Vehicle Storage for Winter

Winter can be brutal on any vehicle, whether it’s a brand new car, used car, or vintage hot rod. Freezing temperatures, snow buildup, animal infestation and salt damage can all deteriorate your vehicle.

If you plan on keeping your car in storage through the winter season, it’s best to winterize it before locking it up but most importantly be aware of animal infestation that can cause issues after the winter is over.

A Mysterious Car Fire:   It was springtime and the vehicle owner had taken his 1965 Mustang out of storage. The car seemed to be running funny so the owner parked it next to his house and left it running in hopes that would solve the problem. Suddenly, his neighbor ran over to tell him his car was on fire. By the time the fire department arrived, the Mustang had been destroyed and the house siding had melted from the blaze.

How Can Something So Small Cause Such a Big Problem? No one could figure out what had caused the fire, so I was brought in to investigate the situation. I searched through the remains of the car and when I took the air filter box apart, I found a mouse nest inside. The engine heated up the nest until it burst into flames.

Oftentimes, garages or storage facilities get infested with mice, and cars are the perfect shelter for these little rodents to make nests. They even like to use the insulation and padding in the car as nesting material.

So before you store your vehicle for the winter months ahead always ensure the place where you’re storing your vehicle is pest-free; and be sure to check your engine compartment and air filter box for rodent nests before taking your vehicle out of storage.

Sprinkling mothballs under the car to keep the mice away is not an effective method. Not only will it smell horrible, but it can be poisonous to pets.

If you think you have a problem with mice use  we recommend “Fresh Cab”` It's Safe & Natural: Keep your kids and pets safe, uses bio-based ingredients like natural oils, corn husks, lavender, fir, cedar, lemon and clary sage, it is the only EPA registered botanical rodent repellent for indoor storage areas and Smells good!

This product is available at: Audia Chevrolet; Sales Parts department.  Contact us 845-677-3136 or email: gmparts@audiamotors.com

FALL ROAD HAZARDS - HUDSON VALLEY

The fall foliage is beautiful and the time of the year where we are out enjoying the autumn colors, but along with the changing leaves comes fall hazard driving conditions.  So, before you head out on the road we want to ensure that you are aware of road hazards and provide you with basic tips to stay safe.

• Always keep your windshield clean of leaves.
• Watch for wet leaves on the roads; once leaves are wet they can become slippery and reduce traction and become a driving hazard.  
• Park free of leaf piles as these can be a fire hazard against catalyst converters.  
• As it gets darker earlier make adjustments be on the lookout, if night vision is a problem, adjust your driving times or find alternate lit routes.
• Fall also brings frost – keep a windshield scraper or small broom in your car and beware of black ice early morning and evening hours.
• Fall weather can present challenges to drivers. Remember when following other drivers, keep your distance.  If you are being tailgated, let the other driver pass.
• Take Your Vehicle  in for your maintenance and checked by a certified professional:  Battery cables, terminals, belts and hoses, air filters, windshield wipers and all fluids, Including:  anti-freeze, oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, automatic transmission fluid and windshield washer fluid.
• Check Your Tires. Are there signs of uneven tread wear? That could indicate under-inflation, unbalanced tires or misaligned wheels.
• Check your tire pressure with a gauge at least once a month and regularly inspect the tread depth. 
• Your tread will be even more important during the autumn months when wet, dead leaves cover the roadways.
• As we approach shorter days, be sure your headlights, taillights and turn signals are in proper working order and shining at the appropriate levels. 

From all of us at Audia Chevrolet, Happy Fall and be safe on the roads.

Hudson Valley New York - October Fall Car Care Month

October is Fall Car Care Month; a perfect time to remind our customers that as the weather starts to cool; it's important to take a proactive approach to preventive vehicle maintenance; which helps ensure safety and reliability and will lead to fewer unexpected vehicle repairs during the winter months ahead.




Whether you are a DIY’er  or have  your vehicle repaired by your technician it’s important to know the ten basic maintenance tips to keep your vehicle operating at its best.

• Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
• Check the hoses and belts to make sure they are not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing signs of excessive wear.
• Check the battery and replace if necessary. Make sure the connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free.
• Check the brake system annually and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change.
• Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.
• Check engine performance to make sure it is delivering the best balance of power and fuel economy and producing the lowest level of emissions.
• Check the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons such as defrosting.
• Inspect the steering and suspension system annually including shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.
• Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.
• Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.

We at Audia Chevrolet want our customers to be aware of regular car care maintenance and the benefits of maintaining your vehicle.  We care about the safety of our customers and want to offer you a Complimentary Mini Inspection with your regular service during the month of October.

We will inspect the following:  All fluids, Anti-freeze, Heating System, Belts, Hoses, Washer fluid, Wiper blades, Battery, Head lights, Tire pressure and condition of your tires.

Schedule your appointment today at Audia Chevrolet by calling (866) 643-7478 or book your appointment online at audiachevrolet,com

Leaving Your Pet in a Parked Hot Car

Dogs Die in Hot Cars

A pet can be a great companion when traveling in your car. But leaving your pet in the car while parked, especially on hot summer days is putting your pet at risk, even death.  Despite repeated media warnings, each year pets are left inside hot vehicles.  

Even with the windows left open, the temperature inside the vehicle can rise very quickly, creating a potentially fatal condition for your pet.  A dog or a cat's temperature is higher than humans and the temperature inside a car can rise to 150 degrees or higher in a matter of minutes.  It doesn't take long for heat to dilate blood vessels, shutdown organs and even clot blood.  

Make sure your pet has enough water on hot days and if you are traveling somewhere that does not allow pets, it’s better to leave your pet at home.

Summer Driving Tips for the Road

Summer has officially begun and is the busiest time of the year as people take to the roadways for vacation and enjoyment.




Summer heat and unexpected breakdowns are hard on everyone.  High summer temperatures also take their toll on your engine so we recommend to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual and speak with your auto service professional about maintaining your vehicle during the summer months.

Here’s a quick list of service items to review to have your vehicle running in tip top shape this summer.

• Have your air conditioning tested and inspected, along with belts and hoses
• Make sure your radiator and cooling system is thoroughly inspected
• Have your battery tested. It’s a lot easier to replace a battery than replacing a dead one on the side of the road
• Have brakes inspected, along with steering components
• Change the engine oil and filter according to the service schedule and check all fluid levels.
• Replace wiper blades once a year
• Have all your tires inspected and tire pressure including spare.
• Check all exterior lights
• Change the air filter. A dirty filter lowers gas mileage and reduces engine performance
• And last, buckle up and don’t leave home without your cell phone and your disabled parking permit 

Before you head out onto the road, stop into Audia Chevrolet for a complete inspection. Schedule your appointment online at Audiachevrolet.com or give us a call 866-643-7478

Avoiding Wiper Blade Damage - Part II

The following are major contributors to wiper damage. Some of these you can control and others are environmental concerns.

• Extremely dusty areas (such as driving on dirt roads) may cause the wipers rubber edge to wear quickly and unevenly.
• Sand and salt used on roads for increasing winter traction and ice control will cause the wiper blades to wear quicker. Areas with significant snowfall require more frequent blade replacements. 
• Heat and time may cause the rubber blades to take a "permanent set" resulting in the rubber not flexing and turning over uniformly. This condition may result in streaking and/or un-wiped areas.
• Rubber blades are easily cut or torn when using ice scrapers. Likewise pulling blades up off a frozen windshield can tear the rubber. Exercise caution when clearing ice and snow. 
• Using your wipers to "wear through" frost and ice, instead of allowing the defrosters to melt the ice, can dull, nick or tear the rubber blades. 
• Banging wipers on the glass to remove ice and snow may cause the blade to bend, dislodging the rubber and causing potential scratching of the windshield. 
• Ice can form in the pin joints of the wipers, which can cause streaking and un- wiped areas. To remove ice from pin joints, compress the blade and rubber edge with your hand to loosen the frozen joints. Consider using Winter Blades that have a rubber cover to avoid this condition. 

