With more and more American’s getting the vaccine every day and pandemic restrictions loosening, people are going to be out and travel more this summer. With this comes many new aspects of travel that may have changed since last year for potential road trippers.As of April 2nd, 2021, the CDC has stated: “People who are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine can travel safely within the United States.” However, as you travel across state lines, it is still advised to bring a mask and monitor any symptoms while on your trip. For those who are not yet vaccinated, the CDC has created a website to offer advice on how to safely travel domestically this summer, found here.

With many people tired of being cooped up in the house, popular US tourism destinations are expected to swell, with potentially record-setting crowds this year. This means that you should book tickets, rental cars, and reservations for any events way in advance for a chance to get a spot this summer. Experts recommend booking hotel rooms or rental cars at least two months in advance.

Check out this detailed blog to get plenty of more tips on planning the perfect summer road trip this year: https://www.roamingaroundtheworld.com/road-trip-travel-tips-2021/. We hope these travel tips will help keep you and your family safe on the road this summer!

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An Important Message From the Owner:

We are pleased to now welcome fully vaccinated guests back to our showroom and service departments for in-store shopping and appointments. According to nationwide CDC recommendations, it is no longer required to wear a mask if you are fully vaccinated. It certainly will be nice to see our customers’ faces again!

We ask that if you have not received your vaccine yet, or choose not to get one, that you kindly please wear your mask at all times in our facility to protect yourself, our guests, and our employees from any potential transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

I am happy to say that as things return to normal, you will notice many improvements in our level of service. I hope you continue to take advantage of our at-home test drives and our Pick-Up and Delivery Program for any vehicle service and maintenance. I have received some great feedback over the past months about the convenience and ease of doing business with us, and I am happy to announce that these new procedures are here to stay!

If you are thinking about upgrading your current vehicle, we are here to help! You may find that our new vehicle inventory levels are lower than normal. The reason is due to supply chain issues that many industries are facing as we emerge from the pandemic. For your best choice of vehicle, we recommend planning ahead. If you are planning on looking for a new vehicle later this summer, fall, winter, or even next spring….now would be the time to place an order. Most inventory arriving over the next few months will be pre-sold.

Thank you for your dedication and loyalty to our brand and our employees. We are extremely proud to serve you and we are looking forward to an even better future.

Warm regards,

Eric Sandstrom

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Join us for the Maritime Chevy Open with Anna and Raven from STAR 99.9 FM, which will take place on Friday, July 16th, 2021; an 18 hole golf tournament to benefit the The Center for Family Justice held at the Fairchild Wheeler Golf Course in Bridgeport, CT.

We recommend you register and buy your tickets now in advance, which are $99/person, with a 4-person scramble, and include breakfast and lunch for your group.

The event will start with a continental breakfast at 7:30 am, followed by a shotgun start at 9 am. Lunch will be provided by Silver Sands Pizza truck, and the event will conclude with raffles and awards given away.

Don’t forget to save the date for this event, taking place on Friday, July 16th, 2021!

To register and buy tickets now, visit this link here: https://m.facebook.com/events/1748762595306444

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The lazy days of summer do not give you permission to neglect your vehicle. In fact, after a long, harsh winter and tumultuous spring, your car desperately needs your attention to get ready to handle summer’s unique challenges of sun and heat as well as the demands of summer travel.

According to AutoTrader.com writer Colin Ryan, the car maintenance tips below will help you and your car get ready for the open road quicker than you can say flip-flop.Keep it clean

A dirty windshield can compromise visibility when the sun hits it, so you should regularly clean your windshield as well as the entire car. Nothing beats up a car’s paint job than hot sun rays, and the yuck from birds and insects will damage your vehicle’s exterior, too. After a thorough washing, a good-quality wax will help your car sparkle even more in the sun.

Stock summer essentials

Road trips and summer are best friends, so make sure your vehicle is stocked with summer essentials like water, snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, entertainment for the children, phone and tablet chargers, weather information, an emergency triangle, small tool kit and flashlight. A sunshade for the dash and/or shades for the rear windows will help keep the interior a little cooler in between activities.

