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Winter in Benton Harbor, MI can be a magical time of year. With plenty of snow and crisp air, it's the perfect time to get outside and explore the area. If you're looking for some fun winter activities, you can drive to some of the best places in the area. Image obtained from Pexels Sledding at Warren Dunes State Park If you are interested in sledding and want to enjoy a beautiful drive, you can drive to Warren Dunes State Park at 12032 Red Arrow Hwy, Sawyer. This is one of the premier sledding hills in southeastern Michigan. When you visit, you will also find many other activities. You can explore the park and walk on the beach. You can also hike through the woods and see the many animals that live in the area. You can even go cross-country skiing in the winter. When you are sledding, you will want to make sure to stay in the designated sledding areas and be aware of other sledders. Ice Skating at Silver Beach Another great winter activity that you can drive to from Benton Harbor is ice skating at Silver Beach. Located at 101 Broad St, St Joseph, this is a place that many families in the area go to during the winter because it is a lot of fun and very safe. There is plenty of room for everyone, and it is a great way to get active during the winter. When you visit, you will find that you can rent skates and skate around the rink. You can also watch others skate while you warm up near the fire. When you visit Silver Beach, make sure to bundle up. You want to stay warm and safe while enjoying this fun winter activity. Snowshoeing at Galien River County Park If you want to experience the thrill of hiking but the ground is too frozen, you can drive to Galien River County Park and do snowshoeing. It is located at 17424 Red Arrow Hwy, New Buffalo. When you visit, you can go on the North Trail. This trail winds through the park and is about 2 miles long. You can go as far as you'd like and then turn around. When you snowshoe, you are wearing special shoes with a soft bottom. You will be able to walk over the snow, and the ground will be frozen, but you don't have to worry about getting your feet wet. These fun activities can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, so grab your family and friends and enjoy these activities together! Some of these wonderful spots are a bit of a drive, but your GMC Acadia has the power to take you even to the remotest location with all your stuff in tow. Visit Levalley Chevrolet Buick GMC, and we'll treat you to a test drive!

There are many different types of engine problems that can occur if an engine doesn't receive its regular services. Parts gradually wear out or get damaged, which can lead to further problems. As your Chevrolet dealer, we can repair any possible problem with your engine for you. These are samples of some of the issues we can fix. Image obtained from Pexel Worn Alternator The alternator is the center of your car's electrical system. It's responsible for producing the electrical supply for your car. An alternator is very strong and will last at least eight years before it needs replacement. As time passes, your alternator will start to show signs of aging, and its electricity production will drop. A failing alternator will always show signs that something is wrong. You'll notice random electrical problems, dim headlights, and even starting problems. Each of these issues is a sign of a worn-out alternator. If you experience any of these issues, come and see us. Our technicians will examine the alternator and we can fit a new one for you right away if needed. Damaged Oil Pump Oil is essential for your engine as it helps to lubricate all the moving parts. This lubrication reduces the change of friction between parts and helps to prevent friction. The continual flow of oil lowers the temperature in the engine. Finally, engine oil contains a variety of additives to reduce rust, control the buildup of debris in the engine, and perform other vital functions. Oil must flow through the engine continually, and this flow is controlled by the oil pump. A failed oil pump cuts off the supply of oil. Parts will start to grind against each other and cause further engine damage. If there's a problem with the pump, the red oil can light on your dash will come on. The check engine light will also illuminate. If the oil pump has failed, we can replace it with a new one. Clogged Air Filter Your engine requires enormous quantities of air, and this air must pass through the air filter. The air filter screen incoming air for dust and other debris, which it traps in the folds of the filter. The clean air then enters the engine to be used in the combustion process. In time, the filter will clog up with dirt, and this has a serious impact on your engine performance. A lack of air in the engine will reduce engine performance and can cause misfiring and even stalling. Our technicians can easily replace the filter with a new one to fix these issues. Most problems with an engine are easy to fix if they're detected early. Call our service department today at Levalley Chevrolet Buick GMC.

