Fitzgerald Chevrolet of Hagerstown

Blog / Body Shop

Care for Your Car this Winter with Our Cold Weather Service Tips

If you're a Hagerstown, MD driver, you're no stranger to tough winters. The service team here at Fitzgerald Chevy of Hagerstown has a few tips to help you drive into the winter weather with greater peace of mind. If you need assistance with any of our winter service care techniques or have specific questions regarding your vehicle on the roads of Waynesboro, give us a call. We'd be happy to help our customers who span from Thurmont to Martinsburg.

Five Tips for Your Car's Success this Winter

  1. Make the Tire Switch: If you have all‑season tires, it may be time to make the switch to winter tires. These will make tackling snow and ice much easier and safer.

  2. Replace Your Wipers: Having brand-new wipers ready to swat away snow and ice on a frosty morning is imperative.

  3. Get Your Battery Checked: Cooler weather is hard on your vehicle's battery. If you ever have problems starting your vehicle or notice that electrical components like your heated seats have stopped working, it's likely time for a battery replacement.

  4. Top Up Your Fluids: New wiper fluid, antifreeze, and oil are top priorities for the winter weather. Check your levels with our team today.

  5. Get Your Lights Optimized: If you have a doll bulb or a faulty seal that lets in moisture, it's time to get these problems fixed. Having strong headlamps is vital for those dark winter nights or snowy mornings. We can also wax your bulbs for increased resistance to moisture.

Book Your Winter Service Appointment Today near Frederick

Now's your chance to get inside a new vehicle with our helpful service center. Schedule your appointment here. If you have any questions regarding our current specials running on winter service, explore our service and parts promotions online. We'll make caring for your vehicle this winter easy.

Posted in:

Related Posts

A man stands outside a red Chevrolet Blazer SUV while a woman crouches inside the open trunk, handling a rolled item. The setting is modern, with greenery and a contemporary building in the background.

Equinox, Blazer, or Traverse? Choosing the Chevrolet SUV That Fits Your Family

Shopping for a family SUV isn't just about finding the biggest vehicle on the lot. It's about matching your family's size, cargo needs, and daily routine with the right combination of performance, comfort, and technology. Chevrolet offers three standout choices in the 2026 lineup, each designed for a different kind of driver. If you're comparing the Equinox, Blazer, and Traverse near Hagerstown, MD, here's what separates them. more 2026 Chevrolet Equinox: Compact Size, Everyday Practicality The redesigned 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is built for families who want an SUV that's easy to drive every day without giving up useful cargo room. Every Equinox is powered by a Turbocharged 1.5L 4-cylinder engine producing 175 hp and up to 203 lbs. ft. of torque with the available AWD drivetrain. Front-wheel drive models are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models receive an 8-speed automatic transmission. Inside, the Equinox seats 5 passengers and offers up to 63.5 cu. ft. of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Behind the second row, there's 29.8 cu. ft. of storage for groceries, sports equipment, or luggage. Technology receives a major upgrade with an 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen and an 11-inch Driver Information Center as standard equipment. Wireless Apple CarPlay®, wireless Android Auto™, Google built-in compatibility, available wireless phone charging, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a hands-free AutoSense power liftgate make everyday driving more convenient. 2026 Chevrolet Blazer: More Power and Sportier Character If you like the versatility of a two-row SUV but want stronger performance and a more athletic design, the Blazer fills that role. The 2026 Blazer offers two engine choices. A standard 2.0L Turbocharged 4-cylinder produces 228 hp and 258 lbs. ft. of torque, while the available 3.6L V6 generates 308 hp and 270 lbs. ft. of torque for drivers who want stronger acceleration and increased confidence when merging or climbing grades. Like the Equinox, the Blazer seats 5 passengers, but it provides more cargo room with up to 64.2 cu. ft. behind the first row and 30.5 cu. ft. behind the second row. The cabin leans toward premium comfort with available leather-appointed seating, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic power sunroof, and a Bose® premium audio system. An available hands-free power liftgate adds convenience when loading groceries or travel gear. 2026 Chevrolet Traverse: Maximum Space for Growing Families The 2026 Traverse is designed for families who routinely carry more passengers, more cargo, or both. Powered by a Turbocharged 2.5L 4-cylinder engine producing 328 hp and 326 lbs. ft. of torque, the Traverse delivers substantially more power than many midsize competitors while maintaining confident highway performance. It seats up to 8 passengers, making it the largest family SUV in this comparison. Cargo capacity is equally impressive, with 22.9 cu. ft. behind the third row, 56.6 cu. ft. behind the second row, and a maximum of 97.6 cu. ft. with both rear rows folded. Available features include Super Cruise® hands-free driver assistance on compatible roads, a massive 17.7-inch diagonal infotainment display, an 11-inch Driver Information Center, wireless Apple CarPlay®, wireless Android Auto™, wireless phone charging, panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a power-folding third row on select trims. The Traverse is also capable of towing up to 5,000 lbs. when properly equipped, making it a practical option for families with small campers, boats, or utility trailers. Which Chevrolet SUV Fits Your Family Best? The Equinox is the right choice for smaller families looking for an efficient, easy-to-park SUV with modern technology and generous cargo space for its size. The Blazer appeals to drivers who want stronger engine options, premium interior appointments, and sportier styling while keeping the convenience of a two-row SUV. The Traverse is built for larger households that need seating for up to 8 passengers, class-leading cargo flexibility, and towing capability for vacations and family adventures. If you're comparing more models, exploring the complete Chevrolet SUV lineup or scheduling back-to-back test drives can make the differences even easier to appreciate. Compare Chevrolet SUVs at Fitzgerald Chevrolet Hagerstown Every family has different priorities, and Chevrolet offers an SUV designed to match them. Visit us today to compare the 2026 Equinox, Blazer, and Traverse side by side, explore available trims and features, or schedule a test drive online to find the SUV that best fits your family's lifestyle.

