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Looking for something fun to do this Fourth of July? Here in Oklahoma City (OKC), Oklahoma, and surrounding areas, you can celebrate Independence Day in many ways. You'll find a variety of patriotic events and festivals that'll give you experiences you'll never forget. The Fourth of July is a special occasion, so read on to discover all the festivities happening near you. LibertyFest One of the nation's most prominent Fourth of July celebrations is LibertyFest, which takes place in Oklahoma City's suburb of Edmond. It's been recognized by both USA Today and CNN as one of the 10 best Independence Day festivals in the United States. LibertyFest is also home to Oklahoma's largest Fourth of July parade, putting this event at the top of our list. LibertyFest is a series of exhilarating activities that will take place from June 23 to July 4, 2023. With over nine events, there's no shortage of entertainment and celebrations for you and your family to enjoy. The festival will feature live entertainment, a variety of children's activities, a car show, a rodeo, and the infamous watermelon feed. The price of admission varies by event, although most are free to attend. You can also catch the grandest fireworks display in the OKC metro during Parkfest. There'll be another spectacular show at Hafer Park on July 4. Be sure to stay up to date with the calendar of events so that you don't miss a thing. Date: June 23 to July 4. Location: Varies by event. Celebration in the Heartland The annual Celebration in the Heartland will be returning to Buck Thomas Park. Located in Moore, the event boasts breathtaking fireworks and an array of activities, including a classic car, truck, and motorcycle show. The event begins at 2 p.m., with fireworks starting at around 9:45 p.m. Entry to the park is free. If you're enjoying the fireworks show outside of the park, make sure to tune into FM 89.9 so you can listen to their synchronized music. However, we encourage you to head into the park and check out all the fun-filled and festive activities. Date: July 4. Location: 1903 NE 12th St., Moore, Oklahoma. Stars & Stripes River Festival One of OKC's most popular Independence Day celebrations is the Stars & Stripes River Festival. With two weekends filled with water activities and patriotic events, spectators can enjoy multiple races and water adventures, starting with the Stars & Stripes Regatta. Head over to the Oklahoma River in the Boathouse District for this exhilarating Fourth of July festival. Hosted by RIVERSPORT Adventures, the Stars & Stripes River Festival will take place over two days, June 24 and July 1. On June 24, there'll be whitewater rafting and racing throughout the day, with live music and food trucks. The Masters Rowing Regatta will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the OG&E NightSprints & Paddlefest Dragon Boat Racing will go from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. On July 1, the Stars & Stripes Block Party will take place. The event will start at noon with the Navy Week celebration and Fourth of July activities. There'll be multiple showings of the movie Top Gun Maverick throughout the day, and the Thunder Dock Diving Dogs will give a special performance. This eventful day will close out with fireworks at 9 p.m. Date: June 24 and July 1. Location: 800 Riversport Drive, Oklahoma City. Red, White, & BOOM! The annual Red, White, & BOOM! festival is a tradition that brings hundreds of thousands of people together each year to celebrate our country and honor our veterans and military. It's a free event that features a parade, live music on two stages, and a street festival spanning over 2.5 miles in Downtown Columbus, Ohio. It's the largest single-day event in the city and a great way to kick off the Fourth of July. The Red, White, & Boom! street festival begins at 11 a.m. and will include more than a hundred vendors from all over the country selling food, beverages, and even glow sticks. The parade will start at 5:30 p.m. at the Main Street Bridge. Stick around for the brilliant fireworks display, touted as the largest in the state. It'll take place on the east bank of Genoa Park at 10 p.m., with multiple viewing areas available. Date: July 3. Location: 218 West St., Columbus, Ohio. Tribute to Liberty The annual Tribute to Liberty is back once again and will feature food trucks, fireworks, and live music. It will take place in the parking lot near the Spirit Playground and the rotary pavilion. The music performances will begin at 7 p.m. with introductions by Mayor Matt Dukes. Fireworks will begin promptly at 9:45 p.m. It's going to be a hot Fourth of July, so we recommend ditching the blankets and bringing lawn chairs to stay off the ground. Make sure you bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and bug spray so that you can stay comfortable throughout the day. This event is free, and there will be various parking spots available, including at the Happy Tails Dog Park and the Joe B. Barnes Pavilion. Date: July 4. Location: 8700 E. Reno Ave., Midwest City, Oklahoma. Yukon Freedom Fest Freedom Fest is the official Independence Day celebration of Yukon, Oklahoma. This free event is open to the public and will include a car show, a children's parade, a sand art competition, a hot dog eating competition, and much more. The event is spread out over three connecting parks, including Trail City Park, Crisholm Trail Park, and Freedom Trail City Park. There'll be several special musical performances at Freedom Fest. On July 3, you can watch performances by the Hi-Fi Hillbillies and Irv Wagner's Concert Band. Superfreak and the OKC Philharmonic will take the stage on July 4. There will be two fireworks displays starting at 10 p.m. both nights. Date: July 3 and 4. Location: 500 W. Vandament, Yukon, Oklahoma. Celebrate the Fourth in Style Show your rebellious side with America's favorite vehicle, the Chevy. Independence Day is all about breaking the rules, after all. We have an extensive lineup of new vehicles waiting for you to test-drive. Stop by Eskridge Chevrolet today to find your next ride. Our dedicated sales team can't wait to assist you. Image by Stephanie McCabe is licensed with Unsplash License

According to thezebra.com, half of Americans relied on auto financing to purchase their last vehicle. So, if you're planning to buy a new or used car, there's a good chance you'll want or need financing. Unfortunately, many buyers spend most of their research on vehicles instead of loans. If this sounds like you, don't worry. We had our finance experts at Eskridge Chevrolet of Guthrie, Oklahoma, explain how car loans work and what you can expect from the process. What Is a Car Loan? Like any loan, when you take out a car loan you receive a lump sum of money you agree to pay back over time. Your interest payment and the loan amount will vary depending primarily on your credit score and income. As you begin researching loans, here are some of the terms you should understand: Loan term: This refers to the time you'll have to repay the loan. Lenders usually express this in months, typically 36 to 72. Annual percentage rate (APR): Your loan APR is the amount you pay yearly, including any lender fees. Comparing the APR of different loans is the best approach when deciding which to choose. Interest rate: Your loan interest rate is the multiplier banks use to calculate their markup. This is different than APR because it doesn't include fees. Down payment: This is the amount of money you agree to pay upfront toward the vehicle, with some deals requiring a minimum amount to be paid before approval. However, the more money you put down, the less you have to borrow and the lower your monthly payment. Principal: This is the amount of money borrowed. Taxes and Fees: Every state has its tax rate, and some regions have additional taxes. In addition, some deals contain documentation and origination fees, so we recommend you talk with our finance department about these figures. Monthly Payment: Lenders use points one to six to calculate your monthly payment. Key Factors That Affect Your Loan Understanding the above terms will help you navigate the loan process. But the APR, principal, and loan term have the most significant impact on your loan. Therefore, we recommend you start the loan process by carefully examining your budget. For example, you need to know how much you can afford in a monthly car payment. From there, you can begin shopping for loans. At Eskridge Chevrolet, we have an online payment calculator that can help. You can enter the loan amount, terms, APR, trade-in value, and down payment to see how the deal comes together. Naturally, the higher the principal, or the amount of money borrowed, the higher your monthly payment will be. The lender's annual percentage rate then comes into play. As the APR rises, so too does your monthly payment. Finally, there's the loan term. The longer the loan, the lower your monthly payment and vice versa. Shop Chevy Car for Loans We recommend you