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The True Cost of Car Ownership in 2026: A North Texas Buyer's Guide

True Cost of Car Ownership: Complete Guide 2026

Commuters across the Dallas-Fort Worth metro, including Garland, Dallas, Plano, Frisco, and McKinney, routinely log higher annual mileage than national averages due to the area's sprawl and ongoing growth. When shopping for a vehicle, many buyers focus on the sticker price or monthly payment, missing the full picture of what ownership actually costs over time.

According to AAA's 2025 Your Driving Costs study, the average ownership cost for a new vehicle driven 75,000 miles over five years is $11,577 annually, or roughly $965 per month. This reflects a $719 decline from 2024, driven by lower depreciation, reduced finance charges, and falling fuel prices. Depreciation remains the largest single expense, with vehicles in the study losing an average of $4,334 in value annually. Finance charges average $1,131 per year on a typical loan, and fuel costs run about 13 cents per mile, or roughly $1,950 annually for 15,000 miles on a gasoline-powered vehicle. NerdWallet + 3

What Drives the True Cost of Ownership

Depreciation. New vehicles typically lose 15% to 20% of their value in the first year, followed by roughly 15% annually over the next several years. In a market like Dallas-Fort Worth, where trucks and SUVs remain popular, well-maintained vehicles with documented service history tend to hold resale value better than those without. A lifetime powertrain warranty, like the one included in Jupiter Chevrolet's Jupiter Advantage program, can support resale value by giving the next buyer assurance about the vehicle's mechanical condition.

Financing. Average finance charges run about $1,131 per year on a typical loan. Separately, Experian's State of the Automotive Finance Market report for Q3 2025 found average monthly payments of $748 for new vehicle financing, $596 for new vehicle leases, and $532 for used vehicles. Regardless of financing structure, most drivers commit to $500 or more monthly on payments alone, before insurance, fuel, and maintenance. NerdWallet

Insurance. Insurance costs vary by driver, location, and coverage level. Urban areas with higher traffic density and claim volume, including parts of Dallas and Garland, tend to see higher average premiums than less dense suburban areas. Texas's exposure to hail and severe weather is also a factor insurers weigh regionally, which can affect rates differently depending on where a vehicle is garaged.

Registration and fees. AAA reports the average car owner pays $813 annually for licensing, registration, and taxes. The exact amount varies by county and vehicle type, with Texas's 6.25% motor vehicle sales tax and local county fees factoring into the total at the time of purchase. NerdWallet

Fuel. AAA's study puts average fuel costs at 13 cents per mile, or about $1,950 annually for 15,000 miles driven on a gasoline-powered vehicle. Drivers with longer commutes, common across the spread-out DFW metro, should expect costs proportionally higher than this baseline if their annual mileage exceeds 15,000. NerdWalletaaa

Maintenance and repairs. Routine service and repairs typically run several thousand dollars over a five-year ownership period, varying significantly by vehicle type and how well maintenance is kept up. Texas's summer heat puts added strain on cooling systems and tires, making preventive maintenance, more important than in milder climates.

How to Budget More Accurately

Rather than relying on national averages alone, match your vehicle choice to your actual driving habits. A fuel-efficient model makes sense for shorter, stop-and-go commutes, while a more capable truck or SUV may be worth the higher operating cost if you're regularly towing or hauling. Buyers planning to keep a vehicle well past the typical five-year ownership window benefit most from a lifetime powertrain warranty, since it protects against major repair costs in years six, seven, and beyond, exactly when AAA's standard five-year cost model stops accounting for risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average monthly cost of owning a car in 2025?
According to AAA's 2025 study, the average cost of owning and operating a new vehicle is approximately $965 per month, or $11,577 annually, based on driving 15,000 miles per year. This includes depreciation, financing, fuel, insurance, maintenance, and registration. Monthly payments alone average $748 for new car financing, $596 for leases, and $532 for used vehicles, before adding insurance and other operating costs.

What is the biggest hidden cost of car ownership?
Depreciation is the largest and most overlooked expense, averaging $4,334 per year according to AAA. New vehicles typically lose 15% to 20% of their value in the first year, followed by roughly 15% annually over the next several years. This cost often exceeds what drivers pay in financing, fuel, or maintenance combined.

How much should I budget for registration and fees in Texas?
AAA's national average for licensing, registration, and taxes is $813 annually, though Texas-specific costs include a 6.25% motor vehicle sales tax at purchase plus county-level registration fees that vary by location.

