​​Use Barry’s Chevrolet for This Spring’s Car Care Week​

Summer is approaching, and road trips are calling. Whether you’re planning a multi-week journey across several states or just a few weekend escapes, you want to make sure your car, truck, or SUV is prepared and won’t surprise you with issues. The best way to do that is through regular maintenance, which is probably why April is National Car Care Month, with Car Care Week happening in the third week of April. It’s a perfect time to shed the remnants of winter and check how winter might have affected your vehicle.  

Of course, if April has already gone by, it doesn’t mean you’ve missed your opportunity. Any time is a good time to ensure your vehicle is in top shape. Barry’s Chevrolet has put together a quick checklist of things to set aside a Saturday for, so you can take care of your car.   

Tire Care and Inspection 

If you’ve installed winter tires, we salute you, as many overlook that procedure, thinking having four- or all-wheel drive will suffice. It doesn’t. But now is the time to switch back to all-season or summer tires with compounds better suited to summer and treads that reduce road noise. If your tires don’t need changing, it’s a good idea to rotate them to ensure even wear. Barry’s offers tire rotation service that also inspects your tires for any damage or uneven wear. 

Oil and Other Fluids 

Hopefully, you’ve marked the time or mileage for your next oil change. But if you’re going on a road trip and that mileage may occur during the trip, consider changing the oil and filter beforehand. If your oil is fresh, develop a habit of checking the oil level every other time you fill up with gas. Excessive oil use can be a warning sign of a leak or excessive engine use—both issues you want to address early. 

You will also want to check other fluid levels, such as those for brakes, power steering, transmission, and, of course, wiper fluid.  Make sure to check all before your next trip.

Battery  

Winter temperatures reduce your battery’s efficiency, and thick oil can make the battery work even harder. And yet, high temperatures are more harmful overall. Cold may temporarily weaken your battery and make it work harder, but hot temperatures, which make the engine area even hotter, speed up chemical reactions inside the battery, causing it to discharge faster and fail sooner.  

Use a multimeter to check your battery’s condition before summer. Set the meter to 20V DC; a good battery should read about 12.6V. If the reading drops below 12.4V, it needs charging. At start-up, a voltage of 9.6V or less indicates the battery should be replaced. If you don’t have a multimeter, Barry’s Chevrolet Service can easily handle this test.  

Wipers and Filters 

Winter can cause increased wiper use, and the cold can harden the rubber. Don’t accept streaks on your windshield, as they can impair your visibility and strain your eyes when trying to see through them. Replace the wipers and refill the washer reservoir. 

Spring brings pollen, and it is your cabin filter’s job to catch it, along with other small particulates.  But like all filters, it needs to be cleaned or replaced on occasion.  Carmakers hide these things pretty well, but Barry’s Chevrolet can find and replace them for you.  

Barry’s Chevrolet Complementary Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection  

If you can perform many of the above activities yourself, by all means do so.  But if you need a tire rotation or some other activity outside your skill or tool set, trust Barry’s Chevrolet technicians to take care of it. With every oil change, our technicians will take the opportunity to perform a comprehensive multi-point vehicle inspection1 to see if any other parts need attention now or in the near future. Areas of inspection include: 

• Tires
  Our Certified Service experts will assess your tires for proper alignment, balance, and condition to ensure optimal vehicle performance and safety. 

• Battery Condition & Connections
  A quick volt check and visual inspection will evaluate your vehicle’s battery health and power levels. 

• Brakes
  An inspection is conducted of your brake system’s condition, covering lines and hoses, the parking brake, and measuring both the front and rear linings. 

• Remaining Engine Oil Life
  For vehicles with the GM Oil Life System, a technician assesses your remaining oil life percentage to determine if an oil change is needed. 

• Fluid Levels
  An expert will check the fluid levels in your vehicle’s brake reservoir, windshield washer, and other systems to help ensure smooth operation. 

• Wiper Blades & Glass Condition
  A visual inspection of your windshield is performed to check for cracks or chips, as well as to assess the operation and condition of your front and rear wipers. 

• OnStar2 Subscription
  A brief assessment will confirm your connection to the OnStar system subscription if applicable. 

• Additional Vehicle Inspections
  An additional vehicle inspection of critical systems and components is conducted to detect visible leaks or damage. 

Between your diligence and Barry’s Chevrolet’s expertise, your vehicle will become a healthy and willing partner for whatever you have planned this summer.