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Four checks to run while fall is still mild — plus what belongs in your emergency kit before the first real storm.
How's the thought of that South Dakota winter feeling right now? A little… daunting?
We know it can be absolutely beautiful, but the truth is, South Dakota winters are no joke, especially when you're trying to drive in ice and snow! So it makes sense to be as prepared as possible and get ahead of the game with a little car winterization.
At Olympic Buick GMC, we certainly know our stuff when it comes to vehicle maintenance and optimization, and our experts have put their heads together to come up with some top tips on how to winterize your car this year — while life's easy, fall's mild, and you've got plenty of time!
The first step to winterize your car is to work out when you last had a service. This is vital because if your service is overdue, it might invalidate any warranty that's on a new or warrantied car, or — at the very least — leave you vulnerable to issues when winter does come around.
No one wants to be stranded on their driveway with a battery that won't start. Plan ahead and get a proper check.
Work through these in order. If any of it isn't your wheelhouse, our team can handle the whole process for you.
When you have a service, your technician can check your vehicle's battery life to confirm it's still operating effectively. This is vital because battery performance always drops in winter because of the effects of the temperature on the chemicals inside the battery unit. So, even if it's been working beautifully all summer, that winter weather will instantly put a stress on it.
Go around your vehicle and look at everything closely. Check the tires and measure the tread, check that the lights are working, and see if there are any signs of corrosion or general concern. Look at the windscreen wipers carefully to check that they aren't cracked or damaged, and basically make sure you're happy with everything you can see externally.
Do a brake check — is everything working smoothly and without sounds or squeaking? Run the heating and air con — are there weird smells or sounds? Get them checked out if so. Check the cargo area too: have you got your winter emergency kit ready? If not, see the list below.
Check the oil levels and washer fluid levels, making sure it's a winter-specific washer fluid that won't freeze. Look at the battery and make sure there are no signs of corrosion. If this isn't your wheelhouse, just book your Buick or GMC in for a service at Olympic Buick GMC and let us take care of this entire process for you — removing any stress or worry in the process.
Don't drive without your winter essentials in place for any emergency. The biggest trick for how to winterize your car is to have what you need if the worst happens.
Pack anything else that could keep you and your passengers safe and comfortable. If you travel with children, make sure your winterization pack includes them too, especially if you travel with young children.
Another good way to plan car winterization is to get into the habit of knowing where you're going, when, and telling the person at the other end so they can keep an eye on your journey. Have your road rescue in place and saved on your phone, know your route, and have your coordinates.
Keep some cash on you in case you end up in an area without phone signal. Generally, just be smart and prepared. Don't travel when the weather is dreadful and stick to well-maintained roads so that you don't find yourself offloading in snow and ice — unless that was your plan and you're driving the appropriate vehicle.
Above all, just remember that Olympic Buick GMC is here whenever you need us! We can help with all aspects of your vehicle winterization plan, from checking tires and adding winter tires to doing an AC refresh, oil top-up, tire rotation service, or full service for complete peace of mind.
We have appointments available all week, including walk-ins when we can accommodate, and our friendly team is always on hand to help and advise. You'll love our competitive prices too!
Head to Olympic Buick GMC today and let us take the question of "how to winterize my vehicle" off your hands. We can also order genuine GM parts if anything needs replacing before the cold sets in.
Winter prep is easiest while the weather is still mild and there's no pressure. Book a service now and you'll head into the season knowing the battery, tires, fluids and wipers have all been looked at by someone who does this every day.
This page is general guidance. Always follow the maintenance schedule in your vehicle's owner's manual, which sets intervals by driving conditions. Service needs, timing, and pricing vary by model, model year, mileage, and vehicle condition. Warranty terms are set by the manufacturer. Walk-in availability varies. Contact Olympic Buick GMC for a quote specific to your vehicle.