Car Care: Spring Car Checklist

Behind every great service department is a leader who sets the tone. At Maritime Chevrolet, that person is Ralph Cascella! As our Service Manager, Ralph brings 38 years of automotive industry experience, an unmatched work ethic, and a genuine passion for the people he serves and everything he does. This month, we are proud to shine the spotlight on one of the most dedicated members of our team. A Career Built on Commitment Ralph grew up right here in Trumbull, Connecticut, and after graduating from Trumbull High School, he found his calling in the automotive business. Nearly four decades later, he has never looked back. For the past 20 years, Ralph has called Maritime Chevrolet home, and his dedication to this dealership is the kind that is simply impossible to manufacture. “I treat Maritime Chevy as my own business,” Ralph says. “I go above and beyond what I’m asked.” That is not just a phrase for Ralph. It is a way of operating. He is typically the first one through the door in the morning and the last one to leave at night. In one memorable example of just how far he will go, Ralph once spent the night at the dealership when the highway was closing so that he could get the driveway paved and have the doors open for customers the very next morning. That is the kind of dedication that defines a career. Ask Ralph about his proudest moment at Maritime Chevrolet and his answer is both honest and heartfelt. “Ten years ago, when the dealership changed ownership, they kept me on as their service manager.” For someone who pours as much of himself into his work as Ralph does, that kind of trust and recognition from ownership means everything. He is quick to share his gratitude as well. “I really enjoy my job at Maritime. Thank you to Eric and the Hodge family for all of their support.” That mutual respect between Ralph and the leadership team at Maritime Chevrolet is a big part of what makes our service department the well-run, customer-first operation that it is. When you ask Ralph what he loves most about the automotive industry, the answer has nothing to do with cars. “The relationships that I have built with customers and employees,” he says without hesitation. “And there is a new challenge every day.” After 38 years, that combination of connection and variety is what keeps Ralph as engaged and motivated as ever. Life Outside the Shop Those who know Ralph from his no-nonsense, get-it-done approach at the dealership might be surprised to learn about the softer side he keeps close to home. In the spring and summer, you will find him surf casting along the Connecticut shoreline or out trout fishing with his grandson, Chase. When fall and winter arrive, Ralph trades the water for his tree stand, spending quiet mornings in nature with his thoughts and a great view. And when it comes to what he truly cannot live without? That answer is simple and sincere: his time with his wife Leslie and his grandchildren. His dream car, fittingly for a man who has spent nearly four decades in the Chevrolet world, is a 1966 Chevelle SS 396. Classic, powerful, and timeless, just like Ralph himself. Twenty years of leadership, countless customers served, and a standard of excellence that runs through everything our service department does. We are incredibly grateful to have Ralph Cascella at the helm, and we hope this spotlight gives our customers a chance to appreciate the person who works so hard every day to make sure their experience at Maritime Chevrolet is a great one. Next time you bring your vehicle in for service, take a moment to say hello to Ralph. We have a feeling you will be glad you did!

Every October, Chevrolet brings one of the most meaningful traditions in motorsport back to the track. The iconic pink Corvette Stingray has returned for 2026, pacing the NASCAR Cup Series field at Talladega Superspeedway and Martinsville Speedway as part of Chevrolet’s ongoing commitment to the fight against breast cancer. This year marks Chevrolet’s 16th consecutive year partnering with the American Cancer Society in support of its Making Strides Against Breast Cancer initiative, and the 2026 campaign is the most expansive yet. This year’s program ties donations to five NASCAR Cup Series races, creating more opportunities than ever before to generate meaningful support for breast cancer research and awareness. Chevrolet will donate $1,500 for each Team Chevy driver who finishes in the top 10 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Phoenix Raceway, Talladega Superspeedway, and Martinsville Speedway, with total donations up to $25,000 across all five events. At Talladega and Martinsville, where the pink Corvette Stingray serves as the official pace car, Chevrolet will also contribute $500 for every caution lap led by the pace car, again up to $25,000. When you add it all together, the potential impact of this year’s campaign is significant. To put that in perspective, in 2025 Chevrolet raised more than $1.7 million for the American Cancer Society, including $32,500 generated directly through the NASCAR campaign. The program has become one of the most visible and impactful charity initiatives in professional motorsport. “Each October, our motorsports platform gives us a powerful opportunity to turn the visibility of NASCAR into meaningful support for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer,” said Alyssa Haba, Senior Manager of Motorsports Marketing and Activation for Chevrolet. “With the pink Corvette Stingray returning to the track and donations tied to five Cup Series races, this year’s campaign creates more opportunities to make an impact and advance the fight against breast cancer.” The pink Corvette Stingray made its 2026 on-track debut at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the South Point 400 on October 4, before returning as the official pace car at Talladega Superspeedway on October 25 and Martinsville Speedway on November 1 for the penultimate race of The Chase. If you have not had a chance to catch it on track yet, Martinsville is your last opportunity to see it in action this season. At Maritime Chevrolet, we are proud to represent a brand that uses its platform to make a real difference in people’s lives. Stop by and see us, and join Chevrolet in supporting the fight against breast cancer this October.