Does a lifetime powertrain warranty actually save money long-term?
For buyers who keep a vehicle past the typical five-year ownership window used in cost studies, a lifetime powertrain warranty can meaningfully reduce risk, since major component failures (engine, transmission, drivetrain) become more likely as a vehicle ages and standard manufacturer warranties expire.


Disclaimer: This content is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice. Cost figures are based on national averages from AAA and Experian and may vary based on individual circumstances, vehicle type, and location.

Talk to Jupiter Chevrolet About Total Ownership Costs

Jupiter Chevrolet is located at 11611 LBJ Freeway in Garland and serves buyers across the Dallas metro, including Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Rockwall-Heath, Forney, Richardson, Mesquite, and Grapevine. Qualifying purchases include the Jupiter Advantage program with a lifetime powertrain warranty. Use the "Build My Deal" tool at jupiterchev.com to see financing options and total cost estimates before your visit.

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White Chevrolet Silverado High Country parked outside the Jupiter Chevrolet showroom in Garland, TX

How Do You Factory Order a New Chevy at Jupiter Chevrolet?

TL;DR You can factory order a new Chevrolet through a dealer like Jupiter Chevrolet in Garland. At Jupiter, you build the vehicle with the management team before the order gets a number and goes into GM's ordering system. From there, the General Manager or General Sales Manager tracks it through production and transportation. Jupiter is taking 2027 orders now on a first-come, first-served basis. A deposit isn't required on every order. Once GM accepts an order into production, Chevrolet says it can't be changed. Maybe you want a specific color, one particular package or a 2027 Silverado that hasn't reached any lot yet. If the Chevy you want isn't in inventory, a factory order is how you get it. Ordering means waiting, and waiting goes better when you know what's happening. Here's how a factory order works through Jupiter Chevrolet on I-635 in Garland and how to follow it. Can You Factory Order a New Chevy? Yes. Chevrolet sells new vehicles through its dealers, factory orders included. Chevrolet's own support page answers "How do I place an order for a new vehicle?" with one instruction: visit your preferred Chevrolet dealer. You don't order on Chevrolet's website. You choose the model, trim, engine, color and packages with a dealer, who submits the order to GM. Not every configuration can be ordered at every point in the model year, so that's part of the first conversation. How Does a Chevy Factory Order Work, Step by Step? A Chevy factory order through any Chevrolet dealer follows the same basic sequence: Build the vehicle with the dealer. Pick the model, trim, engine, drivetrain, color and packages. Weighing Silverado trims? Our guide to Silverado 1500 trims walks through them. Confirm the exact build. Go through every option line by line before the order is placed. Changes get harder once it moves forward. The order goes to GM. The dealer submits your build. You get an order number. When the order is received and accepted, Chevrolet emails a confirmation with your order details, order number and dealer contact information. Production and shipping. The order moves through scheduling, the build and transportation. Your dealer is your contact along the way. Delivery and paperwork. You finish the paperwork and take delivery. Our post on the car buying process at Jupiter Chevrolet covers that part. Placing an order with a dealer isn't the same as GM accepting it into production. Timing also depends on allocation, which is how GM spreads production for each model across its dealers, and GM's build constraints can limit which combinations are available at a given point in the model year. How Does Jupiter Chevrolet Handle a Factory Order? Start with what's already here. Jupiter orders its new inventory around what Garland-area buyers actually choose, including the trims, packages, colors and drivetrains that sell here, so the build you want may already be on the lot or on its way. If it isn't, here's how an order works at Jupiter: Sit down with the management team. You build the vehicle around what you want with Jupiter's management team. Together you review the model, trim, packages, equipment, colors, factory options, pricing and any deposit requirement. Your order gets a number. Once the build is final, Jupiter assigns an order number to you and the vehicle and enters the order into