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Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Winter Vehicle Tips: Tire Age and Wear

Be sure your tires are in tip-top shape with new tires from the Mid MO Powerhouse serving Central Missouri

Your tires — your vehicles needs four of them (six if you’ve got that dually Silverado 3500), and they are as important of a part of your vehicle any other. Just like regularly scheduled oil changes or checking the fluids, your tires need to be rotated and sometimes replaced, especially when the tread wears out and the winter weather approaches.

The old penny trick doesn’t always give you an indication of when to replace the tires. Traditionally, placing a penny with Lincoln’s head down would tell you when the tires are ready to be replaced. If Lincoln’s head is obscured by the tread, you’re driving with a legal amount of tread. But photos of tread depth of 1/16 of an inch still show some of Lincoln’s head being covered up.

Sage advice says that tires should be replaced during times of the year when slick and wet roads are a concern if the tires are at 1/8 of an inch of remaining tread depth. No tread means your vehicle is more likely to hydroplane and can push snow out of the way as easily.

The age of the tire plays a factor in deciding when to replace tires as well. Dry rot of the rubber can occur when the environment and UV exposure can be harsh. Once a tire hits 10 years old, the Department of Transportation recommends changing them out.

When a tire is made is just an important — maybe more important — then when they’re bought. To figure out when your tire was born, look for the letters DOT on the tire, and you should see a string of numbers following it. There will be a set of either three or four numbers (four for tires made after 2000). The first two numbers are the week of the year it was made; the last two are the year.

Are you in need of new tires in Central Missouri? Check out the Mid MO Powerhouse’s tire finder on our site to get the tires that are right for you! Our certified service technicians will help handle all your needs when you schedule service at the Mid MO Powerhouse. Stay safe out there this winter!

Schedule car service in Central Missouri at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse 

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Special Edition Chevy Silverado Specials Ops Slated for Limited Production

Sales of SEMA concept productions will support National Navy SEAL Museum in Florida

The Special Ops edition Silverado that made the rounds at the SEMA Show back in November has apparently struck a chord with truck fans around the country as well supporters of the U.S. Navy. Chevrolet has announced that SEMA concept will go into limited production, and proceeds will benefit the National Navy SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Fla.

While the pricing and the exact amount to be produce have not been disclosed, the run will be “limited” and go on sale this spring. Most noticeable on this Silverado 1500 Z71 concept is the three-tone paintjob similar to those used on 20th-century warships.

The exterior color, dubbed “Razzle Dazzle” was originally meant to disguise the speed, size and direction of United States and British vessels. This color scheme will definitely make your Chevrolet stand out, and the truck will look like it belongs at a military base.

Special features for the Chevrolet Special Ops Silverado include:

—Black bowtie emblems
—Underbody shield
—Sport bar
—LED off-road lights
—Wheel flares
—20-inch five spoke aluminum wheels with off-road tires (production option)
—Rocker guards
—Cargo tie-down rings
—Front Floor liners
—Spray-in bedliner (production option)
—Embroidered headrests with the Special Ops logo

This special edition Silverado 1500 Z71 will make the perfect truck for an active duty or retired serviceperson for the U.S. Navy or even someone who strongly supports it. To learn more about the 2016 Chevy Silverado or to reserve a limited edition Silverado Special Ops, contact the Mid MO Powerhouse online today or give us a call at 573-799-4618.

Shop our 2016 Chevy Silverados!

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

2016 Equinox Family Vehicle at Mid MO Powerhouse Earns IIHS Top Safety Pick

Chevrolet Equinox CUV earns good ratings across the board for seventh consecutive model year

When it comes to your family, all the bells and whistles on a new CUV are great, but getting safely from point A to point B and staying safe in the unfortunate event of an accident should also be a factor when making a decision on a new vehicle. For the central Missouri family seeking a new family vehicle that has all the features and is also safe, consider the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox at The Mid MO Powerhouse in Linn, MO.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the 2016 Chevy Equinox as a Top Safety Pick for 2016. In order to be considered for one of the IIHS’s top honors, the vehicle in question must earn “good” ratings in each of the crashworthiness categories: small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints and seats. On top of this, the vehicle must also have at least a basic rating from the IIHS on front crash prevention.

The IIHS made the grading rubric a bit tougher this year, so the Equinox’s honor means that much more.