Red Chevrolet Silverado HD towing a trailer with a green tractor through a rural landscape.

How Much Can a Chevy Silverado Tow? A Guide by Model and Engine

If you're shopping for a truck that can handle serious hauling, the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado is a powerhouse, renowned for its durability and long-haul stamina. Whether you're pulling a boat, a horse trailer, or a loaded work trailer, the Silverado is built to handle the job—but the numbers vary depending on which trim and engine you choose. Here's a straightforward breakdown of what you can expect from each configuration when towing through and beyond Hagerstown, Maryland. more Towing Capacity Starts With the Engine The biggest factor in Chevy Silverado’s towing capacity is the engine choice—and choices are ample. The 2026 Silverado offers 4 engine options, each with different towing potential: The TurboMax™: This standard engine delivers 310 hp and Best-in-Class torque at 430 lbs.-ft., making it a capable starting point for everyday towing needs of up to 9,500 lbs. 5.3L EcoTec3 V8: Gives you 355 hp and 383 lbs.-ft. of torque, enabling an 11,300-lb. towing capacity. It’s the most popular V8 engine for towing, and comes standard on the LTZ and High Country trims. 6.2L EcoTec3 V8: For those who need maximum pulling power, this V8 produces 420 hp and 460 lbs.-ft. of torque, enabling a 13,300-lb. towing capacity. Duramax® 3.0L Turbo-Diesel I-6: Classic diesel power, offering up a 13,300-lb. towing capacity thanks to its 305 hp and 495 lbs.-ft. of low-end torque. Efficiency is where it shines, giving you a Best-in-Class 28 MPG on the highway. Maximum Towing Capacity Across Trims The 2026 Silverado can tow up to 13,300 pounds when properly configured. That number applies to the Double Cab Standard Bed 2WD when equipped with the Duramax® Turbo-Diesel engine, the Max Trailering Package, and 20” wheels. Even at the lower end of the spectrum, the Silverado tows a minimum of 8,700 lbs., which is a solid number for most recreational and work-related hauling. This Silverado towing guide can help you match the right configuration to your actual needs before you visit the lot, ensuring you get enough pulling power without overkill. The ZR2 trim, designed for serious off-road use, comes standard with the Duramax® diesel, giving it strong towing credentials in addition to its trail-ready features like Multimatic DSSV™ dampers and front and rear electronic locking differentials. Towing Technology That Makes a Difference Beyond raw numbers, the 2026 Silverado towing capacity is supported by smart technology that makes trailering easier and safer. The truck offers up to 8 cameras on most trims, with up to 14 views to help you monitor your trailer and navigate tight spots. The In-Vehicle Trailering App lets you create a custom trailer profile, access step-by-step pre-departure checklists, and monitor your connected trailer in real time. Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert provides visual alerts when a moving vehicle enters your side blind zone while towing. For drivers who choose the High Country trim, available Super Cruise® hands-free driver assistance technology even supports hands-free towing on compatible roads—a feature no other competitor currently offers. Which Silverado Trim Is Right for Your Towing Needs? If you primarily use your truck for light-duty towing and daily driving, the WT or Custom trim with the TurboMax™ engine is a practical choice. For those who need a well-rounded setup with strong towing and a comfortable interior, the LTZ or High Country with the 5.3L or 6.2L V8 hits the sweet spot. Off-road haulers will appreciate the ZR2 with its diesel engine and rugged capability. Drivers in Hagerstown, Maryland who are serious about maximizing their Chevrolet Silverado towing capacity should consider the Max Trailering Package, which is available on several trims and helps unlock peak towing ratings. Find Your Towing Setup at Fitzgerald Chevrolet Hagerstown Understanding Chevrolet Silverado towing capacity by trim and engine is a great starting point, but the best way to find the right fit is to explore your options in person. Whether you need the diesel for maximum torque and efficiency, the V8 for power, or just a reliable everyday hauler, this Silverado towing guide gives you a solid foundation to work from. Stop by Fitzgerald Chevrolet Hagerstown or browse inventory online to find the 2026 Silverado that's built for your needs.

