The GMC Sierra 1500 is a light-duty, full-size pickup truck that’s stylish, fun to drive, and a strong performer. It has a long history for solid performance and dependability, providing some big numbers for horsepower, torque, and maximum towing capacity.

Each year, the GMC Sierra 1500 comes back with new features, enhanced performance, and updated style that makes it better and better. The SLE is one of the most popular trim lines on the GMC Sierra 1500, offering some fun added features. Depending on what model year you are looking at, here are some of the features you might expect to find on the GMC Sierra SLE:

Upgraded Infotainment System

Trucks aren’t known for having a lot of bells and whistles. They usually come with the bare basics, focusing instead on the engine and on providing more power and towing strength. However, the GMC Sierra 1500 SLE comes through with an upgraded infotainment system that includes more than the AM/FM radio you’ll find on many trucks.

In many years, the SLE came with a large touch screen for controlling the infotainment system, and it even included features like a USB port for charging smart devices and, in recent years, a wi-fi hotspot. Some newer models even have a head’s up display.

Keyless Entry

Keyless entry makes it easy to get into your Sierra 1500 SLE, and it makes it easier for you to lock up when you leave. You can just tap the key fob to get in or to lock up, even if you have a heavy load in your hands.

Cargo Bed

The GMC Sierra 1500 SLE has a large cargo bed that offers you more hauling options. In some model years, the carbo bed volume is the largest in its class, beating out competitors. The bed is also strong enough to hold whatever you have to haul. Recent models have included a carbon-fiber composite bed that can not only handle heavy weights but can also resist rust and corrosion.

Power Performance

Of course, the GMC Sierra 1500 SLE is also known for its powerful performance. Depending on the model year you get, you can enjoy up to 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Engine options are also available that allowed buyers to get what they needed, including diesel engines. When you are shopping for previously owned vehicles, you can find a number of configurations, and you can save significantly over what they cost new.

The GMC Sierra 1500 SLE has so much to offer, no matter what model year you are considering. Tim’s Truck Capital proudly carries a wide selection of the GMC Sierra 1500 SLE, and our friendly and knowledgeable associates are ready to help you find the perfect model and configuration for you. Visit us today to explore your options and to take a test drive. Our finance specialists are also ready to help you find the right terms to make the truck affordable for your budget. We’ll help you through every step of the process so you can find the perfect truck. Visit us today!

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Manual transmissions are often preferred by car enthusiasts who get into the finer points of performance, as well as by truck owners who really know how to make the most of their horsepower and torque for hauling and for getting out of sticky situations. You may be wondering whether you should also choose a manual transmission when you are shopping for a new car or truck.

Here are some of the very real advantages of a manual transmission to consider:

More Control

When you are driving a vehicle with a manual transmission, you have full control over when to shift. That means that you can get that extra power or torque right when you need it – say, when you are going uphill with a heavy tow load or when you are ready to accelerate out of that mud pit you’ve found yourself in.

You also have more control over your braking with a manual transmission since there is no torque converter, as is found in vehicles with automatic transmissions.

Lower Fuel and Oil Usage

Fluids deteriorate less quickly in a manual transmission vehicle. That means that your vehicle won’t use up as much oil, which means you won’t need oil changes as frequently.

Manual transmissions also help your vehicle get better fuel economy. Manual transmissions don’t have the torque converter and hydraulic pump that are found on vehicles with automatic transmissions, and which cause the vehicle to use up much more gas. You can get up to 15 percent better fuel economy if you switch to a manual transmission. That’s a fantastic benefit if you’re driving a truck, which likely doesn’t get great fuel economy because of its size and power. You can use every mile you can get to save money and reduce trips to the pump.

Easier Maintenance

Manual transmissions are less complex than automatic transmissions in terms of their construction. That means that there are fewer opportunities for a component to fail, which means fewer likely repairs. You won’t have to spend as much to maintain or to repair your vehicle. Often, the only part to need attention on a manual transmission is the clutch, but you generally won’t have an issue for hundreds of thousands of miles.

Buying a vehicle with a manual transmission is going to pay off again and again. You are going to have greater control of your vehicle, and you’re going to pay less to maintain it and keep it fueled. Those benefits are going to be amplified if you buy a truck, where you will need that control to handle heavy jobs and tough terrain, you’ll need that boost with fuel economy, and you’ll be glad to save on expensive repairs. Many truck models come with manual transmission because manufacturers widely recognize these benefits. Tim’s Truck Capital carries a wide variety of truck models with manual transmission, and our friendly and knowledgeable associates are happy to help you find the perfect truck to fit your needs. Visit us today to shop our great selection of new and previously owned trucks!