Number one on the road trip list, though, is a full check-up from an automotive professional especially if your car is due for a scheduled service or if your brakes seem iffy. If your serpentine belt shows signs of wear, cracks or gives up completely, add this fix to your service appointment.

Kick the tires

Tires should be on your radar all year long, but especially in summer make sure your tires are properly inflated, are not showing uneven wear or cracks and the tread is at the right depth. It’s also a good time to check the condition of the spare.

Check the air

Your car air filter takes a beating from the weather, and summer is a great opportunity to check its condition, clean it or replace it if necessary. Same goes for your windshield wipers—after surviving Spring showers, your wipers are probably due to be replaced.

Keep it cool

The last thing you probably worried about this winter and spring was the working order of your car’s air conditioning. But summer heats up fast, and if your air conditioner is lacking in cooling power, it’s time for a check-up; it might have a leak which definitely requires the expertise of a mechanic. While thinking cool thoughts, take a second to check the coolant reservoir and how your car’s hoses are holding up—if they feel soft, it’s time for a change or fix.

Test levels

Make sure your car‘s fluids are at the right levels—windshield-washer, power-steering, brake and oil fluids are constantly being drained, and without the correct amount, your car is at risk for damage.

By performing these suggested maintenance tips on your car, you will be on the right path for a summer of fun.

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This year, Father’s Day falls on Sunday, June 20th, 2021! This holiday celebrates and honors the men who have embraced the essential role of fatherhood. On this date, we thank fathers and father figures for the sacrifices they make, for embracing the responsibility of nurturing and raising their children, and for dedication to their family.

Father’s Day usually falls on the same day as the summer solstice, which makes it the perfect time to kick-off the summer season with some father-focused barbecue, a camping trip, beach day, or other outdoor activity. If you’re looking for some other fun stuff to do this holiday, try out some of our ideas below!

Maybe you want to go fishing on Father’s Day? Good thing is, this holiday falls on one of the best fishing days of the year! Of course, camping is another great summertime activity to do with pops, and goes well with fishing! Lastly, you can always grill up some summertime grub, check out this list of recipes here!

For more information and ways to plan the perfect Father’s Day, click here.

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We are proud to offer Maritime Chevy as an Authorized GM Financial Lease Return Center! As your current Chevy, Cadillac, Buick or GMC lease comes to an end, we want to make sure you’re as informed as possible about your options.

Return & Upgrade

Looking to upgrade into a new Chevy? We’ll help you return your current lease and find your next Chevy in one seamless process. Don’t currently have a Chevy? No problem, Maritime Chevrolet accepts any GMF auto lease. Simply contact us to get started on our website here, or call us at (203) 259-5221.

Purchase Your Lease

In love with your current leased vehicle? Maritime Chevy can help you purchase your vehicle with no strings attached!

Return Your Lease

Ready to return your lease but interested in a non-GM vehicle? Maritime Chevy will help you return your vehicle to us with no purchase necessary.

Click here to learn more and read some lease return FAQs: https://www.maritimechevy.com/lease-return

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Warmer temperatures invite us outdoors for activities that expose us to the sun’s warm but dangerous rays. Health specialists recommend using sunscreen to protect the skin from the risks of sunburn and skin cancer while enjoying the great outdoors; but not everyone understands how sunscreen works. To remedy these misconceptions, here is the truth about eight common sunscreen myths.Sunscreen doesn’t expire

Although you might think sunscreen doesn’t have an expiration date, it actually does. According to Jon Johnson, contributor to Medical News Today, the active ingredients in sunscreen eventually break down and are no longer effective in protecting from the sun.

Some sunscreen bottles will list an expiration date so you know how long you have to use them. For the ones that don’t, it’s a safe bet to use the contents within three years from when you purchased the sunscreen, according to Mayo Clinic member Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.

