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Meet the All-New Chevy Trailblazer

Meet the all-new 2021 Chevy Trailblazer. This SUV model has been redesigned for optimal comfort and travel capabilities. Here is some more information about the Chevy Trailblazer. more Trim Levels The 2021 Chevy Trailblazer comes in five trim levels so you can choose the one that best fits your driving needs: the L (standard), LS, LT, ACTIV, and RS. Exterior Features The L, LS, LT, ACTIV, and RS trims come standard with halogen headlamps for optimal visibility, but only L, LS, and LT trims come with halogen tail lamps. Similarly, each trim has automatic headlights so they turn on and off to adjust to the surrounding light conditions without you having to do it manually. For added style and functionality, LT, ACTIV, and RS have roof-mounted side rails, deep-tinted windows and availability for a panoramic sunroof. The LT and ACTIV trims have 17" High Gloss Black aluminum wheels with a machined face, and the RS trim has 18" High Gloss Black unidirectional aluminum wheels with machined face. The LT trim is the only one that comes with silver-painted front and rear lower fascias, giving it a sleek look. As the ACTIV trim was made for off-roading, it is the only trim that comes with 17" sport terrain tires. Engine and Performance The 2021 Chevy Trailblazer has several engine options depending on the trim level you choose. The L, LS, and LT trims all come with an ECOTEC 1.2L Turbo engine that gets 137 horsepower. For even more power, the ACTIV and RS trims come with an ECOTEC 1.3L Turbo engine that gets 155 horsepower. In addition, all trims have a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) so you know you are getting a speed-efficient vehicle. All Chevy Trailblazer's come with standard front-wheel drive (FWD), however, all-wheel-drive (AWD) is also available for the LS, LT, ACTIV, and RS trims. Both of these driving modes give you the ability to navigate unpaved terrain and harsh weather conditions. If you want a trim that is meant for off-road adventures, the ACTIV trim is the only one that comes standard with off-road suspension tuning. Safety Features The 2020 Chevy Trailblazer comes with all the safety features you need to navigate your journey based on the surrounding conditions. Each trim comes with a following distance indicator, forward collision alert, and lane-keep assist with lane departure warning so you can adjust your speed and steering to accommodate other vehicles on the roadway. Interior Features The 2021 Chevy Trailblazer has enough room for five passengers including the driver. All trims come with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities, 40/60 split-folding rear bench seat, 7" diagonal color touchscreen, LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), and a rear camera. The main difference to the interior is that the L, LS, and LT options have cloth seat trims, while the ACTIV option has a leatherette seat trim, and the RS option has a leatherette and cloth seat trim. Stop by Jim McKay Chevrolet today to check out our new inventory of Chevy Trailblazers and go for a test drive. We look forward to helping you find your next Chevrolet. Image via DealerOn

