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4 Reasons Why Driving is the Perfect Stress Reliever

Here at Herb Easley Chevrolet, we know that times have been incredibly difficult. Stressors appear to be attacking you from all sides these days. Bad news seems to develop at lightning speeds, working from home has turned from a dream into a nightmare and there does not seem to be an escape from it all. 

Image via Flickr by Rob Olivera | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

When negative thoughts feel as if they are bearing down on you, the best thing you can do is break free of them. Cruising along the road can help you relax and forget about — or at least put into perspective — the potholes that life's highway has thrown at you. Below, you will find out exactly how hopping behind the wheel for a ride down some lazy roads can help you maintain control over your stress levels.

Solitude

On occasion, you may find that spending time by yourself can prove to be an excellent answer to dealing with the pressures that have been created by your employer or even by your family. Getting some alone time can do wonders for your mental health, especially if you live in a crowded area where it can be difficult to ever be actually alone.

Sliding into the driver's seat of a new car and starting the engine allows you to escape the hubbub of the world around you and lets you focus on the inner workings of your self without distraction. Driving by yourself lets you focus solely on the task at hand — driving. This can provide you with some much needed distance from the stressors of work, family, etc.

Taking some time to yourself also comes with a wealth of benefits. Thomas Oppong writes that researchers have discovered that solitude allows you boost your creativity as your mind can be released from weight of your stressors and be free to play with new ideas. 

This may surprise you but taking some time to yourself can also improve your relationship with family and friends. According to Dr. Kristina M. Scharp's 2019 article in Psychology Today, when you are alone, you can improve upon your listening practices. Going for a drive alone out of town for a little while is a fantastic strategy for you to achieve some internal quiet and peace.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a term that has become very popular to throw around as of late, but let's talk about what this term actually means for you. When you practice mindfulness, you are engaging in a type of meditation. This practice requires you to concentrate on the present moment and on your immediate surroundings. This type of medication is designed to help you become more attuned with your innermost thoughts and emotions so you can enter a state of relaxation.

This type of meditation is best conducted somewhere quiet and, ideally, by yourself. Your car can be the perfect setting to practice mindfulness. Now, just because you are engaging in meditation doesn't mean you should close your eyes while you are on the road.

Remember, you are trying to pay attention to what's happening in the moment. Next time you are driving, set a time limit and notice your body. Feel the sensation of your breath moving in and out of your lungs. Focus on where you are, which roads you are driving on, but don't feel bad if your thoughts wander. Mindfulness can take many forms, like intentional breathing or practicing gratitude.

New Scenery

If you are going through an acutely stressful time at work or at home, getting out for a change of scenery can serve as a welcome respite. Driving away from the environment that is causing you stress can give you the literal and figurative space you may need.

Don't think of this tactic as running away from the problem. Going on a drive lets you create some much needed temporary distance so you can have a quiet moment to think. The scenery you may find while out on the open road can provide a refreshing change and help you mull over the problem more productively.

The next time you find yourself overwhelmed try to take a slow drive down some country roads, past buildings you find inspiring, or even visit a part of town you are not all that familiar with yet.

No Phone

One of the best reasons to hop in your car when you are stressed is because you won't be tempted to check your smartphone. It's become common knowledge that our phones, as handy as they are, can also be conduits for stress. Quite a few of us are obsessive in checking our social media and work emails. It's become nearly impossible to entirely disconnect from work and immediate responses are almost expected by our friends and family. Smartphones have done a lot of good but it's important to remember that they are tools under our control — not the other way around.

Some time away from your phone can prove to be incredibly helpful for your mental health. Before you start your car, turn your phone on to "Do Not Disturb" mode so you won't hear the constant notification ‘pings' of new texts or social media updates. We at Herb Easley Chevrolet want to remind you that it's incredibly important that you remember to practice safe driving techniques. You must be alert at all times, even if you are cruising down a beautiful, winding country road.