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Getting your tires inspected and rotated is just one of the many maintenance activities that you need to invest in so that your vehicle stays in top shape and has a long life span with reliable performance. Whether you drive a sports car, a family minivan, or a tough off-roader, you’ll need to get your tires inspected and rotated on schedule. The service professionals at Tim’s Truck Capital can perform your tire inspection and rotation, as well as any other maintenance tasks you need, on schedule to protect your vehicle and your investment.

Service and Frequency

When you take your vehicle for a tire rotation, the service professionals will first inspect the tires. They will look for signs of damage, check the tread depth, and check the air pressure. They will then fill the tires with air if necessary, and remove them from your vehicle. They will then rotate the position of your tires, moving the front tires to the back, and the back tires to the front. Sometimes, the technicians will use a special chart to show them where to move the tires, based on the type of vehicle you have and the wear your tires are showing.

You should have your tires rotated every 5,000 miles or according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Depending on the condition of your tires, you may also need to have them balanced during this service.

Benefits of Tire Rotation

There are many benefits to having your tires inspected and rotated according to schedule. Most importantly, getting your tires rotated regularly ensures that they maintain even tread wear and depth. With even tread depth, your tires will maintain better traction on the road, your vehicle will handle better, and your brakes will perform properly. Even tread wear will also put less strain on your drivetrain and other driver components.

Regular tire rotation also helps you to maintain proper alignment on your vehicle, and it prolongs the life of your tires. As expensive as tires can be for some vehicles, simply prolonging the life of your tires is one of the best benefits of tire rotation. You can protect the investment you have made in your tires, and save yourself a lot of money in the long run.

Scheduling Routine Maintenance

Getting regular tire inspections and rotations isn’t hard. You just need to create a relationship with an auto service technician, who will put you on a schedule or send you reminders when your service is due. The professionals at Tim’s Truck Capital will work with you to create the best maintenance schedule for your car, truck, or other vehicle, including tire inspections and rotations, oil changes, and other needed services. We’ll help you develop a schedule that is specific to your vehicle and your driving habits. Our goal is to keep your vehicle in top shape so that you can protect your investment and enjoy it longer – whether you bought your vehicle from us or from somewhere else. Call us today to make an appointment for your vehicle’s service!

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It won’t be long before the New England winter settles on us, and there is thick snow and ice all around. You can’t count on the roads always being cleared. So, unless you want to get stuck in your home or get your vehicle stranded in the snow, you’ll need to invest in a heavy duty truck that can get through it all, and you may want to consider investing in a snow plow, as well.

RAM trucks are the perfect choice. Not only are these rugged and powerful trucks strong enough to cut through the snow and ice, but they also pair perfectly with a snow plow. You’ll be able to get where you need to go, no matter what the conditions are like outside.

Here are a few reasons why RAM trucks help make snow plowing easy:

Power to Get You Through

Plowing through snow is a tough job, and it calls for a tough truck. RAM trucks have got the power to get you through the worst conditions. RAM trucks are known for their strong engines, with high horsepower and torque numbers. Exact specs vary based on the model and year you buy, but you can be sure that any RAM truck is going to get you the strength you need to plow through the heaviest snow and ice with ease.

Towing Capacity

Your RAM truck will need to have a strong towing capacity to carry the heavy duty snow plow that you are going to attach to it. Fortunately, RAM trucks are known for their high towing capacities. Depending on the model and year of your truck, you could enjoy towing capacity of as much as 35,000 pounds. You’ll be able to carry as much snow and ice as you need to clear your path when you drive a properly equipped RAM.

Flexibility

RAM trucks are designed to be used in a variety of scenarios and to support a variety of tools. They are designed to easily be outfitted with a snow plow of your choice. You will have your choice of plows, and you won’t have to worry about making any special modifications.

RAM trucks have a variety of other features that make them great choices if you want to have a snow plow in the winter. They have durable and well-designed tires to grip in the snow, they have durable motors that will deliver reliable performance year after year, and they have easily positioned interior controls so that you can keep the cabin warm and free of fog without distraction. Plus, RAM trucks offer the reliable performance and quality that will serve you well all year long.

Visit Tim’s Truck Capital today to find the perfect RAM truck for this winter and beyond. We’ll walk you through all the features that make RAM trucks work so well with snow plows, and we’ll help you learn about all the RAM has to offer in any weather. Visit us today to learn more, to take a test drive, and to hear about our great financing offers.

