It’s mid-December in West Springfield, and we all know what that means: the “real” winter is just around the corner. While the snow makes our New England landscape beautiful, it can be brutal on your vehicle.
Don’t wait until you’re stuck in a snowbank on Route 5 to think about maintenance. Here are the top 5 things our Certified Service Team at Central Chevrolet recommends checking right now.
Test Your Battery
Cold weather is the #1 enemy of car batteries. When the temperature drops below freezing, your battery loses cranking power, while your engine requires more power to start. If your battery is over 3 years old, stop by Central Chevrolet for a quick load test. It’s better to replace it now than to be stranded in a freezing parking lot later.
Tires: Winter vs. All-Season
In Western Mass, “All-Season” tires can sometimes be “Three-Season” tires. If you have a daily commute involving hills or unplowed side streets, consider switching to dedicated Winter Tires. They use a special rubber compound that stays flexible in freezing temps, giving you superior grip. At a minimum, ensure your current tires have adequate tread depth.
Wiper Blades and Fluid
Visibility is safety. If your wipers are streaking or chattering, they won’t handle heavy wet snow. We recommend upgrading to beam-style winter blades that resist ice buildup. Also, top off your washer fluid with a de-icing formula that won’t freeze in the reservoir.
Coolant/Antifreeze Levels
Your engine coolant doesn’t just keep the engine cool; it prevents it from freezing solid. Make sure your coolant mixture is rated for the sub-zero temps we often see in January and February.
Check Your 4WD/AWD System
If you drive a Silverado, Equinox, or Tahoe, you likely have StabiliTrak or 4WD. Now is the time to ensure it engages smoothly. If you see a “Service 4WD” light on your dash, schedule an appointment immediately.
Schedule Your Winterization Service Today
The holidays are busy, but vehicle safety comes first. Schedule your service at Central Chevrolet in West Springfield.
Connect with us
- 811 Detailing
- About Us
- Big C Near the Big E
- Blog
- Bodyshop
- Buying
- Charitable Participation
- community
- Company Culture
- Corvette Club of Western Mass
- customer service
- Dealership
- Departments
- Directions
- Electric Vehicles
- EV
- Features
- Finance
- Financing
- How-to
- Industry Trends
- Leasing
- Local
- Makes and Models
- News
- News and Events
- Opinion
- Parts
- Review
- Safety Tips
- Sales
- Sedan
- Service
- Service and Maintenance
- SUV
- Testimonials
- Tips
- Truck
- Uncategorized
- Vehicle Comparison
- Vehicle Review
- Vehicles