Little Rock, AR isn’t just the capital city of the Natural State, it’s also Arkansas’ cultural and historical center, with lots of fascinating museums for visitors to explore and enjoy. Whether you want to take a tour of an Oval Office replica, admire awe-inspiring art, or learn all about history through handbags, you can find it all in this amazing city. Read on to learn all about some of the best museums Little Rock has to offer.
5 of the Best Museums to Visit in Little Rock, AR
1. Clinton Presidential Center
The Clinton Presidential Center is one of Little Rock’s most iconic, must-see landmarks. Home to the presidential library of Bill Clinton, this museum complex covers 17 acres of land and includes a full-scale replica of the Clinton-era Oval Office and Cabinet Room, as well as hosting a fascinating selection of items and artifacts from Clinton’s time as the 42nd President.
2. ESSE Purse Museum
For something totally different, head on down to the ESSE Purse Museum. As the name implies, this museum is dedicated to purses and handbags, using these everyday items to tell a whole host of fascinating stories. The museum is filled with hundreds of handbags from the 20th century, complete with the items that many women used to store inside them. Each bag provides a glimpse into the past, showing how women’s lives have evolved over the decades.
3. Arkansas Arts Center
4. Museum of Discovery
5. MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History
So, if you’re in Little Rock and looking for a great day out, you can take your pick from any of these amazing museums! While in the city, you might also need some auto services or repair. Visit Crain Chevrolet for all your auto needs, from oil changes to collision repairs.
Every driver wants the highest level of security for themselves and their passengers possible, and modern car safety features allow you to achieve that high degree of peace of mind. Here are some of the safety features that will be protecting you out on the road when you get your next vehicle from your local Chevy dealer.
7 Great Car Safety Features You’ll Find in Vehicles at Your Chevy Dealer
1. Safety Alert Seat
Every aspect of your Chevy is designed to keep you as safe as possible, and that even includes your driver’s seat when you equip it with this available safety feature. You’ll be alerted to potential obstacles all around you by vibration pulses on either the left, right, or center of your seat depending on where the threat is.
2. Teen Driver Technology
Adjustable settings with this feature allow you to monitor the driving habits of any young drivers you’re sharing your chevy with. This feature provides an in-vehicle report card that helps you to identify how your teen has been driving so that you can continue to help them improve in necessary areas.
3. Adaptive Cruise Control
The cruise control that you’re used to gets a big improvement with the addition of this safety feature. You’ll be able to set a pre-selected gap to maintain between yourself and other drivers. Adaptive cruise control will then adjust your speed accordingly to maintain that gap as you cruise down the highway.
4. High-Definition Surround Vision
Along with the standard rear vision camera and frontal view you’ll have available to you, this feature uses multiple cameras to provide you with a digital overhead image of your vehicle and its surroundings. That gives you a level of awareness that wasn’t possible before so that you’re never caught off guard by obstacles around you.
5. Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
Take the stress and uncertainty out of shifting lanes or merging on the highway with the extra set of eyes that this feature provides for you. You’ll receive an alert when you indicate to change lanes if there’s another vehicle approaching so that you can navigate safely.
6. Rear Park Assist
Plenty of accidents can occur in the tight confines that parking lots restrict you to. This feature mitigates that risk by providing alerts when it senses objects behind you that you’re coming too close to. That will help you avoid collisions that can result from unseen obstacles when you’re in reverse.
7. Rear Cross Traffic Alert
You’ll have even more protection when backing out of a parking space or driveway thanks to the rear cross-traffic alert feature. If traffic is approaching from either direction in the space that you’re reversing out into, you’ll receive an alert letting you know to wait for traffic to pass before completing the maneuver.
Have any questions about all the ways that Chevy vehicles are designed to keep you safe? Our team of experts can answer any questions you have and set you up with a vehicle that has all the safety features you’re looking for. Learn more at Crain Chevrolet today!
Does Your Chevy Need a Brake Repair?
Your car needs a lot of maintenance, and things can go wrong even if you keep up with your maintenance schedule. Problems can occur at any time, and you may end up requiring a brake repair from your Little Rock, AR Chevy dealer. Your vehicle will warn you about your faulty brakes in several ways, so look at the signs below so you’ll know when to visit the dealer for a repair.
Signs You Need a Brake Repair From Your Chevy Dealer In Little Rock, AR
1. Your Brake Light Is On
Most vehicles these days have a brake light that switches on when your brakes require some maintenance. It’s a red, yellow, or orange light that’s difficult to miss. Get a brake inspection when the brake light comes on, as getting the problem fixed ASAP will save you hardship. Your local dealership is full of highly qualified technicians who are happy to work on your Chevy.