Adrian Lund, IIHS president. "For the first time, a good rating in the challenging small overlap front crash test is a requirement to win, in addition to an available front crash prevention system,” IIHS President Adrian Lund said. “How that system rates determines whether a vehicle will earn ... Top Safety Pick."

The optional Safety Package on new 2016 Equinoxes near Jefferson City, MO, comes with the Forward Collision Alert, the feature that helped the 2016 Equinox earn a Top Safety Pick. Other safety features on the 2016 Chevy Equinox include:

—Side airbags: front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags
—Rollover sensor: designed to deploy the side curtain airbags in the event of an impending rollover
—Electronic stability control, includes roll stability control
—Antilock brakes
—Daytime running lights

On top of the Equinox’s features, the safety is also a key point. If you’re looking for a choice that stands out in the crowded and competitive CUV segment, the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox has the safety accolades that set it apart. To learn more about the 2016 Equinox or to schedule a test drive, contact the Mid Missouri Powerhouse online or call us at 573-799-4618.

Shop our 2016 Chevrolet Equinoxes!

Friday, December 11, 2015

New Camaro V6 Engine Named to Wards 10 Best Engines for 2016

They are built 9.5 hours away in Romulus, Mich., but they are the award-winning engines found in the new 2016 Camaros on their way to the Mid Missouri Powerhouse. WardsAuto World has named the all-new 3.6-liter V6 engine that powers the 2016 Camaro to its 10 Best Engines list for 2016.

While the actual car itself has won the Motor Trend 2016 Car of the Year Award, an accolade such as this backs up the impressiveness of the Camaro as a whole. Wards examined and tested 31 engines made from 11 brands, and the publication rated these engines based on fuel efficiency, refinement, technology, power and more. The engines were also matched up with ones of similar size.

“The 3.6 delivers the kind of power and lusty exhaust note you associate with a V-8 for the price of a V-6,” Drew Winter, content director for Wards, said. “Plus, it’s loaded with advanced technology, including fuel-saving cylinder deactivation.”

V8 engine in a muscle car have been the norm for decades, but this recognized engine will make central Missouri muscle car fans think twice about what engine is under the hood of their Camaros. The new 3.6-L V6 engine is available on the Camaro LT trims. This engine on the Gen Six Camaro gets up to 335 horsepower and 284 lb.-ft. of torque for, according to Chevrolet, “the highest specific output of any naturally aspirated V6 in the segment.”

Tested engine technologies helped this V6 stand out among 21 other engines in U.S. vehicles. Tried-and-true facets such as active continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) and direct injection contribute to the V6 Camaro’s power and efficiency. New for the 2016 Camaro’s V6 is the Active Fuel Management aka cylinder deactivation. This technology disables two cylinders during light throttle to up the fuel efficiency.

The EPA estimates the V6 engine mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission to have up to 28 mpg on the highway, helping your Missouri Camaro go further on the highway. City mpg is rated at 23, so those drives in town will still be efficient.

Not having a V8 in a muscle car might seem like a different world, but don’t knock it till you try it. The new 2016 Camaros are on their way to the new Mid Missouri Powerhouse in Linn, MO. We are your Chevy dealer serving central Missouri, Jefferson City, Hermann and Linn, MO. For more information on our new Chevrolet models or to schedule a test drive, contact us online or give us a call at 573-799-4618.

Shop our 2016 Chevrolets!

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Uncovered 2017 Chevy Bolt Spied Before January 2016 Public Reveal

Electric car fans will get one last glimpse at the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt, Chevy’s upcoming all-electric offering, with the latest spy shots. Earlier this year, the Bolt had been spied under camouflage, but the most recent pics from Brian Williams of SpiedBilde capture the Bolt completely uncovered.

The original Bolt concept may have taken some by surprise at the Detroit Auto Show back in February, and perhaps Chevrolet raised a few eyebrows when it said the Bolt would be fast-tracked to production. Less than 12 months later, the Bolt is already showing off production-ready models. The 2017 Bolt is slated for a public reveal at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in early January 2016.

A spoiler-like canopy on the rear is one of the most noticeable differences on the exterior. Other subtle changes include a larger front-quarter window and similar gloss trim to the 2015 Volt. While the Bolt expects to share a similar chassis as the current Chevy Sonic, the Bolt is expected to be labeled as a CUV, giving the booming segment a definite jolt.

When comparted to the Bolt concept from earlier this year, a silver exterior paintjob has been switched out with the orange. No spyshots of the uncovered interior have been divulged yet, so Bolt fans will probably have to wait until its public debut at the CES for the full scoop.