shop for a car loan next. Rates vary by lender, and your credit score and income ultimately determine your APR. Eskridge Chevrolet has streamlined the loan process with our online pre-approval application. You'll know your loan amount, APR, and monthly payment in minutes. Once you receive pre-approval on a loan, you can start accurately assessing specific deals. Using our payment calculator, you can input various figures for the loan amount, term, and APR and see your estimated monthly payment. For example, you can input a $30,000 loan amount with a 4.9% APR with a 72-month term, which results in a $482 monthly payment. Now, if you calculate a $500 monthly payment fits your budget, a loan with these parameters works. However, if your budget only allows for a monthly payment of $425, you must adjust your figures. You can shop for a longer term. For instance, a $30,000 loan at 4.9% APR with an 84-month term lowers your monthly payment to $423. You can also shop for a lower APR. Lowering your APR will lower your monthly payment, although this has a lesser impact than extending the term. For instance, a 2.9% APR on the same 72-month loan amount lowers your monthly payment to $454. If you extend this to 84 months, your monthly payment drops to $395. When shopping for a car loan, the goal is to find the lowest APR with a comfortable term length. Remember that the longer the term, the more money you'll end up paying for the car. Budget Correctly We mentioned earlier you should develop a budget for your monthly payment. However, you'll want to make sure you factor in your new car's financial aspects. For example, your car insurance could increase for several reasons. First, lenders require you to obtain more coverage to protect their investment, which raises your rates. Also, your new car is probably worth more money than your old car and will cost more to insure. It would help if you also considered fuel expenses. For example, if you trade your fuel-efficient sedan for a Chevrolet Silverado pickup, you can expect to spend more on gas. The last thing you want to do is buy a new car only to find out you can't afford to drive it because you don't have money left over in your budget to enjoy date night or an evening hanging out with friends. Dealership Financing Programs You have many options for lenders. First, however, we recommend you shop our dealership financing programs. Eskridge Chevrolet has relationships with various local and national banks, and our finance managers can present you with competing loan offers. This allows you to choose a loan that best fits your needs. Unfortunately, some lenders prey on the unwary shopper, advertising low rates and then quoting higher rates once you apply. Sometimes, buyers come to us with significantly higher rates than they would qualify for through our dealership financing program. Apply for a Car Loan Today At Eskridge Chevrolet, our finance managers have the expertise to get you the perfect loan whatever your credit category. Our online loan application makes it easy to apply. However, if you prefer a personal discussion, please stop by our dealership in Guthrie, Oklahoma, and speak with one of our loan experts. Our finance pros will answer your questions and get you the loan you deserve. Image by senivpetro on Freepik

Chevrolet first introduced the Camaro in 1967, and it quickly became a popular choice for muscle car enthusiasts. Today, the 2023 Chevrolet Camaro proudly carries on the iconic heritage of American muscle in its sixth generation. You'll love the style and power the Camaro offers. In addition, Chevy equips its popular car with the latest in-vehicle tech you crave and elevated comfort features to rival any vehicle in its class. If you're shopping for a new car and are looking for style and performance, the Camaro lineup has something for every budget and taste. To help you decide, we asked our new-car experts to review the trim levels and features. 2023 Chevrolet Camaro 1LS Chevy's entry-level trim, the Camaro 1LS, comes nicely equipped at a starting MSRP of $26,100. Chevy gave this model a 2-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, achieving 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. In addition, you get a connected driving experience from its six-speed manual transmission. The 1LS has 18-inch silver-painted alloy wheels with all-season blackwall tires. In addition, the 1LS has LED daytime running lights and body-color outside mirrors, and you can choose from many exterior option packages to enhance its appearance to suit your taste. The 1LS cabin features a six-speaker audio system and an infotainment system that operates on a 7-inch touch screen. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth also come pre-installed for your convenience. Cloth upholstery comes standard, and you also get a leather-wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel and leather shift knob. Chevy also offers various cabin options for you to choose from if you want to upgrade your comfort level. 2023 Chevrolet Camaro 1LT Moving to the Camaro 1LT model with a $26,600 MSRP gets you several additional features. Under the hood, you get the same standard powertrain, but you can upgrade your transmission, add red-painted brake calipers, and get an upgraded sport suspension system. The 18-inch alloy wheels are included as standard, and you can get the RS Performance Package to upgrade your wheels to 20-inch alloys. The package also gives you the RS front grille, dark-tinted taillights, and a signature LED lighting system. The cabin upgrades to a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and you have access to a bevy of technology and comfort upgrades. 2023 Chevrolet Camaro 2LT The next trim, the Camaro 2LT, starts at an MSRP of $28,600 and includes significant upgrades and access to more options. For example, you can opt for the 3.6-liter V-6 engine with 335 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque. Cabin upgrades include heated and ventilated front seats and a dual-zone climate control system, and you have the option to add sporty bolstered Recaro bucket seats. 2023 Chevrolet Camaro 3LT Pricing starts at an MSRP of $32,600 for the Camaro 3LT model and comes with the standard 2-liter turbo or the optional 3.6-liter V-6 engine. Exterior additions include heated power side-view mirrors with an auto-dimming and memory function that recalls two driver positions for both the mirrors and seats. Also new on the 3LT is the premium Bose audio system, which will impress you with its theater-quality sound. A larger 8-inch touch screen operates with the Chevy Infotainment 3 operating system. Also, your interior comes with a premium aluminum trim, a 24-color ambient lighting package, a heated steering wheel, illuminated sill plates, and a wireless charging pad. You also get a head-up display and driver-assist systems such as forward collision alert, rear park assist, and lane change alert with side blind-zone alert. 2023 Chevrolet Camaro 1SS Moving to the SS range gets you even more power. The Camaro 1SS costs $39,600 and comes with a powerful 6.2-liter V-8 engine with a six-speed manual transmission. As a result, this powertrain produces 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. The engine also has variable valve timing, direct injection, and a high-performance cooling system to manage the heat. The 1SS delivers precision driving with performance suspension and a 3.73 rear axle ratio. Chevy added SS Brembo brakes to help you keep the car's power under control. Rolling on 20-inch silver-painted alloy wheels wrapped in summer tires, the 1SS turns heads along the boulevard. Black bow tie emblems, dark tinted taillights, and a rear spoiler add street style. 2023 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS The Camaro 2SS costs $44,600 and has the same growling 6.2-liter V-8 and manual transmission. Performance upgrades include yellow-painted Brembo brakes, and the Adrenaline Red interior package gives it a sporty style. A Bose system comes standard, and your in-vehicle tech moves to the Chevy Infotainment 3 Premium operating system on the 8-inch touch screen. You also get a rear cross-traffic alert system added to your driver-assist suite. 2023 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 The top-of-the-range Camaro ZL1 packs a big punch. Its MSRP of $67,000 gets you Chevy's supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 monster that pumps out an impressive 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. As a result, Chevy opted for a high-performance Brembo braking system to manage its beastly power. Muscle car enthusiasts love the throaty growl of the ZL1's quad rear exhaust system with stainless steel tips. An electronic limited-slip differential provides straight-line acceleration and traction, and the magnetic ride control system smooths out the smallest road imperfections by continuously monitoring the road and automatically adjusting the suspension by the millisecond. Attractive 20-inch Dark Graphite forged aluminum wheels wrapped in Goodyear Eagle F1 Super Car G:2 Summer tires provide the sticky performance you need, and the trim-exclusive ZL1 rear spoiler offers enhanced performance and style. You'll find race-ready equipment inside the cabin, such as performance bucket seats from Recaro and sport alloy pedals. Chevy even wrapped the steering wheel and shift knob in suede microfiber to give you maximum grip and the car a sophisticated style. Test-Drive a 2023 Chevrolet Camaro in Guthrie Today Eskridge Chevrolet has an expansive inventory of Camaro cars in various trims at competitive prices. If you're ready to elevate your Guthrie commute with a stylish performance vehicle like the Camaro, we recommend you start by searching our online inventory. Once you find a model you like, you can visit our dealership in Guthrie, Oklahoma. One of our new car specialists will show you your preferred vehicles and let you take your favorite for a test drive. Image by Chevrolet via Sports Car | 2023 Chevrolet Camaro & Camaro ZL1