2. Your Vehicle Vibrates While Driving
Your steering wheel may vibrate when you’re driving. This is another indicator of brake problems. An uneven rotor is the most likely culprit when you experience this vibration, so it’s time to get them replaced. Your brake pads may also be unevenly worn. Don’t worry too much about this problem, as replacing your brake pads and rotors isn’t difficult or expensive.
3. Your Ride Gets Noisier
You should always get your vehicle checked out if any new noises crop up while you’re driving. If your ride is suddenly noisy thanks to grinding and squealing sounds, then it’s most likely your brakes that are causing it. Squealing noises usually indicate that you need to replace your brake pads, and grinding sounds are usually caused by worn brake pads or debris stuck in your caliper unit. You’ll need to get these issues fixed as soon as possible.
4. Your Vehicle Is Leaking Fluid
Always inspect the area around your vehicle before taking any journey. If you spot a wet patch under it, then you most likely have a fluid leak. If this wet patch is colorless and oily, then it’s highly likely to be brake fluid. Don’t drive if your vehicle is leaking, as that’s going to put you in danger, and you’ll endanger everyone else on the road at the same time. Have someone haul you to the dealer to get your leak repaired.
5. Your Brake Pedal Is Soft
Be mindful of your brake pedal’s resistance. If it has less resistance than usual, or if it feels spongy in any way, then you need to get to the dealer as soon as you can. There are lots of things that can cause this issue to arise, and some are worse than others. Sometimes your brakes will be less responsive when you’re having this problem, too, so having it repaired should be at the top of your to-do list.
Needing a repair on your brakes can lead to you feeling overwhelmed. Visit Crain Chevrolet so we can take your worries away. We’ll repair your brakes easily, and we’ll answer your burning questions while we do it.
The alternator is essential to produce power for your car. It charges the battery and provides energy for all your car’s electrical components. A damaged alternator can leave you stuck on the side of the road with a dead battery. To prevent this awful situation, as your Chevy dealer in Little Rock, AR we would like you to know the signs that you may need an alternator repair.
Top 4 Signs You Need an Alternator Repair With Your Chevy Dealer in Little Rock, AR
Whining or Growling Sounds
Strange noises from the engine are never good to hear, but they are a warning that something is wrong. The alternator is connected to the crankshaft by a long belt called the serpentine belt.
The pulley may not be correctly aligned to the belt anymore, or the bearings of the bushing may have worn. These horrible sounds are a clue that there is something wrong with your alternator. Our technicians will check and can repair or replace any of the troublesome parts.
Random Electrical Failures
The alternator provides all the power to your electrical system. If your alternator is failing, it cannot produce enough power to meet all the electrical demands and strange glitches can start to happen. Windshield wipers, for example, may work intermittently or suddenly stop working altogether. These glitches will occur randomly, but as the alternator weakens further they will appear more and more frequently.
A random electrical issue can occur for any number of reasons and is not necessarily a cause for concern. Continual electrical problems, however, are a sign that there is an electrical system problem.
Battery Problems
A car’s battery provides the power to start your ignition, and after that, the alternator takes over and supplies your car’s power. The alternator also recharges the battery as the car move.
A damaged alternator will not be able to provide enough power to charge the battery, and the battery will die. It is possible for the battery to just wear out, as their normal lifespan is 3-5 years but if it fails before this the problem could be with the alternator.
Damaged Cables
The electrical system transmits power to all the electrical components via cables. Cables can suffer wear, and they can be damaged and this can cause electrical components, like heated seats, to malfunction. Your alternator may be working perfectly, but its power is not be transmitted to where it’s needed.
As the alternator tries to force more power through a damaged cable, the cable can start to burn. Burning wiring is a nasty and easily-identifiable smell. Call our service department, and we will find and replace the damaged wiring.
A faulty alternator is not good, but the signs above are warnings that it is failing and needs to be replaced as soon as possible. Contact our service department right away at Crain Chevrolet, and our technicians will replace your alternator with a new OEM one. We will have you back on the road in no time.
Car financing is a great way for you to purchase a vehicle over several months or years and avoid a large upfront payment. In Little Rock, AR, your local Chevy dealer can offer you great rates and a wide variety of options. But how can you gain access to them? Today, we’ll go through some tips on how to get started and where to find help if you get stuck.