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The Chevy Silverado 3500 is one of the toughest and most powerful trucks on the market. You can use it for just about any job you need, such as hauling heavy equipment, towing large loads, or cutting through terrain that is muddy, snowy, or rocky.

The Chevy Silverado 3500 has a long life span, so you can easily find a great, previously owned truck to suit your needs. You’ll save money, and you’ll be able to choose from the best models to get the exact specs you need. Here’s a glimpse of what you will find when you are comparing Chevy Silverado 3500 models:

Power

V6 and V8 engines are common on the Chevy Silverado 3500, and they provide enough power for just about any job. Exact specs depend on what model year you buy and what options were chosen on the original purchase. What you can expect is horsepower and torque in the 400s and 500s – more than enough to pull you out of tough terrain or to handle heavy loads. You’ll be well equipped for work or for play. You’ll also have your choice between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, ensuring that you get the performance you want.

Towing Capacity

When you look at a heavy-duty truck, you have a specific need. You aren’t just looking for something to take off-roading; you’re also looking for something to carry heavy loads. The Chevy Silverado 3500 can do just that – and do it with ease. Maximum towing capacity can go past 20,000 pounds, depending on what configuration you get. Outside of commercial trucks, you aren’t going to find better towing numbers.

Utilities

The Chevy Silverado 3500 has many other components that make it powerful and capable in any situation. Options include a trailer brake controller, diesel exhaust brake system, fifth-wheel trailer hitch, trailering camera system, steel bed, a multi-leaf springs suspension system, and more. These features help to improve your handling and performance.

Convenience Features

You might not expect to get a lot of convenience features in a heavy-duty truck, but the Chevy Silverado 3500 offers them. Newer models offer features such as OnStar Telematics, the Chevy MyLink entertainment system (which also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and more. You can enjoy some luxury features even when you are doing hard work or exploring in tough conditions. That makes for an easy transition between work and play when you have one truck to do it all.

The Chevy Silverado 3500 has a lot to offer, whether you need a dependable truck for your work or side gig, or you want a powerful truck for your recreational enjoyment. Visit Betley Chevrolet to shop for new or previously owned Chevy Silverado 3500s. Our knowledgeable associates are ready to help you find the Silverado 3500 with the perfect configuration to meet your needs. Then we’ll be happy to help you find the right financing offers to fit your budget. You could be driving home with a gorgeous new truck today.

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New Hampshire gets some hard winters, as does the rest of New England. Heavy snows and ice are common, and while they may make for some beautiful scenery, they also make for some treacherous driving conditions. Getting a good set of winter tires for your truck can give you more traction and control on the road.

Here’s what you need to know about how to find the perfect winter tires for your truck:

Rubber Content

Rubber reacts to the temperatures outside, and that can influence the performance of your tires in different seasons. Different rubber compounds are used in different tires. Tires that are designed for summer use have a rubber compound that will lose grip on the road once the temperatures drop below 45 or 50 degrees. Tires that are designed for winter use are created with compounds that will continue to keep traction, even in freezing temperatures.

You don’t have to ask about specific rubber compounds when shopping for winter tires, fortunately. You just need to know that the tires are designed for winter use – not for summer and not for all season. You need tires specifically created for freezing temperatures all the time.

Tread Depth and Design

Winter tires have a thicker tread depth, which allows them to push more snow and ice away from the rubber and create more grip on the road. Winter tires also have a tread design that includes many more sipes, which are tiny slits in the tire’s surface that help to increase its grip.

When you shop for winter tires, you can talk through the different tread designs to learn which will give you the greatest control on the road. Make sure you talk through performance in both snowy and icy conditions, as you will face both each New Hampshire winter.

Extras

Winter tires can also come with extras for increased safety. For example, you can get studded tires that can better cut through the ice and provide superior traction on the road. Or you can purchase chains that wrap around your tires and help you get the same results.

Springing for these extras is an especially good idea if you live in a remote area or if you plan to do a lot of hauling or towing. You will need that extra strength to get through the bad conditions or to deal with the extra weight.

It’s important that you talk through your tire options with a professional so that you get exactly the performance you need all season long. The associates at Tim’s Truck Capital are ready to walk you through the different tire brands and designs to help you find the perfect choice. With the right care, these tires can last you through several seasons. You should think of them as an investment to protect your truck and the safety of your family. Bring your truck down to our service department today and learn about the best tires to get you through this winter.

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When you’re shopping for a pre-owned vehicle, you need to know a lot more than how it looks. Even a vehicle that has been meticulously maintained so that its body and interior are blemish-free could have been driven hard, and now it’s mechanical parts could be suffering. If you want to buy a vehicle that will last you a long time, you need to know as much as you can about how the car was cared for under the hood, as well as how it was driven.