Driving on the highway affects your car differently than driving around town. Many people argue about this topic, especially regarding commuting and resale value. We asked our experts here at Eskridge Chevrolet to delve into the subject and explain the differences. Highway Miles Defined While your car's odometer can't distinguish between highway and city miles, your vehicle almost certainly will. When you drive on the highway, those miles driven are highway miles. If your commute takes you via the highway, that's not a bad thing for your car. In fact, your vehicle benefits in several ways. First, your engine experiences less wear and tear since it's running at consistent rpm, and this is an engine's most efficient operating state. Next, without stop lights and traffic, you brake less, which prolongs the life of your brake pads and associated components. Finally, the road surfaces on highways tend to be in better shape. Better roads put less strain on your steering and suspension systems. Good Miles vs. Bad Miles If you're considering buying a car, high mileage is often viewed negatively. It's true that the higher a car's mileage, the less that car is worth. But since a vehicle is less damaged by highway miles than city driving, this may not be accurate. This means you don't need to rule out considering high-mileage vehicles. First, however, you need to know what you're looking for that may indicate bad miles on a vehicle. Ideally, you want to find a newer car with high mileage rather than an older model with many miles. For example, a 3-year-old Chevrolet Camaro with 75,000 miles almost certainly accumulated those miles on the highway. Conversely, if the same 3-year-old Camaro only had 20,000 miles on it, it probably spent a lot less time on freeway. City Miles Defined City miles refer to those miles driven on surface roads, not only in the city but around small towns and on back roads. Essentially, driving on any road that isn't a highway can fall within the definition of city miles. And these surfaces affect your car differently than highway miles. First, cities have stoplights and potholes, as well as significant amounts of traffic. The suburbs might be smoother and less busy, but they aren't that much better than city streets. More rural areas have far fewer stoplights and much less traffic, but roads tend to be in even worse condition. All these factors result in lots of accelerating and braking. Your engine works harder to get up to speed than it does to maintain a cruising speed, so city driving puts more wear and tear on your engine. And going from a standstill to 30 mph uses more gas than keeping a steady pace, which means you spend more money on gasoline. Plus, your engine runs at its lowest rpm when you sit idling at a red light. That causes your oil pressure to drop, which wears out your engine's internal parts faster. Your transmission and drivetrain are working hard, too, continually revving up and then down again. This causes these parts more wear and tear than getting to your cruising speed and maintaining it. In addition, the constant stopping results in more wear and tear on your brake system. Poor road conditions and potholes also affect your vehicle and can cause significant damage. According to AAA, potholes have caused $15 billion in automobile damage over the last five years. Finally, hitting the occasional curb can damage wheels, side rails, and frames. Another problem with city driving is the higher risk of accidents. With more traffic, varying speed zones, intersections, pedestrians, cyclists, animals, and other factors, the likelihood of a collision is far greater than driving on the highway. Highway driving has everyone heading in the same direction at relatively constant and comparable speeds. With fewer variables come fewer incidents. Let's consider that 3-year-old Camaro again. Which would you feel more comfortable driving? The one with 75,000 miles or the one with 20,000? The Cost of Wear and Tear We've mentioned wear and tear often, but what does that mean for your vehicle? Some parts of your car were engineered to wear out, and others were meant to last a very long time. Wear and tear affects all your car's parts. Those components that wear out naturally through use, such as the tires, brake pads, and wiper blades, deteriorate faster when you drive in the city. Furthermore, the constant jostling, turning, braking, and changing speeds will cause shock absorbers, struts, springs, and other suspension system components to wear faster too. Chances are, you'll need wheel alignments more often if you drive surface roads frequently. Highway vs. City Ratings — What's More Important? Most people want to know the fuel economy ratings when they shop for a vehicle. The industry refers to this as miles per gallon or mpg, which means the distance a vehicle can travel on a gallon of gas. The higher the number, the better a vehicle's economy. The EPA requires car manufacturers to test vehicles' fuel efficiency and publish the results. You see these estimates on the window stickers at dealerships everywhere. You'll actually see three ratings: city, highway, and combined. Shoppers often consider these ratings when making a buying decision. Finding a car with higher ratings will save you money no matter how much you drive. But a fuel-efficient model with a higher highway score rating makes the most sense if you commute long distances. In contrast, if your life has you staying around town, you want to get the best city miles-per-gallon rating. The combined rating is a weighted average between city and highway scores, which helps you make quick comparisons across vehicles and brands. Explore Chevrolet Vehicle Ratings in Guthrie At Eskridge Chevrolet, we know how important saving money at the pump is. That's why we stock an expansive vehicle inventory that gets excellent efficiency ratings. And the Chevrolet lineup offers premium cabins with the latest must-have tech. We recommend you shop our virtual inventory to get started. Then, stop by for a personal demonstration and test-drive the vehicle of your choice. 100000-mile turnover by liz west is licensed with CC BY 2.0

Racing is a big part of the culture in Oklahoma City. Plenty of places in the surrounding area host all kinds of racing events throughout the year. So, if you're interested in attending a racing event or even participating in one, you're in luck. Below, we'll highlight some of the best places to see or enter a racing event near Oklahoma City and advise you on how to best prepare for your next one. Full Lock Drift A great place to start when you're looking for grassroots drift events in Oklahoma City is Full Lock Drift. It has five different venues throughout the state, making it easy to find a location that's near you. The closest venues for local residents are the Oklahoma Motorsports Complex, Mac Park, and the Edmond Fire Academy. At Full Lock Drift, you'll discover drift events and a drift school where you can improve your skills. Finally, Full Lock Drift is a Formula Drift ProAm-sanctioned partner, meaning you can compete to earn your PROSPEC license. Cam's Acres Racing Site Next up, there's Cam's Acres Racing Site, located in South Oklahoma. This is a dedicated drift track in a beautiful rural setting, lending itself to a fun day for drivers and viewers alike. You'll find amenities such as two tire machines, food concessions, fire pits, and even free camping sites here. If you're interested in attending a race here, be sure to check out their schedule of events on their website. You'll find Cam's Acres Racing Site at 15689 State Highway 31 in Coalgate. Oklahoma Motorsports Complex Located at 3501 S. Interstate Drive in Norman, the Oklahoma Motorsports Complex is one of the best places to go for all things racing. This complex features an outdoor natural terrain track, which hosts both motocross and pit bike racing. For something a little different, be sure to check out their asphalt go-kart track. This world-class racing track features events year-round, including drifting