WINTER VEHICLE MAINTENANCE IN WEST MICHIGAN

Staying Ahead of the West Michigan Winter Weather

As winter weather blankets Grand Rapids and West Michigan, ensuring your vehicle is well-prepared for the cold, snowy conditions is vital. Proper maintenance not only enhances your safety but also prolongs the life of your vehicle. Below are essential tips for maintaining your vehicle during the winter months.

Regular Tire Maintenance

Regular tire upkeep is one of the most critical aspects of winter vehicle maintenance. The cold West Michigan weather can significantly affect tire pressure; for every 10-degree drop in temperature, tire pressure can decrease by about 1 PSI. To keep your vehicle safe on the road, it’s crucial to check your tire pressure regularly and inflate your tires to the manufacturer’s recommended levels. Here at Berger’s Quick Service, we offer free tire pressure checks to ensure your vehicle performs where it needs to be. When you come to Berger Quick Service for your tire pressure check, our expert technicians will make sure that you leave with your tires inflated to the proper PSI for your specific vehicle. Each vehicle is different and you can confirm your recommended PSI in your owner’s manual or, for most newer vehicles, it will display on your dashboard. Additionally, depending on the type of vehicle you drive and the terrain you experience, you may want to consider investing in winter tires. Winter tires provide better traction on snow and ice, making a significant difference when navigating the winter roads here in Grand Rapids. The certified Service Technicians and Advisors at Berger are trained and equipped to answer any questions you might have regarding your vehicle’s tires this winter. 

Fluid Checks

Fluids play a crucial role in your vehicle’s operation during the winter. It’s essential to ensure your engine oil is suitable for cold weather. Using OEM/manufacturer-recommended viscosity oil is the best choice to help facilitate smooth starting in frigid conditions. Don’t forget to check your antifreeze levels to ensure they are filled to the proper specifications! Verifying that your coolant is mixed correctly will prevent freezing and protect your engine from harsh winter temperatures. Furthermore, using a winter-grade windshield washer fluid that won’t freeze is vital for maintaining clear visibility through snow and sleet. Our Berger Service Quick Lanes are more than apt to check and top off all your vehicle’s fluids to ensure your vehicle has all it needs to take on the harsh winter weather. As a GM dealership, our Quick Service department is stocked with OEM GM and ACDelco parts and fluids that are designed to perfectly fit and fuel your vehicle. 

Battery Health

Winter can be particularly tough on vehicle batteries, and checking battery health is essential. If your battery is over three years old, we advise you to get it tested. Be sure to check for corrosion on the terminals and clean them if necessary. A weak battery has the potential to leave you stranded during the cold winter months, so taking the time to ensure yours is in good condition is crucial. Stop by our Berger Quick Lube Lanes for free battery testing if your battery is located under your hood. If the test shows that your battery is in good condition, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your battery is equipped to handle this frigid West Michigan winter. If your battery is in poor condition, our technicians will be able to replace your old battery with a new, factory-rated battery to get you back safely on the road. 

Importance of Starting Your Vehicle

Even if you aren’t planning to leave home for an extended period, it’s still important to start your vehicle regularly. Doing so helps circulate fluids and maintain battery health. Aim to start your vehicle every few days, allowing it to run for at least 10-15 minutes. This simple practice can prevent starting issues or a dead battery during an unexpected cold snap.

What to Do in Case of an Accident this Winter

The snow, ice, and sleet that are common to West Michigan winters can frequently lead to poor and even hazardous road conditions for you and your vehicle. Although no one plans on it, accidents can happen. This is where Berger Collision Center is here to help. Our expert collision team offers comprehensive collision repair services to restore your vehicle to prime condition. Here at Berger, we work with any insurance company. We also make sure you are informed about your vehicle every step of the way to help put you at ease during the repair process. Stop by and talk to our collision team, or use our online collision estimator tool here to get the repair process started! 

Keeping Your Vehicle Clean

Vehicle maintenance also includes keeping the exterior of your vehicle clean, especially in the winter months. Road salt and winter road conditions can corrode your vehicle’s paint and undercarriage. We encourage you to regularly wash your vehicle, focusing on the wheel wells and undercarriage to remove harmful residues. Paying more attention to these areas in this way can help prevent rust and wear. Additionally, applying wax to your vehicle can add a protective layer against the elements. 

Preparedness for Winter Conditions

When it comes to preparedness during winter driving conditions, we have a few tips to get you ready in the chance that your vehicle breaks down or you get into an accident while driving in the winter. We recommend keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle as it can be a lifesaver in a stressful winter situation on the road. Consider including items such as blankets, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, snacks and water, jumper cables, reflective triangles, an ice scraper, or a snow shovel. You can purchase official GM accessories at Berger’s Retail Parts Pro Shop to prepare you for situations like these, including first aid kits, highway safety kits, or jumper cables. We understand the importance of being prepared for the worst during the cold winter months and having these kits available is one way we help our customers stay safe on the roads!

You’re Ready to Take on Winter Driving 

Taking the time to prepare your vehicle for the West Michigan winter months not only saves you from worry but can also save you time and money by making sure your vehicle is ready to take on any conditions before they happen. By following these tips, checking weather conditions before getting on the road, and knowing that Berger Chevrolet is here for you, you can be sure to navigate the West Michigan winter with confidence. Remember, a well-maintained vehicle is great protection against the challenges posed by winter!

Berger Quick Service