Looking at mileage can give you a clue. Vehicles with higher mileage typically have shorter life spans. However, you need to know more than the total miles – you also need to know the quality of the miles. Were those miles driven primarily on the highway or primarily in everyday, city driving such as to and from work?

Why Highway vs. City Driving Matters

You may think that it’s worse for a vehicle if it has been driven a lot of miles on the highway. After all, the vehicle would be traveling at high speeds for long distances. However, the reality is that highway miles are far better for a vehicle than city miles.

On the highway, a vehicle can be driven at a consistent speed. It doesn’t have to stop and start again multiple times, like in city driving. Maintaining a consistent speed is much easier on the engine, and it will result in less wear and tear. (That is, so long as you aren’t driving at top speeds and are just sticking to the speed limit.) City driving puts a lot of wear on the engine, the transmission (since you are constantly changing gears), and the brakes.

Evaluating Pre-Owned Vehicles

You aren’t going to have the previous owner there to tell you how many miles they drove on the highway and how many they drove on the city when you are shopping for pre-owned vehicles. Even if you do, you can’t always trust that the person will have accurate records (do you log your own highway and city miles?) or that they are going to be honest.

What you can do is look at the overall mileage compared to the age. Relatively newer cars that have high mileage are likely to have been driven a lot on the highway – those long distances add up fast. You also need to look at the body of the vehicle. If it has a lot of small scratches and dings, chances are good those came from city driving, and you can bet that a lot of the miles on the vehicle are city miles.

You should also look at the vehicle’s history to learn about its maintenance. The previous owner may have outfitted it with many new parts that would mitigate the wear and tear it took on from a lot of city driving.

At Tim’s Truck Capital, we thoroughly evaluate every vehicle we put on our lot so that we are only offering the best. Our associates can help you understand the vehicle’s history, including its maintenance history, so that you can find a vehicle that will give you years of reliable performance. Visit us today to find a quality pre-owned vehicle at a great price!

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When it comes to your truck, every component is essential. The safety features keep you and your crew out of harm’s way. The technology offerings make the daily commute easier than ever. And the performance just keeps getting better. But what about the truck bed? Often the unsung hero of the pickup, Chevrolet has been hard at work trying to perfect this key component. So what’s the result? Four different tailgates for you to choose from.

4 Tailgates, One Big Choice

While exterior options are common on modern work trucks, having this wide a variety of tailgate systems is pretty unusual. You can tell the team at Chevy has been trying to think outside of the box to help hard working drivers get more done. Of course, the Work Truck (WT) comes with your standard tailgate lowering system upgraded on the 2019 Silverado to aluminum. Two of these tailgates have been upgraded with torsion bars to help dampen or slow lowering and assist with lifting the gate. However, one tailgate in particular stood out to our team: the motorized tailgate.

The New, Motorized Tailgate

If you choose a Silverado 1500 LTZ or High Country you have the ability to check out Chevrolet’s latest innovation in truck bed tech: the motorized tailgate system. This system replaces the torsion bar with an electric motor and gear reduction in the bottom of the tailgate and a pair of power-assist closure latches.

The team at Chevrolet made sure to think of the features conscientious drivers would want to see from a piece of technology like this. When you touch the electronic latch on the tailgate or double-tap the tailgate button on the key fob, the latches release. Then the motor spins to lower the lightweight aluminum gate. CLosing it is just as easy, you can use the key fob again or just manually lift the tailgate. The motor will bring the gate up so the latches catch and pull the gate closed– similar to how Chevrolet Corvette doors close into place once you latch them. And rest assured, there are force switches that reverse the motor if any resistance (like someone’s finger or a favorite toy) is felt, and the gate won’t close if something is resting on it. That makes this an especially useful and safe option for pickup owners of all ages.

A Modern Truck Built to Handle Today’s Work

The same care and attention to detail placed into the smallest features of the Silverado 1500 truck bed can be seen throughout the entire pickup. Newer model years offer eight trim levels, six engine choices, three cab styles and three bed lengths. Whether you’re looking for an affordable work horse like the Work Truck and Custom models or want something packed with interior features like the LT and LTZ models, there’s a Silverado 1500 to suit just about everyone’s needs. These models also deliver sporty handling and a comfortable ride without sacrificing power.

This vehicle is built to last and has features that will prove useful for years to come. That’s the kind of vehicle we want to sell. If you are in the market for a pickup truck or just have questions about the Chevy Silverado, stop by our New Hampshire dealership or give us a call today!