Restaurants in Fairfax, VA - Jim McKay Chevrolet

Eat Well At These Fairfax Farm to Table Restaurants

Eating local, seasonal food can make the world of difference to your taste buds. Not only that, but it also promotes the local farms and businesses in your area. Here are some farm-to-table restaurants in and around Fairfax County, Virginia that offer curbside pickup, takeout, or no-contact delivery options to customers. more Gusto Farm to Street Gusto Farm to Street has a location in Chantilly, Virginia, and it lives up to its name. Here you will find wholesome dishes with ingredients sourced from local farms that practice sustainability. Some menu items include the local farmer's salad, seasonal pizza, farmer's wife pizza, and more. You can create your own salad or pizza by selecting from several farm-fresh topping options. Complete your meal with a hand-crafted beverage and a gluten-free chocolate chip cookie for dessert. Silver Diner Silver Diner has locations across the United States, with a location in Fair Oaks, Virginia. This classic diner-style restaurant serves local produce to its customers year-round. The restaurant is partnered with 15 farms in the area to supply meat and produce to this Virginia location. Enjoy farm-fresh ingredients when you dine here. Some menu items include classic American dishes such as grilled cheese sandwiches, milkshakes, and customizable burgers. They are also known for the breakfast menu, which includes specialty omelets, avocado toast, buttermilk pancakes, and local flatiron steak and eggs. Hunter's Head Tavern Hunter's Head Tavern is a farm-to-table eatery in the form of an English-style pub. Here, you can enjoy farm-fresh meat and produce that come from nearby Ayrshire Farm. Some of Hunter's Head Tavern's menu items include beer-battered fish & chips, chicken club sandwich, house-made pork bangers and mash, slow-cooked chicken pot pie, mushy peas, and for dessert, sticky toffee pudding or double chocolate cake made using Ayrshire Farm eggs. Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar has a few locations across the U.S., including one in Fairfax County, Virginia. This restaurant prides itself on a seasonal menu that is determined based on the produce available from its trusted farmers. Some menu items include their crispy lettuce wraps, cajun fries, cobb salad, all-American burger, Chicken tortilla soup, pot pies, and butter cakes for those with a sweet tooth. Evening Star Cafe The Evening Star Cafe sets a wonderful example of how growing one's own food can contribute to a bountiful harvest. Located in Alexandria, Virginia, this cafe has its very own 1,360 square-foot-garden on the rooftop. Here, the chef and a local gardener can grow the majority of the vegetables used in their menu items. The next time you want a farm-fresh meal in the Fairfax County area, consider paying a visit to one of these farm-to-table restaurants. Image via Pixabay

2020 Chevrolet Traverse in Fairfax, VA - Jim McKay Chevrolet

4 Reasons to Consider the 2020 Chevy Traverse

The 2020 Chevy Traverse is a mid-sized SUV with advanced interior and exterior features for next-level comfort and driving ease. Here are some reasons why you should consider the 2020 Chevy Traverse. more Exterior Style and Capabilities The 2020 Chevy Traverse has a sleek and functional exterior. The standard trim comes with 18-inch bright silver-painted aluminum wheels for a polished look. It also comes with body-color door handles and black-painted mirror caps. For functionality, the Chevy Traverse has automatic high beams that detect oncoming vehicles and power them on and off to adjust to changing light conditions so you don't have to. If you don't have a free hand to open the trunk, don't worry. The Chevy Traverse has a hands-free power liftgate that allows you to open the trunk compartment with a simple motion of your leg under your car. Interior Space and Functionality The 2020 Chevy Traverse was designed to give you optimal space for up to seven or eight passengers. This model comes with Smart Slide Seating, so third-row passengers can easily slide the second-row seats forward for quick access to their seats. This feature also allows the second-row seats to bend forward at an angle instead of folding all the way down, so there is less work necessary on your part. In addition, this model has a few hidden storage compartments where you can place important items or extra cargo that would not otherwise fit in the cargo area. These compartments are located behind the infotainment system and under the floor of the rear cargo area. The Chevy Traverse also has several interior features that allow you to enjoy your drive. This model comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so you can sync your devices and listen to music straight from your phone. There is also the option to add a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot so your passengers can go online while you are on the go. Engine and Power Capabilities The Chevy Traverse comes with a 3.6L V6 engine that makes 310 horsepower and has a 9-speed automatic transmission so you can get where you need to go and quick. It gets 18 miles per gallon in the city and 27 on the highway. Thanks to its engine power, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it great for towing a small trailer, boat, or additional cargo. Safety Technology This mid-sized SUV model provides you with several safety features to help you potentially prevent collisions and keep you and your passengers protected, should one occur. The Chevy Traverse comes with a standard rearview camera feature to help you safely back out or into parking spaces and garages. You can also get additional safety features including forward collision warning, front pedestrian braking, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist with departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear park assist, and lane change alert with side blind zone alert. Stop by Jim McKay Chevrolet today to check out our new inventory of 2020 Chevy Traverse vehicles. We look forward to being of service to you. Image via DealerOn