Waking up early, grabbing some snacks, and hitting the road in your brand new GMC Acadia SLE is one of the best plans you can think of for a memorable weekend. Thankfully, the city of Benton Harbor, MI, is close to several beautiful destinations where you can enjoy your favorite recreational activities with your loved ones. Here are three of the best day trips you can take from the city. Image obtained from Google 1. Grand Mere State Park A beautiful lakeside nature reserve featuring sand dunes, undeveloped lands, and three inland lakes, Grand Mere State Park is one of the best-known day trip destinations among Benton Harbor locals. Open every day of the year between 8:00 am and 10:00 pm, this state park is located at 7337 Thornton Drive near the town of Stevensville and about 15 miles southwest of downtown Benton Harbor. With large swathes of woodlands and ancient lakes, Grand Mere State Park was established in the early 1970s by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to protect the region's flora and fauna and to provide recreational opportunities to locals and visitors. This place was designated as a U.S. National Natural Landmark in 1968 and offers great opportunities for swimming, boating, cross-country skiing, and picnicking. 2. Van Buren State Park Also featuring an extensive network of sand dunes, Van Buren State Park is a fantastic spot to participate in your favorite water sports and outdoor activities. Established in 1966, this place encompasses an area of about 400 acres and is located at 23960 Ruggles Road near the town of South Haven. Driving here from the Benton Harbor city center takes about 25 minutes via route M-63 and Blue Star Highway. Some of the facilities visitors can find at Van Buren State Park include designated swimming areas on the shores of Lake Michigan, a playground, fully equipped picnic spots, and a 220-site campground for those wanting to stay overnight. This place is also a popular fishing destination, offering great opportunities to catch large specimens of largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill. 3. Kalamazoo Home to plenty of cultural centers, great restaurants, and beautiful parks, the city of Kalamazoo is another great day trip destination. Located just 50 miles northeast of Benton Harbor, Kalamazoo can be reached in less than one hour by car via route I-94. Some of the places you should check out in the city include the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, Bronson Park, and the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. Are you thinking of buying a new or used vehicle in the Benton Harbor area? You've come to the right spot! Hit the road and visit us today at Levalley Chevrolet Buick GMC! With decades of experience and a knowledgeable team of experts, we sell only the best models in town.

Chevrolet's Trailblazer is on the market and making a statement. From its bold exterior design to its advanced safety technologies and user-friendly infotainment, the Trailblazer has all the bells and whistles. Here are a few features you should know about the 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The Trailblazer is a compact SUV that seats five passengers and offers great features for anyone looking for an efficient yet capable vehicle. It comes in a variety of trim levels, allowing drivers to choose the perfect configuration for their lifestyle needs. In addition to its sleek styling, the Trailblazer boasts plenty of cargo space with over 54 cubic feet of interior storage. Drivers can choose between a front-wheel drive or an all-wheel drive system for increased stability and handling on wet roads. Newest Features The 2022 Trailblazer comes with an available heated steering wheel for added comfort on those chilly trips, as well as roof rack cross rails to easily store and transport extra items. The trailering package also includes a trailer hitch and harness for easy hookup of any size trailer. Lastly, there are four new exterior colors to choose from Crimson, Blue Glow, Vivid Orange, and Mahogany Red. Exterior and Interior Design The Trailblazer's exterior is sleek and modern, with its bold front grille design and muscular wheel flares. It features a hands-free liftgate and LED fog lamps to help you see better in all types of weather. Inside the cabin, it offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo, as well as a host of interior features such as a seven-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility for wireless phone integration. It also has a panoramic sunroof to let in natural light and fresh air. Infotainment System The Trailblazer's infotainment system is powered by an available six-speaker audio system with USB ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a wireless charging pad for convenient access to your favorite music, podcasts, and more. The eight-inch touchscreen offers voice command capability for hands-free radio operation, navigation, and other features. Safety Features The 2022 Trailblazer comes with the latest in Chevrolet's lineup of active safety features, such as lane keep assist, forward collision alert, and automatic emergency braking. Additional available safety features include rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, a rear vision camera, and HD surround-view cameras. The 2022 Trailblazer is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable, efficient, and well-equipped SUV. With its impressive exterior design, comfortable interior cabin, and advanced technology features, it's sure to please any driver. So if you're in the market for a dependable and stylish vehicle with plenty of features, the Trailblazer is a great option. Stop by LeValley Chevrolet Buick GMC to test drive one today!

