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white buick encore front view

7 Standout Features of the 2020 Buick Encore GX

The stunning new 2020 Buick Encore GX has been designed to keep you and your family safe and comfortable for years to come. Here are seven standout features that showcase why the new Encore is so exceptional. 1. Forward Collision Alert with Automatic Emergency Braking This innovative new safety system actively scans the road ahead and will notify you if a potential upcoming collision seems possible. The system also features Automatic Emergency Braking, which will autonomously apply the brakes if a collision is imminent to avoid the accident or minimize the damage. more 2. Front Pedestrian Braking Another smart new braking feature is the Front Pedestrian Braking System, which can detect pedestrians in your path of travel and notify you about their presence. If you are unable to brake manually, the system will automatically brake to avoid a pedestrian collision. 3. Following Distance Indicator One of the most clever and practical new features is the Following Distance Indicator, which detects the vehicle ahead of you and will provide information such as the distance of the vehicle, as well as your following distance in seconds. This way, you will always be able to ensure that you are following at a safe distance. 4. Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning When drivers become tired while driving, it's possible to begin drifting unintentionally, and this has been the cause of countless accidents. Fortunately, the Lane Keep Assist system has been designed to prevent these types of accidents from occurring to you. This system actively scans the lane markings on the road and can notify you if you begin drifting. The system can also provide steering support to help keep you centered in your lane. 5. Automatic Parking Assist with Braking One of the most advanced smart parking systems available anywhere, the new-and-improved Automatic Parking Assist System can automatically steer and brake to help you park with ease. The system even provides simple text-based directions to help you manage gear changes when parking. The onboard Rear Vision Camera System aids you further by showing you a real-time display of the environment behind you in stunning high definition. 6. Adaptive Cruise Control Camera The available Adaptive Cruise Control Camera is an intelligent feature that takes cruise control to a whole new level. The system uses a built-in camera to detect the vehicle ahead of you and can be set to automatically follow that vehicle from a safe pre-defined following distance. 7. Intellibeam Headlamps This impressive system uses new camera technology to detect the lighting and traffic conditions outside the vehicle and will automatically adjust to provide you with optimal lighting at all times. The system can also detect vehicles in front of you and will adjust to prevent any drivers ahead from being blinded. All these and many more features show why there has never been a more exciting time to get behind the wheel of a new Buick. Contact Stone Chevy Buick GMC to book a test drive or learn more.

farm house and shed in a field

Five Fantastic State Parks Near Tulare, CA

Located to the west of Sequoia National Forest is the town of Tulare. This small town has some great outdoor spaces in and around the area. When you're looking to spend your day outside, you have multiple places to choose from. Check out these five fantastic state parks near Tulare, CA. 1. Cypress Park Cypress Park is a small community park in Tulare. Here you'll find a multitude of activities. There are volleyball and basketball courts and a lighted softball field if you're interested in playing sports. If you're looking to have a get-together with friends and family, you can rent a sheltered pavilion that includes barbecue grills. You can spend the day outside with your loved ones eating food, playing sports, and spending the day taking in the fresh air. more 2. Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park This park gained its name from the man who founded the town of Earlimart, Colonel Allensworth. This historic state park features reconstructed 20th-century buildings showcasing the Colonel's home, a schoolhouse, courthouse, library, and a church. You can spend the day here learning all about the history this place holds, all while spending time in the great outdoors. You can take a tour of the grounds, camp here, as well as bike through the park. 3. Millerton Lake An hour north of Tulare is Millerton Lake State Recreation Area. At this park, you'll find all your favorite water activities as well as your traditional park ones. The lake features forty miles of shoreline, perfect for spending your day on the water. If you're not interested in boating or swimming, there are plenty of hiking trails located in the mountains surrounding the lake. You can also spend your day wildlife spotting. During the winter months, you can see Bald Eagles. 4. Mooney Grove Park Mooney Grove takes pride in the preservation of its Oak Trees. This park came about when Hugh Mooney feared that the Oak trees in the valley were disappearing. He created this park to ensure their preservation. You'll see a large statue of Mooney featured in the park. One of the biggest attractions of this park is the lagoon. It has ducks and geese that you can observe and feed. If you prefer to fish, the lagoon is open to fishing. 5. Del Lago Del Lago is a community park located in town. This larger park has six picnic shelters that you can rent, each fitting roughly 50 people. This park features a water play area for those really hot California days. You'll find various walking paths here that you can use for exercise or for a leisurely stroll. There's also a small lake that you can spend your day fishing in. For children, there is a designated play area if they're not interested in walking or playing sports. California has some of the most beautiful parks in the United States. You don't have to travel to one of their nine National Parks to enjoy the beauty. There are plenty of excellent parks locally. Stop by Stone Chevy Buick GMC today for even more suggestions on parks to visit.