3 Tips for Getting Car Financing Through Your Little Rock, AR Chevy Dealer
1. Know What You Need
Most financial experts agree that the total cost of all cars in your household shouldn’t exceed 20-30% of your household budget. However, this will depend on your income and your financial goals. Speak to the other decision-makers in your household and use the payment calculators on the dealership’s website to find out what kinds of cars you could afford to purchase.
2. Know What You Want
Figure out which models could meet your needs and how you might like to customize them. Then, you can get in touch with the dealership and schedule a test drive. Remember that you can further alter the vehicles you drive and custom-order them from the manufacturer.
3. Make Use of All Resources
There are many ways of benefitting from your local dealership’s car loan program, and you can find out more online or speak to a team member. Once you know what you can afford and which cars might be of interest, the application process will be easy. Get in touch with us now at Crain Chevrolet and book your Chevy test drive.
6 Favorite Local Attractions Near Little Rock, AR
Little Rock, AR, the State Capitol, is stooped in history and culture. The city’s unique architecture, the spectacular six bridges that span over the Arkansas River, and the fascinating history of the region offer visitors a wealth of outstanding local attractions.
6 Favorite Local Attractions Near Little Rock, AR
1. The Six Bridges
The six bridges that span over the Arkansas River are the most striking feature of Little Rock. The 90-foot high Big Dam Bridge, the longest pedestrian and cyclist bridge in North America, spans a colossal 4,226 feet across the river. The bridge connects over fourteen miles of trails along the riverside. Baring Cross Bridge, the first bridge, opened in 1873 and is the most western of the bridges.
The 1,800 foot long Junction Bridge was formerly a railway bridge but is now used for walking, cycling, and skating. The Clinton Presidential Park Bridge is a 1,614-foot long footbridge, and the Two Rivers Bridge can also be used for cycling. Broadway Bridge has an enclosed 16-foot wide BikePed lane that runs to the Dickey-Stephens Ballpark.
2. The Real Little Rock
Le Petit Roche means little rock and is one of the premier landmarks in Arkansas. Le Petit Roche is on the north side of the river in Le Petit Roche Plaza. This is the very rock that French explorer Jean-Baptiste Bernard de la Harpe, who voyaged up the Arkansas River in 1722, described in his writings. There are historical panels at the site with photographs displaying the history of La Petite Roche.
3. The Yellow Streetcars
Hop on a yellow vintage replica streetcar and explore the city’s multiple attractions, stores, and restaurants. The streetcars first began to operate in 1876, but the services were discontinued in 1947. The streetcars were re-introduced in 2004 and now run for 3.4 miles along the streets seven days a week. They even cross over the Arkansas River to the historic Argenta district, connecting Little Rock to North Little Rock.
4. Arkansas State Capitol
The Arkansas State Capitol, a beautiful example of the neo-classical style, was built in 1899 on the site of the old state penitentiary and completed in 1915 and is home to the Arkansas government. The building, with its ornate marble and limestone, has a gold leaf 213 feet cupola.
5. Old State House Museum
The Old State House, designated a United States National Historic Landmark, is a place of great historical and cultural significance. The Old State House was built between 1833 and 1842 and is the oldest state capitol building west of the Mississippi River. The museum displays a collection of permanent and rotating exhibits throughout the year reflecting the culture and history of Arkansas.
6. The Museum of Discovery
The oldest museum in the city is the Museum of Discovery that first opened its doors in 1927. The museum showcases an astounding collection of over 14,000 historical and cultural artifacts. Visitors can explore 90 interactive exhibits on science, engineering, technology, mathematics, and art. The museum is also home to the Guinness World Record musical bi-polar Tesla coil. The museum hosts various educational programs, field trips, and summer camps.
Visit the city’s fascinating attractions and learn more about the region’s captivating history. Contact Crain Chevrolet today, and our team of automotive experts will take care of all your vehicle requirements.
If you’re in Little Rock, AR, and looking for some useful Chevy maintenance tips to keep your car in good shape, you’ve come to the right place.
4 Smart Chevy Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Car in Great Shape in Little Rock, AR
1. Read Your Owner’s Manual First
If you’ve just purchased your new Chevy, then you’re probably pretty excited! You might be itching to hop behind the wheel and take your car for a spin around town. But if you want your new Chevy to last a long time, then you might want to wait.
Before you take your car for a drive, you should spend some time with your owner’s manual. This is a really important document since it outlines basic maintenance information, as well as the way your car’s safety and infotainment systems work. After you’ve read the manual thoroughly, it’s a good idea to keep it somewhere close by, like in your glove box.
