FAQS

SUMMER VEHICLE PROTECTION

Summers can bring the heat to Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City area. Hot weather means it is time to think about driving in the heat and how that affects your car, cross-over, SUV or truck before you hit the road for all your summer adventures. McGrath Chevyland recommends having your vehicle inspected by a certified GM service technician one to two weeks before your trip to so you have a piece of mind and don't get stranded by car issues. Common car issues during the summer can include coolant issues, radiator leakage and the air conditioner failing.

WINTER VEHICLE PROTECTION

Preparing your vehicle for Iowa winters is crucial for ensuring safety and reliability on the road. Iowa winters bring harsh conditions such as snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, posing significant challenges for drivers. By taking proactive measures to prepare your vehicle, such as checking the antifreeze levels, ensuring proper tire tread depth and inflation, inspecting the battery, and replacing worn-out windshield wipers, you can minimize the risk of accidents and breakdowns. Additionally, equipping your vehicle with essential winter supplies like a snow shovel, ice scraper, blankets, and emergency kits can provide added protection in emergencies. Overall, investing time and effort into winterizing your vehicle enhances its performance and prioritizes safety for you and other road users during Iowa's unforgiving winter conditions.

 

A/C SYSTEM

Summers can bring the heat to the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City area. Hot weather means it's time to think about driving in the heat and how that affects your car, cross-over, SUV or truck before you hit the road for all your summer adventures. Common car issues during the summer can include coolant issues, radiator leakage and the air conditioner failing.

CHECK YOUR FLUIDS

You can save yourself a lot of hassle in the hot-weather months by monitoring your car's fluids. Fluids that you should check include:

• Coolant: This is the big one. If your coolant/antifreeze level is too low, it can cause overheating.
• Motor oil
• Transmission fluid
• Brake fluid
• Power-steering fluid
• Windshield wiper fluid

MONITOR TIRE PRESSURE

A freezing winter and pot holes can take a toll on your tires. If you use one set of tires year-round, now is a good time to bring your car in for a tire rotation, a check on the tread, and to ensure that they're inflated properly. If it turns out that your tires need to be replaced, we can help you choose tires that suit your vehicle and are built to last.

REPLACE YOUR BATTERY

If your car has an old battery, extreme summer heat can spell trouble. To avoid expensive repairs, it's worth having your car's battery tested, or even replaced. Getting a new battery altogether will cost you less than it would to have a dead battery serviced if your car breaks down.

Car Seat Installations Tips

The main types of infant car seats include:

• Rear-facing seats, which are required for all children up to 12 months old
• Convertible car seats, which are designed to be modified as your child grows and may include more gadgets and straps that aid with restraint.

When installing a car seat:

• Place it in the back seat.
• Ensure the seatbelt straps/tethers are tight. You should not be able to move any strap, harness, or the entire seat itself more than an inch
• If the car seat is properly locked into place by doing one of the following:
  • Using the latch plate on the seat belt
  • Enabling the seatbelt retractor
  • Installing a locking or belt-shortening clip
  • If available, using the car seat's built in lock-off device.