your vehicle's key operating systems need.  If offers peace of mind by checking in with you every month to help make sure your vehicle is ready for the road.  Every month, it runs a thorough check of your engine, transmission, antilock brakes and more, so you know your vehicle's key systems are good to go.  It also checks your tire pressure, which can help maximize your fuel economy and your oil life so you only need to change your oil when it's time.  If you want a diagnostics check between emails, just push the OnStar button, and an Advisor can run a check while you're driving.  That's peace of mind, when you need it.  Visit www.onstar.com for more details and to enroll.  Make sure you select Ballweg Chevrolet as your preferred dealer while you are there, or simply push the Onstar button.  We will also receive a Dealer Maintenance Notification when your vehicle requires service and can assist you in setting up an appointment that is convenient for you.

What if my vehicle needs to be towed?

If your vehicle is under GM warranty, you can contact Roadside Assistance at 1.800.CHEV.USA (1.800.243.8872) and a Service Representative will assist you.  If your vehicle is not under warranty, you can request a tow online at www.ballweg.com; or call us at (608) 824-1330 and Service Representative will assist you in arranging towing services for your vehicle.