Chevy Silverado Model Comparison
The Chevy Silverado is a powerhouse workhorse that can get you around the greater Kansas City area, tackle any job, or leave pavement behind for off-road adventures. Rugged and dependable, the Silverado has more than earned its reputation. The only problem you’ll run into with the Chevy Silverado is picking between the three models and the several trims they offer.
Do you want a vehicle that can handle lighter jobs or tow the heaviest loads? Do you want a Silverado that will cruise the highways or one that will tackle all of the different types of terrain? Do you want a standard, comfortable ride, or one that’s outfitted with luxury comforts? And, perhaps most importantly, what’s your budget?
No matter what you need, there’s a Chevy Silverado just for you. In this Chevy Silverado comparison guide, we’ll go over the key specs and features of each model and trim to help you narrow down your search. Read on to find out which Silverado is right for your needs.
Read the rest of this entry »Explore the Chevy Truck Lineup
Chevrolet trucks have long been known for their power, performance, and reliability. With the new lineup for 2025, Chevrolet has added plenty of tech, comfort, and luxury to each vehicle. At McCarthy Chevrolet of Overland Park, conveniently located at 9201 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66212, we have the full lineup of Chevy trucks, including the popular Chevy Silverado and Chevy Colorado.
Need some help deciding which one is right for your needs? Let’s review the full Chevy truck lineup and go over their features, performance, and more to help you determine the perfect fit.
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The Chevy Silverado outperforms the Toyota Tundra by offering superior towing capacity, a wider variety of powerful engines, advanced technology features, better fuel efficiency, more interior space, enhanced durability, and stronger warranty coverage. These benefits make the Silverado the preferred full-size pickup for drivers prioritizing capability and comfort.
Read the rest of this entry »4 Great Road Trips from Kansas City
The Kansas City area is extremely centrally located within the U.S. That means if you want to take a road trip, you’re in a great starting place. Many other cities and interesting sights are just a few hours drive away from KC. With warmer weather on its way, it’s a great idea to take a fun road trip in your Chevrolet in the late spring or the summer.
Read the rest of this entry »20 Best Places with Birthday Freebies in Kansas City
It’s your birthday, and you can cry if you want to – but there’s no need to spill tears when you’ve got so many freebies to take advantage of! Whether you’re here in Kansas City or halfway across the country, these free goodies will ensure you end your b-day on a high note.
Read the rest of this entry »7 Symptoms & Warning Signs of Bad Spark Plugs
Cars won’t run forever. Eventually, even the best vehicle will feel a bit under the weather. While some car engine problems will be simply catastrophic, most will be minor, thankfully – including issues like bad or dirty spark plugs.
But how do you know if you need new spark plugs? Once you understand the usual signs of symptoms of a fouled spark plug in older vehicles, it’s much easier (and affordable!) to diagnose and fix the problem. Here are the 7 most common red flags telling you to check under the hood before those failing spark plugs fail completely.
Read the rest of this entry »Levels of Self-Driving Vehicles, Explained
Self-driving cars are coming. Multiple major auto manufacturers already have their own proprietary systems, which rely on a combo of high-res cameras, radar-based distance detection, and LiDAR to act as the vehicle’s “eyes.” This revolutionary tech allows them to do some pretty amazing things, and as this technology advances, we expect to see more and more people cruising down the highway hands-free style.
Whether you love or hate the idea of autonomous vehicles, we’re going to be sharing the road with them in our lifetime. While the current tech is no replacement for attentive driving, it’s getting better every year. Here’s the scoop on the different levels of vehicle self-driving.
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In the full-size SUV game, no other vehicles command awe and reverence quite like the Suburban and the Tahoe do. They’ve been the best-selling in their class for generations, and it’s easy to see why—they’re among the most spacious SUVs, they have the power to match a Chevy pickup truck, they feature some genuinely impressive tech and comfort features, and they’re available at a great price. What’s not to love?
And yet, despite their popularity, there’s still some understandable confusion about the differences between the Tahoe and the Suburban. If you’re one of the many who can’t tell them apart, read on to find out how to do so.
Read the rest of this entry »What’s New in the Redesigned 2025 Chevrolet Equinox?
The redesigned 2025 Chevy Equinox. represents a complete ground-up transformation of Chevy’s best-selling SUV. The new Equinox features three distinct trims (LT, RS, and ACTIV), an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enhanced safety technology including Chevy Safety Assist, a 1.5-liter turbo engine producing 175 horsepower, and a significantly wider athletic stance with optional two-tone roof colors. The 2025 Equinox delivers more interior space, advanced driver assistance features, and improved performance with selectable drive modes, all while maintaining Chevy’s commitment to competitive pricing.