Scheduled Maintenance:

• Inspect your wiper blades every 4 - 6 months, or every 7500 miles for wear, cracking or contamination.

For issues or problems call Audia Chevrolet; we will inspect and install your wiper blades free of charge by a trained GM Certified Technician.  Call for an appointment at 845-677-6220; or email us at gmcertifiedservice@audiamotors.com 

April Showers: Are Your Wiper Blades Cleaning your Windshield?

Part I:

Most concerns about windshield wiper performance are the result of dirty wiper blades, damaged wiper blades, or worn out blades that are continuing to be used beyond their useful life. Depending on environmental conditions, wiper blades can have dramatic differences in lifespan.




Here are some tips and information to maximize wiper performance, avoid damage to the blades, and to avoid unnecessary replacements.

• Clean the windshield and the rubber on wiper blades; if this does not correct the problem, then replace the rubber elements.
• Clean the rubber blades using a lint free cloth or paper towel soaked with windshield washer fluid or a mild detergent. You should see significant amounts of dirt being removed on the cloth.
• Be sure to wash the windshield thoroughly when you clean the blades. Bugs, road grime, sap and a buildup of car wash/wax treatments may additionally cause wiper streaking.
• For a larger scale buildup on the windshield, use a non-abrasive cleaner such a Bon-Ami* cleanser with a wet sponge, being sure to use plenty of water to avoid scratching the glass. Flush the surface and body panels completely.
• For day-to-day exterior glass cleaning and to maintain a streak free appearance, we suggest Vehicle Care Glass Cleaner. GM Parts Vehicle Glass Car Cleaner Parts #19287404 (18oz). This product is an easy to use foaming cleaner that quickly removes dirt and grime from glass surfaces.
• Interior glass should be cleaned with plain, clean water to eliminate any film or haze on the window and help prevent fogging
• Avoid getting windshield washer fluid on your hands. Wear rubber gloves or avoid direct contact with washer fluid. Do not use gasoline, kerosene, or petroleum based products to clean wiper blades 

Scheduled Maintenance:

• Inspect your wiper blades every 4 - 6 months, or every 7500 miles for wear, cracking or contamination.

For issues or problems call Audia Chevrolet; we will inspect and install your wiper blades free of charge by a trained GM Certified Technician.  Call for an appointment at 845-677-6220; or email us at gmcertifiedservice@audiamotors.com 

WARM WEATHER MEANS.... POTHOLES ON THE ROAD

As the snow continues to melt on the roadway and the warm weather starts to set in; you will notice potholes on the roads which are unavoidable, no matter what road you are travelling the damage to your car from potholes can be severe and dangerous.




If at all possible avoid a pothole and if you hit a pothole it can be quite damaging to your tires, suspension and wheel alignment.  Pothole damage will allow for premature tire wear, and cause other suspension and steering issues which leads to unforeseen expenses on repairs.

Here are a few things to check to avoid problems with your vehicle:
• Does your car pull to one side?
• Turn off your radio and listen for odd noises, rattles and vibrations.
• Do you find yourself holding the steering wheel to one side?
• Does the car want to drift to one side on its own?
• Is the steering wheel off center?
• MOST IMPORTANT-Walk around your car and look for any signs of damage.

If you notice any of these signs, please have your car inspected by a trained GM Certified Technician at Audia Chevrolet.  Call for an appointment at 845-677-6220; Or email us at www.gmcertifiedservice@audiamotors.com.  

We will:
• Check Alignment, Steering and Suspension parts
• Tire rotation and balance, Check all Tires and Wheels for damage          
• Inspect undercarriage for pothole and winter-related damage

Total Inspection Cost $69.95

Don't Get Stuck with a Dead Battery

When Should I Change My Car Battery

Most car batteries will last for 4-6 years, no matter how many miles you put on your car.  In fact, if you car is not used a lot it may cause the battery to fail prematurely.  If your car battery is more than three years, you need to have it tested. If it's test weak, replace it. You don't want to be stranded on the side of the road, or stuck in the morning on your way to work.

