Fall Car Maintenance: How to Prepare Your Chevy For Winter
October officially marks the start of fall, when the air cools, leaves change, and pumpkin spice becomes a staple on every drink menu.
Of course, fall also means the crisp chill of winter is just around the corner. As we prep for pumpkin spice and apple cider, we need to prep our vehicles for what’s to come.
October is Car Care Month, a perfect time to check off items on our Fall car maintenance checklist to help you and your Chevy prepare for the sting of winter.
What’s the first item on the agenda? Keep reading to find out!
1. Check Your Fluids
Many components under your hood need fluid to run smoothly. These fluids lubricate moving parts and cool the engine so it doesn’t overheat and leave you stranded on the side of the road (we’ve all been there, and we don’t want to go back).
Different fluids provide different support to your vehicle’s mechanical systems, and here are some of the most important fluid levels to have checked before winter arrives:
| Fluid Type | What It Does |
| Engine Oil | Lubricates and cools the internal workings of your engine |
| Transmission fluid | Lubricates and cools the inner workings of your transmission |
| Power steering fluid | Lubricates and cools the power steering pump, valves, steering gearbox, and more |
| Engine coolant | Lubricates the water pump and cools the engine to keep it from overheating |
| Brake fluid | Lubricates the brake valves, pistons, and anti-lock braking system to keep your brakes in working order |
| Hydraulic clutch fluid | Provides hydraulic pressure to engage and disengage the transmission clutch system |
| Windshield washer fluid | Provides a non-freezing cleaning solution for the windshield and headlights |
2. Check Your Windshield Wipers
The last thing you want during an intense rainstorm or, as winter approaches, a snowstorm, is for your windshield wipers to leave streaks that make it harder to see or to fail altogether.
The best way to test your windshield wipers is to get in your car when it’s raining and turn them on. If you see streaks, your blades may be cracked or peeling, and it’s time to replace them. If it’s not raining, you can perform the same test by spraying some washer fluid on your Chevy’s front window and turning on the windshield wipers.
If the blades look like they’re in good condition, you can simply clean them by wiping them down with rubbing alcohol.
3. Make Sure Your Lights Are Ready to Do Their Job
The phrase “spring forward, fall back” refers to daylight saving time, and it’s especially important in the fall.
Since “falling back” means less daylight, make sure your vehicle’s lights are ready to shine.
Bulbs lose brightness with age, so early fall is a good time to check them. If you’re finding it harder to see with your current headlights, swap in new bulbs or use lens cleaner before switching to see if that helps.
4. Inspect Your Tires (And the Spare)!
Your tires are one of the most important features on your vehicle, and sometimes one of the most overlooked.
If your tires are bald, meaning that they have little to no tread, you are at greater risk of losing control of your Chevy. Why? Because they can’t grip the road as well as they normally would. This can be dangerous, especially on wet or snowy roads.
To determine whether your tire tread is too low, perform the penny test. Grab a penny, place it in the tread with Lincoln’s head facing you, and press it headfirst into the tire. Then place the penny in the shallowest tread groove. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tires are worn out, and it’s time for a replacement. If part of his head is covered, your tires are still in good condition.
5. Check Your Brakes
Your brakes are the most important safety equipment on your vehicle, so make sure they are ready to handle snow-packed roads, ice, and the occasional storm.
When brakes are nearing the end of their life, they offer auditory and visual cues to help you decide whether it’s time for a brake check or a full replacement.
Visually, you can check your brake pads to see if they are worn out or too thin. You can also listen for squeaking or grinding noises when you drive and apply the brakes, which often signals that the brake pads need to be replaced.
Need Chevy Service to Prepare for Winter? Team Chevrolet of Swansboro is Here to Help!
Fall is the season of change, so get cozy and comfortable and let our service center do the hard work in getting your vehicle ready for the road–and seasons–ahead!
As the leading auto service professionals near you, our team ensures your vehicle is prepared to tackle the weather and road ahead safely and efficiently. Whether you have questions about Chevy service and maintenance or need to schedule an appointment for auto repair, our team in Swansboro is here to help!
Schedule an appointment with our service center today, or contact us for more information on car care and maintenance tips!
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