Your Guide to Seasonal Car Maintenance in Arlington, WA
Drivers in Arlington are familiar with the challenges that the weather can have on one’s driving experiences. Our team members at Dwayne Lane’s Arlington Chevrolet have created a guide that you can follow to keep your Chevrolet Trax, Silverado 1500, or Equinox prepared for the rigors of traveling in any season.
Winter Maintenance
Cold weather negatively impacts many of your car’s systems, starting with its battery. To make sure that your car fires up for your trip to the Arlington Skate Park, have us run a diagnostic on your vehicle’s battery before the temperatures drop below freezing. Another aspect of your car that you should focus on during this season is the tires. More specifically, you should consider the depth of the tread on each, ensuring that it has a depth of 4/32 of an inch, at the very least. That way, the tires will effectively grip the road even when they are wet or have a small coating of snow. It’s also a good time to check all the bulbs in your headlamps, fog lights, and taillamps.
Preparing for Spring
When spring is coming, one of the first things you’ll want to do is reach out to our Parts Department to get a new cabin air filter installed. That way, the pollen that is so prevalent during this time of year won’t make your Chevrolet vehicle’s atmosphere unpleasant for those with allergies. Take some time to clean the underside of your car, too, washing away any remnants of the brine mixture that was put down to limit icing during the winter. Spring is a good time to make sure your windshield wiper fluid, brake fluid, and other liquids are at the right level in your vehicle.
Summer Upkeep
The hotter times of the year in Northwestern Washington present various challenges for your vehicle. Before it gets uncomfortably warm, make sure you have your HVAC system examined. If your Chevrolet is not getting as cold as it should, bring it to us to find the root of the problem. If you’re going on any road trips, ensure that you check the physical condition of the tires, this time looking for uneven wear and tear and a correct pressure rating. The excessive heat can damage belts and hoses, so open up the hood and look for signs of cracking and fraying. If you find any issues that you can’t handle on your own, contact us for help!
Fall Fixes
When the temperatures start to drop overnight, it’s smart to start getting prepared for the colder months. If you took it out for extra space in the summer, it’s time to return your winter emergency pack to the storage area of your vehicle. Make sure it includes water, a safety vest, and blankets. Take some time to try out your heating and defrosting systems to ensure it’s ready to warm up the interior before you actually need it. With the wet weather and falling leaves, swap out your wiper blades for a fresh set to clean the windshield off completely. If you’d like to have professionals perform these tasks, then schedule a service appointment with us at your leisure!