events. The Oklahoma Motorsports Complex also features karting classes if you or someone you know is interested in learning how to race. Hallett Motor Racing Circuit You'll find the Hallet Motor Racing Circuit, located a little west of Tulsa, among the scenic Osage Hills. According to its website, it's "one of the most challenging and historic racecourses in America." The Hallet Motor Racing Circuit attracts a large community of people with a passion for cars, motorcycles, karts, and all things related to motorsports. You'll find professional and amateur racing events and other car-related action here. Visit their website to learn more about the available tracks for rent, their racing school, and upcoming happenings. I-44 Speedway Next up, we have the I-44 Speedway, which you can find at 4100 SW 149th St. in Oklahoma City. The I-44 Speedway contains a 1/5-mile track made of banked red clay and dirt. The I-44 Speedway is the host of a variety of races and has a grandstand that's perfect for visitors. With many events throughout the year, it's easy to find an upcoming one that interests you. For competitive drivers, the I-44 Speedway also keeps a record of all races and posts the results online, allowing you to see where you stand against other racers. Thunder Valley Raceway Park Finally, located at 10500 48th St. in Lexington, the Thunder Valley Raceway Park hosts a wide range of events throughout the year. Thunder Valley Raceway Park has you covered whether you want to race yourself or have a fun night out. Be sure to check out their website for the latest info on upcoming events, including how to register yourself for a race. The Thunder Valley Raceway Park is particularly popular on Friday nights when they host their Friday Night Test N Tune and Grudge Matches. They also have many food trucks available for refreshments. Getting Ready for Your Next Racing Event If you're interested in attending a racing event in Oklahoma, there are a few things you can do to get ready. The first thing you'll want to do is explore your track options. Go through the list above and see which one's most appropriate based on the type of racing you like, when it's hosting events, and its location. There are always so many different types of racing events in Oklahoma that you should be able to find one that suits your needs. Once you know where and when you're going, you can start to prepare for your outing. Look up ticket prices and whether the venue serves food on the premises. Also, determine when you should arrive and how long the event typically runs if the information's available. If you're going with your family, you may want to see if there are any restrictions on children or if kids receive a discounted ticket price. Some tracks listed above have camping spots available, so if that interests you, find a location that allows camping and start collecting your gear. If you're interested in being a participant, you should learn the requirements for each track. Depending on the race, you may need a specific type of vehicle or a special license in order to participate. Also, there may be a driver's fee, which you'll want to know about in advance. Find Everything You Need at Eskridge Chevrolet You may need a new vehicle or additional parts for your current ride to enter a race in Oklahoma. Whatever you need, our Eskridge Chevrolet dealership in Guthrie is here to help. We have a wide range of new models to choose from and many pre-owned options that you can explore. You can also make use of our full-service station and parts center to get your vehicle in racing shape. If you're going to enter a race, you'll want to do it right, and our knowledgeable team here at Eskridge Chevrolet can help you do that. To learn more, please feel free to contact us today with any questions or to schedule a test drive. Image by Harlie Raethel is licensed with Unsplash License

Rotating your car's tires is a basic part of your overall car maintenance. Your tires work as the foundation of your car, serving as the only point of contact between your car and the road. Maintaining the proper functioning of your tires ensures that you'll have a safe and smooth ride whenever you sit behind the wheel. Not only will regular tire rotations preserve the integrity of your tires, but they'll also extend your tires’ life span, saving you time and money in the long run. To maintain peak performance, be sure to schedule your tire rotations regularly. Benefits of Tire Rotations The importance of properly maintaining your car tires cannot be overstated. The safety, efficiency, and overall quality of your drive all rest upon your tires. Neglecting to take care of basic tire maintenance could negatively impact your day-to-day excursions, as well as your car's performance in the long run. Regularly rotating your tires has many benefits that make it a worthwhile task to schedule. Improved Traction and Safety Because your tires are the only part of your car that makes contact with the pavement, the overall quality of their condition is the only thing preventing your car from slipping and sliding when you need to stay stable. On most cars, the tread of your front tires will wear down more quickly than the rear tires. This means that when you need to navigate tight turns, your front tires are more at risk of losing traction more quickly, consequently affecting the safety of your drive. Along the same lines, your car's braking performance can be negatively affected by uneven tread wear. When you rotate your tires, you help to improve the handling of your car and maintain safe driving conditions. Longer Life of Your Tires With any luck, the life of your car will be far longer than the life of your tires. With time and routine driving, the tread on your tires will wear down. Eventually, the tread will wear down to a level that makes them unsafe for driving. When this happens, it's time to have them replaced, which unfortunately is not a cheap activity. By rotating your tires regularly, you'll help to distribute the tread wear on your tires more evenly over time, thus extending the number of miles you can drive before having them replaced. Smoother Ride If the tread on your tires wears unevenly, you'll soon start to feel the effects of this unevenness in the quality of your ride. Specifically, uneven tread wear will lead to a bumpy car ride, even when you're cruising over smooth surfaces. Similarly, the unevenness of tread wear can lead to unwanted vibrations while you're driving, which creates a noisy and unpleasant driving experience. Rotating your tires regularly will help to keep your drive smooth and peaceful. Better Fuel Efficiency While we already determined that rotating your tires can save you money by not having to replace your tires as often, you may not realize that tire rotations can also save you money at the gas pump. In addition to improving the handling of your car, tire rotations will also improve your car's fuel efficiency. Paying to have your tires rotated on a regular basis can save you money in the long run when it comes to your gas mileage. Tire Rotation Frequency How often you should get your car tires rotated largely depends on the drivetrain of your vehicle. Specifically, do you have front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive? The differences in functionality of these drivetrains result in different wear patterns on your tires and slightly different needs when it comes to tire rotation frequency. Keep in mind, however, that all tires need to maintain a tread depth of at least 2/32 of an inch. If you have a front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive vehicle, you'll want to bring your car in to have your tires rotated every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. With front-wheel-drive vehicles, your front tires are responsible for both steering your car and delivering the power to the pavement, which results in increased wear on the front tires compared to the back tires. With rear-wheel-drive vehicles, the tasks of steering and delivering power are divided between the front and the back, which might lead you to believe they'd wear down more evenly. While the rate of wear might be similar in these vehicles, the tread wear pattern will vary greatly due to the different roles the front and rear tires play. If you have an all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicle, you'll want to bring your car in to have the tires rotated more frequently. Specifically, these cars should be brought in every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Uneven tread wear in these vehicles can actually lead to a strain on the drivetrain, potentially leading to larger issues down the road. While most of us here in the South Central part of the country have all-weather tires, it's important to note that regular tire rotations are critical for cars with summer or winter tires as well. Rotating your seasonal tires at the start of each designated season will ensure that your car will provide peak performance in rainy, snowy, or icy conditions. What Happens If I Don't Rotate My Tires? To put it simply, failing to rotate your tires puts your car's safety and performance at risk. Neglecting this simple task could result in the following: Hydroplaning on wet roads. Loss of traction on icy roads. Higher risk of punctures and blowouts. If you're in the Guthrie, Oklahoma, area and think your tires are ready for a rotation, don't hesitate to reach out to our service technicians to schedule your service today. Ensuring your tires are rotated on a regular basis will not only help to improve the quality of your drive, but it'll also save you money in the long run by improving your fuel efficiency and prolonging the life of your tires. Our service team is ready and waiting to make sure your car hits the road in the best possible shape. Image by Mike B is licensed with Pexels License