Chinese Beef food dish with vegetables

4 Great Places for Chinese Food in Tulare, CA

Most people who love a great Chinese meal know just how hard it can be to find that perfect restaurant that does things just right. That's why we're here to help you out with some tips and guidance on where you can go to enjoy some tasty Chinese dishes when you're in town. With the list, we hope to introduce you to four great places to find some excellent Chinese food in and around the Tulare, CA area. 1. China Garden Perhaps the greatest appeal of a Chinese restaurant like China Garden is the fact that the menu is brief and to the point. The staff here likes to perfect a few dishes rather than dividing up their food into several different dishes. However, there is still plenty of variety here to meet the needs of each person in your party. If you're looking for the right flavors that match up with traditional Chinese meals, then be sure to try out China Garden's Chicken Chow Mein, Mu Shu Chicken, or Spicy Kung Pao Beef. These dishes, like the rest of the restaurant's menu, are infused with classic Chinese flavors like Sichuan peppercorns, chilis, and ginger. more 2. Lucky Star Chinese Restaurant Lucky Star Chinese Restaurant is a small and modest Chinese restaurant. Despite its size and minimal approach to Chinese dishes, the entrees on the menu here pack a real punch, both in terms of flavor and value. Lucky Star doesn't aim to break the mold with its dishes, instead, it strives to offer guests a distinct dining experience built upon a solid foundation of traditional Chinese dishes. For example, you may want to try out Lucky Star's Pot Stickers and Egg Foo Young for a desirable combination of Chinese staples. On top of this, Lucky Star is happy to offer the more daring guests some spicy dishes that can heat things up quickly. Many of their seafood dishes also use fish and shellfish in interesting contexts to create unique and memorable meals. 3. Grand Star Buffet As one of the more notable buffets in the area, Grand Star Buffet is sure to satisfy those who have a big appetite. As with many Chinese buffets, Grand Star aims to rotate their special dishes to keep things fresh and exciting. But don't worry, you'll always be able to find those reliable staples here such as Crab Rangoons, Orange Chicken, Shrimp Fried Rice, and Chicken Lo Mein, too. The buffet is also quite generous with its offering of more Americanized Chinese dishes. You can find some savory American treats and desserts here that will provide the perfect closer to a tasty meal. The perfect Chinese restaurant is never too far away when you find yourself in the local area. With such a wealth of great spots to try out, we hope you'll keep returning to enjoy all those Chinese dishes that you love so much. Contact the team at Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC today for more information on all of our vehicle options for you and your loved ones.

Chevy Bolt on the road, back right angle view

Take the Ultimate Road Trip in the Chevy Bolt

Looking for the perfect road trip vehicle? You need a few key elements for an enjoyable ride. These include a comfortable interior, plenty of cargo space, appealing safety and tech features, and excellent efficiency. One model that has it all is the 2021 Chevy Bolt, which showcases a redesigned exterior and a long list of standard and available features. Comfortable Interior One of the major enhancements made to the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt is to the seats which now offer a more comfortable ride on a long trip. The front seats boast adjustable lumbar support, high-end stitching, and soft materials that keep the driver and front passenger feeling good. The steering wheel has also been upgraded, showing off a sporty flat bottom that feels sleek and properly weighted in your hands. Plenty of Cargo Space The Bolt has a surprisingly spacious cabin and plenty of room for all your cargo in the rear. In fact, this model has more cargo space than most other vehicles in the electric and hybrid car class, boasting 16.9 cubic feet of space when the rear seats are up. Fold them down and you'll have 56.6 cubic feet of space for anything you plan to bring on your road trip. You can also get a false cargo floor on the top trim that provides a flat load floor when the rear seats are down. more Appealing Safety and Tech Features Chevy added Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration to the list of features on the 2021 Bolt, making it easier to connect wirelessly and enjoy your favorite tunes or find your destination with the navigation functionality. The infotainment system in the Bolt also got a significant upgrade that gives it improved functionality along with multiple USB-C ports that are powerful enough to charge tablets. A wireless device charger is also available in the lineup, and it's located in the dashboard where it allows for both wireless charging and smartphone integration projection. On the safety side, the Bolt boasts high safety ratings and a number of active and passive features. All trims include 10 air bags, a rearview camera, LED daytime running lamps, OnStar emergency telecommunications, and stability and traction control. An optional package bundles lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning with automatic braking. Excellent Efficiency The electric Chevy Bolt can drive up to 259 miles on a single charge, which means you have plenty of time to explore before you need to connect to the charger. You can also upgrade to a DC fast charger which is especially helpful when you're on the road for longer periods of time. The powertrain features a 66-kWh lithium-ion battery mounted beneath the floor, an electric motor, and a single-speed transmission. The combined output is 266 pound-feet of torque and 200 horsepower. Visit Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC in Tulare, CA to take the 2021 Chevy Bolt for a test drive. Find out for yourself what makes this the ultimate road trip vehicle. Our friendly sales team is always ready to answer your questions and help you find a vehicle that will fit your needs.

