As the capital and largest urban area in the state, as well as a thriving economic and cultural hub in the southern United States, the city of Little Rock, AR, is home to numerous historical attractions that make it a popular destination among visitors from all over the country. If you are looking for nearby spots where you can learn more about the history and culture of the region, these are some places you should not miss.
3 Fascinating Historical Attractions Near Little Rock, AR
1. Old State House Museum
One of the main local attractions every visitor to Little Rock must check out is the Old House State Museum. Located in the heart of the downtown area and along the banks of the Arkansas River, this place is considered the oldest standing state capitol building west of the Mississippi River. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969, this place was the site of the 1861 secession convention, which took place after the election of Abraham Lincoln.
After the current Arkansas Capitol Building was completed in 1912, the old state house was converted into a medical school. It was not until 1947 that the place was renovated and transformed into a historical museum. Nowadays, the building showcases a plethora of artifacts, including original battle flags, old carriages, and historical documents. This museum is open to visitors Tuesday to Saturday between 9 am and 5 pm and on Sundays between 1 pm and 5 pm.
2. Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum
Showcasing artifacts from some of the most important events in the naval history of the United States, the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum is another place every visitor should check out while in town. Established in 2005, this place is located along the northern banks of the Arkansas River and can be visited on Fridays and Saturdays between 10 am and 5:30 pm, and on Sundays between 1 pm and 5:30 pm.
Some of the objects and historical artifacts that make the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum a popular attraction in Little Rock include remains from the USS Arkansas nuclear-propelled cruiser, and the USS Razorback submarine, which served in World War II, as well as in Korea, and Vietnam. Also in this museum, visitors can see a US Navy tugboat that was among the first respondents to the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941.
3. William J. Clinton Library and Museum
If you are interested in the campaign and presidency of Bill Clinton, this large museum and presidential library is a place you should not miss while in downtown Little Rock. Featuring a permanent exhibition of artifacts and memorabilia from the 42nd president of the United States, this place has become one of the most important touristic attractions in the city. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday between 9 am and 5 pm, and Sunday between 1 pm and 5 pm.
If you are planning to buy a new or used car in Little Rock, don’t think twice and visit us at Crain Chevrolet! Check out our great deals, learn about our flexible financing plans, and take home a vehicle that suits your needs.
5 Things to Love About the 2022 Chevy Blazer
As drivers increasingly value vehicles that combine practicality and great performance, mid-size SUVs keep gaining popularity all over the country. The 2022 Chevy Blazer is among the best-reviewed players in this category, boasting a luxurious and sporty design with excellent fuel economy and impressive performance. If you are looking for a new SUV to take your friends and family on new adventures, these are some reasons why the 2022 Blazer should be at the top of your list.
5 Things to Love About the 2022 Chevy Blazer
1. A Stylish, Comfortable, and Spacious Cabin
Whether you are simply driving around the city or going on a long road trip, the 2022 Blazer’s spacious interior provides extreme comfort for the driver and passengers alike. This luxury SUV can comfortably seat five passengers and features almost 40 inches of legroom in the back row. With 60/40-split back seats, cargo space can be expanded to an impressive 64.2 cubic feet, making it easy to fit all your luggage and shopping bags.
2. Advanced Technologies to Keep You and Your Passengers Safe
Safety indicators are perhaps the most important aspect you should consider while looking for cars for you and your family. In this sense, the 2022 Blazer will impress you with its vast array of advanced safety features, including Chevrolet’s Safety Assist with forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist with lane departure warning. Additional features include following distance indicators, front pedestrian braking, and automatic high beam assist.
3. Great Connectivity
Whether you want to make calls or listen to your favorite music while on the road, the 2022 Blazer features excellent connectivity features. The SUV’s Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System is controlled by a central 8-inch touch screen which can be easily paired to your smartphone’s navigation system and your preferred music app. The 2022 Blazer comes with up to six USB ports, so your and your passengers’ smartphones will never run out of battery while on the road.
4. Extraordinary Performance and Great Fuel Efficiency
One of the main reasons drivers love the 2022 Blazer is the excellent way in which it combines the practicality of an SUV with the feel of a sports car. This vehicle offers a choice of two potent engines which provide excellent performance. These options include a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and a 3.6L V6 engine with 308 horsepower. When it comes to fuel efficiency, the base model provides up to 29 miles per gallon on the highway.
5. Plenty of Customizable Options
With 11 paint colors to choose from, you can get your brand-new Chevy Blazer in a bold and vibrant Cayenne Orange, a sleek Iridescent Pearl, or a subtle Iron Gray tone. Furthermore, this luxury SUV comes in four unique trims with different specifications and design elements that adapt to your needs and desires.
Are you looking for a new or pre-owned Chevy Blazer in the Little Rock area? Visit us at Crain Chevrolet today! Check out the different models we have available, ask for a test drive, and talk to our team of experts about our flexible financing plans.