One application is enough

Although some sunscreen packages might claim that the product lasts all day, that’s not actually the case. According to Dr. Cameron Rokhsar, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, this is just “hyped up marketing,” as he explained in a Today article. He recommended applying sunscreen every two to three hours, no matter what type of sunscreen you’re using or how long it says it lasts.

Some sunscreens are 100 percent waterproof

Once again, this is another claim that sunscreens can’t deliver on. Although some types of sunscreen might be more resistant to water than others, no sunscreen can be totally waterproof, as Johnson also explains. It’s important to apply sunscreen at least 10 to 15 minutes before going swimming or engaging in a water sport, as well as reapplying it afterward.

Drinkable SPFs are great substitutes for sunscreen lotion

There’s a new trend to protect yourself from the sun: ingesting products like Osmosis Harmonized H20 UV Neutralizer, instead of applying conventional sunscreen to your skin. Per Rokhsar, there’s no scientific support that backs the claims of oral SPF products, so it’s best to stick with sunscreen lotion for skin protection.

A dark complexion requires little or no sunscreen

While pale-skinned individuals are more prone to sunburn, those with darker skin are not immune to the dangers of UV rays. As Boer Deng, contributor with The Washington Post, notes, while melanin in the skin acts as a mild defense against skin damage, it only offers an SPF value of 1.5 to 2.0, which isn’t strong enough to shield your skin from UV rays.

Sunscreen is more effective than covering up

It turns out, covering your skin with clothing or accessories like hats is a better defense against sun damage than sunscreen lotion, as Johnson identifies. For even more protection against UV radiation, Rokhsar suggests donning SPF clothing, which is 100 percent effective.

SPF is the most important quality

It’s easy to think that SPF is the most vital factor to consider when you’re browsing sunscreens at the store. According to Maya Guhan with Berkeley Wellness, that’s not accurate. While SPF relates to the sunscreen’s protective capacity against UVB rays, you also have to consider its protection against UVA rays. Make sure that the sunscreen you decide to purchase has “broad spectrum” written on the label, to ensure that the lotion will properly shield you from both UVB and UVA rays.

Shelter is just as good as sunscreen

It’s tempting to think that if you’re under a beach umbrella, you’ll avoid getting sunburnt. However, sand accounts for 17 percent of UV radiation, so you can still experience some level of skin damage even if you’re under the umbrella rather than in direct sunlight, Guhan warns. She cites a JAMA Dermatology study from 2020, which indicates that 80 percent of people who sat under a beach umbrella for 3.5 hours without sunscreen experienced sunburn that manifested itself the next day.

Implement these helpful strategies to maximize the benefits of sunscreen and keep your skin healthy this summer!

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Nowadays, Memorial Day can be easily forgotten when you are out sitting by the pool or getting your grill on and getting ready for the start of summer. However, the historical meaning behind the holiday symbolizes much more than just a three-day weekend in the sun.

Historically, Memorial Day is a solemn day of remembrance for everyone who has ever died serving in the American Armed Forces. The holiday was originally known as “Decoration Day”, starting after the Civil War to honor the Union and Confederate dead. However, it wasn’t until after World War II that this holiday gained a strong following and national identity, and wasn’t officially declared “Memorial Day” until 1967.

Now that we know the true meaning and historical background of Memorial Day, you can make plans to celebrate the holiday the way it was truly intended. With the pandemic still being a threat for some families, there are many simple ways you can celebrate from the comfort of home. This could be reading some history, saying a prayer for current soldiers, or taking a few minutes to educate others on the holiday’s true meanings.

However you choose to spend your Memorial day this year, don’t forget to be safe, and remember the true meaning of the holiday to pay honor to the men and women who died while serving for our country.

To learn more about this holiday, click here: https://dying.lovetoknow.com/Why_Do_We_Celebrate_Memorial_Day

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We would like to introduce you to our employee, Frank Duffin Jr.

Frank is coming up on his one-year work anniversary here at Maritime Chevrolet. He is a Product Specialist and Internet Photo Manager for the dealership, and we value his leadership skills and his willingness to go above and beyond for the dealership!

