PREPARING YOUR CAR FOR WINTER IN AUBURN, NY

WINTER READY CAR

Get Your Car Ready For Winer at Auburn Chevrolet GMC

Here in Auburn, New York, winters are long and harsh. Our average annual snowfall typically exceeds five feet. That means lots of driving through the snow, ice, and slush. If your vehicle isn't properly prepared, you may find yourself stuck in a snowdrift or broken down on the side of the road.

We don't want this to happen to you. That is why we are going to share 10 key ways to prepare your Chevrolet, or GMC for this winter in Auburn.

Switch to snow tires

With the abundance of snow Auburn gets each winter, switching your all-season tires to snow tires can make a significant difference in how your car handles on sloppy roads. Snow tires are engineered with a specific type of rubber that stays soft even when the temperatures are below freezing. These tires also come with specific tread patterns that cut through ice, snow, and slush with ease. Our service technicians at Auburn Chevrolet GMC can help you choose the right snow tires for your car.

Check the HVAC system

Having a working cabin heater is critical for wintertime in New York. While you might be able to bundle up for a short drive without it, getting stuck in your car for a long time could be dangerously cold. In addition to keeping you warm, your HVAC system also helps clear moisture from the inside of your windows. This is key to maintaining good visibility and preventing condensation. Schedule an appointment to get your HVAC system inspected.

Replace the cabin air filter

A clogged cabin air filter means your HVAC system has to work a lot harder to push air through the heater. This causes undue stress and could lead to an overheated motor. Your cabin air filter should be replaced every 15,000-30,000 miles - especially before winter. 

Test the battery

Cold weather can negatively affect a battery's performance. If your car battery is already weak, you may end up with a dead battery on a frigid winter morning. Our service technicians can quickly inspect and test your battery to make sure it has enough charge left to survive the winter.

Flush the antifreeze

Antifreeze is an important fluid that helps a vehicle's engine regulate its temperature throughout the year. You should check the antifreeze levels twice a year to ensure they're filled. Schedule an appointment with us to clean out the reservoir and add fresh fluid.

Build a winter emergency kit

No matter how well your car handles in the winter, you never know when you might get stuck in the snow. A winter emergency kit can help you be prepared for the unexpected. You should include items like a small shovel, sand or kitty litter, an ice scrape, gloves, boots, a blanket, and energy-rich non-perishable snacks.

Prevent frozen doors

There are times when it gets so cold outside here in Auburn that car doors freeze shut. To prevent your doors from freezing, you can coat the rubber door and window seals with spray silicone. Spray the silicon on a rag and then wipe it onto the weather stripping.

Check the exterior lights

Because the sun sets earlier in the winter, you spend more time driving in the dark. This is why it is so important to make sure all your exterior lights are working and angled correctly. Replace dim or broken bulbs. You should also clean any clouded lenses for optimal visibility.

Replace the windshield wipers

Windshield wipers play a crucial role in clearing snow and ice from the glass. If your wipers are old and dried out, they won't work very well, and you will be left with poor visibility. You should replace your wipers one to two times a year. Add a de-icing solution to the windshield fluid reservoir while you're at it.

If you have fallen behind on routine maintenance or need help preparing your car for winter, schedule an appointment at Auburn Chevrolet GMC. We'll get your vehicle back on track and ready for the coldest time of the year.

contact us with questions on winter car maintenance

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Hours

  • Monday 8:30 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 8:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 8:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed

Finance Center

Auburn Chevrolet GMC

318 Grant Avenue
Directions Auburn, NY 13021

  • Finance Center: (315) 203-1611