the General Motors ordering system. GM schedules it. Entering an order doesn't mean GM has accepted the vehicle for production yet. The order moves forward through GM's ordering process and the allocation GM awards Jupiter for an upcoming build cycle. Management tracks it. Jupiter's General Manager or General Sales Manager tracks your order, including its status, weekly order-placement activity, production timing and transportation, and keeps you updated until delivery. Jupiter opens its available allocation to customers across Chevrolet's lineup, from commercial and fleet vehicles to retail models and the Corvette. Some trucks also get dealer-installed accessories on site, like XPEL window tint or a Rhino Linings spray-in bed liner. Jupiter explains what's on the vehicle and what it costs before the deal is finalized, and you can tell us up front what you do or don't want. Do You Need a Deposit to Factory Order at Jupiter? Not always. Jupiter Chevrolet doesn't require a deposit on every customer order. Configurations Jupiter routinely stocks and sells. Jupiter may accept the order on your commitment, without a deposit. Special builds. A deposit may be required for unusual configurations, special colors, limited-production vehicles or other orders built around one customer's specifications. Corvette and other high-demand orders. These and other allocation-sensitive orders may carry additional deposit requirements. Either way, Jupiter goes over the vehicle, options, pricing, any deposit requirement and the ordering process with you before you commit. How Do You Track Your Chevrolet Order? You track it with the order number from Chevrolet's confirmation email. Chevrolet's track your vehicle order page says that email arrives once your order is "received and accepted" by your dealer. Save it. Chevrolet lists three ways to follow an order: Email notifications. Sign up on chevrolet.com for status emails. Have your order number ready. Chat or phone. Reach Chevrolet support by chat on chevrolet.com or at 1-800-222-1020. Your dealer. At Jupiter, the General Manager or General Sales Manager is tracking your order. You can also call 972-464-1093. One rule to know before you order: Chevrolet states that vehicle orders cannot be changed once they have been accepted into production. That's why step 2 matters. What Happens While You Wait? Use the wait to line up the rest of the deal. Trade-in. You can get a value on your trade now. A trade value reflects the vehicle and the market on the day it's appraised, so months of added miles and market changes can move that number. Our post on what your trade is worth in Garland explains what goes into it. Financing. Start on Jupiter's finance page and talk through options before the vehicle arrives. Upfits. If you plan to add a lift, wheels, tint or a bed liner, talk it through before delivery. The Jupiter Custom Shop handles upfits on the same Garland campus. Can You Order a 2027 Chevrolet at Jupiter? Yes. Jupiter Chevrolet is taking orders for 2027 Chevrolet models now. Orders are handled first-come, first-served, and fulfillment depends on GM's ordering availability and the allocation Jupiter receives. If you have a specific 2027 Chevrolet in mind, start the order early. Jupiter will work with you on the trim, packages, colors and options, then track the order as it moves. The two trucks most buyers are asking about: 2027 Silverado 1500. Chevrolet revealed it in June 2026 with next-generation 5.7L and 6.6L V8s alongside the 2.7L TurboMax and Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel. Seven trims: Work Truck, Custom, Silverado, Custom Trail Boss, Trail Boss, High Country and ZR2. Chevrolet says it's "expected to go on sale at the end of this year." 2027 Silverado HD. GM announced an available all-new Duramax 8.3L Turbo-Diesel V8, with an enhanced 6.6L gas V8 as standard. GM says the HD is "expected to arrive at U.S. dealers beginning late 2026." Those are GM's expectations, not delivery dates. Ask Jupiter which 2027 builds can be ordered for your truck. Should You Order or Buy From the Lot? Buying from the lot is often the right call. If a vehicle in stock fits what you need, you drive it home soon and skip the wait. Ordering makes sense when nothing in inventory fits. Your situation Lean toward You need a vehicle soon The lot A stock vehicle has what you need, even in your second-choice color The lot You want a trim, engine and package combination that isn't in stock Ordering You want a 2027 model that hasn't reached dealers Ordering (Jupiter is taking 2027 orders now) Start with Jupiter's new inventory and search by trim