Auto Loan in Fairfax, VA - Jim McKay Chevrolet

Guaranteed Credit Approval at Jim McKay Chevrolet

Jim McKay Chevrolet offers customers the help they need in buying the vehicle they deserve by offering guaranteed credit approval in the greater DMV area! Read more for the steps to take so you can get approved for a loan that works in your favor. more 1. Find Your Next New or Used Car Visit our new or used inventory pages if you're interested in purchasing one from us at Jim McKay Chevrolet! We have a wide selection of vehicles to choose from so take the time to browse our pages to see which one is the right one to drive. 2. Use Our Pre-Approval Application Fill out Jim McKay Chevrolet's loan application to get pre-approved for a loan within your budget regardless of credit history. 3. Speak to Our Finance Department Call or visit our page to discuss the next steps in paying for your new or used Chevrolet with our helpful team of finance experts in the local DMV area. Our dealership is here to help you get the auto loan you need to pay for your dream vehicle, so get started today by using our finance application! Image via Pixabay

Shopping in Fairfax, VA - Jim McKay Chevrolet

Four Reasons to Go to Tysons Corner

Tysons Corner is a community located in Fairfax County, Virginia. If you've never visited then it should take the place on the top of your to-do list. There are restaurants, shops, and many attractions and activities to do to keep you entertained for a fun day out. Here are four reasons to go to Tysons Corner. more Grab a Bite to Eat One of our favorite things to do at Tysons Corner is to eat! They have tons of different restaurants for all taste palates. One of those is American Tandoor with specialties such as Chaat which is a savory dish from India. They also have Sati's Chicken Wings and Lamb Boti Kebabs which are both delicious. Another great eatery here is Barrel and Bushel. They serve up delicious beer, bourbon, and classic American cuisine. Try their pan-seared jumbo scallops, amber maple salmon, and hot fried chicken. Yum! All the restaurants at Tyson’s Corner offer takeout options to keep customers safe and healthy in Fairfax, VA. Do Some High-End Shopping at Tyson's Galleria Tyson's Galleria has premier shopping with some seriously luxurious shops. Check out Chanel, Versace, or Burberry for a special gift for yourself. Don't worry, you deserve it. They also have a Louis Vuitton Store, Prada, and a Neiman Marcus. If you're looking for somewhere to visit for a day to yourself, this is it. You can find an amazing purse, outfit, and just about anything else you could dream of. This high-fashion center is a wonderful way to pamper yourself or those you love. Enjoy Some Family Fun There's no shortage of things to do with the family at Tysons Corner. Head over to the AMC Theater and see one of the latest movies in one of their 16 different state-of-the-art theaters. They have an IMAX, RealD 3D, and an ETX auditorium all located on level three of the Tysons Corner Center. During the summer months, they host a summer concert series with free performances for everyone. On Thursday mornings they offer a StrollerStrides program so you can get some exercise with your little ones. In addition to the above attractions and activities, they have a large kids' play area. This 1,000 square-foot area features different play areas with parent seating options. There's even a separate toddler zone so kids of all ages can burn off some of that pent-up energy. On The Plaza, they even have games available such as cornhole, chess, tumbling towers, and table tennis. Get Your Shopping Done at the Center For some affordable shopping, you can check out Tysons Corner Center. If you're shopping for the kids you can check out Abercrombie Kids, the American Girl store, Build-A-Bear, the Disney Store, and Claire's. Stop by Barnes and Noble and Bath and Body Works to pick out your next favorite book and candle to cozy up with at home. If you want to refresh your wardrobe then make sure and stop by the Coach store, Express, H&M, and Lululemon Athletica. We hope you enjoy your family outing at Tysons Corner! We love it here and we're sure you will too. From shopping at the best stores to being able to enjoy some fine dining, there's plenty to do here. Have fun! Image via Pixabay