As you know, fuel is an essential component when driving your vehicle. If you have a traditional gas-powered engine, it's impossible for you to get to your destination without it. When you pull up to the gas pumps, you'll usually be greeted with two or three different fuel grades to choose from. While most of us opt for the gas labeled "regular," we might not know what that means or why other options exist. Some people are even tempted into choosing the gas labeled "premium" because they assume it is better for their car. With fuel prices continuing to rise, we all want to make sure that we are choosing the best fuel type for our vehicles. It might seem like gas labeled "premium" is better for our car, but in reality, not all cars will experience better performance with premium fuel. How Do Fuel Grades Differ? Fuels are graded based on their octane ratings, which is a measure of the fuel's stability. Gas-powered engines are combustion engines, meaning that the engines will ignite or fire at specific times. Your engine has pistons that are constantly moving up and down when the engine is running. As the pistons move, they work to compress a fuel-air mixture that is then ignited with a spark, a process known as combustion. Octane ratings indicate the pressure at which a fuel will spontaneously combust, something known as pre-ignition. If the fuel has a higher octane rating, that means it can withstand more pressure before spontaneously combusting. Since combustion engines are designed to fire at specific times, spontaneous combustion will cause your engine to make an unwanted knocking sound, indicating that something isn't quite right. Most regular gas has an octane rating of 87. Premium gas is rated higher, usually around 91 or 93. Most gas stations will also offer a mid-grade gas as well, rated somewhere between 87 and 93. Regular gas will be the cheapest option at the pump, while pricing for premium can be up to 50 cents more per gallon. Is Premium Gas Better? Whether or not premium gas is better for your vehicle largely depends on how your car's engine is calibrated. Simply put, some engines are calibrated to run on premium fuel, but most are not calibrated in a way that would notice an improvement with premium fuel. The vast majority of vehicles are produced to utilize regular fuel. Putting premium fuel in a vehicle that was not designed for premium most likely will not bring any noticeable improvement to your car's performance or fuel economy. Some cars, however, are produced with the intent of utilizing premium fuel. These cars are usually high-performance vehicles or vehicles with turbocharged engines. These cars are built with high-compression engines, meaning that if a lower octane fuel is used, then they are more likely to experience engine knocking than if premium fuel is used. Engine knocking is more than just an irritating noise — over time, the action behind the knocking can cause serious damage to your engine that will require costly repairs. In addition to a decreased chance of pre-ignition, premium gas helps some engines achieve their best fuel economy. If your car isn't designed for premium gas, you likely won't notice a difference in fuel economy if you switch from regular to premium. However, for engines designed for premium gas, your fuel economy will suffer if you decide to fuel up with regular. Does My Chevy Need Premium Fuel? Premium fuel is recommended or required for most high-performance vehicles or vehicles with turbocharged engines. In order to know if your car requires premium fuel, it's best to check your owner's manual. Your manual will indicate the octane rating recommended for your specific car model. If your owner's manual states that regular fuel is recommended, there is no need to fill up with premium. While you might be tempted to try premium fuel to see if you notice an improvement in your car's performance, keep in mind that not all engines are optimized to experience the benefits of higher-octane fuel. Vehicles that were designed to run on regular fuel simply will not benefit from premium fuel. Filling your tank with the more expensive option will be a waste of your hard-earned money. If your owner's manual states that your car requires an octane rating of 91 or higher, you definitely do not want to try to cut corners at the gas pump. Vehicles that require premium gas need it for optimal performance and to prevent severe damage to the engine. If you pull up to the gas station and find that they're out of premium and therefore you have no choice, it will probably be okay if you use regular in an emergency. However, regular fuel should not be used on a regular basis, or else serious damage could occur. Some car manuals these days say that premium fuel is recommended but not required. If this is the case for your car, then the choice is truly yours. Your car will still run just fine on regular fuel, but if you opt for premium, you'll notice improvements in your engine's performance and possibly its fuel economy. The majority of Chevrolet cars and trucks will run just fine on regular gas. However, if you have a Chevy with a powerful engine, such as a V-8 or turbocharged engine, it's more likely to require premium fuel. As always, consult your owner's manual for the final say in which type of fuel is best for your engine. If you're unsure about which fuel grade is best for your car, our service technicians here at Eskridge Chevrolet in Guthrie, Oklahoma, will be happy to help. We want drivers in the Guthrie area to feel confident when driving their cars, and that confidence starts with knowing you're putting the right fuel in your vehicle. Don't hesitate to reach out and contact us if you have any questions. Image by Erik Mclean is licensed with Pexels License

If you and your family love the thrill of the racetrack, Oklahoma City is a good place to be. In fact, there are plenty of places in Oklahoma City and nearby towns that allow you to enjoy riding go-karts. Whether you want to race the track with friends or take the kids to try racing for the first time this summer, Oklahoma City has a lot to offer. These are some of the best places to check out for go-kart racing. Oklahoma Motorsports Complex Oklahoma Motorsports Complex is a Commission-Internationale-de-Karting-approved facility with an emphasis on family karting. The asphalt track is about 30 inches wide and 0.7 miles in length, and it features 12 turns. This facility hosts club rates and pocket bike racing on specific days. At the venue, you can also rent concession go-karts or high-performance karts. The concession carts race at speeds up to 50 miles per hour. Those high speeds mean that your experience at the complex is going to be unlike your racing experience anywhere else. This track is great for families, but it's important to know that all racers must receive about 15 minutes of instructional time before getting behind the wheel. The complex provides safety equipment, and instructors will be on hand to answer any questions you have about your experience. The track is available for various activities during different hours, and the complex also hosts events for groups and corporate team building. This track recommends that you call before you plan to haul your karts over. While some days and times are reserved for specific types of racing, you can book it for private parties. In addition to the main track, the complex also offers several other areas, including training, pit bike, small, and supermoto tracks. Do you just prefer to spectate? If so, the Oklahoma Motorsports Complex hosts lots of exciting races, including the Hot Summer Nights series. Location: 3501 S. Interstate Drive, Norman. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Celebration Station If you're looking for a low-key experience for new drivers, Celebration Station may be the best option for your outing. In fact, Celebration Station offers something for every member of your family. This venue is also a great place to host a birthday party with event packages that include attraction tickets, gameplay credits, food, and more. With several different packages to choose from, you'll be able to customize the party for your racing fan. To drive a go-kart at Celebration Station, you must be at least 56 inches tall, be aged at least 16, and have a driver's license. Those who are not eligible to ride the go-karts but are at least 48 inches tall will be able to access the kid-kart track. In addition to go-karts, Celebration Station offers arcade games, batting cages, and bumper boats. After zooming around the track, you can relax with a round of miniature golf and a pizza. Location: 509 Westline Drive, Oklahoma City. Hours: Noon to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, noon to 10 p.m. Friday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park Are you looking for indoor fun and go-karts? If so, Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park is a great option. Whether you're bringing the family for a weekend outing or you'd like to bring the company for some fun team-building activities, Urban Air has a lot to offer. Go-kart racing is also available. You can buy tickets for the go-karts online, and the Platinum Attractions package allows you to enjoy unlimited go-kart rides. The track is unlike many others, and it has tight turns to test your speed and skill. The carts come in different sizes for children and adults. In addition to karting, kids will have access to other fun activities, including jumping on trampolines. The facility also offers a ropes course and tumble track. Children can test their skills on the climbing hill, play wipeout, or enjoy some spinning bumper cars. Guests of all ages can also try out virtual reality gaming, climbing walls, battle beams, dodgeball, and more. Food is also available. Location: 2800 S. Telephone Road, Moore. Hours: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. Incredible Pizza Company Incredible Pizza Company is more than a pizzeria. This location also offers glow-karts and an indoor speedway. There are different races for seasoned go-kart riders, young drivers, and those with young passengers. The go-karts have guard rails on the bottom, which can help prevent injuries and accidents. They also come with seat belt straps for extra safety. Plus, you can rest assured the karts receive regular maintenance. Height restrictions make the race safe for all participants. In addition to go-karts, you'll find a variety of other fun ways to pass the time. For example, Incredible Pizza Company also has an arcade, virtual reality games, and rides. Everything is indoors and kept at a comfortable temperature. Laser tag, bumper cars, and small roller coasters are also available. After a long day of enjoying the arcade and go-karts, your family might be hungry. Incredible Pizza Company offers an all-you-can-eat buffet with lots of choices, including salad, hot dogs, tacos, pasta, desserts, and more. Of course, there's also plenty of pizza to go around. Location: 5833 Northwest Expressway, Oklahoma City. Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday; 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday; and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. At Eskridge Chevrolet, we know that go-kart racing is a rush. Whether you're a go-kart enthusiast or you love to spend time with the kids, visiting any of these tracks is bound to be a good time. When you aren't able to get behind the wheel of a go-kart, you can still have a lot of fun in your own vehicle. If you're looking for a new ride, we can help you find one that excites you. Image by Diego Gavilanez is licensed with Unsplash License

As the weather gets warmer, people are looking to get out of town and have some exciting outdoor adventures. Have you been itching to take your four-wheel drive out of the garage and into the wild around Oklahoma City, but you're not sure where to start? We've compiled a list of some of our favorite off-road trails around the Oklahoma City area (some further than others) to help you decide where you want to go this weekend. White Water ORV Park Approximately 103 miles, or a one-and-a-half-hour drive northeast of Oklahoma City, you'll find White Water ORV Park, a state favorite for off-roaders. Grab your friends or meet up with some other four-wheel-drive enthusiasts — you'll find quite a few in the park — and explore the over 80 acres of open land and 10 miles of trails here in your Jeep. The terrain here is mostly sand, as the area is bordered by the Arkansas River and the Keystone Dam, giving you some impressive sights to look at while driving around and testing your vehicle's mettle. Should you choose to challenge yourself and your car just a little, the park has a small section near the back with a few steep hill climbs. The best thing about White Water ORV Park is that it's great for beginners, and there's no maximum car width limit. Keep in mind that that spark arrestors are required for all vehicles, and the park is open for day use only between March and November. Camp Gruber ORV Area If you're willing to venture out slightly further and enjoy a much bigger park, you can drive 154 miles east of Oklahoma City (approximately two hours and 20 minutes on the road) to explore the Camp Gruber ORV Area. Over the miles and miles of trails in these 450 acres of land, you'll encounter a variety of challenging terrains, such as creek crossings and steep hill climbs. Keep in mind that trailblazing isn't allowed here, and all off-road vehicles must stick to the established trails. The park is open year-round, and spark arrestors are recommended but not required. If you're worried about exploring the length and breadth of this park on a day trip, you'll be happy to learn that camping is allowed on the grounds here. Most off-roaders love coming here for the famous Camp Gruber staircase, a challenging, bumpy slope. So, get your four-wheel drive, drive around, and stick to the land north of the creek to avoid the public hunting grounds and private property to the south. Grand Lake O' The Cherokees OHV Trail Make your off-road adventure a weekend trip by heading to Grand Lake O' The Cherokees OHV Trail. If you don't mind the 187-mile journey toward the state's northeast corner, which takes just under three hours by car, you'll be rewarded with a beautiful day of off-roading and fishing. Located near Disney, this trail is just 2.9 miles out and back, but many off-roaders love to combine it with stops at popular fishing spots near the route. It's recommended to visit this trail from March through October. Though plenty of locals and even Oklahomans from further away come to enjoy the wilderness here, you can still find peace and quiet for a good part of the trail. Poteau in the Kiamichi Mountains This is definitely another weekend trip, or perhaps a long weekend trip, but more than worth it for those who want to drive off-road on some of the best trails in Oklahoma. Head out to Poteau, 192 miles east of Oklahoma City (just under three hours by car), and explore the beauty of the Kiamichi Mountains with your four-wheel drive. Even the most adrenaline-seeking off-roader will be satisfied with the endless variety of trails present in the park and the steep elevation changes thanks to the hilly, mountainous landscape around Poteau. The trails here are definitely not for the faint of heart, especially on Poteau Mountain. You can start with some of the shorter mountain trails, such as the short but steep Snowball Trail on clay terrain or Roller Cam, named because of the high rpm it requires to ascend. Then, if you're feeling up to it, take your chances on the steep Waterfall Trail, which is full of jagged outcroppings and loose rocks, all on an incline that will challenge both your tires and your stamina. Be advised that the only way to get out of the Waterfall Trail after reaching the end of the descent is to climb back up. Most visitors to the park finish off this trail adventure with a swift ride down the 8 Seconds trail, which will take you out of the forest and back onto paved roads — simply hold on tight and enjoy the super-fast thrill ride down to the bottom. If you want to explore some trails off the mountain, take a crack at Cavanaugh Hill, which is technically the tallest hill in the world at 1,995 feet (anything higher than 2,000 feet is considered a mountain). Some of the most popular trails here include the Rattlesnake Trail, the Panel Wagon Trail, and one of the most difficult ones on the hill, the Axle Breaker Trail. When you reach the occasional clearings in the densely wooded landscape, the trails here reward drivers with incredible views of the Poteau River Valley and the town of Poteau below. Little Sahara OHV Trail For a long, challenging, yet fun route in a unique landscape, head to Little Sahara OHV Trail near Waynoka, a two-hour-and- 10-minute drive (134 miles) northwest of Oklahoma City. The trail is 13.9 miles out and back and features an elevation gain of over 530 feet. Traverse over the sand dunes in this year-round park and enjoy some night riding, as long as you have tail and headlights. This trail requires whip flags, and you'll also probably encounter a lot of ATVs in the area. Before heading off for your fun day trip or weekend off-road adventure, swing by our service center to check your four-wheel drive and ensure it's ready for all kinds of terrain. If you know of an off-road trail near Oklahoma City that we missed, contact us at Eskridge Chevrolet and let us know. Off Road 254 by Robert Bejil is licensed with CC BY 2.0