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox is a compact SUV that seats 5 passengers and comes in four different trim levels: LS, LT, RS, and Premier. Each one offers something a little different in terms of features and amenities, so it's important to choose the right one for your needs. Whether you're looking for a basic model with just the essentials or a fully loaded SUV with all the bells and whistles, there's an Equinox trim that's right for you. Equinox LS The LS comes equipped with LED headlamps and outside heated power-adjustable mirrors to make sure you have a clear view in any weather. You'll appreciate the convenience of the 12-volt auxiliary power outlets in the front storage as well as the rear cargo area, plus the 7-inch Chevrolet Infotainment system, USB ports, and Wi-Fi Hotspot which allows you to be prepared and connected at all times. Equinox LT The LT model comes with everything in the LS, plus a few extra features to make your life a little easier. You'll have an available Confidence and Convenience Package including dual-zone climate control, remote start, and a power liftgate. The front and rear park assist features make maneuvering in tight spots a breeze, and the 8-way power driver seat with lumbar control ensures you'll be comfortable on even the longest road trip. Equinox RS The RS is new for 2022 with a unique interior and exterior design that's sure to turn heads. You'll love the RS-specific features like the red interior sticking and black ice chrome accents. You'll also appreciate the blackout grille, 19-inch dark android-painted wheels, and black Chevrolet bowtie emblems giving the RS a look that's all its own. The RS also features a 1.5L turbocharged engine for an energetic and fun driving experience and comes standard with black roof rails for packing extra cargo. Equinox Premier If you're looking for a little luxury, the Premier model is perfect for you. It's a step up from the other trim levels, adding integrated turn signal indicators in the manual folding mirrors and 18-inch machined-face wheels. The perforated leather-appointed seats, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and wireless charging station keep you comfortable and connected. While the fog lamps keep you visible in any weather. The different trim levels of the Chevy Equinox offer something for everyone. Whether you're looking for extra features and amenities, a unique design, or just a little luxury, there's an Equinox trim level perfect for you. So be sure to choose the one that best suits your needs and wants. Stop by Levalley Chevrolet Buick GMC today to test drive the all-new Equinox and see for yourself which trim level is right for you.

We're all screaming, and the only way to shut us up is with... ice cream! If you're looking for the best places for a frozen treat near Benton Harbor, MI, then try out one of these great spots. Your Chevy Colorado can tackle any obstacle that might stand between you and frozen dairy goodness. Image obtained by Google Dairy Korner Head over to 1605 Lakeview Ave in St. Joseph to visit the Dairy Korner. They're open from 11am until 8pm Monday through Thursday and until 8pm on Friday. On Saturday, their hours are noon until 9pm, and on Sunday, they're open from 3pm to 8pm. In addition to desserts, Dairy Korner has amazing burgers, chicken sandos, and the fantastic chili cheese dog deluxe. We love their Silver Beach sundae, which is their Blue Goo flavor burst soft serve with graham cracker crumbs and chocolate rocks. Build your own flurrie with their soft serve and any mix-ins, and their warm cookie sandwich can be made with any of their soft serve flavors and toppings. They always have vanilla, chocolate, and twist, and their specialty flavors vary by season. Kilwins St. Joseph This is a gorgeous, old-fashioned place that sells frozen goodness and also homemade chocolates and other treats. They're at 217 State St #1126 in St. Joseph, and they're open from 10am until 8pm Monday to Thursday and until 9pm on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, their hours are noon until 8pm. They stay open all year round, which is a welcome change from some spots. Try any of their original recipe flavors, which are lovingly made the way they always have been. We're very partial to the cake batter, blueberry waffle cone, and "heavenly hash." You'll also enjoy their chocolate caramel cashew. They have tons of other flavors, so don't be afraid there won't be something for everyone here. LICKS Sweet Treats & Eats Head over to Jean Klock Park on Jean Klock Blvd in St. Joseph for this spot. It's open from noon until 10pm every day, and the flavors are great, the product is creamy, and you can taste the quality here. They offer all kinds of bars and pops and pints, so if you're exploring the park, be sure to stop in to make sure the whole family is satisfied. Their real specialty, though, is Italian ice. They have many flavors, and the ices are well mixed, so you'll enjoy full flavor all the way through. Enjoy these great desserts, and then come see us at Levalley Chevrolet Buick GMC. We've got a great service center that can take care of your needs, and we've also got a great selection of new and used vehicles.