Coffee Places in Fairfax, VA - Jim McKay Chevrolet

Get Your Coffee Fix in Fairfax

Coffee people, gather around. Get your friends and your family and get ready to find out where to find the best cup of joe. Whether your preferred coffee is a cappuccino, a latte, or straight black we have put together a list of some great shops where you can get your coffee fix in Fairfax. more De Clieu Coffee May your coffee be strong and your workday short. De Clieu Coffee strives to get you that strong cup of coffee to help you power through your day. Try one of their specialty drinks like the Dirty Hippie, Honey Charcoal Latte, or a Coconut Mocha. They also have traditional drinks such as Caramel Macchiato as well as espresso drinks. To keep customers safe, De Clieu Coffee also has a takeout option for their menu. Don't forget to grab your breakfast, like a croissant or a breakfast sandwich, so you have some nutrients to make it through to lunch. De Clieu is located at 10389 Main St. B and is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Duck Donuts Take your coffee with you from Duck Donuts. They know that you can't buy happiness but you can buy coffee, and it's pretty much the same thing. They have a great menu to prove it. Enjoy a warm cup of freshly brewed coffee any way you like it. They also have delicious lattes topped with whipped cream and actual thirst-quenching iced coffee. They also offer teas and hot chocolate. Duck Donuts is found at 10694 Fairfax Blvd. from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Duck Donuts also has an online order option for customers so take the time to reach out to them about deliveries! A bad day with a great cup of coffee is better than any day with no coffee at all. Check out one of these great coffee shops right here in Fairfax for a nice brew served with friendly attitudes. We hope you love them all as much as we do. Image via Pixabay

2020 Chevrolet Impala in Fairfax, VA - Jim McKay Chevrolet

Make A Chevy Your Next Car

We know how much dependability matters, and so does Chevy. Year after year they have been producing cars that are reliable, fuel-efficient, and contain all of the newest features. They have options ranging from compact to full-size with everything in between. If you're considering a new car purchase, we definitely think you should make a Chevy your next car. more Malibu First on our list of Chevy cars is the continuously sought after Malibu. This sophisticated mid-size car offers power, an eye-catching exterior, and a sporty yet luxurious interior. Enjoy features such as a sleek exterior with available LED lighting and dual exhaust. There are two engine options available so you can choose the power you need. There's the 1.5-liter Turbo with 36 miles per gallon highway and an available 2.0-liter Turbo that puts out 250 horsepower. Inside you find a touch of elegance. There are features such as the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, available heated seats, and interior chrome accents. There's plenty of room for your whole family inside this car. Impala The Chevy Impala is Chevy's full-size car. Comfort and convenience features are abundant with options such as available perforated leather seating and a large eight-inch touch-screen display with Apple CarPlay. There are also two different engine options. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine stop and start technology will get you up to 29 miles per gallon on the highway. There's also an available 3.6-liter V-6 engine with 305 horsepower. Impressive safety features include available forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and forward automatic braking. Spark If you do a lot of driving then you want to check out the Chevy Spark. This wallet-friendly car provides you with up to 38 highway miles per gallon. An eye-catching exterior is made possible thanks to a variety of bright colors such as Orange Burst, Passion Fruit, Raspberry, and Caribbean Blue. The Spark ACTIV comes with 15-inch aluminum wheels, unique bumpers, a leather steering wheel, and jet black leatherette heated front seats. Technology features such as available 4G LTE Wi-Fi technology and Android Auto allow you to connect while keeping your eyes on the road. Sonic Great for long daily commutes but with a little more room is the Chevy Sonic. You can get up to 34 miles per gallon on the highway and 138 horsepower thanks to the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine. This dependable small car features a standard rear vision camera and available rear park assist. The Premier trim level comes with 17-inch painted aluminum wheels, keyless open and start, perforated leatherette seating, and an enhanced driver information center. There's also the Premier Hatch design for a little more room for carrying luggage or work supplies. Any of these impressive cars would make a great choice for your next family car. If you want to check out any of these for yourself then stop by our website to find one that works for you and Jim McKay Chevrolet will deliver it to your home after purchasing your dream vehicle. Image via DealerOn

2020 Chevrolet Traverse in Fairfax, VA - Jim McKay Chevrolet

Which 2020 Traverse Trim Do You Need?