How to Tell When Your Chevy Needs a Radiator Repair
Hundreds of constantly moving parts and the heat from combustion all combine to raise your engine’s temperature. While a hot engine is efficient, if your engine is allowed to get too hot it can lead to serious damage to critical engine components. That’s where your radiator comes in. It provides the perfect way to remove heat from the engine. All mechanical parts, however, can suffer damage. When you need a radiator repair in Little Rock, AR, your Chevy dealer is here to help you.
Do You Need a Radiator Repair? Visit Your Chevy Dealer in Little Rock, AR
Damaged Radiator Hoses
When your engine temperature gets too hot, liquid coolant is released into the system. This coolant absorbs the engine heat and transports it to the radiator. Once inside the radiator, cool airflow through the radiator grille cools the coolant. The coolant then flows back into the system to begin the cycle again. Your radiator is connected to the cooling system by two thick rubber hoses. These hoses are designed to withstand great heat and high pressure.
Over time, these hoses can weaken and become less flexible. If this happens, a hose can spring a leak. A hole in one of the hoses would result in hot, highly-pressurized coolant spraying into your engine. The hole will reduce the pressure in the cooling system, which will reduce the speed of the coolant. If the coolant isn’t constantly moving at high speed, your engine temperature will rise. The loss of coolant will increase your engine temperature even more.
Damaged Radiator Tubes
When hot coolant enters the radiator, it’s diverted into a series of thin horizontal tubes that look like fins. Air flows in through the radiator grille and it blows across the fins. This continuous air movement cools the liquid in the tubes. Once the coolant has been cooled, it flows back to the coolant reservoir.
The fins are made from aluminum, which allows the airflow to cool the tubes fairly quickly. Unfortunately, the fins are also delicate and can be easily damaged by debris blowing in through the grille. If enough of the tubes are damaged, it will block the flow of coolant into the radiator. If the coolant can’t enter the radiator, the hot coolant will simply get hotter.
Loose Hose Clamps
The radiator hoses are attached to the radiator by strong, tight-fitting clamps. These clamps are necessary as the hoses are, as we’ve seen, constantly carrying hot coolant at high speed. In time, these clamps can loosen due to the movement of the hoses, and the hoses will also slightly shrink.
If the clamps loosen, hot coolant can escape the cooling system. This loss of coolant will cause your engine temperature to rise. We will replace the clamps, and we can also replace the hoses if they’re damaged.
A damaged radiator can easily cause your car to overheat. If the temperature rises, call us right away at Crain Chevrolet. Our expert technicians will fix the problem for you.
Does Your Chevy Need a New Car Air Filter?
Air enters your car through the filter on its way to the engine, just like air enters through the nose as it travels to the lungs. Your nose filters air to clean it before it enters your lungs, and similarly, your air filter cleans the air before it enters the combustion chamber. Unlike your nose, your car air filter will wear out and need to be replaced. When this happens, your Chevy dealer can help you.
Does Your Chevy Need a New Car Air Filter? See Your Chevy Dealer Today
Coughing From the Engine
A coughing sound from your engine is usually a sign that your engine doesn’t have enough air. Your air filter cleans the air before it enters your engine, and removes any dirt, grit, and other pollutants. As your filter catches more and more debris, it starts to clog up. When the filter is blocked, it will prevent enough air from reaching the combustion chamber for efficient combustion. The coughing sound means that it’s time to see us for a new air filter.
Reduced Gas Mileage
A dirty air filter prevents clean air from entering your engine and this affects performance. For efficient combustion, you need a 14:1 ratio of air to fuel. If there isn’t enough clean air, a large amount of the fuel released into the combustion chamber won’t ignite. This excess unburnt fuel will be forced out of the exhaust. It might not be immediately apparent, but you’ll notice the difference when you have to make more frequent trips to the gas station.
Air Filter Is Dirty
The air filter is easy to access, and you’ll find its position marked in your car’s manual. All you need to do is to pop the hood and find the air filter box. No special tools are required to open the box, and you’ll find the filter inside. The filter should be white or cream, but a worn-out filter looks brown, gray, or black. If your filter doesn’t look clean, it won’t be doing a good job, and it’s time to replace it.
Slow Acceleration
The inefficiency caused by a damaged filter also affects your acceleration. When you put your foot hard on the gas, more fuel is forced into the combustion chamber. Since there’s not enough air for proper combustion, most of the extra fuel is wasted. The extra energy required for poor combustion to take place slows your acceleration down. This is noticeable when seeing that you’re car isn’t moving as fast as the speed recorded on your dash.
If your engine is running inefficiently, you’re losing money due to the waste of gas. Other engine components can also be damaged due to the effects of a bad filter, for example, your spark plugs. If your filter is clogged or worn, call our service center right away at Crain Chevrolet and our expert technicians will investigate. An air filter is cheap and you’ll notice the extra cost savings as soon as you drive away.
6 Reasons to Get a Tire Rotation for Your Chevy
You’re busy, and you’ve got a long list of things to get done. That’s why sometimes it can be tempting to put off routine vehicle maintenance appointments. But servicing your car or truck is important, especially when it comes to tire rotation. Your Chevy dealer can help.