Customer receives vehicle keys from a dealership representative inside the dealership service center.

Summer Road Trip Vehicle Checklist: How to Prepare Your Chevrolet for the Journey

Summer is here, and that means it's time to hit the open road. Whether you're heading to the mountains, the coast, or somewhere in between, having a solid summer road trip vehicle checklist is the best way to make sure your Chevrolet is ready before you leave the driveway. Hagerstown, Maryland drivers know that a little preparation goes a long way, especially when temperatures are climbing and miles are stacking up. more Check Your Fluids and Under the Hood Before any long drive, your summer road trip vehicle checklist should start under the hood. Check your engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Heat puts extra strain on your engine, so making sure coolant levels are correct is especially important during summer months. If your oil change is coming up soon, take the time to get it done before you leave. Fresh oil helps your engine run smoothly and efficiently on those long stretches of highway. Inspect Your Tires Maryland drivers don’t need to be told that their tires are one of the most critical parts of any trip, near or far. Check the tread depth using the “penny test” and look for any visible signs of wear or damage. Use a tire pressure gauge to confirm all 4 tires—and your spare—are properly inflated. Tire pressure naturally fluctuates with temperature changes, which makes this step even more important in summer. A tire issue in the middle of nowhere can turn a great trip into a stressful one fast. Test Your Brakes and Battery Your brakes should respond smoothly and quietly. If you notice any grinding, pulling, or unusual sounds, have them inspected before heading out. A worn brake pad isn't something you want to discover at highway speed. Your battery is another item worth checking. Extreme heat can actually shorten battery life, so if yours is more than 3 years old, it's worth having it tested. Many Chevrolet Certified Service locations can check your battery quickly during a routine visit. Make Sure Your Comfort Features Are Working Here’s another one that no Maryland driver will be surprised by—prep your A/C. Long drives are a lot more enjoyable when your air conditioning is doing its job. You’ve probably already done this, just like you do with your heat before winter, but turn on your A/C long before your trip to make sure it's blowing cold air consistently. If it seems weak or warm, it may need a refrigerant recharge. Drivers heading out from Hagerstown, Maryland, know summer heat is no joke. Taking a few minutes to confirm your cabin comfort systems are working keeps everyone on board happy and safe from start to finish. Pack an Emergency Kit Just because Maryland drivers have to be more prepared than most, considering the seasons and landscapes we encounter, doesn’t mean we can slack when it comes to preparation reminders. Even with a thorough summer road trip vehicle checklist, surprises can happen. Pack a basic emergency kit that includes jumper cables, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, water, and a phone charger. It's also a good idea to have your Chevrolet roadside assistance information handy. As always, remember water, and stow away some extra flip flops and a blanket just in case. You never know. Visit Us Before You Go Getting your Chevrolet serviced before a big trip gives you confidence on the road. Stop by Fitzgerald Chevrolet Hagerstown and let our team help you work through your checklist so you can enjoy every mile this summer.