Now that you have learned how the simple act of driving can serve as a way to help you unwind, you may be excited to try it for yourself. Taking some alone time in your car can provide extraordinary benefits for your mental health by letting you pay attention to what you are feeling inside as well as focusing on the present moment you find yourself in. If you are ready to hit the open road in search of inner peace, drop us a line. We at Herb Easley Chevrolet look forward to helping you.

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2021 Chevrolet Colorado

7 Reasons You Should Choose the Chevrolet Colorado

The compact pickup truck class is often overshadowed by the bigger full-sized truck range, but Chevrolet's 2021 Colorado has several great features to help it stand out from the competition. From an engine lineup to suit various buyers to outstanding off-roading abilities, the Chevy Colorado is a wise choice if you're in the market for a mid-sized truck. Let's run through some of its best features. Powerful Engine Lineup The Colorado's base engine is a 2.5-liter V-4 with 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque. If you'll mainly be driving your pickup around town or on the highway, this engine, which is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, is well equipped for your needs. If you're planning on towing heavy loads or venturing off the beaten track, the Colorado's two more powerful engine options give you what you need. Your first option is a 3.6-liter V-6 that's good for 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. To reach the pinnacle of the Colorado's towing capabilities, you'll want the 2.8-liter turbodiesel, which can put out 191 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. more Great Towing Strength The Chevy Colorado's towing capacity is an impressive 7,700 pounds when it's properly equipped, which is tied for the best in the class. For modest towing assignments, like pulling a small boat to the lake, the standard engine's towing capacity of 3,500 pounds will probably do just fine. It also provides you with a maximum payload of 1,440 pounds of cargo. The V-6 engine can tow up to 7,000 pounds and haul a maximum payload of 1,574 pounds. The turbodiesel engine boosts your towing capacity to the 7,700-pound limit, so long as your truck is configured in rear-wheel drive. The towing capacity drops back slightly to 7,600 pounds in four-wheel-drive models powered by the turbodiesel engine. The turbodiesel engine has a slightly lower maximum payload for hauling than the V-6 at 1,511 pounds. Strong Off-Roading Capability Your best choices in the Colorado lineup if you enjoy off-roading are the Z71, ZR2, or ZR2 Bison trims. They all come equipped with various features to help you manage rough terrain, including hill descent control, heavy-duty suspension, and locking front and rear differentials. The Z71 comes standard with the more powerful V-6 engine, recovery hooks, and a locking rear differential. The ZR2 takes off-roading to the next level, with a two-speed transfer case, a rocker protection, a transfer case shield, and standard four-wheel drive. For an additional $5,750, you can upgrade to the ZR2 Bison sub-trim, which adds a front bumper with a winch, rear tow hooks on the back bumper, skid plates, fog lamps, and 17-inch wheels. Decent Gas Mileage The Colorado combines excellent off-roading and impressive towing power with decent gas mileage for the class. This makes it a good all-rounder, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of a powerful pickup while maintaining reasonable gas costs. With its base engine, the Colorado manages 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Adding four-wheel drive sees both estimates drop by 1 mpg. To get the best gas mileage, you'll want to select the 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine, which achieves 20 mpg on city roads and 30 mpg on the highway. Versatile Bed and Cab Combinations There are two bed lengths and two cab designs available in the Colorado lineup, meaning there's something to meet most buyers' needs. The extended cab seats up to four, although the compact rear seats are best used for short journeys. The extended cab will suit you well if you don't regularly have rear-seat passengers, or if you want the longer cargo bed and don't want your Colorado to get too long. The crew cab adds a middle seat in the rear row and provides back-seat passengers with more legroom for comfort. It also has front-hinged rear doors, which will make it easier for rear-seat passengers to get in or out. The two bed options measure 6 feet 2 inches and 5 feet 2 inches in length respectively. The extra foot of length is ideal if you need to carry larger, heavier loads. Just bear in mind that you can't pair both bed lengths with both cab designs in every trim. For example, the top ZR2 trim is not available in the crew cab/long bed configuration. User-Friendly Infotainment The Colorado's infotainment system gets praise for being easy to operate, whether it's the standard seven-inch touch screen or the controls located in the central stack. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also come standard, making it simple for you to link your phone with your truck's entertainment system. The base infotainment system is completed with Bluetooth connectivity, two USB ports, and a six-speaker audio system. For extra features, you can add an eight-inch screen, a seven-speaker premium audio system, more USB ports, and wireless device charging. The option of having a wireless hotspot is also sure to come in handy if you and your passengers want to stay connected while you're on the go. Spacious Front Seats Whether you opt for an extended cab or crew cab, the Colorado benefits from plenty of legroom up front. The driver's seat is in a raised position so you get a good view of what's up ahead. The base WT trim is equipped with synthetic upholstery. You can change that out for cloth upholstery by stepping up to the LT trim. If you're looking for more luxury in your cabin, the Z71 adds cloth and synthetic leather upholstery, while the range-topping ZR2 is the one to go for if you want genuine leather seats. We hope our rundown of the seven best features of the 2021 Chevy Colorado has helped convince you that it's the right mid-sized truck to meet your needs. If you still have questions about the Colorado, or you'd like to arrange to see one, don't hesitate to contact us today. Here at Herb Easley Chevrolet, our team of auto experts can't wait to assist you in picking out your next pickup truck.

