Winter is on the way, and now is the time to start thinking about getting your vehicle ready for colder weather.
Bringing your car to Radley Chevrolet for winter service will help ensure that it stays reliable, safe and performs its best all season long.
Why Winter Service Is Important
Regular maintenance is always important, but it's especially critical during winter months. Before the coldest weather hits, it's a good idea to have your vehicle inspected and serviced. This will help prevent unexpected issues and breakdowns when temperatures drop in Stafford, VA.
Winter driving puts additional strain on many of your vehicle's systems and components. The cold weather affects everything from your tires to engine fluids to your battery. Getting a winter maintenance check will help identify potential problems before they leave you stranded on a frigid day in Wood Bridge, VA.
During a winter service appointment, our expert Chevrolet technicians will thoroughly inspect your vehicle and perform any needed maintenance. They'll make sure your car is in top condition to handle the rigors of driving in ice, snow, slush and freezing temperatures around Culpeper, VA.
Winter Service Checklist
So, what exactly does winter service involve at our local Stafford-area Chevrolet service center?
Here are some of the key items that will be checked and serviced by our factory-trained team before winter arrives in full force in Spotsylvania County, VA:
- Oil and filter change -- Cold weather can thicken engine oil, so it's important to have the right oil viscosity for winter.
- Check all fluids -- This includes antifreeze/coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid and transmission fluid.
- Battery test -- Cold temperatures can reduce storage capacity, so make sure your battery has sufficient starting power.
- Check belts and hoses -- Inspect for signs of wear, cracking or general damage that could lead to failure in the cold.
- Inspect brakes -- Check brake pads, rotors, drums and brake fluid to ensure proper braking performance.
- Check heater and defroster -- You'll want to be sure your heater and defroster are working properly for visibility and comfort.
- Check wiper blades -- Replace worn blades so you can see clearly in snow and slush.
- Check exterior lights -- Make sure your headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals are functioning.
Importance of Winter Tires
In addition to winter service, installing a set of dedicated winter tires can make a big difference for traction and handling when roads get slick. All-season tires work well for most of the year, but they're not designed to deal with heavy snow and ice like true winter tires.
Winter tires are made with special rubber compounds that stay pliable in the cold for better grip. They also have unique tread patterns with deeper grooves and more biting edges to dig into snow. Having winter tires will boost your safety and confidence when navigating slippery streets and highways.
Be Prepared with an Emergency Kit
Finally, it's a good idea to carry an emergency kit in your vehicle all winter long.
You never know when you might get stuck or stranded in bad weather. Some key items to include are a flashlight, blanket, shovel, jumper cables, flares, snacks and a First-Aid kit.
Radley Chevrolet – Schedule Winter Service before the Holidays in Spotsylvania County, VA
Radley Chevrolet is here to help drivers in the Fredericksburg area get their cars ready for winter with expert service.
Using our online scheduling tool, be sure to set-up your winter maintenance appointment today so you can drive with peace of mind all season long -- no matter what Mother Nature brings.
As well, despite the brand we serve, our service department is expert and professional enough to service all other makes and models in the greater Fredericksburg-area.