Winter Driving

Getting ready for cold weather

You wouldn't head out into cold weather without bundling up. Your vehicle faces similar challenges as temperatures drop. The bottom line: it needs a little extra care as the mercury plummets. A little preparation before winter sets in may help prevent major headaches later.

What you can do

• Make sure you have a heavy-duty ice scraper and snow brush in your vehicle.
• Cold weather reduces tire pressure, so check tire pressure often. See your Owner's Manual for directions and details.
• In severe winter temperatures, you may have to change the grade of your engine oil. Check your vehicle's Owner's Manual for the viscosity grade recommended for your vehicle's engine.
• Check your wiper blades. Cold temperatures can make blades brittle, and
  ice on the windshield can cause nicks in the blades, decreasing performance.
• If you're planning a trip, take a blanket, extra-warm clothing, a collapsible shovel, a bag of road salt and an extra bottle of windshield washer fluid.
• Put on snow tires if you live in major snow belt areas. Check your vehicle's Owner's Manual for details and recommended practices.

What GM Goodwrench can do

• Cold weather affects battery efficiency. Most cold-weather breakdowns occur because batteries aren't delivering full cranking power. Your GM Goodwrench technician can check your battery and make sure battery cables are corrosion-free.
• Winter will take a big toll on your vehicle. Make sure your vehicle is ready. See your GM dealer for a fall season Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection, including checks on wiper blades, tires, fluids and more.

While we offer vehicle servicing on an appointment basis, we try to reserve some time each day for those unexpected emergencies! You can contact Paul, Jamie, Mike, Bobby, Dayna, Dave or Kirk at 902-566-5522, or by e-mail us at service@hillsidegm.com any time to discuss your vehicle needs or just pull into our Drive-Thru located right on the corner of St. Peter`s Road & Palmers Lane. We look forward to exceeding your expectations!

Can`t make it in during business hours, Hillside's service department operates Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, No problem! Utilize our afterhours keydrop located on the Palmer`s Lane entrace to the dealership. Our friendly shuttle bus driver, Neil MacPhail, is available during business hours as well to get you around the greater Charlottetown area while your vehicle is getting serviced as well.