Explore the 2021 Chevrolet Lineup

Explore the 2021 Chevrolet SUV Lineup

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Chevrolet has always been known for offering a fantastic range of SUV vehicles, each with its own set of unique characteristics. From small crossovers to large, body-on-frame SUVs, Chevrolet ensures that there truly is something for every taste, preference, and lifestyle. For 2021, Chevrolet has incorporated minor yet effective changes into its SUVs, including fresh new colors and exciting special editions. More technical differences include trim level and engine updates. more So, whether you're looking to treat yourself to a brand-new Chevrolet SUV, or if you're simply curious to browse what's on offer, read on to explore the stunning 2021 lineup of Chevrolet SUVs. 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer All-new for 2021, the stunning Trailblazer was well worth the wait. This small SUV is bold, spacious, and includes state-of-the-art technology to give you an unbeatable driving experience. With an impressive range of trims to choose from, there's a Trailblazer for every lifestyle. The L Trim offers the Chevrolet Infotainment System with a 7-inch color touch screen, whereas the Activ Trim includes LED taillamps and sport terrain tires. The Trailblazer comes with a choice of two turbocharged three-cylinder engines. Choose between the 1.2-liter engine with 137 horsepower or the 1.3-liter engine with 155 horsepower. Each vehicle is equipped with the incredible Chevy Safety Assist, and they can include additional features like an HD rear vision camera, a rear cross-traffic alert, or adaptive cruise control. A range of colors are available, like the majestic Zeus Bronze Metallic, eye-catching Iridescent Pearl Tricoat, or the classic Mosaic Black Metallic. 2021 Chevrolet Suburban The all-new Chevrolet Suburban SUV combines elegance, comfort for long journeys, and legroom for everyone on the ride. The new, convenient design offers plenty of second-row legroom, an expanded third row, and unbeatable space for cargo. Six trims of the iconic SUV are available, from the High Country Trim and its 22-inch wheels, signature grille, sill plates, and all-season tires, to the LS Trim and its Premium Smooth Ride suspension and 10-speed automatic transmission. Other features included in the Chevrolet Suburban include nine camera views, top-quality rear suspension, and the Advanced Trailering System with an in-vehicle app. Long journeys are also made easier with the new rear seat media system, which includes two 12.6-inch diagonal LCD HD touch-screens, each of which can display its own content. 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe With comfort and convenience at the forefront of its design, the all-new 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV is truly one of a kind. With a larger, more spacious cabin and improved ride and handling, the Tahoe was worth waiting for. The new model is 6.7 inches longer and has 40% more legroom in the third row, along with 66% more cargo space behind the third row. It's perfect for going on adventures with its available Four-Corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension that offers the most advanced suspension possible. There are six Tahoe trims available, from the practical High Country with its 22-inch wheels and all-season tires, to the modern and stylish RST with its Jet Black interior, Victory Red stitching, Monochromatic Black grille with Black Ice accents, and RST-specific badging and emblems. 