Chevrolet has been busy redesigning its entire SUV lineup over the past two years, and the 2025 Equinox is the latest, and arguably the greatest, addition to the family. As the brand’s best-selling SUV, the all-new Equinox sets a new standard for technology, comfort, and capability in the compact SUV segment.
Read the rest of this entry »Signs of a Bad Heater Core in Your Car
What Are the Signs of a Bad Heater Core in Your Car and Why Is Your Car Heater Not Working?
A faulty heater core is a common reason why your car heater may stop working properly. The heater core warms the air circulated inside your vehicle, helping you stay comfortable and keeping your windshield clear during cold weather. If your car heater isn’t producing heat, it’s important to check for signs of a bad heater core, as this component is essential for cabin comfort and engine temperature regulation.
What Is a Heater Core and How Does It Work?
The heater core is a small radiator-like device connected to your vehicle’s engine cooling system. Hot coolant flows through it, and a fan blows air over the heated core, pushing warm air into the cabin. This system heats the interior during cold months and defrosts the windshield to improve visibility. The heater core is usually located inside the dashboard near the center and may require professional service to access.
Common Heater Core Signs and Why Your Car Heater Isn’t Working
Here are key signs that indicate your heater core may be failing:
The Heater Is Not Blowing Warm Air
If your heater blows cold or lukewarm air, your heater core might be clogged or broken. Debris can build up inside the core’s fins over time, restricting airflow. While some technicians can flush the system, improperly attempting to clear the blockage can damage the heater core or engine. Sudden heat loss often means the heater core has failed and needs replacement.
Windshield Won’t Defrost Properly
A working heater core is crucial for your defroster. If the windshield stays foggy or icy because warm air isn’t blowing through the defroster vents, it’s often due to heater core issues. Before assuming the core, check if the vent is blowing at all; a blend door problem or clogged vent might also be the cause.
You Smell Antifreeze Inside the Car
Coolant used in your vehicle’s heater core has a distinctive sweet smell. Detecting a fruity or sweet antifreeze odor inside the cabin usually means the heater core is leaking fluid. This leak can damage other components, so it’s best to have a professional diagnose and fix the issue immediately.
Coolant Leakage and Damp Carpets
Leaks can cause antifreeze to pool under your dashboard, resulting in a wet, sticky carpet and a persistent smell. If you find moisture on the floor, identify if it smells like antifreeze or just water from condensation. Antifreeze leakage is a strong sign the heater core needs repair or replacement.
Engine Overheating Issues
Since the heater core is part of the cooling system, leaks can reduce coolant levels, causing engine overheating. If your temperature gauge rises above normal, or your coolant needs frequent refills, it’s critical to have your vehicle inspected. Overheating can lead to costly engine damage if left unchecked.
How McCarthy Chevrolet Overland Park Can Help With Your Heater Core Problems
If your car heater is not working or you notice any of the symptoms above, trust McCarthy Chevrolet Overland Park’s expert service department for reliable diagnosis and repairs. Our certified technicians specialize in Chevy service maintenance and can quickly identify heater core issues and offer cost-effective solutions. Schedule your service appointment online or call us at 866-565-8106. Ask about our flexible service financing options to keep your car warm without worry.
Schedule Car Repairs in Kansas City
Is your car not acting right? Is the heat not pumping hot? Fret not, because McCarthy Chevy of Overland Park has an expert service department ready to go. Give us a call at 866-565-8106, and don’t forget to ask about our available service financing to help you get back on the road without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heater Core Problems
What causes a heater core to fail?
Heater cores commonly fail due to leaks, blockages from debris buildup, corrosion, or physical damage. Regular coolant maintenance helps prevent premature failure.
Can I drive with a bad heater core?
Driving with a faulty heater core can lead to no cabin heat, coolant leaks, foggy windows, and potential engine overheating. It’s safer to get the problem fixed promptly.
How long does a heater core replacement take?
Replacement times vary, but they usually take several hours because the dashboard often requires partial disassembly. A certified technician will provide an accurate estimate.
Is a bad heater core covered under warranty?
Coverage depends on your vehicle warranty and service agreements. McCarthy Chevrolet can help review your warranty status and recommend solutions.
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