Remember, it's not the miles; it's the years that matter. Another thing to remember is that a car battery will fail most of the time without warning.

So, if you car battery is more than three years old, bring it us to have it tested.

We will test your battery free of charge.  

Call or book your appointment online at audiachevrolet.com 

Don't wait until  the battery fails. 

Winter Maintenance for Your Vehicle

Radiator Coolant Service

Have you recently changed your radiator fluid? And, why do you need to change during the winter.   

During the winter months it helps keep the engine block from freezing in extreme cold temperatures when the vehicle is parked.  Changing the fluid helps keep your vehicle running well and helps with dirt and other contaminants that can build up in the fluid. 

This is the most vital part of your car's cooling system. The radiator fluid, or antifreeze coolant runs throughout your car's cooling system and helps keep your car engine cool while running.  

Most car manufacturers recommend that you change the radiator fluid in your vehicle every 24,000 to 36,000 miles, or every 24 to 36 months or refer to your owner's manual.

Book your appointment online at audiachevrolet.com 

and take advantage of our special offer 

Snow Pack Wheels Can Affect Your Tire Balance!

If your car does not feel right, or it’s shaking while driving down the road it could be due to snow packed inside and around the tire rim. 

Snow packed around the inside of the tire rim can throw off the wheel balance, causing the car to shake.  The fix is easy, remove the snow.  If the snow is packed and turned to ice you may need to bring your vehicle in for service so we can get it in up onto the lift, but usually it’s not a big deal.

If after the snow is removed, the car does not feel right, something else is wrong please bring your vehicle in and have us to take a look.

Is Your Vehicle Ready for the Storm.

Here are a few tips that will help ensure you and your car will make it through a storm. A properly maintained car will keep you safe on the road.  

- Make sure you car is up to date with all recommended services.
- Check your wiper blades and consider winter wiper blades.
- Make sure all exterior lights are working.
- Ensure your car’s heater and defroster are working properly. You’re going to want a nice warm
  car on these cold winter days.
- Check the condition of your car’s tires and consider snow tires. Snow tires have a huge
   advantage over regular tires during cold winter driving.
- Make sure the engine has the proper antifreeze protection, if not; the engine may freeze
   in frigid temperatures.
- If your car battery is more than 3 years old, stop by and will check.  A weak battery will
  fail with out warning and may leave you stranded out in the cold.
- Make sure your windshield washer fluid is topped off.  And always carry an extra bottle in
  the trunk.
- Carry a blanket in the car, along with drinking water, a flashlight and snacks.
- Make sure you have your cell phone and a list of emergency contacts.
- Keep a small shovel and sand or kitty litter for traction if you get stuck in snow or ice.
- Slow down during a storm.  Excessive speed causes more accidents than any other reason.
- Ensure friends and family know your whereabouts during a storm.

I hope you found my tips helpful.  Please feel free to leave a comment and forward this article to a friend or family member that may benefit from the information. 

If you have any questions, please call 845-677-3406 and we will be happy to help in anyway we can.   

Audia Chevrolet Automotive Blog: Winter Storm

Audia Chevrolet Automotive Blog: Winter Storm:  Is Your Defroster and Heating System Working Properly  Your car’s heating system is vital to your safety.  It not only keeps you warm ...

Winter Storm

 Is Your Defroster and Heating System Working Properly 

Your car’s heating system is vital to your safety.  It not only keeps you warm but keeps the windshield and rear window clear of ice and from fogging up. Check all the functions of the heater and defroster.  Ensure the heater fan motor is working on all speeds and make sure that the heater changes from the defrost mode, heater mode (floor vent) and regular vent.  Move the temperature selector from cold too hot to ensure that the heater system is responding correctly. Also, check that the rear defroster is working properly.  If any of these functions are not operating properly, see your service technician as you may need to have it repair.

Earth Day - April 22

Get involved with Earth Day on April 22-- We at Audia Chevrolet understand that as a business we have a responsibility to our community and to the planet. Being a green facility is not new for us, we do our part everyday to protect our environment.  Here is a list of things that we do to protect the environment. 

