7 Winter Car Maintenance Tips to Get Your Chevy Ready for Winter

If you'd like to keep your vehicle in the best condition you can, then you should be visiting the Chevy dealer at least twice a year. There are certain services you need every few months, while others are required less frequently. Let's take a look at some of the most common forms of maintenance that your car needs and see where they fit in on your Chevy maintenance schedule. more Oil Changes Modern vehicles can go a long time between oil changes depending on the type of oil they use. It's very common to need an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, which usually means you'll be getting an oil change twice a year at minimum. Oil changes are one of the most important services to get, as keeping fresh motor oil running through your engine is essential to keeping the engine running efficiently and prolonging its lifespan. Tire Rotations Like oil changes, tire rotations are often performed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. If you're driving an all-wheel-drive vehicle, the service is necessary every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. This makes it convenient to visit the dealership for an oil change, tire rotation, filter changes, and some essential vehicle checks at the same time. Requesting basic or interim service is a good idea when it's time for a tire rotation and oil change. Battery Service Your battery should be inspected once or twice a year. If you visit for basic service approximately every six months, then it can be checked on frequently. One of your annual service appointments should be for a full service instead of a basic service. Your battery can be checked more thoroughly during a full service. Your battery also needs to be replaced every three to five years to prevent breakdowns. Brake Service It's wise to get your brakes checked every time you stop by the dealer, even if your brakes seem fine. The front, rear, and parking brakes will always be checked during a full service. You should also get major service every two years, as it includes more comprehensive brake maintenance. Your brake pads and discs will likely be replaced every two years during major service, as will many other parts in your car that are a little worn out. Stay on top of your vehicle's maintenance schedule at Hank Graff Chevrolet in Davison, MI. You can request an appointment with our service department on our website.

When upgrading your car parts or replacing broken components, you have an important choice to make: aftermarket or genuine Chevy parts? Genuine Chevy components are, without a doubt, superior to aftermarket parts when it comes to quality and longevity, so let's explore what makes them the best choice for your car. more What Are Genuine Chevy Parts? Genuine Chevy parts, also known as original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, are car parts manufactured by General Motors, which is the company that originally designed and manufactured the components used to build your car. These parts are made specifically for Chevy vehicles and are exact replicas of components in different Chevy models. Why Should You Use OEM Chevy Parts? Because of Their Superior Quality Having the parts in your car manufactured by GM is an assurance of quality. Every single component is rigorously quality tested and made specifically with your Chevy model in mind. They're made of the best materials that shouldn't break down or cause problems with your car. Because They Last Longer The high-quality materials, Chevy-compatible design, and skilled craftsmanship used to make genuine Chevy parts ensure they'll last a long time. They typically last much longer than aftermarket parts, as aftermarket parts are often crafted using cheaper materials and aren't 100 percent compatible with your Chevy model. Because They Fit Perfectly Because genuine parts are designed for your Chevy model, they fit perfectly without being adjusted, and they work seamlessly with the other components in your car. Aftermarket parts often require adjustment, as they're made to be generic and fit relatively well into a vast number of cars from different automakers. They may not work seamlessly with your car's other parts, and they may not be the perfect size to work perfectly with the other parts, even after being adjusted. Because They're Readily Available and Easy to Get Installed Dealerships often keep many genuine Chevy parts on hand, and we can easily order the right components for you if we don't already have them in stock. If you've already ordered the part you need directly from Chevy, then we'll install that for you with no issues. If you ever need a new part but aren't sure which component is right for your car, then you can always ask the dealership, as our technicians have extensive knowledge of Chevy parts. Come get all the OEM parts you need at Hank Graff Chevrolet in Davison, MI. Do you already have the parts you need? Come by so we can fit them into your car to get you back on the road ASAP.

Before heading out on your next summer trip, ensure your ride is ready for the road. Follow these simple maintenance tips and get your Chevy checked out by your Chevy service center to make your summer a breeze. more 1. Inspect Your Tires Before Your Trip Make sure to inspect your tires every month and before hitting the road for a long trip. While inspecting your tires, look for the built-in wear bar indicators to determine if it is time for a replacement. Be on the lookout for uneven wear across the tire treads. This could mean your tires need rotation or alignment before your trip. Regardless of use, make sure to replace your tires every six years. 2. Have Your Chevy Service Center Top Off Your Fluids Have a mechanic check your vehicle's fluid levels to keep your vehicle safe. A mechanic can test your cooling system for leaks, test the coolant, and drain or replace the old coolant. While they are under the hood, the mechanic can check fluid levels for your brakes, automatic transmission or clutch, power steering, and windshield washer. Make sure to keep each reservoir full during the summer and have them serviced if you notice any signs of leakage. 3. Get Your Air Conditioning Serviced To keep cool while on your road trip, have your mechanic diagnose any issues with your Chevy's air conditioning system. They can also replace the cabin filter to keep the system running ​without issues. 4. Check Your Belts and Hoses Your drive belts should be on your summer checklist. They power your vehicle's engine water pump and other accessories like your alternator and air conditioning compressor. If your belts look cracked, glazed, or frayed, have them replaced. However, modern belts may not show signs of wear and tear, so replace them every 60,000 miles. You should also check for leaks around hose clamps and the radiator or water pump. Replace them if they are worn, brittle, bulging, or excessively soft. 5. Get Your Wiper Blades Replaced The winter and spring weather can cause heavy wear to your wiper blades. Before hitting the road, get your wiper blades replaced. The summer heat can cause them to deform and fail to work properly. By following these simple tips, you can keep your Chevy running smoothly all summer long. Contact us today at Hank Graff Chevrolet in Davison, MI to schedule your summer checkup. Image via