DIY: How To Prepare Your Chevy For Winter

The change in seasons brings winter festivities and family gatherings to the forefront of our minds. Less festive, however, are the unpredictable rainy Central Coast road conditions it also brings! Whether you’re shopping around San Luis Obispo or packing up for a road trip, you should be prepared for the road by learning winter car prep tips from the CB Chevy service center.

We’ve put together this guide for how to prep a car for winter, so you’re ready to face the chilly weather and icy roads for the season.

Why Winterizing Your Chevy Is Crucial

Chevy winter preparation is essential for your car’s longevity and your safety. The cold, snow, and road salt can significantly impact your vehicle’s systems, leading to issues like a dead battery, thickened engine oil, and reduced traction. Proper winterization protects your investment and ensures reliable performance, giving you peace of mind during the winter months.

How to Winterize Your Car: Complete Cold Weather Checklist

From your quick trips to the store to your long treks out of Santa Maria, learning how to prep a car for winter gives you confidence and peace of mind during the ride. Here are the winter car prep tips you can follow to prepare:

• Check your battery: Before the weather changes, consider running a battery test, as the chilly weather tends to make it harder for your car to start. Inspect the battery cables and terminals for cracks to see if you need a battery replacement.
• Check your tire pressure: You’ll probably notice your tires deflating once the cold season begins. As the temperature drops, it’s a good idea to add regular pressure checks to your trips around Paso Robles. Not only does improper inflation decrease your gas mileage, but it also fails to give you the necessary traction you need.
• Consider winter tires: If you are planning ski trips this winter in heavy amounts of snow and ice, you will benefit from adding winter tires to your checklist. Winter tires add an improved grip, shorten your stopping distance, and provide you with increased control.
• Regular brake checks: It’s also beneficial to add regular brake inspections during this season. Wet roads and ice can cause rust to build up and reduce your brake performance.
• Check your coolant levels: Ensure your engine is running smoothly by making sure you have enough coolant in your radiator. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual has the right coolant for your vehicle, and you can easily order it from the CB Chevy parts center.
• Change your oil: Another factor that impacts how smoothly your engine performs during the winter months is your engine oil. Since motor oil naturally thickens in cold weather, it’s good to be proactive by starting the season with an oil change.
• Fill your wiper fluid and replace the wiper blades: Salt and debris from the road can affect your visibility on San Luis Obispo roads. Consider freeze-resistant wiper fluid and heavy-duty wiper blades for the harsher months.
• Keep the tank topped off: An empty tank allows moisture to build up and leads to diluted fuel and more strain on your vehicle’s fuel pump and other parts.
• Check your heater: Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you have to suffer during your daily commute. Make sure your heating system is functioning properly at the beginning of the winter season.

Begin Your Chevy Winter Preparation With CB Chevy

Cold weather in the California is just around the corner, so start crossing items off your Chevy winter preparation checklist now! You can easily book your appointment online or call (805) 457-4938 to speak with one of our certified service techs.

We’re committed to making your service experience as smooth as possible, which is why we offer a service now, pay later option for all your maintenance needs. Don’t just take our word for it—read what our satisfied customers have to say about their experiences at CB Chevy.