• Fluid recycling: All fluids removed from your vehicle are recycled: Engine oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid and differential fluid.
• Batteries: When a new battery is installed in your car, the old battery is returned to the factory where it is processed and all the elements of the battery are recycled.
• Tires: All worn tires are recycled.
• Scrap metal: Your vehicle is assembled using many different types of metals: steel, cooper, aluminum, brass, etc. All metals are separated and recycled.
• Part recycling and Re-manufacturing: Many vehicle parts are removed and sent back to the factory to be re-manufacturer and used again. This saves you money on future part’s purchase and also helps saves the planet.
• Parts Cleaning Solvents:  All solvents and chemicals used to clean your engine and other components are environmentally friendly and recycled.
• Shop Rages and Uniforms: Our shop rags and uniforms are cleaned using environmentally friendly products.
• Facility Maintenance: We do not wash our floors using any harmful chemicals. In fact, we use a solid compound to absorb all oils, grease and other liquids, which is then recycled. No contaminates ever reaches the environment or ground water.
• Windshields, Glass and Other Body Components:  All windshields, glass and nearly every body part is recycled, to be used again in the manufacturing of new vehicles and other products.
• We use recycled oil to heat some of our buildings.
• We also do not pave our car storage lots and keep them in grass to prevent run-off and aid in groundwater retention for local well

We encourage other business' and people in the community to do the same to live a healthier, cleaner environment and protect the planet for our future.

Spring Driving Safety Tips

Spring is the perfect time to have Audia Chevrolet inspect your car and to ensure it's up to date with all required maintenance. Below are a few basic tips to get you started for spring driving.

Car Care Tips:

• April showers bring rain-  Slow down on slick roads, and increase your distance even when mist begins to fall. Keep in mind that even a small amount of water can mix with oil and road dust to create slippery conditions. Tires can hydroplane on a layer of water; losing contact with the road and causing the vehicle to skid.  Slow down during a rain storm. 
• Replacement of Windshield Wipers- Be sure your vehicle is ready for rain by replacing your windshield wipers at least once a year. Don’t drive faster than your wipers can clear water from the windshield.
• Avoid large puddles- which can impair your brakes, cloud your vision, or cause you to hydroplane and lose control of your vehicle. If you can’t avoid a puddle and find your vehicle hydroplaning, gently ease your foot off of the accelerator—do not brake.
• Share the road- Warm weather brings motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians out on the roads.  More pedestrians have developed bad habits of texting, talking on cellphones, and listening to music, they can be unaware of the traffic around them. Be extra cautious around intersections and in residential communities.
• Driving while on medications-  Spring growth often causes seasonal allergies, so keep in mind that over-the-counter allergy drugs can have side effects or interact with other medications to cause drowsiness or diminish your driving ability.
• Hitting Potholes - After-effect of winter weather—can hurt your tires or throw your car’s front end out of alignment. If you can’t avoid a pothole, try to slow down, as the damage can be costly to fix.
• Proper Tire Care-  Keeping tires inflated can reduce damage from potholes, uneven pavement, and other road hazards.
• Changing Car's Filter-   The cabin air filter, which removes pollutants before they enter your vehicle, can be essential in minimizing the amount of dust or pollen that enters your vehicle, thus relieving your allergies during travel.

Child Car Safety

Is your child in a the right car seat?

Each year thousands of children are injured or killed in car crashes. As a parent, the safety of your child is always top of mind.  Along with following safe practices on the road, you child’s seat is important too. The proper use of child seats and the right seat helps to protect your child while in your car.  Choosing the right car seat depends on vehicle model, your child’s age, size and weight.

For more information on child seat safety please visit:  Child Safety for Parents

Potholes Creating Hovac on the Roads

And, Maybe Damaging To Your Vehicle

We are seeing more potholes related to the harsh winter we are having this season.  With temperature swings from near zero to the high 40s, potholes are inevitable. Hitting a pothole with your car is nearly unavoidable. 