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The weather is still hot and sunny now, but it won’t be long before the season changes and we have not only cooler temperatures but new road conditions, as well. It’s important that you make sure your vehicle is ready to handle all those conditions. When your vehicle is ready for the fall, it will also be ready for the winter right around the corner, which will include snowy and icy conditions.

Here are five things you should do to prepare your car or truck for the fall:

Check the Health of Your Tires

You need sound tires with healthy tread at all times of the year. You’ve likely spent the summer taking a lot of road trips, even if just for the weekend, and may have taken a toll on your tires. Now is the time to inspect your tires and ensure there is a healthy tread depth and no patches of balding or other issues. Replace your tires now if needed.

Clean or Replace Headlights

The days are going to get shorter, and the skies will be a bit cloudier. Overall conditions will be dimmer, so you’ll need properly working headlights for good visibility. Take a look at your headlights. Has the glass gotten dull and clouded? You need to take your vehicle in to get the headlights professionally cleaned. If the light isn’t turning on, get it replaced.

Check the Belts and Hoses

Belts and hoses can wear down with heat. The end of the summer is the perfect time to check them, after they may have started to crack or crumble. You also want to make sure that they are in great condition as you head into the fall. You don’t want one to fail and leave you on the side of the road when the weather is colder. Have all the belts and hoses check out so you can replace anything that needs it now.

Check the Fluid Levels

Your vehicle needs proper fluid levels to operate efficiently. Check everything going into the next season. Make sure you have the right levels of oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and more. Have your mechanic do a general checkup, and that will include topping up all your fluid levels.

Check Your Heat

The start of fall will be quite pleasant, but by the end, you’ll start to feel chilly. Check your heat now to make sure it is working properly. You don’t want to find out it’s not working on a cold day.

Taking these and other steps will ensure that your car or truck gives you dependable performance through the fall and winter. Visit Tim’s Truck Capital today to get the full service you need for fall preparation or for other issues you may be experiencing. Our service shop offers maintenance and repairs for all makes and models of vehicles. We offer convenient service hours, fair prices, and professional and friendly service. Call us today to schedule our service.

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If you’re shopping for a new work truck, you should direct your attention to those powered by diesel fuel. The alternative fuel source offers a number of benefits for all kinds of drivers, but even more so for those driving trucks. It’s no mistake that tractor trailers and other heavy-duty trucks are powered by diesel.

Tim’s Truck Capital sells a wide variety of diesel trucks, including popular models like the Chevy Silverado 2500HD, the Ford Super Duty F-350, the Ram 1500 Tradesman, and the GMC Sierra 2500HD. Here are some of the benefits these and other diesel trucks offer over natural gas:

More Power

Diesel engines are designed to consume fuel at a lower rate and under high compression. That process produces greater torque, which translates to more power. When you are driving a truck powered by diesel fuel, you’ll be able to accelerate more quickly and to pull heavier loads more easily.

Greater Fuel Efficiency

Diesel engines consume far less gas than those powered by natural gas. The engines produce more power on less fuel because of the high compression. Some diesel trucks are also designed with a high-pressure fuel-injection system, which enhances the fuel efficiency.

Trucks are known to be fuel guzzlers, so switching to diesel can save you a lot of money on your gas bill while also giving you better performance.

Lower Maintenance

Trucks that have diesel engines also require less maintenance than those that use natural gas. Diesel engines do not have an ignition system with spark plugs or distributors, so they do not need typical tune-ups. These engines use compressed air to ignite the fuel. You won’t spend a lot of money on replacing parts or getting check-ups.

Without the typical spark-style ignition system, electrical failures are also less likely on diesel engines. Overall, you’ll spend less on maintenance and enjoy longer time between service visits.

Lower Taxes

Diesel engines produce lower emissions than engines running on natural gas, which makes them better for the environment. Not only can you feel better knowing that you are being a better environmental citizen, but you can also enjoy lower taxes on your truck. The government rewards eco-friendly technology, and you will have a lower tax rate on the truck. You may even qualify for additional tax credits.

Diesel trucks offer a lot of advantages over other trucks powered by natural gas. Fortunately, some of the top automakers offer heavy-duty trucks powered by diesel, including Ford, GMC, RAM, and Chevrolet. Tim’s Truck Capital has a nice selection of used diesel trucks from all of these makers. Not only can you save money on fuel charges and maintenance with a diesel truck, but you can save even more by shopping used. Diesel trucks last far longer than natural gas trucks, and they are more reliable, so you can feel confident shopping for used trucks, knowing that they will continue performing for years to come. Visit us today to explore our selection of used diesel trucks to find the perfect model for your needs.

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