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

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 

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

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* 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.