If and when you do hit a pothole, don’t ignore it.  You may have done serious damage to the tire or rim.  The damage may cause a tire to lose pressure, which sometime is not noticed until later on, sometimes not until the next day.  Take a look at all the tires and wheels; if you see damage to the wheel or tire, contact us right away; as you may cause more damage to your vehicle.   

You'll need to consider is damage that is not obvious; such as:  wheel alignment issues, balance issues, suspension damage and steering damage.   Having you car inspected periodically during the winter months for pothole-related damage will save you time and money in the long run. 

Chevrolet Accelerates to 4G LTE Speeds in 2014

U.S. and Canada to Get OnStar 4G LTE by Summer

Starting this summer, Chevrolet will have some of the fastest vehicles on the roads, and that has nothing to do with horsepower. 

Chevrolet drivers will be enjoying high-speed data - made possible by a new OnStar 4G LTE connection in the vehicle, running on AT&T’s network, the nation’s fastest and most reliable 4G LTE network.

Chevrolet today announced at the Consumer Electronics Show that the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette, Impala, Malibu, and Volt would be the first General Motors’ vehicles to come optionally equipped with OnStar 4G LTE. They will be followed by the Equinox, Silverado, Silverado HD, Spark and Spark EV. In the Canadian market, OnStar with 4G LTE will be introduced on the Chevrolet Trax as well. The majority of the 2015 Chevrolet lineup in the U.S and Canada will have a 4G LTE connection built-in at vehicle launch. More models will be announced later this year.

“Chevrolet is expected to implement the broadest deployment of 4G LTE in the automotive industry,” said Alan Batey, senior vice president of Global Chevrolet. “The fact that OnStar with 4G LTE will be available in models that range from the Chevrolet Spark to the Silverado to the Corvette, is indicative of our broad commitment to deliver more value and convenience through smart technology applications. This new, purposeful technology solution will make our consumers lives easier to connect.” 

Vehicles Equipped with Built-in Wi-Fi Hotspot

The 4G LTE rollout will bring a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot to most Chevrolet vehicles, which allows passengers to connect their personal devices, such as smartphones, laptops and tablets, to high-speed wireless internet. Each vehicle can accommodate multiple devices at one time.

“We know that our customers rely on being connected on a daily, if not hourly basis, and they expect to be provided with the information and content they desire with no interruptions,” said Mary Chan, president, GM’s Global Connected Consumer. “A 4G LTE hotspot that’s built into a car’s architecture will provide a more consistent and powerful Wi-Fi connection than a smartphone.”

With OnStar’s 4G LTE connection, the vehicle acts as a mobile hub, giving customers easier access to apps and services that require a high-speed cellular or data connection. The vehicle will employ a wireless connection that does not rely on a brought-in mobile device.

In collaboration with AT&T, the data connection in the car will be fast – and flexible. Current AT&T customers will be able to add their vehicle to a shareable bucket of data through AT&T Mobile Share plans. All drivers can also pay for data as a standalone option. Additional pricing and data packages for OnStar 4G LTE will be announced later in 2014.

Chevrolet AppShop Offers Connected Car Personalization

Chevrolet MyLink will offer consumers an enhancement with the built in AppShop, available on select 2015 Chevrolet models in the U.S. and Canada. AppShop will benefit from the embedded 4G LTE connection.

Chevrolet AppShop is accessible through an icon on the MyLink screen that allows owners to view all available apps and download them directly to the vehicle, then organize, update or delete them as needed. Available apps will connect drivers to vehicle data, music, news, weather, travel information and more.

“The built-in 4G LTE connection will allow our vehicles to be updated with the latest software and apps,” said Chan. “This means that the driver’s vehicle infotainment systems can keep getting better after purchase as customers can continue to add on and customize their features.”

An initial list of planned apps announced today includes Vehicle Health, iHeartRadio, Priceline.com, The Weather Channel, NPR, Slacker Radio, TuneIn Radio, Cityseeker, Eventseeker, Glympse and Kaliki.

OnStar’s 10^th Generation to Debut

Chevrolet’s 4G LTE launch coincides with the 10th hardware generation of OnStar, a service that debuted in GM vehicles in 1996. The upgrade will allow for voice and high speed data services.  

