If the vehicle includes a winter cover, it enhances heater performance and reduces the amount of time it takes to warm the inside of the vehicle in extremely cold conditions (below 0°F (-18°C). The winter cover consists of two parts, the front bumper cover (if equipped) and the grille cover. The winter cover installs over the front bumper of the vehicle and restricts the air flowing to the engine compartment by covering the radiator grille.
Usage Guidelines
The winter cover should only be used while operating the vehicle in extremely cold temperatures or in heavy snow for extended periods of time. In these temperatures, the vehicle does not need a large amount of air to properly cool the engine. During periods of operation when more airflow is required to cool the vehicle, the winter cover should not be used. The following usage guidelines will allow adequate airflow for proper radiator grille and air cooler performance:
| • | Do not use the winter cover when temperatures are expected to be above 32°F (0°C). Use of the cover in these conditions could cause the vehicle to overheat. If this happens while the cover is being used, remove the cover. |
| • | Do not use the winter cover if towing a trailer. The added power needed to tow a trailer requires the radiator grille to have full airflow under all conditions. The vehicle may overheat if the cover is used while towing a trailer. |
| • | Do not modify the cover. The winter cover does not cover some sections of the front of the vehicle because these openings are needed to provide enough airflow to the radiator grille and air cooler in extremely cold temperatures. |
| • | When the winter cover is used, the temperature sensor found on the inside rearview mirror will not function properly. The temperature that is shown will be incorrect. |
| • | Keep the underside of the winter cover as clean as possible at all times. Remove monthly or as necessary and clean away dust and debris. |
| • | Use only a mild soap to clean the winter cover. Do not use harsh soap, strong detergents or vinyl protectant/sealant type products as they may destroy the special finish of the winter cover. Allow the winter cover to dry completely before reinstalling on the vehicle. |
Installation Instructions
The following instructions explain how to install and remove the winter cover. When installing or removing the cover please refer to the "Usage Guidelines" mentioned previously. When you first try to fit the cover it may appear to be undersized. This is due to the nature of the special vinyl, which will stretch during installation to ensure a tight fit. For this reason, the initial installation of the cover is best performed when the winter cover is warm.
Installation (Chevrolet)
Grille Cover
- Open the hood and prop it up.
- Slide the sides of the cover down into the channels on both sides of the back edge of the grille.
- Hook J-clips on to the top edge of the grille by the engine compartment.
- Hook J-clips to the side edge of the grille.
Hook J-clips to the bottom of the grille.
Lower Cover
- If you must use a license plate, or the vehicle has fog lamps, snip the black threads on the back of the license plate and fog lamp patches. Remove the license plate and fog lamp patches from the white felt backing.
- Fasten each J-hook to edge of the bumper.
- Fasten each L-hook to the bumper near the lower edge of the grille.
- Hook the J-clips on the bottom of the bumper.
If the cover has four pockets, insert the pockets between the grille and the bumper until they drop down behind bumper.
Push plastic inserts between the edge of the bumper and splash guard.
To remove the winter cover, reverse the steps listed previously.
Installation (GMC)
Lower Cover
- If you must use a license plate, or the vehicle has fog lamps, snip the black threads on the back of the license plate and fog lamp patches. Remove the license plate and fog lamp patches from the white felt backing.
- Fasten each L-hook to the bumper near the lower edge of the grille.
Fasten each J- hook to the edge of the bumper.
Insert plastic strips into the tab openings below the grille.
Hook the J-clips on the bottom of the bumper.
Grille Cover
- Open the hood and prop it up.
- Slide the sides of the cover down into the channels on both sides of the back edge of the grille.
- Hook the J-clips, located on to the top edge of the grille by the engine compartment.
- To remove the winter cover, reverse the steps listed previously.
Insert pockets between the grille and the bumper.