vehicle close up tire

4 Tasks to Keep Your Tires in Perfect Shape

Often, one of the most overlooked parts of a vehicle is the tires. Keeping tires in top-notch shape is a must. Having quality tires allows your vehicle to handle better, increases gas mileage, can save money, and keeps you from being stranded. Here are four tasks to keep your tires in perfect shape. 1. Check Air Pressure The first task that most people neglect to do is to check your tire's air pressure. This should be completed once a month or after a long trip. It's best to check the pressure in your car in the morning before you start driving. Check the pressure in all four wheels, plus the spare. Having the proper pressure in your tires will save you money by increasing the life of the tire and by improving the performance of your vehicle, resulting in better gas mileage. The next time you are at the hardware store, pick up a quality tire gauge so that you can properly check your tire pressure. more 2. Have Alignment Checked Next, having an alignment performed on your vehicle will ensure your tires are wearing properly. An alignment should be completed anytime new tires are installed, suspension work has been completed, unusual tire wear is noticed, or if the vehicle has encountered a major road hazard or curb. There are different types of alignments. Check with your mechanic to see which type is best for your vehicle. 3. Rotate Your Tires Another task to perform to keep your tires in perfect condition is tire rotation. You want to rotate your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. When you get your oil changed, get your tires rotated. This will allow you to kill two birds with one stone, and they will both be on the same schedule. Tire rotation will allow your tires to wear evenly, providing you with better maneuvering and control. 4. Look at Tire Tread Checking your tire's tread is another task you can complete to keep your tires in tip-top shape. A trick you can use to determine if your tire tread is sufficient is to use a quarter. Put Washington's head face down in the tire tread. If any part of his head is obscured, you have enough tread. Tire tread makes a big difference when it comes to stopping your vehicle. Studies have shown that tires with low tread can take well over 250 feet to stop in the rain. With decent tread, the same tire will take under 200 feet to stop in the same conditions. Get out your quarters and check your tread so that you can keep your family safe. It's also important to note that you should keep the better tread on the rear tires. The reasoning for this is because deeper tread will grip the pavement better. This will help prevent your car from hydroplaning or fishtailing. Having better tread in the back corrects any of these issues faster. Taking care of your tires is essential when owning a vehicle. These are a few simple tasks you can complete to keep your tires up to par. The rubber is what hits the road, and keeping your tires in perfect condition will keep you and your family safe. If you have any questions about your tires contact us at Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC, we are here to help in any way we can! Image via Pixabay.com by Mikes-Photography