Do you take the time to get your car detailed at least once or twice each year? If not, it isn't going to look its best after just a few years. Everything from the weather to bird droppings can take its toll on your car and make it look worse for wear. Fortunately, there are plenty of places in and around the Guthrie, Oklahoma, area where you can have your car detailed. We want to shed some light on a few of the best options. Here are five places to get your car detailed in Guthrie today. It's In The Details Mobile Car Detailing Would you like to have your car detailed without having to drop it off at a car detailing business? Then you'll be happy to hear that It's In The Details Mobile Car Detailing will come to you to take care of all your car detailing needs. Rather than relying on automatic car detailing machines, they specialize in doing all their car detailing by hand to produce the best possible results. It's In The Details Mobile Car Detailing has also expanded and can now detail more than just sedans, pickup trucks, and SUVs. They can detail larger trucks and trailers as well. It's helped them earn a reputation for providing some of the very best mobile detailing services in Guthrie and the surrounding areas. Location: 3133B E. Waterloo Road, Guthrie, OK 73034 Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; closed on Saturday and Sunday JJ's Mobile Auto Detailing While It's In The Details Mobile Car Detailing is a fantastic option for those interested in having their vehicles detailed, it isn't the only mobile auto detailing provider in town. JJ's Mobile Auto Detailing can also come to your home or business to detail your vehicle. They'll hook you up with the ceramic protection that you've been looking for when it comes to your car, truck, or SUV. As an added bonus, JJ's Mobile Auto Detailing can also set you up with detailing services for some of the other items or equipment you might have in your home or business. For example, they can breathe some life back into countertops, stainless steel appliances, and other things around your home or business that would benefit from ceramic protection. It'll prevent them from getting scratched up over time. Location: 2403 S. Division St., Guthrie, OK 73044 Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; closed on Saturday and Sunday Auto Ceramic Pros Some people would prefer to drop off their vehicles to get them detailed as opposed to having them detailed at their homes or businesses. It sometimes will give an auto detailer access to more detailing equipment and supplies and produce better results. Auto Ceramic Pros is an excellent option for those willing to part ways with their vehicles for a little while. They'll detail your car, truck, or SUV and leave it looking incredible when it's all finished. They also specialize in paint and gel coating restoration, as well as metal polishing and other coatings. Auto Ceramic Pros can work on more than just those cars, trucks, and SUVs. They also have plenty of experience when it comes to detailing motorcycles, RVs, and even boats of all sizes. Location: 2948 N. Sharon Gale Drive, Guthrie, OK 73044 Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; closed on Saturday and Sunday Twinterior Auto Detailing Although Twinterior Auto Detailing isn't located right in Guthrie, they're found in neighboring Edmond, which is less than half an hour away. It's also an auto detailing company that can come to you in Guthrie if you'd like. They can detail the interior and exterior of your vehicle and put a ceramic coating on it so that you won't have to worry about waxing it or even washing it as often as you do now. Twinterior Auto Detailing is one of the most affordable car detailing companies around. You won't have to be concerned about breaking the bank on auto detailing services when you call on them to come out to your home or business to help. Location: 422 Buckingham Way, Edmond, OK 73034 Hours: 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday; closed on Sunday Affordable Auto Detail As its name would suggest, Affordable Auto Detail is another car detailing company that you can count on for great detailing services that aren't going to cost you a small fortune. They can leave you with a showroom-ready car, truck, or SUV on both the interior and exterior for under $100 in many cases. And they'll do it without using subpar products or equipment when carrying out detailing services. As of right now, Affordable Auto Detail only works on small cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs. They're more of an up-and-coming company compared to some of the other options on this list. But you'll be more than satisfied with the work they're able to do and even more impressed with the prices they're able to provide. Location: 1809 E. College Ave., Guthrie, OK 73044 Hours: Available 24/7 Arrange To Get Your Car Detailed Today If you don't make it your mission to detail your car, truck, or SUV on a regular basis, it's going to come back to bite you. It won't be too long before your vehicle begins to look a whole lot older than it actually is. You'll also struggle to take much pride in your vehicle when it hasn't been detailed in a while. Now that you know about five of the best places to get your car detailed in the Guthrie, Oklahoma, area, you should take it upon yourself to make a detailing appointment ASAP. It'll make your vehicle shine again and protect the paint on it for months and even years to come. Did we miss a place in or around Guthrie to get your vehicle detailed? Drop us a line at Eskridge Chevrolet and let us know. We're always on the lookout for this type of information to share with our neighbors.

The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicle (EV) is a fantastic option if you're searching for a powerful, reasonably priced all-electric hatchback. You'll get the modern Chevy experience while leaving a low carbon footprint. Even though it's frequently compared to the Nissan Leaf, these two electric cars differ in several ways. Take a look at this detailed comparison between the latest Chevrolet Bolt and Nissan Leaf. Bolt vs. Leaf: Trim Levels and Colors The 2023 Bolt EV has two trims: 1LT and 2LT. The latter comes with 17-inch machined-face aluminum wheels with carbon flash-painted pockets, and the 1LT has 17-inch silver-painted aluminum wheels. The Bolt has split headlights with compact LED daytime running lights and a blacked-out lower cluster leading into the glass housing. The Bolt's C-pillar design creates a high cabin roof, and both heated power side mirrors and solar-absorbing glass come standard. Seven colors are available on the Bolt EV: Cherry Red Tintcoat, Summit White, Mosaic Black Metallic, Silver Flare Metallic, Nightfall Gray Metallic, Ice Blue Metallic, and Brilliant Blue Metallic. The 2023 Nissan Leaf also comes in two trim levels, the S and SV Plus. Covered 16-inch steel wheels are included with the S trim, and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are added with the SV Plus. Intelligent automatic headlights, an illuminated grille insignia, dual power outside mirrors, and solar glass are available on both trims. Like the Bolt EV, the Leaf also has seven color options: Gun Metallic, Super Black, Deep Blue Pearl, Scarlet Ember Tintcoat, Brilliant Silver Metallic, Pearl White Tricoat, and Two-Tone Pearl White Tricoat/Super Black. Bolt vs. Leaf: Power and Charging The Leaf is available with two different powertrains. A 40 kWh battery gives the S 147 horsepower, 236 lb-ft of torque, and a 149-mile driving range, which compares to similar electric hatchbacks. The SV Plus is a considerable improvement, boasting a 226-mile driving range thanks to a 62 kWh battery that delivers 214 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. The Bolt EV is the clear winner with a range of 259 miles and a 60 kWh battery producing 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. The Chevy's battery is more powerful than the Nissan Leaf's, but it also charges more swiftly, allowing drivers to return to the road as soon as possible. With a Level 2 charger and 240 volts, you can charge your Bolt at a rate of 11 kW, which equates to 7.5 hours for a full charge. Keep in mind, as well, that needing to recharge from full is unlikely for most drivers. With Level 2, the 40 kWh battery in the S takes eight hours to fully charge, while the bigger 60 kWh battery in the Leaf SV Plus takes up to 11 hours. Bolt vs. Leaf: Interior Comfort The Leaf and Bolt's hybrid capabilities are both outstanding, but that's just the beginning. They're also fitted with exquisite cabins built for comfort and convenience. Both EVs have a lot of interior characteristics in common, including automatic climate control, heated