The 2020 Chevy Traverse is available in seven amazing trim levels. Each offers something different, for the sporty driver, family driver, and those who crave higher-end finishes. So, which 2020 Traverse trim do you need? more The Traverse L The base trim 2020 Traverse is the L and features a 3.6-liter V-6 engine with 310 horsepower and start/stop technology to improve your fuel economy. You get 18-inch bright silver-painted aluminum wheels, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and premium cloth seating. This trim level is great for those who need a new SUV but don't necessarily need all the frills. The Traverse LS Next up is the LS trim, which comes with a front-wheel-drive system and traction mode select so you can drive confidently on different road conditions. Also included are features such as automatic on and off headlights and available 20-inch gloss black-painted aluminum wheels. Inside you find a 3.5-inch driver information center and seating for eight. Take the whole family wherever you need to go with all of the spacious seating options. The LT Cloth Traverse Inside the LT Cloth trim, there's premium cloth seating with various available finishes. Also available in this trim are heated seats, rear-seat infotainment system with a DVD player, and a standard rear vision camera. Also included are features such as black exterior moldings, deep-tinted glass, and a manual liftgate. Another great choice for those who want a luxurious feeling SUV without the heftier price tag. The Traverse RS Next on our list is the Traverse RS with StabiliTrak which is an enhanced stability control system with traction control. Additional premium features include 20-inch dark android painted aluminum wheels and Intellibeam with automatic lighting. Also standard is the LT premium package with a premium Bose 10-speaker sound system and HD surround vision. The LT Leather Traverse With the LT Leather Traverse trim level, you get premium leather finishes including leather-appointed seat trims with heated front seats and a leather steering wheel. Additional features include a power programmable liftgate, heated exterior mirrors with turn signal indicators, and a Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus system with an eight-inch diagonal HD color touch screen. The Traverse Premier On the higher-end of the spectrum is the Traverse Premier. This trim level will get you 20-inch argent metallic machined-face aluminum wheels, chrome door handles, and heated exterior mirrors. Inside you find a 4.2-inch driver information center, seating for seven, and perforated leather seating with heated front and rear seating. The Traverse High Country The Traverse High Country is a luxurious trim level that comes with exterior features such as 20-inch polished alloy wheels and a Dual SkyScape two-panel power sunroof. The interior will come with high-end finishes such as an automatic heated steering wheel and the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Premium system with navigation and a large eight-inch touch screen. This upscale trim is perfect for those who love the finer things in life. If you want to check out any of these great Traverse trims, reach out to us here at Jim McKay Chevrolet. One of our great sales team members will be able to answer any questions you have and make sure to ask about our home delivery option before purchasing one on our website. Image via DealerOn

Health and Safety Tips in Fairfax, VA - Jim McKay Chevrolet

Health and Safety Tips to Use in Fairfax, VA

The COVID-19 outbreak is a stressful time for everyone in the DMV area. To keep you and your family safe and healthy throughout this crazy transition, keep in mind of these helpful tips. more Washing Your Hands Keeping your hands clean is one of the many ways you can stay prepared. The recommended duration is to wash them with soap and water for 20 seconds and if you happen to run out of soap, always keep a good supply of hand sanitizer available in your home. Stay Indoors Remaining home is another helpful way of avoiding the spread of COVID-19 in Fairfax, VA. Be sure to keep your home stocked up of food, medicine and other important items that you will need in the long run. If you have to get more supplies from a nearby grocery store, make sure to keep a small sanitizer bottle with you when grabbing a cart or basket. Distance Yourself Socially While talking to friends and family members on the phone isn’t as exciting and fun as meeting up with them at malls or restaurants, it can help you and your loved ones stay safe from COVID-19. It’s also good to check with your favorite restaurants in the local area to see if they have any delivery or carry-out options and switching to online shopping when it comes to looking for new clothes and vehicles. Image via Pixabay

