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Although North Texas winters are typically mild, they can bring unexpected freezes, ice storms, and snow that'll test your Chevy's durability. Preparing your car for the winter is an important part of protecting the investment you've made and keeping you and your family safe during inclement winter weather. In this guide, we'll provide our best winter auto maintenance tips to help you avoid costly repairs and keep your Chevy running smoothly.
When Should You Start Preparing for Winter?
It's best to complete your preparations before winter weather arrives. In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the average first freeze date is Nov. 22, and the earliest freeze can happen by the end of October.
In general, winter preparation includes your usual basic maintenance and a few special tasks, such as keeping your gas tank half full and replacing your washer fluid with one that's rated for winter weather. Also, keep in mind that trucks and SUVs, such as the Silverado and Tahoe, will need slightly different preparation than sedans, such as the Malibu, since each has a different ground clearance, weight, and traction control system. Scheduling a service appointment with our team is the best way to ensure your car is properly prepared for winter.
Test Your Battery and Electrical System
Cold weather can damage your Chevy's battery; it won't perform as well in colder temperatures, especially if it's not fully charged or if it's old. How long your car battery lasts depends on the type of battery you have and your driving habits. However, there are some signs of battery failure that you can monitor for, including slow engine cranking, dim headlights, dashboard warning lights, and battery terminal corrosion. You can also test the voltage of the battery yourself, or you can bring your car to a professional for battery testing.
Inspect Your Tires
It's important to ensure your tire pressure remains at your car's recommended levels. You should check your tire pressure when the temperature falls, as it'll decrease in colder weather.
We also recommend checking the tread depth on your tires before winter. You can do this with the penny test. If you place a penny between two ribs on your tire with Lincoln's head down, you shouldn't be able to see the top of Lincoln's head. If you see the top of his head or hair, it's time to replace your tires. It's also best to test multiple places around your tire, and if any place fails, we recommend getting new tires.
Ensure Your Fluids Are Rated for Winter Weather
Most motor oils will perform well during the winter in Plano. However, if you use a motor oil with a higher viscosity or that performs well in higher temperatures, it's best to replace it with one that'll work in colder conditions.
You can ensure this by looking at your oil's viscosity rating (e.g., 10W-20). The first number before the W tells you the viscosity in cold weather. The lower the number, the better it'll perform in the cold. Besides replacing your motor oil, you should check that all of your car's other essential fluids are clean and performing properly.
Check Your Heating, Ventilation, and Defrost Systems
Your Chevy's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system powers your defroster, which is essential for winter driving. Before winter, we recommend testing your HVAC system and ensuring that the air filters are clean. If you notice that your HVAC system has no or little airflow, temperature control issues, or unusual smells, you should bring your car to a professional mechanic.
Build Your Emergency Winter Survival Kit
If severe winter weather is in the forecast or if you're traveling further north, we highly recommend building and packing an emergency winter survival kit. Here are some essential items to include:
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Shovel
- Jumper cables
- Emergency flares and warning triangles
- Flashlights with batteries
- Tool kit
- Cold-weather clothing and gear, including gloves, hats, socks, blankets, sleeping bags, boots, and hand warmers
- First aid supplies
- Water and nonperishable food
- Portable charger
Follow Our Winter Driving Tips
There are some actions you can take to keep your car performing well during the winter. Before you begin driving, watch for any signs that your car isn't working properly. You should also scrape any ice, snow, or frost off your windshield. If it won't come off easily, remember to turn on your defroster.
If you don't drive very often, we recommend driving at least 20 minutes every week. This will allow the battery to charge and your car's other systems to cycle properly. If there's snow or ice on the road, drive cautiously and avoid sharp turns and sudden stops. You can also park under cover to avoid ice and snow buildup.
Get Your Chevy Ready for Winter With Professional Care at Huffines Chevrolet Plano
Our dealership in Plano, Texas, can take care of all your winter car maintenance needs. Bring your car to our service center, and let our expert techs check for any early warning signs of problems and help you get your car ready for the cold. Choosing a professional service will give you peace of mind when winter weather arrives. Contact us today for more information about our services or to schedule an appointment.
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