“We are focused on constantly improving the OnStar service so that the system continues to remain a trusted value-add for GM drivers,” said Terry Inch, chief operating officer, OnStar. “4G LTE will enable the most powerful OnStar connection ever.”

OnStar Advisors currently respond to approximately 185,000 calls every day or more than two calls every second. OnStar is standard across the 2014 Chevrolet lineup. The OnStar RemoteLink Key Fob Services smartphone app, which allows owners to lock or unlock doors, activate the horn and lights, and remotely start a properly-equipped vehicle, is included for five years for properly equipped Chevrolet vehicles in the U.S.

About OnStar LLC

OnStar, LLC (OnStar) is a wholly owned subsidiary of GM Holdings LLC (“GM”). Along with its affiliate Shanghai OnStar Telematics Co. Ltd (a joint venture involving OnStar, Shanghai General Motors Co., Ltd (SGM) and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC)), OnStar serves more than 6.5 million subscribers in the U.S, Canada and China. OnStar is a provider of connected safety, security and mobility solutions and advanced information technology. OnStar's key services include automatic crash response, stolen vehicle assistance, remote door unlock, turn-by-turn navigation, vehicle diagnostics and hands-free calling.

Keeping your Vehicle in top condition this Winter

A safe, smooth ride and a trip to the repair shop

* Make Sure the Battery is Strong 
A weak battery is less reliable and can take longer to start your car on cold mornings. In fact, a weak battery could lose about one third of its power or more in colder conditions (e.g. below 32 degrees Fahrenheit). Make sure that connections are tight and free of corrosion and have your battery tested to ensure it has ample power to withstand the cold. Start the car with the heater, lights and window defrosters turned off to minimize battery strain

.

* Clean the Engine Air Filter- The engine air filter is a vehicle’s lung. A clean air filter helps the engine combust an optimal air-to-fuel mixture, making it run more smoothly and efficiently. When your air filter is clogged, your engine has to work harder and therefore is not operating at peak performance. Check your vehicle owner’s manual to find out when it needs to be replaced. 

* Pay Attention to Oil Grade -- Motor oil lubricates the engine, keeping it cool and reducing the friction between moving parts. As motor oil circulates, it also cleans away harmful dirt and contaminants. In general, you should use the lightest grade of oil your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends for the conditions you drive in. During the winter, this may mean an even lighter grade than usual. Most vehicle owner’s manual specifies the correct grade of motor oil for your vehicle during certain driving conditions and seasons. 

* Keep an Eye on Tire Pressue- Under-inflated tires create extra friction where the rubber meets the road. Improperly inflated tires also wear unevenly, which can impact your vehicle’s traction on the road and possibly lead to a dangerous blowout. Check your tire pressure regularly and make sure all of them are filled to the correct level -- and remember your spare tire, which can lose pressure in the cold. 

Proper tire pressure is vehicle-specific. Tire pressure information for a vehicle is found on a decal typically in the vehicle’s door jamb or in the vehicle owner’s manual. Do not follow the pressure listed on the sidewall of the tire, as this number is specific to the tire, not the vehicle. 

* Check Your Antifreeze/Coolant- Antifreeze helps control the temperature of a vehicle’s engine. Since it remains liquid and does not freeze in cold temperatures, antifreeze also helps protect the engine during extreme cold starts. Servicing your vehicle’s cooling system according to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations can help you avoid costly repairs down the line. Check your owners’ manual for how often it should be replaced.

* Watch the Wiper Blades
The normal life expectancy for most windshield wiper blades is six to 12 months. Check and clean the windshield wiper blades or replace them if necessary. Checking and replacing them as needed can improve visibility to help avoid a very dangerous situation on the road -- particularly in snowy and stormy conditions.



 * In Case of Emergency-  Maintain a vehicle emergency kit including a first aid kit, jumper cables, flashlight, bottled water, extra blankets, gloves and hat, granola/energy bars, duct tape, and a can of Fix-a-Flat. You never know when you will need these essentials.