and options. Whether you're after a 2027 Silverado, a work truck for your fleet or a Corvette built your way, come see us on I-635 in Garland. Jupiter Chevrolet has been family-owned since 1925. We'll check what's on the lot first. If it isn't there, we'll build it with you. Shop New Inventory at Jupiter Chevrolet in Garland, or call 972-464-1093 to start an order. Frequently Asked Questions How long does it take to factory order a Chevy? There isn't one standard wait. Timing depends on the model, the build, GM's production schedule and the allocation the dealer receives. Once your order is accepted, Chevrolet emails an order number you can use to sign up for status notifications on chevrolet.com. At Jupiter Chevrolet in Garland, the General Manager or General Sales Manager tracks your order and keeps you updated. Can I change my order after it's placed? Not once production starts. Chevrolet states that vehicle orders cannot be changed once they have been accepted into production. Before then, ask your dealer what's still possible. The safest approach is to review every option with Jupiter Chevrolet's management team before the order is entered. How do I track my Chevrolet order? Use the order number in the confirmation email Chevrolet sends after your order is accepted. On chevrolet.com you can sign up for status emails, chat with Chevrolet support or call 1-800-222-1020. Jupiter Chevrolet customers can also call the dealership at 972-464-1093. Do I need a deposit to factory order a Chevy? Not always. Jupiter Chevrolet doesn't require a deposit on every order and may accept orders for configurations it routinely stocks and sells without one. A deposit may be required for special builds, unusual configurations, special colors and limited-production vehicles, and Corvette and other high-demand orders may have additional requirements. Jupiter discusses any deposit with you before the order is final. Who keeps me updated after I order at Jupiter Chevrolet? Jupiter's General Manager or General Sales Manager tracks customer orders, including order status, weekly order-placement activity, production timing and transportation. They keep you informed through ordering, production and delivery. Can I order a 2027 Chevrolet now? Yes. Jupiter Chevrolet is taking orders for 2027 Chevrolet models on a first-come, first-served basis, with fulfillment depending on GM's ordering availability and Jupiter's allocation. Chevrolet says the 2027 Silverado 1500 is expected to go on sale at the end of 2026, and GM says the 2027 Silverado HD is expected at U.S. dealers beginning late 2026. Call Jupiter Chevrolet at 972-464-1093 to start an order. Can I factory order a Chevy Silverado from a dealer near Dallas? Yes. Chevrolet factory orders go through Chevrolet dealers, including Jupiter Chevrolet on I-635 in Garland, just east of Dallas. Check current Silverado inventory first, since the truck you want may already be on the lot. If it isn't, Jupiter's management team can build the exact configuration with you and enter the order into GM's system. Ordering, availability, production timing and model-year details are set by Chevrolet and GM and can change. Specifications are from Chevrolet as of October 2026. Jupiter Chevrolet will confirm what can be ordered for your specific vehicle. About the Author Eric Fussell is the General Manager of Jupiter Chevrolet in Garland, Texas. He works with Jupiter's sales, service, parts and collision teams to help customers understand their vehicles, their ownership options and the programs that come with buying and owning a Chevrolet in North Texas. Methodology This guide uses Chevrolet's vehicle-ordering and order-tracking information and General Motors announcements on the 2027 Silverado 1500 and Silverado HD, current as of October 2026. Manufacturer timing is an expectation, not a delivery date for any one vehicle. Jupiter's ordering, deposit and order-tracking details come from General Manager Eric Fussell (October 2026). Sources & Further Reading How to Track Your Chevrolet Vehicle Order, Chevrolet — order number, email notifications, contact options, no changes once in production. Chevrolet Introduces the Next-Generation 2027 Silverado 1500, Chevrolet Pressroom (June 16, 2026) — 5.7L and 6.6L V8s, engine lineup, seven trims, on sale end of 2026. GM Raises the Bar for Heavy-Duty Power, Capability and Control, GM News (September 24, 2026) — Duramax 8.3L, 6.6L gas V8, HD arrival late 2026. New Inventory, Jupiter Chevrolet — vehicles in stock in Garland. Finance, Jupiter Chevrolet — financing. Published: November 6, 2026 | Last updated: November 6, 2026