2021 Chevrolet Equinox Still available in a range of stylish shades — Pacific Blue Metallic and Cajun Red Tintcoat to name just a couple — the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox includes some key updates. The Leather package is newly available on the LT trim, which introduces black perforated leather seats, memory settings, an inside auto-dimming rearview mirror, and outside auto-dimming power-adjustable mirrors. Much-loved features of the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox line-up still remain, including the Chevy Safety Assist. This combines a forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, following distance indicator, and Intellibeam. 2021 Chevrolet Trax The 2021 Chevrolet Trax SUV is ideal for on-the-go city living. It's a stunning everyday vehicle for both work and play, offering entertainment, smooth performance, and state-of-the-art safety features. This year, there are two new special editions available on the LT trim. The Midnight Edition combines Mosaic Black Metallic paint with black accents, while the Sport Edition offers black exterior accents. The LT Trim also offers a Premium Seat Package, which includes heated driver and front passenger seats and a leatherette seat trim. The new Trax is still kitted out with the Chevy Safety Assist, and provides just as much cargo space. With eight seating combinations, making space for your belongings has never been easier. 2021 Chevrolet Blazer Arguably the sportiest of the Chevrolet 2021 SUV line-up, the Blazer is available in three different bold designs to suit a range of lifestyles. The sophisticated Redline edition offers 20-inch Gloss Black wheels with Red accents and black Blazer badges with a red outline, whereas the Midnight/Sport edition has a Gloss Black grille bar and nameplate and Black center caps. The new 2021 Blazer also brings a fresh new color palette, with Pewter Metallic, Iron Gray Metallic, Cayenne Orange Metallic, and Cherry Red Tintcoat joining the lineup. Drivers can even choose between three engines. Many of the popular features from the 2020 Chevrolet Blazer remain, such as the Driver Mode Selector (which allows drivers to adjust the vehicle's performance on even the trickiest of terrains), the Sport Mode, and the Available All-Wheel Drive for driving on slippery roads. 2021 Chevrolet Traverse Just like the Suburban, the Traverse can seat up to eight, thanks to its generous interior cargo space. This means that it's ideal for large families and spontaneous day trips alike. The impressive SkyScape dual-power panel sunroof lets the sunshine in with the touch of a button, making car rides just that little bit more special. Choose from three editions: the RS, Redline, or High Country. Chevy Safety Assist — which includes lane keep assist and automatic emergency braking — has replaced the previous Driver Confidence II package, so drivers can enjoy their journeys with increased peace of mind.So, there you have it. Each of the new SUVs in the 2021 lineup has something unique to offer. No matter what your preferences or lifestyle, there's an SUV that's perfect for you. Stop by Herb Easley Motors to check out the newest offerings of SUVs from Chevrolet to see which one is right for you and your family.

2021 Chevy Silverado Towing Capacity

What is the 2021 Silverado's Towing Capacity?

