How to Start Up Your Car on Winter Mornings

BAY CITY, Mich. –– Waking up to freezing temperatures on winter mornings is no fun to begin with, but add in the potential for not being able to start your car because it's too cold, and they're positively dreadful. Most drivers will warm up their vehicles on chilly mornings, to defrost the windshield and warm up the cabin for their commute. Now, you may have heard that it is bad for your engine to warm your car in the morning. While that's technically not false information, there are also positives to warming up your vehicle that will help it run better and avoid internal damage, so long as it's not warming up for a prolonged period of time. So, allow us to explain further, and walk you through how to start up your car on winter mornings.

Over the course of a winter night, as the temperature drops, a number things happen to your vehicle. The battery in your car begins to produce less current as it grows colder, making it more difficult or impossible to start your vehicle. The engine oil in your car also becomes thicker and doesn't flow as well. Circulating through your engine then becomes difficult for the oil and doesn't allow it to lubricating your engine's internal components as well.

To help mitigate the negative effects the cold weather, we strongly recommend keeping your vehicle parked inside your garage if possible. It that isn't an option, even parking in an open carport or under a large tree will keep your vehicle a few degrees warmer than if it was out in the open, completely subjected to the elements. You may also consider getting a battery heater or engine block heater, as this will help your vehicle be able to start up with relative ease in the morning.

So, to properly start your car on a cold winter morning, follow the routine below:

1. Turn off all electrical accessories such as the headlights, heater, defroster, etc.
2. Insert the key into the ignition.
3. Turn the key to "On" position, turning on the display lights and the fuel pump.
4. Allow for a minute of time to pass so that the fuel pump can circulate fuel through the engine.
5. Turn the key fully, to start the vehicle.
6. You should only allow your vehicle idle and warm up for five minutes. This will allow the oil and fuel to warm up and properly circulate so that no internal damage to the vehicle will occur.

If your engine is cranking slowly and does not turn on, you should take it into an auto service center and have the battery checked, especially if the battery is more than 3 years old. Older batteries can't stand up to freezing temperatures and won't  be able to start up your car.

If you have any additional questions on how to start up your car on winter mornings, you can visit the Graff Bay City Service Center to speak with our knowledgeable and friendly service technicians. We also recommend that you complete our Winter Car Care maintenance routine to take care of your vehicle's internal components so they are not compromised, cracked, or disabled by the cold weather. These service fixes will help your vehicle run in top condition all through the winter and help you avoid breaking down on the side of the road in freezing temperatures.

Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help our community grow to become an even better place to call home! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

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Winter Car Care Vehicle Maintenance Tips

BAY CITY, Mich. –– Michigan winters can be tough on us, the roads, and our vehicles. Freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and road salt all take their toll on cars and it's important to prepare your vehicle for the winter. We suggest bringing your vehicle into our Graff Bay City Service Center to get some seasonal maintenance work done like getting your brakes, tires, windshield wipers, and batteries checked and replaced if need be. Getting an oil change this time of year is a great idea as well. Following our Winter Car Care vehicle maintenance tips can help ensure your vehicle will be able to perform in top condition, handle well on the icy roads, and avoid the possibility of breaking down. Read on to learn the importance of taking care of your vehicle this winter!

On our new Winter Car Care Page, you’ll find tips on –

• Brakes: Your vehicle's brakes keep you safe through every season, but during the winter they are especially important. In winter weather it can take your vehicle a longer distance to break on snow and ice, so making sure your brakes work properly is key. You don't want to be the car that slides through an intersection or into a ditch. Follow the link to read more about your brakes.
• Tires: Find out why it’s important to understand the value winter tires offer. Winter tires are designed to handle winter roads specifically, and with the roads being slushy and icy, the thicker treads will help keep you from sliding around. Click the link to learn more about winter tires.
• Oil Changes: Your engine’s performance depends on regular oil changes, and when your oil is changed on a regular basis, you help extend the life of your vehicle. In the winter, it’s particularly important to keep up with oil changes because the frigid temperatures can have a negative effect on the oil, making it less effective at keeping your engine components from overheating and warping. For a list of signs your vehicle needs an oil change, follow the link.
• Wiper Blades: You need a clear view to drive in any season, but your vehicle's wiper blades become especially important in the winter due to debris from snow, salt, and ice. Harsh winter conditions can wear on your wiper blades, so click the link to find out how to know if you need to replace your wiper blades.
• Batteries: In general, car batteries normally last around two to three years. However, freezing temperatures can be hard on your battery life and make it more difficult to start your engine in the morning after a cold night. So, it’s crucial to be aware of your vehicle's battery life and replace it when necessary. Learn more about your car battery by clicking the link.

We hope you consider following our Winter Car Care vehicle maintenance tips, as they will help keep you safe on the road and likely save you money in the long run on costly repairs. If you're still worried about you and your passenger's well being out on the road, we recommend reading up on Chevrolet's new advanced safety features available on most new 2018 Chevy models. Features like the Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist Technology, Forward Safety Awareness, and more can help make driving a much safer endeavor.

Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help our community grow to become an even better place to call home! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

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