person checking car oil on white cloth

Choosing the Right Oil for Your Vehicle

Most drivers understand the importance of engine oil. It helps lubricate your car's internal parts, keeps them cool, and prevents wear and tear. Choosing the right oil for your vehicle can be a bit tricky. Use this guide to sort out all those numbers, letters, and terms so you can go home from the auto parts store with the right product. Viscosity Viscosity indicates how easily oil pours at a specified temperature. On the label, that's the number before the W — which stands for "winter." It refers to how thick the oil is at zero degrees Fahrenheit. The second number after the dash refers to its thickness at 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Motor oil thins when it heats up and thickens as it cools. Thicker oil does a better job of maintaining a protective film between moving parts. The higher that second number, 10W-40 versus 10W-30, the more resistant that particular bottle of oil is to thinning. more In low temperatures, the oil must resist thickening in order to flow properly throughout your engine. If it's too thick, it will be more difficult to start your car, and it may adversely affect your fuel economy ratings. A lower number before the W is the best choice for cold-weather performance, like a 5W product. Premium Conventional Oil When you look at the oil on the shelves of your local auto parts store, you'll see types for all kinds of purposes. Premium conventional oil is the new-car standard. It's available in several choices for viscosity, such as 5W-20, 5W-30, and 10W-30. These three choices work well for most light-duty vehicles. Full Synthetic Oil If your vehicle is equipped with a high-tech engine like the latest model Corvette or it's designed for heavy-duty use, such as the Silverado, you may want to consider a full synthetic oil. These products have passed stringent tests for superior, long-lasting performance. They are designed to deliver better flow at low temperatures, and they resist breakdown in high heat. This is one of the most expensive options, though, and not every engine needs it. If you're commuting with a Malibu sedan, don't waste your money on full synthetics. Synthetic Blend Oil Just like it sounds, this type of engine oil is a blend of synthetic and organic lubricants. It's an ideal choice if you're towing heavy loads or consistently driving in high temperatures. They resist oil loss from evaporation and increase fuel economy. These blends are popular with truck and SUV owners who want extra protection for less than the cost of a fully synthetic product. Changing Your Oil There's a ton of controversy about how often you should change your oil. Some experts recommend every 4,000 miles, while others say at least twice a year. The best resource to answer this question is your owner's manual. If you're still unsure when to perform this routine maintenance, visit the experts at Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC service center. Oil is vital to keeping your car's engine running smoothly. Use this guide to help choose the right one for your vehicle. Image via Pixaby.com by Skica911

exterior front rear of a silver 2021 chevy blazer

Get to Know the New 2021 Chevy Blazer

Are you on the lookout for a high-performance SUV? Take a look at the Chevy Blazer. It offers a powerful lineup of engine options, outstanding fuel economy, and loads of standard tech. Let's get to know the 2021 Blazer. Fuel-Sipping Engines Take your pick of three engines under the hood of your new Blazer. There's the stock 2.5-liter four-cylinder, the peppy 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, or the energetic 3.6-liter V-6. The base motor is good for 193 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque, while the midrange option puts out 230 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The range-topping powertrain makes enough power for any driving situation and is rated at 308 ponies and 270 pound-feet of rotational force. No matter which powerhouse you select, it comes mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Where this Chevy crossover really shines is at the pump. The four-cylinder earns an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg highway. The turbo puts up even better numbers at 22 city and 29 highway. The V-6 behemoth gets 20/27 mpg when outfitted with front-wheel drive or 19/26 mpg with the added traction of all-wheel drive. more Outstanding Performance The new Blazer offers a perfect combination of comfort and sportiness, especially the performance-oriented RS variant. This SUV's agile steering takes turns with ease and its smooth suspension sails over most flaws in the pavement. Dial-in its performance with drive modes with five available settings, including snow, tour, sport, off-road, and tow. Speaking of towing, how does a 4,500-pound capability sound to you? This crossover also touts an above-average, four out of five predicted reliability rating. Inviting Interior The 2021 Blazer seats up to five passengers across two rows. The front seats offer plenty of space for adults, while the back row is more suited for kids because of this crossover's attractive sloping roofline. The cloth seats are comfy and supportive, and Chevy offers some very enticing upgrades, including leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated seats in both rows. Most SUV shoppers want loads of cargo room, and the Blazer delivers. Get between 30.5 and 64.2 cubic feet of storage. That's tons of room for groceries, luggage, and sporting gear. Conveniently access the space with nifty options like rear-seat folding levers, a hands-free power liftgate, and Chevy's innovative cargo management system. Advanced Safety Features For the 2021 model year, Chevy equipped the Blazer with even more standard safety features on upper-level trims. Thanks to these innovations, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave this new crossover a perfect overall safety rating of five out of five stars. Available driver assistance tools include lane keep assist, lane change alert, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. There's also high-speed automatic emergency braking, a surround-view parking camera system, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and a safety alert seat. Head to Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC today and get to know the new Blazer. It just might be the perfect choice for your new SUV.

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