Say you're counting down the hours until your lunch break, already daydreaming about a perfectly toasted bun sandwiching a host of delicious fillings. You're cruising the internet, hoping to find some inspiration about where to eat. Well, you can call off the search! We've rounded up the top 3 sandwich places in Benton Harbor, MI for you to try. Image obtained from Google Happy Poochie Eatery Happy Poochie is a fantastic little spot run by a dynamic duo, Lisa and Richard. Lisa (aka Poochie) creates mouthwatering sandwiches, while Richard designs the eatery space to be comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. If you'd like to visit their restaurant regularly, we suggest signing up to become a VIP Member so you can access their special deals and exciting secret menus. We love the Happy Clucker, a yummy ciabatta sandwich stuffed with chicken, bacon, cheese, and salad. For vegetarian customers, a Cool Hand Cuke is the best meat-free option. The crunchy cucumber is refreshing, and the pumpernickel bread is simply to-die-for! Be sure to ask for the daily specials when you stop by. Clifford's Coffee Canal Clifford's is a popular stop for nature-lovers, as the beautiful eatery is filled with gorgeous greenery all year round. As well as serving delicious food, Clifford's offers an assortment of plants, flowers, and succulents for purchase. Located on the artsy Main Street, this is the perfect lunch venue to rest and replenish after a morning of exploring the area. The Gobbler is the best value for money, but you better have a huge appetite! This super sandwich consists of roast turkey, tomato, spinach, cheddar cheese, and sriracha aioli on grilled paesano and comes with chips and a crunchy pickle on the side. For vegetarians, we highly recommend the Vegan Tacos or the Avocado Veggie. The smoothie selection at Clifford's is excellent if you want something to wash down your sandwich. Mason Jar Cafe For a more up-market choice, you might love the Mason Jar Cafe. The sandwich selection is creative and diverse, and there is a good range of meaty and vegetarian options. We love spending a leisurely afternoon here, sipping on Lavender Lemonade while sampling the great eats available. The crowd pleaser at MJC is the Turkey and Apples sandwich, containing organic roasted turkey, honey-crisped apples, goat's cheese, dijon mustard, and arugula all lovingly embraced by two slices of toasted paesano bread. For a fun day out, why not load the whole family into your GMC Acadia and enjoy a relaxed Sunday brunch before exploring the nearby Paw Paw river? When you're done snacking on the best sandwiches Benton Harbor has to offer, head over to LeValley Chevrolet Buick GMC, and our staff will be happy to show you our excellent selection of vehicles. We'll help you find your new car, and can even work with you on financing if necessary. Get driving your dream car, today.

In today's fast-paced world, it can be difficult to find time to enjoy the great outdoors. Luckily, the state of Michigan is home to many incredible natural areas that are perfect for anyone looking to get away from it all. To help you plan your next trip outside of the city and into nature, we've compiled a list of some great parks you can drive to from Benton Harbor, MI and the surrounding area. Image obtained from Google Union Park Union Park is a beautiful park with views of Lake Michigan and access to hiking trails. The park has a playground, picnic areas, and restrooms. If you want to spend more time at the park, there's also a fishing pier where you can catch bluegill or walleye! The trail system is extensive and includes several loops through wooded areas along with paved paths that wind through fields. There are several different trails depending on what kind of experience you're looking for — some of them go through wetlands, so it's best to bring insect repellent if you're going in the spring or summer months. There are also some great views from atop hills overlooking Lake Michigan as well as from trails leading down toward the beach area, where there are picnic tables set up along with grills if you want to cook out while enjoying. Rocky Gap Park Rocky Gap State Park is a state park in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It is located near Watersmeet Township in Gogebic County. The park is named for Rocky Gap, a deep creek gorge that flows into the Montreal River. The park is known for its rugged beauty and abundant wildlife. The park also offers other activities, such as hiking trails that take you through beautiful forests and streams with waterfalls. There are also golf courses if you prefer playing outdoors on grass rather than snow or ice! Paw Paw River Park Paw Paw River Park has a sand beach, picnic areas, hiking trails, and playgrounds that are perfect for the whole family. The park is located on the Paw Paw River in the city of Paw Paw, which is just over 20 minutes from Benton Harbor. It offers a variety of activities, including fishing, boating, and swimming in its sandy beach area. The park also features a canoe launch area, so you can enjoy canoeing or kayaking down the river. You'll find plenty of parking at this location, as well as restrooms and vending machines if needed. If you're looking to enjoy a bit of park life and aren't sure where to start, the three spots featured here are great places to spend a day or weekend exploring. The new GMC Acadia SLE is the perfect car for any family. It is packed with features that make it safe and reliable. Be sure to visit us at Levalley Chevrolet Buick GMC to find a vehicle that fits your needs.

