GM Parts Club
The first freeze of the year is a diagnostic event. Whatever was marginal in December is now obvious. Here is what to actually look at, using a 2018-2020 Buick Regal as the example.
Electrical and Charging
Watch for a battery that tests fine at the counter but fails after sitting three days. Batteries in Texas heat routinely give up between three and five years. Test annually after year three, before the first cold snap.
GM’s battery management system is calibrated to a specific battery chemistry, group size and reserve capacity.
Cooling System
Watch for a temperature gauge that climbs in traffic and drops back on the highway. 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.
GM cooling systems are DEX-COOL based and the seal and gasket materials are chosen for that chemistry.
Glass and Wipers
Watch for chattering or streaking that returns within a week of new blades. Blades every six to twelve months. In North Texas, summer heat kills blades faster than winter does.
Windshields with acoustic interlayer, HUD or camera brackets are not interchangeable with base glass.
The Short Checklist
- Batteries: Vehicles with stop-start often use two batteries. Confirm which one you are replacing before ordering.
- Radiators: Engine, tow package and rear-A/C content all change the radiator and hose part numbers. Have the VIN ready.
- Wiper blades: Driver and passenger blades are frequently different lengths on the same vehicle.
Ordering is easiest if you have the VIN in front of you. Head to our Buick OEM parts catalog to shop by vehicle, or search for Regal parts to go straight to a part.
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