Frank is an avid fisherman, and you can catch him fishing along the Farmington River in Barkhamsted, CT, or the Mill River in Fairfield, CT, for brown trout. He is also an enthusiastic comic book collector, with some of his favorites in his collection being his CGC 9.8 Venom #25 Greg Horn Virus Sign, Sketch & Remarque, or his Signed 9.8 Wolverine Limited Series #1 signed by Stan Lee, Frank Miller, Joe Rubinstein & Chris Claremont.

His favorite food to eat is a gigantic steak. Frank drives a 2021 Chevy Colorado, which is his favorite Chevy model. When asked why, he said that it’s his favorite model because it contains all the latest technology, but still has the power and ruggedness for his adventurous lifestyle, in which he enjoys hiking up mountains, rock climbing, and even cliff jumping.

A little known fact about Frank is that he is deathly afraid of heights, however, he doesn’t let that get in the way of his activities.

To meet the rest of the Maritime Chevy team or to visit our website, click the link below:

https://www.maritimechevy.com/MeetOurDepartments

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With the temperature starting to rise, you may keep your vehicle windows shut more often and even get the A/C blowing. It’s time for spring clean-up, to remove the dust, dirt and debris of a long winter and prevent damage to your vehicle’s interior. Plus, a neat and orderly cabin just looks, and feels, better.The easiest and most thorough way to a sparkling interior is to bring your vehicle into the dealership and let trained professionals with specialized tools and knowledge give it a thorough cleaning and detailing. If you want to start the job yourself, here are a few tips to make the job more manageable.

The first thing you’ll want to do is grab a garbage bag and clean out any trash. Whether it’s candy wrappers, bottles or fast food containers, chances are good you have an abundance of stuff that can be thrown out. Be sure to bring along a separate bag for recyclables. It’s also a good time to make sure you have your current registration, insurance and owner’s manuals. Working from front to back can be beneficial, and don’t forget about the trunk.

Next, wipe down all interior surfaces to remove dirt, dust and stains that have accumulated. The dashboard, armrests, door jambs, windows, handles, knobs and buttons should all be wiped with proper cleaning products recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Don’t forget about hidden cup holders, map pockets, cubbies, glove boxes and any rear cargo storage areas. There are an abundance of helpful items out there to help make the job easier, and you can ask your dealership’s service department for recommendations.

Be conscious of USB and auxiliary ports, to avoid getting cleaners or water into them, and be sure to use soft cloth (never paper) and factory-recommended cleaners when wiping touch-screens and other displays, to avoid scratching or otherwise damaging them.

If you have leather seats, use a product that’s specially designed for leather. If not, use a product recommended for your cloth upholstery or use a damp cloth, making sure you avoid using large quantities of water so you don’t get the seat padding wet. Take any floor mats out of your vehicle, shake them and, if they are rubber, rinse them with a hose. You obviously want to use products that won’t harm your vehicle’s interior, so when in doubt, ask for help.

Once you’ve gotten rid of all of the surface debris, it’s time to vacuum. There are plenty of quality places to take your vehicle, or use your home or shop vacuum cleaner, which often has attachments for those hard-to-reach areas. Remember to get under, along-side and between seats, and the trunk or cargo area, too. Next, vacuum carpeted floor mats. If your carpet or carpeted mats have stains, ask your dealer to recommend a cleaner that won’t harm the carpet material.

Once you’ve finished, an exterior wash will leave your vehicle feeling good as new.

A clean car is a simple pleasure, and with the warmer months ahead, it’s important to keep it that way. If you carry lots of stuff that is hard to keep organized and tidy, it may be time to look into the cargo management items available for your make and model at your dealership. There are usually plenty of choices made to the exact specifications of your vehicle.

With all of the high-tech equipment you have in your vehicle, it’s frequently the simple things that get overlooked. As always, if there’s anything you need to help keep your vehicle running its best, stop by the dealership today and let the factory-trained staff do the job as only they can.

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