If you have a big family, then you need a vehicle that can get them from one destination to the next. Not only does it need to have a lot of room, but it should be stylish, as well. When it comes to getting you, your family, and your stuff where it needs to go, you need to check out the 2022 Chevy Traverse. There are things about this vehicle you're going to love. 1. Extra Seating and a Spacious, Comfortable Cabin With your large family, if you want to make sure everyone has their own seat, then you're going to love the three rows available in this vehicle. You can easily fit up to eight people in this car, and they'll still have plenty of space to stretch out their legs. The cabin is spacious and comfortable, with 38.21 inches of headroom and 33.48 inches of legroom in the third row. As the driver or front-seat passenger, you'll get 41 inches of legroom. Depending on the trim level, you can get an 8-way power driver's seat to ensure your comfort no matter how long you have to sit in the car. 2. Tons of Cargo Room Not only does this vehicle offer space for a lot of people, but it also has space for all of your stuff. Even when all three rows of seats are being used, you still have 23 cubic feet of storage. Fold down the third row and you get 57.8 cubic feet of storage. Should you need even more storage space, the second row of seats folds down to give you 98.2 cubic feet of storage. 3. Advanced Safety Features Keeping your family safe is at the top of your priority list, and this vehicle helps you achieve your goals. It is equipped with an advanced airbag system, as well as Alert Seat, which vibrates the driver's seat and gives you an audible warning about impending collisions. It also comes with driver-assist technology such as Lane-Keep Assist (with Lane-Departure Warning and Lane-Change Alert) and Side Blind-Zone Alert. 4. Fuel Efficiency Needing a big vehicle for your large family often comes with a downside, which includes having to pay a lot for gas. With the Traverse, you can get the best of both worlds. It offers an estimated 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, and that's definitely something to love! If you're looking for a way to get your family from one place to another with enough space for everyone (and your stuff), but you also want to ensure their safety, then you're going to love what the new Traverse has to offer. Visit Levalley Chevrolet Buick GMC today to check this vehicle out for yourself!

Thanks to the beauty of outdoor camping, Benton Harbor becomes much more enjoyable in the summer. You arrive at a campground prepared with all sorts of supplies, and then you get out there, and it feels like a dream. There are three great campsites within 10 miles of Benton Harbor, MI that we can recommend. Image obtained from NBC News Bear Cave RV Campground Bear Cave RV Campground is located in Bear Lake, MI. The campground is open all year, with sites available by reservation only. This park is a great place to camp if you are looking for a quiet getaway in the woods. There are also many activities available at the park, including fishing, swimming, canoeing, hiking, and more! The Bear Cave RV Campground has over 100 acres of land with over 200 campsites available for rent. Each site comes with electricity and water hookups, so you can stay plugged in wherever you go! The campground offers showers and restrooms on-site, but no laundry facilities or dump stations are available. Pets are allowed at this park but must always be leashed at all times while outside of your vehicle or cabin/vacation home rental. Dune Lake Campground The Dune Lake Campground is a great place to stay if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. You will find this campground in the middle of the woods, offering a beautiful view of Lake Michigan. This campground has everything you need to enjoy your vacation, including hiking trails, canoeing, and swimming. If you are looking for a quiet retreat, then this is the place for you! This campground offers modern amenities, including electricity, water, and sewer connections. There is also a dump station on site. You can choose between sites that are equipped with full hookups or those that do not have any utilities available at all. The sites are spacious, allowing you plenty of room for tents and RVs alike. Weko Beach Campground Weko Beach Campground is the closest campground to Benton Harbor. It's a great place to go if you want to be close enough to town but still have a quiet and relaxing weekend away from it all. Weko Beach Campground has 94 campsites spread out over 500 acres of wooded land. The campground is full of mature trees, which creates an excellent natural habitat for wildlife like deer and squirrels. This also means that there are a lot of beautiful trees for you to enjoy as well. The campground is located on Weko Beach, which is located on the northern tip of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. The beach itself has white sand and clear blue water that makes it perfect for swimming, fishing, or just enjoying the sunsets at night. All three of the campgrounds listed above have their own benefits, so it's time to log some miles in your roomy Chevrolet Trailblazer LT and enjoy summer vacation with your kids. Schedule routine service at Levalley Chevrolet Buick GMC so your car can keep up with all the fun.

