The Connecticut Driver’s Fall Car Care Checklist: 10 Things to Check Before Winter

Winter changes our everyday lives, including our routines, outdoor activities, and daily commute.

Just like us, the change in season should also mean changes in our car care routine.

Why should I check my car before winter?

Winter's cold, freezing temperatures can cause mechanical issues and unsafe driving if your Chevy is unprepared.

Problems that winter brings to your Chevy include battery issues, thickened fluids, and increased stress on your Chevy's engine components.

Don't risk expensive repair bills by skipping recommended fall car care before winter starts.

What are the top 10 things to check before winter?

We've selected the top 10 fall car care checklist items Chevy owners should perform before winter hits.

Check your battery and electrical system

Check your Chevy's battery and electrical system before winter sets in. The last thing we all need is to be left stranded on a freezing winter morning.

Freezing temperatures will cause your car's battery to lose a significant amount of its power.

Inspect and replace wiper blades

Inspect your vehicle's wiper blades and replace them if necessary. Winter temperatures can make wiper blades brittle, leaving them ineffective at clearing snow and ice from your windshield.

Switch to winter tires

If you reside in parts of Connecticut that are subjected to harsher winter conditions, your Chevy's tires must be correct for safe winter driving with snowed-in roads and slippery ice,

Winter tires feature different tread patterns and compounds for better traction in snow and ice.

Proper tire pressure in cold weather

Winter's colder temperatures cause your Chevy's tires to lose pressure, resulting in decreased grip, uneven tire wear, or even the risk of a blowout.

Heating and defrosting systems

It's a good idea to have a certified Chevrolet dealership, like Colonial Chevrolet, check your Chevy's heating and defrosting systems.

Don't risk getting left out in the cold when you climb into your car and the cabin doesn't heat up or defrost enough to keep you warm or let you see out.

Antifreeze and coolant

Check the antifreeze/coolant levels and ensure you use the correct specification antifreeze/coolant.

Windshield washer fluid

Winter-grade windshield washer fluid is essential to prevent freezing and reduce the risk of damage to the plastic washer fluid bottle and parts.

Engine oil viscosity

Freezing winter temperatures cause your Chevy's engine oil to thicken, so to prevent damage, the correct specification winter-grade motor oil should be used.

Examine your brake system

Have a certified Chevrolet Service Center check your Chevy's braking system, including pads, brake rotors, and brake fluid, to ensure safe driving.

Protect your Chevy's  exterior

Your Chevy's paintwork will face sub-zero temperatures, ice, and rust from salted roads in the 'Salt Belt'.

Washing and waxing your Chevy with paint protectors or sealants will protect your car's exterior finishes.

Get your vehicle ready for winter at Colonial Chevrolet

Contact Colonial Chevrolet to book a winter preparation service and get your Chevy prepped for winter.

Enjoy peace-of-mind motoring during the colder season, knowing our dealership's skilled Chevrolet technicians will have your Chevy ready for the challenges of winter driving.