The 2017 Bolt is slowly taking shape, and Chevy’s all-electric vehicle is expected to go on sale in all 50 states. If you’re in central Missouri and have been looking for an electric American car, the Bolt will fill that need.

Looks are great, but what matters with electric vehicles is the EV range. Chevrolet claims the Bolt will have 200 miles of electric driving range, and the competitive price will make it a viable option for eco-concerned drivers.

Stay tuned to the Mid Missouri Powerhouse’s blog, social media and inventory for information and updates on the Chevrolet Bolt! To learn more about new Chevrolets near Jefferson City, Linn, Hermann or Columbia, MO, contact the Mid MO Powerhouse today online or give us a call at 573-799-4616.

Shop new central Missouri Chevy inventory!

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Why the Chevy Colorado Won Motor Trend’s 2016 Truck of the Year

By now, you’ve probably heard that the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado diesel has won Motor Trend’s 2016 Truck of the Year, making it two straight titles for Chevy’s compact pickup. An accolade such as this backs up the sheer magnitude that is the Chevrolet Colorado. A publication such as Motor Trend doesn’t just hand out these awards; they are earned.

Below are five possible reasons as to why the Chevrolet Colorado and its all-new Duramax diesel engine won for a second consecutive year:

—Smooth Ride and Handling:  According to Chevrolet, the ride is smooth on almost any surface that you throw at the Colorado. This is thanks in part to the four-wheel disc brakes with Duralife brake rotors. But the Mid MO Powerhouse can say all it wants. You have to experience this ride for yourself.

—Rugged yet Refined: Whether on a paved city street or venturing off the beaten path, the comfort of the Colorado will feel like home. With a more natural driving position than the Toyota Tacoma or Nissan Frontier, you’ll feel more in control behind the wheel.

—Technological Truck: Just because it’s a truck, it shouldn’t mean that it doesn’t have the latest and greatest technology. Available 4G LTE Wi-Fi makes the Colorado the ultimate camping vehicle, and the additional availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for 2016 add another dimension of versatility to the Colorado. Tack this on with advanced safety technology such as Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning makes the Colorado cutting-edge.

—Country-best Fuel Efficiency: We’ve already gone over in detail about the Colorado’s outstanding fuel efficiency, but just to recap, front-wheel drive models have up to 31 mpg on the highway. This makes it the most fuel-efficient pickup truck in America. Four-wheel drive models still get up to 29 mpg on the highway.

—New Diesel Engine: Perhaps most of all is the all-new 2.8-liter Duramax diesel engine. No competitor offers a diesel mid-size pickup, putting the Colorado in a class of its own. These diesel engine helped lead to the amazing fuel economy.

Find your own favorite reasons for owning a new 2016 Chevrolet Colorado! For more information about the award-winning 2016 Colorado or to schedule a test drive, contact the Mid Missouri Powerhouse online or give us a call at 573-799-4616.

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Motor Trend Names 2016 Camaro Its Car of the Year for 2016

Chevy muscle car chosen because of its “world-class sports car performance and dynamics”

Before it even hits the pavement of our six-acre Chevrolet lot in Linn, MO, the 2016 Camaro will already be an award-winner. Motor Trend awarded its coveted Car of the Year title to the improved Gen Six Camaro which makes its way to the Mid Missouri Powerhouse later this year.

The most advanced Camaro ever has been hyped for almost a full year now, and it seems to have already paid off for Chevrolet’s muscle car. An accolade such as this puts the new Chevy Camaro ahead of the competition, and 2015 isn’t even over yet. One of the goals of the Camaro engineering team was to shed weight, and depending on the trim level, between 223 and 390 pound has been taken off the weight of each 2016 Camaro.

The result is a more responsive driving experience for Camaro fans. Smaller dimension with a new exterior sculpting along with a stiffer platform also contribute to the improve Camaro performance. The Camaro last won the Motor Trend Car of the Year award in 1982.

For 2016, the Camaro has a bevy of powertrain options with six different combinations. Standard on the sixth generation Camaro is the 2.0-liter turbo engine, and the all-new 3.6-liter V6 makes for a more powerful option. The true Camaro fans in central Missouri will want to check out the 6.2-L V8 in the SS trim; it’s the most powerful Camaro SS ever with horsepower up to 455. Each engine comes with the option of a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.