When you're looking for a great place to spend a weekend outdoors, Michigan's state parks are always a good option. Not too far from Benton Harbor MI, these four parks offer something for everyone. Whether you're interested in hiking, fishing, camping, or just taking in the scenery, there's sure to be a park near you that fits the bill. Image obtained from Google images 1. Silver Lake State Park Silver Lake State Park is a 3,000-acre park located near Benton Harbor. The park features two miles of sandy beaches along Lake Michigan, as well as hiking trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds. Visitors can also enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming in the clear waters of Silver Lake. In the winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities, while in the summer visitors can take advantage of the many hiking and biking trails. No matter what time of year you visit, Silver Lake State Park is sure to offer a memorable experience. 2. Warren Dunes State Park Warren Dunes State Park is a beautiful spot to enjoy nature and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The park is situated on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan, and it features spectacular sand dunes that are perfect for hiking, sledding, and picnicking. The park has miles of hiking and biking trails, a playground, and a beach. Visitors can also go camping, kayaking, and fishing in the park. There are also several historical sites to explore, including an old farmhouse and a lighthouse. 3. Muskegon Heights Nature Preserve Muskegon Heights Nature Preserve is a great place to visit for a number of reasons. The preserve is home to a variety of animals and plants. In addition to the usual sights like trees and squirrels, there are also numerous rare and endangered animals that call the preserve home. The preserve offers a variety of amenities for visitors, including hiking trails, picnic areas, and a playground. The preserve is situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, which makes it a great place to enjoy the outdoors. Additionally, the preserve is open year-round, so there's always something to see and do. 4. Grand Mere State Park Grand Mere State Park features a sandy beach on Lake Michigan, as well as hiking trails, a campground, and a Visitor Center. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and observing the many different types of plants and animals that call the park home. Grand Mere State Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and learn about Michigan's rich cultural heritage. Looking for a dependable SUV that won't break the bank? Check out the 2022 Buick Envision Essence. This great vehicle comes equipped with a WiFi hotspot, hands-free liftgate, and lane-keeping assist - perfect for busy families on the go. And because it's a Buick, you know you can count on it for reliability and performance. Stop by LeValley Chevrolet Buick GMC in Benton Harbor to see the variety of cars we have available.

Your car's battery gets all the attention for providing the power to start your engine. The alternator, however, provides the power that your battery needs to function. It also powers all of your car's electrical devices. In time, your alternator will suffer damage, and you'll need an alternator repair. As your Chevy dealer, we'd like you to know the signs that you may have an alternator problem. Image obtained from Google Images Your Alternator Is Old Like any other component, your alternator will eventually wear out. An alternator has a relatively long lifespan of approximately eight years before you need to think about replacement. When an alternator gets older, it starts to lose its ability to generate power. The reduced power generation isn't noticeable for a while, as your alternator has surplus power. Eventually, your alternator will not be able to produce enough power to satisfy the demands of all your car's systems. When this happens, you'll experience temporary electrical failures, as the limited power is shifted between the various systems. Your car windows, for example, will fail to open, or your radio will shut down. These glitches will become more frequent at your alternator runs down. Burning Smells As your alternator struggles to generate power, it will work harder and faster. The alternator is powered by the movement of the crankshaft which turns as you drive. The crankshaft movement causes the alternator belt to run across a series of pulleys. Each pulley is attached to one of your engine's components. The movement of the belt across the pulleys causes them to spin, and this powers a specific component. In an attempt to generate more power, the alternator will spin faster than it should. Your alternator isn't designed to do this, and the faster movement will cause the alternator to heat up. You'll start to smell hot metal as the alternator overheats. Our technicians can test your alternator, and replace it if it's damaged. Failing Battery If your car battery starts to wear out, this can place unexpected demands on your alternator. Your battery is recharged by the alternator, but a worn battery won't be able to charge correctly. When your engine starts, the alternator begins recharging your battery at full power for five minutes. After this, it switches to a lower charging rate to prevent overexerting the alternator. A healthy battery will send a signal that it received the first charge. One this signal is received, the alternator reduces its charging rate. A damaged battery won't send this signal, and the alternator will continue to charge at full power. This power is wasted as the battery isn't absorbing it. The high rate of charging, however, puts the alternator under strain and can cause it to fail. If you experience any strange behavior with the electrical system, it's advisable to get it checked ASAP. Call our service department at Levalley Chevrolet Buick GMC. Our Chevy-trained technicians will find the cause of the problem and repair it.