Cold Weather Checklist: 2017-2019 Buick LaCrosse Checklist

Battery, wipers, coolant and tire pressure after the first hard freeze. Applied to a 2017-2019 LaCrosse, here is what that looks like.

Glass and Wipers

Watch for a rain sensing system that triggers late or not at all. Blades every six to twelve months. In North Texas, summer heat kills blades faster than winter does.

Cooling System

Watch for the sweet smell of coolant after shutdown with no visible puddle. GM’s long-life coolant is generally rated for 5 years or 150,000 miles on the first fill and 5 years or 100,000 miles after that. Hoses and the surge tank should be inspected annually once past 80,000 miles.

Filters and Fluids

Watch for a diesel that derates or throws a fuel pressure code on a neglected filter. Follow the oil life monitor rather than a fixed mileage. Engine air filter every 30,000 to 45,000 miles. Transmission service intervals vary widely by transmission and by whether you tow.

Body and Exterior

Watch for a mirror that shakes at highway speed after a folding motor fails. Not a scheduled item. These are damage and failure replacements.

The Short Version

Wiper blades: Driver and passenger blades are frequently different lengths on the same vehicle.
Radiators: Engine, tow package and rear-A/C content all change the radiator and hose part numbers. Have the VIN ready.
Oil filters: Engine size and emissions equipment change the filter, and diesel filter kits in particular are not interchangeable across model years.
Mirrors: Trim level changes almost every exterior part. Take a photo of the connector on the part you are replacing before you order.

Everything here is available as a genuine GM part through our Buick OEM parts catalog. If you would rather search directly, search for LaCrosse parts.