2. Maintain Your Car’s Fluid Levels
You may be familiar with some of the fluids that your car uses to run effectively. This includes your transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, and engine oil.
You should make sure that you’re taking a look at your fluids regularly to make sure that they’re at the right levels. Also keep an eye out for common signs of leaking and other issues, like levels going down rapidly or the fluids becoming an unusual color.
3. Clean Your Car Often
Washing your car will help your Chevy look it’s very best at all times. But cleaning your car isn’t only about looks. Making sure that your car is clean will also help it to last longer. Grime and dirt buildup can cause a lot of damage to your car’s paint job as well as its undercarriage.
You should aim to wash your car every two weeks or so. However, if you’re driving in particularly dirty areas, you might want to wash your car more frequently than that.
4. Check Your Tire Pressure
Are you checking your tire pressure often? In general, you should be checking at least once a month. Keeping a pressure gauge in your car with you will help you be able to check you’re the pressure of your Chevy’s tires quickly and easily. Your owner’s manual will outline what a healthy pressure for your tires looks like.
There are a few points in the year where you may need to check your tires more frequently than once a month. During the change in seasons, the outside air pressure can affect you’re the pressure of your tires. You might want to check every couple of weeks.
Chevy vehicles are built to be sturdy and long-lasting. But that doesn’t mean that you should forget about your car’s maintenance. If you want your car to last as long as possible, then knowing a few basic maintenance tips and coming in for regular servicing will help. Is it time to bring your car in? Visit us today at Crain Chevrolet.
4 Things to Love About the 2022 Chevy Trailblazer
It is hard when the kids are growing to make sure everyone can pile into the car comfortably; teenagers don’t fit into the back of the sedan-like they did when they were toddlers. But, as the kids grow, so do the adventures you want to take with your family. The perfect solution is the 2022 Chevy Trailblazer.
4 Things to Love About the 2022 Chevy Trailblazer
1. Space
The 2022 Trailblazer seats five in a spacious interior. Additionally, this small SUV boasts best-in-class rear-seat legroom. This means that no matter where you are riding, be it the front, or the second row, you have the space to ride comfortably.
This SUV also has truly excellent cargo space. The front passenger seat and the 40/60 second row can fold flat to give you an astounding 8.5ft of max cargo length. In addition to the hands-free power liftgate, this small SUV also has a reversible two-tier adaptable cargo storage system. So you will always have room for your passengers and their luggage.
2. Performance
The Trailblazer has multiple drive modes to give you your best traction on every surface. The first mode is normal for your everyday drives to the grocery store or the inlaws. Available AWD, the second mode, is perfect for winter driving or trails. The third mode, Sport, gives this small SUV a delightfully sporty feel while driving. Additionally, the FWD models have Snow mode rather than AWD to help you be prepared for any situation.
This SUV packs a mighty 174lb-ft max available torque to ensure you are good to go no matter what cargo you are hauling. The Ecotec 1.2L engine comes standard and gives you deceptively smooth acceleration with a wonderful 29mpg city and 34mpg highway.
3. Style
Many small SUVs on the market look awkward and squished. This isn’t true for the sleek and sporty 2022 Trailblazer. This SUV has three trim levels. The Activ trim has nine exterior color options and two interior color options. The RS trim has eight exterior colors available, and the LT has eight exterior colors and four interior colors to choose from. So you can drive in style and comfort.
4. Safety
Chevy has packed this small SUV with the best of the best when it comes to safety systems. The Standard Chevy Safety Assist has six safety features that work hard to avoid collisions before they happen. Lane keeps assist with lane departure warning is perfect for multilane highways. Intellibeam high beam assist helps to toggle between your high and low beams depending on the situation around you.
Additional safety features such as Chevy’s Teen Driver technology make this vehicle perfect for you or your teen drivers. So you can rest easy knowing that your car is hard at work keeping you and your family safe.
No matter where your family loves to vacation, whether it is lobster fishing in Maine or partying in New Orleans, we want to help you get there. Come visit us at Crain Chevrolet of Little Rock today to test drive your new 2022 Trailblazer.
7 Incredible Outdoor Activities Near Little Rock, AR
As the state’s capital, Little Rock, AR is packed with museums and cultural centers, great eateries, peaceful parks, and beautiful natural surroundings, with a stunning state park right in its backyard. For anyone seeking fun, refreshing outdoor activities, this city has more than enough to choose from.