2020 Chevrolet Malibu in Fairfax, VA - Jim McKay Chevrolet

4 Modern Touches You'll Love in the Chevrolet Malibu

Safety and comfort are among the top things to look for when choosing your car. However, it is also essential to ensure that you invest in a car that will meet your daily commuting needs. For these reasons, Chevrolet has come up with new features that will make the Malibu your go-to car. These modern touches make it stylish and will give you the respect you deserve while on the road. Let's take a look at the four modern touches that you'll definitely love in the Chevrolet Malibu. more Design The Chevrolet Malibu has LED day headlights and tail lamps to enhance your safety while driving under harsh weather conditions. The car also features dual exhaust outlets to complement the exterior looks. The steering has a leather wrapping, which enhances your grip while on the road. Its seats are well contoured with balanced cushioning. During the cold season, you'll love the heated front seats, which ensure that your rides are comfortable through all kinds of weather. Performance The new modern look gives you a mighty and gorgeous ride, no matter your terrain. The car has 250 horsepower paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It is powered by either 1.5L turbo, 1.8L hybrid, or 2.0L turbo engine. This gives you exceptional fuel economy, as well as the power you need for tough drives. It also can pick up speed pretty fast, and it features convenient electronic controls. Interior The vehicle is quite spacious and accommodates everyone regardless of their height. Its front seats are adjustable to enhance your comfort while on the road. The driver and front passenger enjoy the dual-zone temperature control for personalized comfort. Additionally, the car has a large trunk space to ensure all your cargo can fit without having to stress the passengers. Safety The new model has installed new technology that allows your car to start with forward-collision alert. It also has a rear cross-traffic alert and a rearview mirror fitted with a camera. The car also has a lane-keep-assist system that alerts you whenever you are drifting out of your lane and assists you in swinging back on track. If the drifting persists, the technology also alerts you that it's time to pull over and have a little break from the journey. It also has a system that measures the distance between you and traffic ahead to ensure you are driving from a safe point. The new model is fitted with a blind-spot warning to ensure you are not in another motorist's blind spot. Additionally, it has an automatic braking system to help you avoid a collision even when you are unable to respond instantly. If an accident happens, the car is fitted with several air bags to protect you and your passengers. These new features not only improve the car's performance and comfort, but they're also a great value. You'll love driving a car that combines simplicity and convenience with superior handling and fuel economy. Visit our site today to start your online shopping experience! Image via Jimmckaychevrolet.com