Technology has been upped in the new Camaro as well. It has the capability of smartphone integration with the available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new 2016 Camaro is everything that a mid MO muscle car fan would want and more! The 2016 Camaro is on its way to your central Missouri Chevy dealer, the Mid Missouri Powerhouse!

Stay tuned to our blog, social media and inventory for the 2016 Camaro to hit central Missouri! To learn more about the award-winning 2016 Camaro, call The Mid Missouri Powerhouse at 573-799-4616 or contact Jim Butler Linn Chevrolet online today!

Shop our central Missouri Camaro inventory!

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

2016 Chevy Colorado Diesel Named Most Fuel-efficient Pickup in America

EPA-estimated 31 mpg highway with 21-gallon tank gives Central Missouri truck fans efficient diesel option

Chevrolet is known for class-leading pickups with the longest-lasting, most dependable trucks on the market, but the latest findings put the 2016 Colorado diesel on a new level.

Chevrolet confirmed the Environmental Protection Agency’s estimation regarding the fuel economy for the ’16 Colorado diesel — 31 mpg for FWD models. This makes the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado diesel the most fuel-efficient pickup truck in the United States.

The 21-gallon tank is utilized to its fullest with the two-wheel drive opted diesel Colorado.  According to Chevrolet, an estimated maximum highway range of 651 miles per tank will make long trips around central Missouri more about the journey and less about stopping at the pump.

“The Colorado Duramax diesel is in a league of its own,” Sandor Piszar, director of Chevrolet Truck Marketing, said. “Colorado’s gas models already led the segment in fuel efficiency, and the new diesel — which no other non-GM competitor offers on a midsize truck — gives customers even greater freedom to go where they want with fewer fill-ups.”

An all-new diesel engine was designed just for this model year Colorado. Chevy’s engineers helped create the 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine. This Duramax engine generates 181 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. of torque. Those who opt for the four-wheel drive don’t sacrifice much as driver’s can still get up to 29 mpg on the highway (23 mpg combined).

If you want to go further around central Missouri, check out the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado diesel! Your central Missouri Chevy dealer is the Mid Missouri Powerhouse serving Hermann, Jeff City, Linn and Columbia, MO. Contact us online today for more information or give us a call today at 573-799-4616.

Shop our 2016 Colorado inventory!

Monday, November 2, 2015

A Welcome from the Mid Missouri Powerhouse to Central Missouri

Jim Butler Linn Chevrolet strives to serve MidMo with the service that makes us a powerhouse

To those in Jefferson City, Linn, Hermann, Columbia and central Missouri looking for a Chevy dealer, let us be the first to say, “Welcome.”

Welcome to the Mid Missouri Powerhouse, Jim Butler Linn Chevrolet. The Mid Missouri Powerhouse is the newest Chevrolet dealer in central Missouri, and we aim to make Mid Missouri into the powerhouse fans that St. Louis has become for more than three decades.

As we take our talents westward, we are ready to take the former Carroll-Rhema Motors in Linn, MO, to the next level. As the Mid Missouri Powerhouse, you can be sure that we will offer you the unbeatable powerhouse deals, trade-in offers and GM-certified service that made Jim Butler Chevrolet the No. 1 Chevy dealer in Missouri.

With the Mid Missouri Powerhouse, Central Missouri Chevy fans should expect to see the inventory available for Linn, MO, nearly double. The six-acre lot at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse will be home to the highest-awarded trucks, SUVs and sedans in America. The Mid Missouri Powerhouse will have the best selection of new and quality pre-owned vehicles in a 100-mile radius.

We know that Caroll-Rhema Motors earned the respect of the central Missouri community, and we aim to keep earning your respect and valuable business. And as a member of St. Louis’ Most Trusted Automotive Family, the Mid Missouri Powerhouse will work closely with Jim Butler Chevrolet. If you’re in Jefferson City or Linn, and you see a vehicle at our Fenton, MO, dealership, we can have it delivered to the Mid Missouri Powerhouse.

This isn’t a takeover or a rebuild. We see it as an opportunity to give the good people of central Missouri even more options when choosing a new Chevrolet or pre-owned car, truck or CUV. We are happy to add the staff of the Mid Missouri Powerhouse to our dynamic team, and we hope you’ll make us your first, next and only choice for a new Chevrolet in central Missouri.

We invite you to shop our new inventory and see what you like. The name may have changed, but the quality and service you’ve loved for years will only get better and better.

Thank you,
The Mid Missouri Powerhouse