Jan 17, 2018

 

The holiday season might be over, but winter is still in full blast in Crystal Lake, Illinois. In fact, this season forecasts to be particularly cold and wet. Depending on your weather preferences, that might not be such a bad thing for you — but it can be a bad thing for your car if you’re not prepared.

So how do you get started winterizing your car? An oil change is a great place to start. Find out why below, and discover more tips to a happy and healthy winter for your car.

5 Simple Ways to Winterize Your Car in Crystal Lake, IL

Schedule an oil change

Oil keeps your engine running smoothly regardless of the time of year, so regular oil changes are a must. In winter, it’s especially important to stay on top of oil changes and make sure the right kind of product is being used for your car. At Martin Chevy, we can replace your old oil with a thinner synthetic oil. This will prevent freezing and keep you moving toward warmer weather.

A technician performing an oil change during the winter

Have your brakes checked

Winter driving can be a slippery slope. You need every component of your Chevy working to full capability, and that begins with good brakes. Brakes are about more than starting and stopping. The condition of your brakes can be the difference between a safe drive and an accident waiting to happen. Schedule a brake service appointment, and maintain your peace of mind.

Inspect your tires

Slick roads can be a nightmare for tires with excessive wear or low air pressure. That’s why when you set up tire service at Martin Chevy, we give your wheels a thorough look-over. We’ll examine the tread on your tires to ensure adequate traction. If your tires are falling flat, we’ll get them back to where they need to be. If you want to try winter tires, we’ve got the experts to install them.

A technician checking a car's tire pressure in a blog post about oil changes and winterization

Get your battery tested

An engine that doesn’t start is bad news any time of the year, but being stranded in the winter is even more stressful. If it’s happening in colder temperatures, the battery is likely the culprit. Winter conditions can drastically reduce your Chevy’s battery capacity. Opt for battery service at Martin Chevy, and we’ll make sure your cables, terminals, and fluids are shipshape.

Replace your fluids

Antifreeze is something that comes to mind for most drivers as winter progresses — and while it’s certainly important — it’s not the only fluid you need to keep your eye on. You’ll want to give your car a freeze-resistant wiper fluid to maintain clear visibility lines on the road. And at Martin Chevy, we can assist you with all of the above.

A technician adding antifreeze to a car in a blog post about oil changes and winterization

Winterize Your Chevy in Crystal Lake, IL

It’s not too late to winterize your car if you haven’t already. Schedule an appointment at Martin Chevy today, or contact us today for more winter tips. We’re just around the corner in Crystal Lake, Illinois.