Whether you are bracing for a New England winter, hauling gear down a muddy trail, or simply looking for added confidence on wet roads, Chevrolet has a vehicle built for the job. For more than 60 years, GM has been building vehicles with four driven wheels, and the 2026 Chevrolet lineup offers 12 distinct models with available all-wheel or four-wheel drive across trucks, SUVs, EVs, and even a mid-engine sports car. Here is a look at every option and where each one fits. 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS AWD The most affordable entry point into Chevrolet’s AWD lineup, the Trailblazer offers all-wheel drive across four trim levels paired with a turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Compact, capable, and easy to live with every day. 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT AWD The Equinox brings bold styling and generous cargo space to the compact SUV segment. All-wheel drive adds $2,000 to the LT, ACTIV, and RS trims, paired with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and an eight-speed automatic for a smooth, confident driving experience in any weather. 2026 Chevrolet Colorado WT 4WD Chevy’s midsize pickup offers four-wheel drive as an option on the WT, Custom, and LT trims, while the Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2 come standard with it. The ZR2 takes things furthest with a three-inch factory lift, Multimatic DSSV suspension dampers, and a dedicated off-road fascia built for serious trail use. 2026 Chevrolet Blazer 2LT AWD Chevy’s sporty midsize SUV is offered with all-wheel drive across all three trim levels. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder powers the standard AWD setup, with an optional 3.6-liter V6 also available on the RS trim for those who want a bit more muscle. 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV LT 1 AWD The electric Equinox adds a rear axle motor with the AWD option, delivering enhanced traction and performance. The trade-off is a modest reduction in range from an EPA-estimated 319 to 307 miles, but the added confidence in winter conditions makes it a compelling choice for New England drivers. 2026 Chevrolet Silverado LT 4WD America’s best-selling truck offers four-wheel drive across most of its extensive trim lineup. Adding 4WD costs between $3,300 and $4,600 depending on the trim, while performance-focused variants like the ZR2 come with it standard alongside a full suite of off-road hardware. 2026 Chevrolet Traverse LT AWD Chevy’s most affordable three-row SUV pairs a bold exterior with a well-appointed interior and the option of all-wheel drive for $2,000 on most trims. The off-road-tuned Z71 comes with AWD standard, adding skid plates and all-terrain capability for adventure-minded families. 2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV LT AWD The Blazer EV’s all-wheel drive option adds a second electric motor for enhanced performance and traction, with the range-topping SS trim coming AWD-only. Bold design and standout technology make this one of the most distinctive EVs in the segment. 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Every Silverado EV comes standard with four-wheel drive, from the base Custom trim all the way to the rugged Trail Boss. Powerful towing capability, advanced technology, and generous cargo space make it one of the most capable electric trucks on the market today. 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4WD The body-on-frame Tahoe brings three rows, premium appointments, and serious capability to the full-size SUV segment. Four-wheel drive is a $3,000 option on most trims, with the Z71 package adding skid plates, tow hooks, and all-terrain tires for those who venture further off the beaten path. 2026 Chevrolet Suburban LS 4WD The largest SUV in the Chevrolet lineup follows the same formula as the Tahoe, with four-wheel drive available for $3,000 on most trims and standard on the Z71. When you need maximum space, maximum capability, and maximum confidence, the Suburban delivers on all three. 2026 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray For the first time in Corvette history, the E-Ray brings all-wheel drive to America’s sports car. A front-mounted electric motor powers the front axle while the mid-mounted 6.2-liter V8 drives the rear, combining for 655 horsepower and a driving experience unlike anything else on the road. 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X The most powerful Corvette ever built takes AWD to its logical extreme. A hybrid system pairs a front-axle electric motor with a twin-turbocharged V8 at the rear for a combined 1,250 horsepower, delivering performance that rivals the world’s most exotic machinery on both road and track. From the everyday versatility of the Trailblazer to the jaw-dropping performance of the ZR1X, Maritime Chevrolet has the full Chevrolet AWD and 4WD lineup ready for you to explore. Stop in and let our team help you find the right one for your life and your roads. This informational blog post is presented by Maritime Chevy in Fairfield, CT on October 15th, 2026. Information regarding our current inventory may not apply. Please click here for our most current new inventory.