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 At Herb Easley Chevrolet, we understand that your Chevy Silverado needs to perform. Your truck has to do the job, whether you're towing a work trailer to job sites or taking your fishing boat to your favorite spot in the mountains. The Silverado's ability to do that and so much more is why many people choose a Silverado over the competition. Let's take a closer look at the Silverado towing capacity and different trims to help you decide which model is right for you. more Silverado Towing Capacity by Engine A truck's towing capacity results from many different factors like the high-strength fully boxed steel frame, a capable transmission, advanced towing packages, and a rear differential to handle the torque. Perhaps the most significant factor is the engine which provides the torque to tow. The Silverado 1500 features five engine options, each with its unique capabilities and strengths. 4.3-Liter EcoTec 3 V-6 Chevy offers a 4.3-liter EcoTec 3 V-6 engine with direct injection and Active Fuel Management technology standard in the WT, Custom, and Custom Trail Boss trims. This engine pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission to deliver a respectable 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain is rated to tow up to 7,900 pounds and has a payload capacity of 2,250 pounds. 2.7-Liter Turbo A 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with auto start/stop, direct injection, and Active Fuel Management technology is standard on the LT and RST trims and available for the WT and Custom models. Chevy mates this engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission to give you 310 horsepower and 348 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain tows up to 9,300 pounds with a 2,060-pound payload capacity. 5.3-Liter EcoTec 3 V-8 Two 5.3-liter EcoTec 3 V-8 engines are available, one with Active Fuel Management (AFM) technology and the other with Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) technology. The DFM version LT Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country models and available on the LT and RST trims. The AFM engine is only available on the WT, Custom, and Custom Trail Boss. The AFM mates with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the DFM mates with an eight-speed automatic. If you choose the LT Trail Boss or the High Country 4x4, you'll get an upgraded 10-speed automatic transmission. Both get impressive power numbers coming in at 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain can tow up to 9,400 pounds and haul 2,060 pounds with the standard setup or tow 11,100 pounds and haul 2,170 pounds by adding the Max Trailering Package. 6.2-Liter V-8 A 6.2-liter V-8 engine with direct injection and DFM technology is available on the High Country, LTZ, LT Trail Boss, RST, and Custom Trail Boss trims. Chevy mates this to its 10-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain gets a robust 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. It can tow up to 9,300 pounds and haul 1,690 pounds with the basic setup. If you add the Max Trailering Package, those numbers jump to 13,300 pounds and 2,090 pounds, respectively. Duramax 3.0-Liter Turbo-Diesel The Duramax turbo-diesel engine is available on the Lt, RST, LTZ, and High Country trim and offers the perfect blend of power and efficiency. A 10-speed automatic transmission completes this powertrain to deliver 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque and tows up to 9,500 pounds. 6.6-Liter V-8 The Silverado 2500 HD trim comes with a 6.6-liter V-8 engine with direct injection and variable valve timing. Chevy links this engine with a six-speed automatic transmission to deliver 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque. As a result, it tows up to 17,370 pounds. Duramax 6.6-liter Turbo-Diesel The Duramax 6.6-liter turbo-diesel engine with an air induction system and a variable geometry turbocharger is available on the Silverado 2500 HD trim. This engine is paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission and gets 445 horsepower and a monstrous 910 pound-feet of torque. With a max towing capacity of up to 36,000 pounds, there aren't many jobs this powertrain can't handle. Truck and Trailer Camera System The Silverado 1500 and 2500 offer an advanced camera system that uses eight cameras to provide 15 unique views around your truck and trailer. Four of these views focus on the hitch alone. The Surround View provides a top-down bird's eye view of the truck and trailer hitch. The Hitch View gives you a close-up of the receiver and hitch to help guide you. A Rear Top-Down View shows you how much clearance you have around your truck. The unique Bed View allows you to check on cargo or hook up a gooseneck trailer. New in 2021 is a Bed Zoom and Bed Hitch Guidance views. Six views focus on driving views like the innovative Transparent Trailer view that lets you virtually see the following vehicles through the trailer. A Pic-In-Pic View combines the rear side view and rear trailer view, one inside the other like your picture-in-picture feature on your television. A dual-function rearview mirror doubles as both a reflective mirror and a live video feed from behind your truck. You also get five parking views that make parking easier. Intelligent Trailer Technology The Silverado offers an advanced trailering system that allows you to store multiple trailer configurations. The features include pre-departure checklists, trailer lighting diagnostics, and tire pressure information. A trailer sway control system, hill start assist, and auto grade braking helps make towing more manageable and safer.  You get new tech like an electric parking brake hookup assist, trailer theft alert, and brake gain memory on the integrated brake controller. A tow/haul mode allows you to dial up the torque for improved towing performance.Herb Easley Chevrolet has one of the largest inventories of Silverado 1500 and Silverado HD models in the region. We invite you to browse our inventory online or visit our showroom. We are conveniently located at 1125 Central Freeway in Wichita Falls, Texas. One of our friendly professional staff will be happy to show you first-hand how capable the Silverado is when it comes to towing.