When winter weather hits, your Chevrolet keeps you driving with confidence when properly prepared. At Turner Chevy, we want to make sure your Chevy is ready for colder temperatures before the first snowfall. This winter prep guide covers key maintenance tips and seasonal service to help your Chevy perform optimally despite the cold. Follow our top recommendations so your vehicle is equipped to handle winter driving.
Colder Weather
Getting your Chevy ready for cold, inclement weather involves checking under-hood fluids, inspecting parts prone to winter strain, and servicing items that help the vehicle handle slick roads. An efficient way to complete essential seasonal tasks is to schedule a pre-winter maintenance visit with your dealer service center. However, there are still key checks and preparations all Chevrolet owners should perform themselves before winter. Let’s explore the top steps for winterizing your Chevy vehicle.
Check antifreeze and coolant levels.
One of the most important components to inspect before winter is the antifreeze and coolant. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which allows the cooling system fluid to withstand freezing temperatures without expanding. Make sure antifreeze meets the concentration recommended by your Chevy model. Top up any low coolant to the proper fill range. This prevents engine overheating and costly damage from insufficient or frozen fluid.
Inspect the battery and charging system.
Colder weather strains your vehicle’s battery and electrical system. Have your battery’s charge and health tested to determine if a replacement is required before winter arrives. Also check that the battery cable connections are corrosion-free. Cold saps battery voltage, so testing beforehand prevents being stranded with a dead battery. The charging system should also be inspected, including belts and the alternator, to ensure optimal performance.
Check the tires and install winter tires.
Installing winter or all-season tires provides critical cold-weather traction. Check your current tires’ tread depth and replace any worn tires. Winter tires have a deeper, more flexible tread along with special rubber compounds to maintain grip in snow and ice. Rotate and properly inflate tires for even wear. The wheels should also be balanced for optimal handling and control. Proper winter tires make a huge difference in snowy or icy conditions.
Check wipers, fluids, and filters.
Inclement winter weather also makes checking your Chevy’s wiper blades, fluids, and filters critical. Make sure the wiper blades are clearing effectively and aren’t cracked. Top up washer fluid with winter formula fluid to prevent freezing in reservoirs. Check oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid levels. Replace the air, fuel, and cabin filters if needed. This routine maintenance prevents being caught off guard by depleted fluids or clogged filters.
Consider a remote starter system.
One popular winter accessory for Chevys is a remote start system, which allows you to start your vehicle and activate the heated seats, steering wheel, and cabin climate control from your smartphone. With the vehicle heated and defrosted ahead of time, remote start makes winter mornings much more bearable. Remote start systems can be dealer-installed on most modern Chevy vehicles with keyless entry. This upgrade simplifies winter driving.
Prepare the interior with floor mats and an emergency kit.
Protect your Chevrolet’s interior by installing all-weather floor mats to contain slush, snow, and salt from shoes and boots. Waterproof rubber mats prevent stains and corrosion. Consider adding a cold-weather emergency kit as well, including gloves, a scraper, a flashlight, blankets, protein bars, and other essentials. Also, check that your first aid and roadside assistance kits are fully stocked before the winter. These items enhance safety and preparedness.
Wash, wax, and lubricate the exterior.
Don’t overlook washing, waxing, and lubricating your Chevy’s exterior before winter. A fresh coat of wax protects the finish from salt damage. Lubricate doors, trunk seals, and latches to prevent freezing. Check and replace any cracked or worn windshield sealant. Install mud flaps to reduce road spray underneath. Washing regularly prevents corrosive buildup on brakes, chassis, and wheel wells during winter driving.
Schedule Pre-Winter Service
While diligent owners can perform many winter preparations themselves, we recommend scheduling a preventative maintenance visit at Turner Chevy before winter hits. Our Chevy-trained technicians will inspect all the vitals and proactively perform any necessary battery, tire, fluid, filter, and wiper replacements. We can advise you on any repairs needed to keep your vehicle safe and road-ready. Maintenance now prevents being caught off guard by cold-weather breakdowns.
Gear Up for Winter
Is your Chevy fully prepared for winter driving? Don’t leave essential seasonal maintenance until it’s too late. The team at Turner Chevy can expertly inspect and winterize your Chevrolet with preventative care tailored to your model. From fluid checks and new tires to remote starters and emergency kits, we have you fully covered.
Schedule your pre-winter maintenance service today! Our Chevy service center provides thorough inspections, factory-recommended repairs, and competitive pricing. Book your winter maintenance online now and drive with confidence no matter what weather comes your way.