front seats, push-button start/stop, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats. You can also get a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel added to either vehicle. In terms of roominess, however, the Bolt takes the lead in this comparison. It offers second-row passengers 36 inches of legroom and front passengers 44.3 inches, as opposed to the Leaf's 33.5 inches in the rear and 42.1 inches in the front. Finally, although the Leaf offers a cargo area of 23.6 cubic feet behind the second row, folding the back seats only unlocks a total of 30 cubic feet. The Bolt EV may have 16.6 cubic feet in the back, but the total available capacity is 57 cubic feet with the second row folded. Bolt vs. Leaf: Performance and Driving Neither the Bolt nor the Leaf is a sports car, yet they both deliver the powerful acceleration of premium electric motors. The Chevrolet Bolt accelerates faster, hitting 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. The Nissan EV needs 7.4 seconds or 6.8 seconds for the SV Plus. Both cars have snappy, effortless handling — sterling examples of how to design a small, agile car. They also provide a one-pedal driving mode you can switch in or out of at any time. Bolt vs. Leaf: Technology Both the Leaf and Bolt have impressive suites of connectivity and infotainment technologies. The two have a lot of similar characteristics in this area, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included standard. Both also share speech recognition software, Bluetooth connections, and other common technology features included standard. Most Guthrie drivers will prefer the look and feel of the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt, in large part due to its 10.2-inch diagonal color touch screen, compared to the Leaf's 8-inch touch-screen display. With accessible wireless device charging, not standard in the Leaf, the Bolt EV lets you easily stay connected on those longer journeys. Bolt vs. Leaf: Pricing Both the Nissan Leaf and the Chevrolet Bolt start at less than $30,000 for the base trims, making them excellent choices for motorists on a tight budget. That said, the Bolt's entry-level and upgraded trims cost less than the corresponding Leaf models. The MSRP for the Bolt EV starts at $26,500 for the 1LT trim (excluding destination fees) and rises to $29,700 for the 2LT trim. Perhaps the most exciting offer is the Bolt EV 2LT, which includes the whole Driver Confidence Package and other available add-ons for the 1LT. Pricing for the Nissan Leaf S starts at $28,040, while the SV Plus model is $36,040. Although the SV Plus has more features, we think Guthrie, Oklahoma, drivers will prefer the Bolt 2LT, which is only slightly more expensive than the Leaf's base trim. With the right special discounts or programs from a Chevy dealership like ours, you can make the deal even better. Test-Drive a Chevrolet Bolt in Guthrie, Oklahoma While the Nissan Leaf has its strengths, on close examination, the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt is the superior car in terms of performance, interior features, and more. Come visit Eskridge Chevrolet and drive away in a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt equipped with your preferred amenities. Please get in touch with us right away or make use of our fast Chevy financing application. Image by Chevrolet via 2023 Bolt EV: Electric Car | Chevrolet

Buying a car is an exciting time — the thrill of the hunt for the perfect car, the elation that comes when you find "the one," the happiness you feel when you take that first drive home from the dealership after closing the deal on your dream car. But wrapped up in all that excitement are some very big decisions that have consequences for many years down the road. One of the main factors you need to consider when buying a new car is how you plan on paying for it. When buying a car, you have three options: purchasing, leasing, or financing. Purchasing a car means paying cash for the full price of the car. The car is immediately yours, and you receive the title right then. Leasing the car involves paying for the use of the car for a predetermined period, usually three years. Financing a car involves taking out a loan to pay the price of the vehicle and then paying back that loan over a set amount of time. But which option is the best for you? Learn more about your options below. What's Involved With Leasing a Car? When you lease a car, you're essentially paying for the opportunity to use that car for a set period, usually three years. You are essentially paying the value of the depreciation of the vehicle over that period. Depreciation is the loss of value of a car, so if you lease a car for two years, you'll pay the amount of depreciation that the car is expected to experience over the two years. When you lease a car with a dealership, you're expected to pay some fees upfront before you take it home. These costs include the first month's payment, a refundable security deposit, acquisition fees, taxes, and registration fees, among others. Each month, you'll pay a monthly payment to cover the depreciation of your vehicle plus interest and taxes. Benefits of Leasing a Car The biggest benefit of leasing a car is a lower monthly payment. Since you're just paying for the depreciation of the car for a short period of time, you're paying for far less than the total amount of the vehicle. You can drive a brand-new vehicle that's equipped with the latest features and technology while the manufacturer's warranty still covers it. This means you're driving the car during its prime when things rarely go wrong. And if they do go wrong, the warranty should still cover any maintenance or repair costs. Since your monthly payment will be lower than if you financed a car, you're usually able to drive a more expensive vehicle by leasing it. Once the terms of the lease are up, you can return the car to the dealership and not worry about the hassle of selling it when you're ready to move on. Drawbacks of Leasing a Car Leasing a car is not without its disadvantages. The biggest drawback is that you'll never be the owner of the vehicle. You're not earning any equity in your vehicle when you make your monthly payments, and you'll never get to a point where you pay off the car. Additionally, you must make sure to keep the car in good shape when you're driving it. Once your lease is up, the dealership can charge you excess wear-and-tear fees if you have any scrapes, scratches, or tears. Leased vehicles also come with mileage restrictions, typically anywhere from 10,000 to 15,000 miles per year. If you go over this limit, you'll be charged extra at a per-mile rate, typically between 10 and 25 cents for each mile over the limit. Since you're not the owner of the vehicle, you're not allowed to make any changes or alterations to your car while it's in your possession. If you decide you don't like the car and want to get something else before your lease terms are up, you'll be subject to very costly early termination fees. What's Involved With Financing a Car? When you finance a car, you're taking out a loan for your vehicle, either directly from the dealership or through another financial institution. You'll need to pay a down payment, taxes, registration, and other fees before you can take the car home. Your monthly payment will be higher than it would be if you leased the car since you're paying for the total amount of the vehicle. Your monthly payment will also vary depending on how much money you have for the down payment. Benefits of Financing a Car When you finance a car, you acquire equity in the vehicle each month. If you decide to sell the car before the loan has been paid off, you can use the money from the sale to pay off the loan. Once the loan terms end, the car becomes yours, and you'll be able to go months or years without having to make a car payment. Since the vehicle is yours, you can make any modifications you want, and you don't have to worry about extra charges for excessive wear and tear. Unlike with leasing a vehicle, there are no mileage limitations involved with financing a car. Drawbacks of Financing a Car When you finance a vehicle, your monthly payment will be higher than if you lease it. This means that you're more limited in the types of cars you can afford. You're also going to be responsible for all maintenance and repairs once the manufacturer's warranty expires. Ultimately, the decision to lease or finance your vehicle depends on what's important to you as the driver. If you enjoy driving a brand-new car every couple of years or are working on a tight monthly budget, leasing a car might be your best option. If you care more about saving money in the long run by gaining equity in your vehicle, or if you drive often and take long road trips, financing a car is the way to go. At Eskridge Chevrolet in Guthrie, Oklahoma, we're here to help you make your decision. Contact us today if you have any questions about leasing or financing your car. 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