7 Incredible Outdoor Activities Near Little Rock, AR
Climbing Pinnacle Mountain
Just to the west of the city lies Pinnacle Mountain State Park. Climbing its slopes is a favorite weekend activity for the locals. At the peak, you can soak in glorious sunset views of the surrounding marshlands. The climb is easy enough for family trips. Just be sure to take a flashlight for the descending journey.
Biking at Two Rivers Park
For the prettiest views in town, this huge park has broad biking paths for a leisurely ride past gorgeous scenery of mountains and lowlands. You’ll pass through swathes of open grassland, smattered with flowers and ideal spots for picnics. The nice level ground of this park makes it perfect for youngsters and less experienced cyclists.
Camping at Indian Lakes
There’s a multitude of great camping locations around the city. Certainly one of the best is Indian Lakes campground. Here, you can set up your tent right beside the river, with your own little pier reaching out over the water. Each tent site has its own fire pit and picnic table, and most also have electricity. There’s even a swimming area with a diving platform and slides.
Kayaking on Little Maumelle River
You can rent kayaks and paddleboards at Rock Town River Outfitters to either explore the waters on your own or have a guided sunset tour. Paddle and glide over glistening stretches of the lazily meandering river and feel a sense of awe and peace as you soak in the beauty of it all, far from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Farming and Gardening at Heifer Village
For something a little different, take your family on an educational day trip to Heifer Village. In this pleasant little community, you can experience interactive exhibits with hands-on activities to teach you all about farming, gardening, animal husbandry, and self-sufficiency. Interactions with the farm animals are a particular treat for children.
Fishing at Lake Conway
A short drive outside town is the country’s largest man-made game and fish commission. Spend a peaceful day catching largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, crappies, and many more kinds of fish from this scenic, well-stocked 6,700-acre lake. You can easily rent boats, rods, and fishing supplies from stores around the waterfront.
Appreciate Art at Wildwood Park for the Arts
In an inspiring combination of nature and art, Wildwood Park for the Arts is a treat for your senses. As you roam through these carefully cultivated landscapes and woodlands, you’ll come across many delightful artsy encounters. You can also take part in music and art classes, and even watch theatrical performances.
Whichever of these activities you go for, once you’ve spent a day escaping into nature, pay a visit to Crain Chevrolet for vehicle purchasing and servicing solutions tailored with care to you and your needs.
Are you ready to buy a new car? There are several reasons why you’ll want to head to your local Little Rock, AR Chevrolet dealership to shop for your vehicle. Here are four of the biggest ones.
4 Reasons to Purchase Your New Chevy at Your Little Rock, AR Chevrolet Dealer
1. Helpful Advice
Buying a new car is a really exciting experience, but it can also be confusing. There are so many options available, and while having plenty of great choices is important, it might also feel overwhelming.
When you shop at your local dealer, you can trust you’ll get the best advice possible. As the staff at your dealer get to know you, they’ll be able to point you towards the perfect vehicle for you. And, since the staff works exclusively with Chevy vehicles, you’ll know you’re getting expert advice.
2. Warranties
One of the major downsides of buying a vehicle from a third-party seller is that it’s unlikely that you’ll get a warranty to go along with your vehicle. This might not seem like a big issue at first. After all, as long as you’re careful you won’t need a warranty, right?
There are some things in life that you just can’t expect or account for. Your dealership understands that. And that’s exactly why they’ll provide you with a warranty when you purchase your vehicle. This is something you’ll want to consider taking them up on since it will protect both your car and your wallet.
3. Special Orders
Do you have an image of the perfect vehicle in your mind? It’s unlikely that you’ll find a car that fits the bill exactly, especially if you’re shopping through private sellers. You’ll probably need to end up making a lot of compromises since most of the time what you see is what you’ll get.
But you don’t have to compromise when you shop at your local dealership. Your dealer wants you to be happy with every aspect of your purchase. If there’s something you don’t like about the car you’re looking at, they’ll let you place a special order so you can have the car of your dreams.
4. Quality Products
Shopping for a car through private sellers can be a bit of a toss-up. You may have a hard time finding quality vehicles if you decide to go this route. What’s even worse and makes things more challenging is that it can be hard to find honest third-party sellers, too.
But when you go to your dealership, you’ll know that all the vehicles available are of high quality. Your dealership has a reputation to maintain, and part of that means offering only high-quality cars to their customers.
Shopping for a new car is a fun and exciting experience. But if you want to make sure that you’re getting a quality car that’s going to last, then you need to make sure that you’re buying your car from the right place. To start shopping, visit us today at Crain Chevrolet.
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