6 Reasons to Get a Tire Rotation at Your Local Chevy Dealer
1. It’ll Minimize Tire Blowouts
No one wants to be stranded on the side of the road because of a blowout or some other form of tire failure. One way of preventing these types of incidents is to periodically rotate your tires, which ensures that their treads are wearing evenly. The treads on tires help keep them cool when they’re in motion. Without good treads, the tires can heat to unsafe levels, which can lead to a blowout.
2. It’ll Keep You Safe on the Road
Blowouts aren’t the only thing you have to worry about if you’re driving on worn treads. Tires with worn treads aren’t able to grip the road as well, which can lead to hydroplaning and slipping on ice. Tires with healthy treads help you drive more safely in all weather conditions.
3. It’ll Give You a Smoother Ride
Tires that are wearing evenly will give you a smoother and more comfortable ride. It’ll also make your car or truck easier to handle. Vehicles with worn tire treads may experience vibrations or shimmying when driven. That shaking can become especially pronounced in the steering wheel as you’re driving.
4. It’s Good for the Entire Car
Periodically changing the position of the tires on your car or truck is good for the entire vehicle. Those rotations help keep the brakes, suspension system, axles, wheels, wheel bearings, and other core systems in good working order. The general rule of thumb is to rotate the tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles unless your owner’s manual recommends a different interval. Keeping your tires properly aligned is another important part of maintaining your vehicle.
5. It’ll Save You Money
Keeping your tires rotated is also smart from an economic standpoint. Tires with evenly worn treads will improve the fuel efficiency of your vehicle, saving you money at the gas pump. Tires that are wearing evenly also last longer, meaning you can hopefully replace them as a set. Tires are usually cheaper when they’re purchased in sets of four rather than replaced one by one.
6. It’ll Keep Your Vehicle’s Warranty Intact
There’s one other practical reason why it’s so important to make sure your tires are rotated: it’ll maintain the integrity of your vehicle’s warranty. Many vehicle warranties require that your tires be rotated at regular intervals. Following through on this simple step keeps your warranty from being voided.
Can’t remember the last time you had your tires rotated? That’s a sure sign that your vehicle may be due for this important maintenance. Don’t wait any longer. Call Crain Chevrolet and make an appointment to have your tires rotated today!
Should Your Chevy Get an Engine Diagnostic?
If you’re concerned about the performance of your vehicle’s engine, then it might be time to take it for an engine diagnostic. Knowing when it’s time to bring it to your Chevy dealer will help you keep your car running smoothly. Here’s how to know if it’s time.
Should Your Chevy Get an Engine Diagnostic at Your Chevy Dealer?
Your Check Engine Light Is On
The biggest indicator that it’s time to visit your dealership for a diagnostic is if your check engine light is on. This little light is on your car’s dash and lights up when there’s an issue related to your engine.
As soon as this light pops on, you should head to your dealer for your diagnostic. There could be something minor that needs to be tuned up, or there could be a major repair that needs to be done. Regardless, even if your car isn’t showing other signs of a faulty engine, it’s time to bring your car in.
Your Car Is Making Strange Sounds
If you’ve been driving your car for a while, then you’re probably familiar with the sounds that it makes. Your car is likely to make a few sounds while you’re driving, but it’s usually just the whirring sound of your engine.
But if your car starts making some unusual noises, that could signal that you’ve got a serious problem on your hands. If you’re hearing things like hissing, spluttering, clunking, rattling, or any sound that it doesn’t normally make, it’s time to take a trip to your dealer.
Your Electronics Stop Working
There are very parts of your vehicle that rely on electricity to function. If these components stop working the way they should, or if they stop working altogether, then there could be an issue with your engine. It’s important to take your car to your dealership if this happens.
Electronic issues could be caused by a range of different problems, which is why it’s so crucial to bring your car to your dealer. Their diagnostic will be able to tell you what the specific problem is, and what needs to be done to fix it.
It’s Been Over a Year Since Your Last Diagnostic
Your car needs regular maintenance and servicing to stay in the best shape possible. If you don’t do this, your car likely won’t last as long as you’d like. So, even if it isn’t showing any signs of something being wrong with your engine, you should be taking it in for diagnostics regularly.
Experts will recommend that you take it in around once a year for a diagnostic. This will catch any issues that may arise before they get out of hand, and ensure that your engine and vehicle are always working properly.
If you want your car to last you a long time, then one of the most important things to do is to look after your engine. Taking your car to your dealership regularly for a diagnostic will help you keep your car in good shape. Is it time for your diagnostic? Visit us at Crain Chevrolet.
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.
Connect with us
Recent Blog Entries
- 2026 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2027 Kia Telluride in Little Rock, AR
- 2026 Chevy Equinox vs 2026 Nissan Rogue in Little Rock, AR
- 2026 Chevy Trailblazer vs Toyota Corolla Cross in Little Rock, AR
- Buy New vs Used Vehicles in Arkansas: What Saves You More on Your Next Chevy?
- Do You Need a 4×4 Truck in Little Rock, AR?