Brew Pubs in Fairfax, VA - Jim McKay Chevrolet

Enjoy Beer and Big Eats at Fairfax Brewpubs

The Fairfax area has an incredible selection of great breweries and many of them serve delicious food to accompany their original beer products. Take a look at some of the best breweries that Fairfax has to offer. more Ornery Beer Company Ornery Beer Company has two locations in the Fairfax area. The brewery boasts an impressive assortment of over 18 beers that'll surely satisfy any of your preferences when it comes to flavor and alcohol content. While at Ornery Beer Company, you can also order food typical of the southern United States, including wings, shrimp, steak, and pasta. If you find yourself visiting this brewery on a consistent basis, you can join the Ornery Mug Club to earn loyalty rewards and benefits with each visit and special occasion. Settle Down Easy Brewing At Settle Down Easy Brewing, you'll be able to choose between 12 original beers that range greatly in official alcohol content and ingredients. Rather than having a full restaurant menu, Settle Down Easy includes a taco stand right in the brewery. That means you can pair your favorite local beer with any variety of Mexican or Tex-Mex tacos or other Mexican appetizers sold at the stand. As part of the SDE Privy Council, you and a group of friends or colleagues can join forces and earn membership perks with each visit. Ono Brewing Company Ono Brewing Company is a self-serve beer tasting room that's very different from its competitors. The brewery offers a selection of ten different beers and charges by the ounce rather than by the serving, which allows you greater opportunity to sample many different beers at once. While in the tasting room, you can order from Odd BBQ, which sells the most perfect two-meat platters to pair with your beer. If you enjoy social occasions, Ono Brewing Company also hosts a happy hour several days per week as well as tours of the brewery. BadWolf Brewing Company BadWolf Brewing Company is a brewery that stands by its promise to sell beer that's unfiltered and unpasteurized. While at BadWolf Brewing Company, you have a selection between about eight small-batch beers that you can sample by ordering flights (or just order a whole cup). When it comes to food options at BadWolf Brewing Company, you'll be able to get something different every time, because local food trucks tend to stop nearby. You also have the ability to just visit some of the other local restaurants to order some takeout to bring with you. Final Thoughts The Fairfax area has a lot to offer, but even more so if you're talking about beer and food. The area actually has a remarkable number of brewpubs that you can visit year-round to sample local beers and get a bite to eat. If you've already previously visited all of these brewpubs or you just like a variety of options to try out more local beers, take a look at this list. Image via Pixabay

2020 Chevrolet Colorado in Fairfax, VA - Jim McKay Chevrolet

4 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Car Crimes

Anyone who owns a car worries occasionally about how to keep it safe from car theft, break-ins, and other criminal actions. While it's true that an insurance policy may cover any loss you incur, nobody wants to deal with the hassle of making a police report, filing an insurance claim, and dealing with car repairs or recovery. Here are a few ways you can keep your vehicle, its occupants, and your belongings safe from criminals. more Lock Your Vehicle The advice to lock your car may be obvious, but it's surprising how many vehicle crimes take place simply because the owner didn't lock it up before walking away. Today's technology provides different ways of achieving this, such as a key fob, keyless entry, or even the ability to lock your vehicle with a smartphone app remotely. Before you leave your car in the parking lot or driveway, be sure to tug at the handle to make sure it's locked. Choose Your Parking Spot Carefully Thieves are less likely to target vehicles that are parked in public, well-lit areas.  At home, if you have a garage, use it. If you must park in a driveway, make sure it's well-lit, and park as close to the house as you can. When parking in public lots, look for spots with foot traffic, good lighting, and security camera coverage. You may find it well worth the added expense to pay for secure parking instead of a free spot that isn't monitored or patrolled. Hide Your Valuables If you want to deter criminals from taking your stuff, it's best not to tempt them by leaving it in plain sight.  Purses, electronics, shopping bags, and other valuables should be kept in either the trunk of the car or a back seat with tinted windows. If possible, cover them with a coat or throw blanket. If your vehicle has a hatchback instead of a trunk, conceal its contents beneath a cargo cover. Take advantage of the locking glove box for small valuables. Better still, take your valuable items with you when you leave the car. Keep Your Keys Secure The location where you keep your car keys can have a significant impact on your car's security. For example, if you're out at a restaurant, don't leave your keys sitting on the table when you go to use the restroom. That's obvious. However, even when you're at home, think twice about where you leave the keys. If you drop your keys on a table beside the front door, it's easy for a burglar to grab them and speed off with your car. There's another reason to watch where you keep your keys. Relay theft is an increasing danger for owners of cars with keyless entry. Criminals can obtain a device that amplifies your key fob's radio signal, tricking the car into unlocking. If your vehicle starts with a push-button, thieves can even drive away with your car. Prevent this by keeping your keys as far away from the car as possible, or storing them inside a metal box. For those who are obsessed with safety from car crimes, there are many safety devices on the market. However, just practicing these four easy tips can keep away all but the most determined thieves. Image via DealerOn

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