ACDelco parts on shelves in the Jupiter Chevrolet parts department in Garland, TX

Where DFW Body Shops and Mechanics Get OEM Chevy Parts

TL;DR Jupiter Chevrolet's parts department in Garland sells GM parts wholesale to independent repair shops, body shops and used-car dealers across DFW. Jupiter keeps engines, transmissions and body parts in a 40,000-square-foot warehouse, delivers same-day and next-day orders to shops across the metroplex and will price match. Call 972-864-9725 with a VIN or part number and ask for the parts counter. You've got a Silverado on the lift, the customer wants it back and the part you need isn't on your shelf. What matters now is simple: who has it, how fast it gets to your bay and whether it's the right part the first time. That's the call our parts counter in Garland takes all day. Here's what we keep on hand, how delivery works and how to start ordering. Where Do DFW Shops Get OEM Chevy Parts Fast? When a GM dealer has the part in stock nearby and can deliver it, that can save a shop from waiting on a longer parts order. Jupiter Chevrolet's parts department on I-635 in Garland sells GM parts to the trade, and most of our wholesale customers are local independent mechanics, body shops and used-car dealers reconditioning inventory. Most shops order the way they always have: by phone or at the counter. What Does Jupiter's Wholesale Parts Counter Stock? Jupiter stocks parts in two places. Quick-turn parts sit at the parts counter at the dealership, and the big, slow-to-source parts that stall a repair live in our 40,000-square-foot warehouse. Engines and transmissions. Including 5.3L and 6.2L V8s, plus engines for smaller Chevys like the Traverse and Equinox, along with diesel parts. Stocked in the warehouse. Body parts. Big collision parts like frames and door panels, for local body shops and for Jupiter Collision Center on our own campus. This is a category we've been growing. Quick-turn parts. Brakes, batteries, filters and other fast-moving parts, stocked at the dealership counter for quick turnaround. Not on the shelf? We source it. Whatever a shop orders, we'll track it down and bring it out. GM sells parts under two names. GM Genuine Parts is GM's original-equipment line for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac. ACDelco includes GM original-equipment parts plus Gold and Silver lines that also cover other makes. Tell the counter which line your job calls for, and have the VIN ready so we pull the right part number. "A lot of shops come to our counter expecting genuine GM parts to cost more, and they find out we're actually cheaper than aftermarket on a lot of products." Eric Fussell, General Manager, Jupiter Chevrolet That's also where most price matching happens. Show the counter a lower price on an aftermarket part, whether it's from a website or a store down the street, and we'll try to match it with the genuine GM part. We'll price match in-stock and sourced parts, and on select parts we can sometimes beat the offer. How Does Parts Delivery Work for Local Shops? Jupiter delivers anywhere in DFW, from Garland and Mesquite to Rowlett, Rockwall, Dallas and all the way to Fort Worth. Delivery is mainly for wholesale accounts and covers same-day and next-day orders, from quick-turn parts up to engines and transmissions. Call the counter, confirm the part is in stock and ask when it can reach your bay. Why Do GM's Repair Positions Matter When You Order Collision Parts? For collision repairs on GM vehicles, GM's position is specific. Its Aftermarket Parts collision position statement (Sept. 18, 2026) says GM "strictly prohibits the use of non-GM approved salvage, recycled/used, or non-Genuine aftermarket parts" on its brands, and that GM requires OE parts and GM-approved repair procedures "to ensure continued warranty coverage." GM also publishes position statements for specific systems. Its Windshield Replacement statement prohibits aftermarket glass, notes it can differ in optical clarity and calls for camera calibration after replacement. Those statements cover collision repair. They aren't a rule for every mechanical job, and plenty of shops use aftermarket parts on routine work. For collision, structural or driver-assistance repairs on a GM vehicle, GM's published position gives shops and vehicle owners a manufacturer-backed reference for the parts and procedures GM calls for. We see it on our own campus. Jupiter Collision Center works from GM repair procedures, and Collision Center Manager Zach Preddy has described an aftermarket windshield whose glass clarity caused an ADAS calibration failure. How Does a Shop Start Ordering? The fastest way to start is a phone call. Call the parts counter at 972-864-9725, or walk up to the counter in Garland. Have the VIN or part number ready. It's the quickest way to pin down the exact GM part for the vehicle in your bay. Ask whether it's in stock in Garland. If it isn't, ask what sourcing looks like before you commit the job. Ask about a price match. Found the part cheaper somewhere else? Ask the counter to match it. Ask about a wholesale account and delivery. The counter can walk you through setting up an account and delivery to your shop. If your shop works on Chevys around Garland, Mesquite or Rowlett, call the parts counter before your next job stalls and ask what's on the shelf today. Call the Parts Counter at Jupiter Chevrolet in Garland: 972-864-9725. Frequently Asked Questions Do you sell parts to body shops and independent mechanics? Yes. Jupiter Chevrolet sells GM parts wholesale to independent repair shops, body shops and used-car dealers from its parts counter in Garland, TX. Most of our wholesale customers are local shops. Call 972-864-9725 and ask for the parts counter, or walk up to the counter on I-635. Have the VIN or part number ready. Does Jupiter deliver parts to shops in DFW? Yes. Jupiter Chevrolet delivers wholesale parts orders anywhere in DFW, from Garland to Fort Worth, on same-day and next-day orders. Call the parts counter at 972-864-9725 to confirm the part is in stock and when it can reach your shop. Do you carry engines and transmissions? Yes. Jupiter Chevrolet keeps engines and transmissions, including 5.3L and 6.2L V8s, in its 40,000-square-foot Garland warehouse, along with body parts like frames and door panels. Quick-turn parts like brakes, batteries and filters are stocked at the dealership counter. Call the parts counter at 972-864-9725 with the VIN or part number to confirm what's on the shelf. What's the difference between GM Genuine Parts and ACDelco? Jupiter Chevrolet sells GM parts, and GM sells them under two names: GM Genuine Parts, the original-equipment line for GM vehicles, and ACDelco, which includes OE parts plus Gold and Silver aftermarket lines. Tell the Jupiter parts counter in Garland which line your job calls for, and they'll check what's in stock. Will you price match a part? Yes. Jupiter Chevrolet will price match parts, and on select parts can sometimes beat the offer. Most price matches are genuine GM parts matched to an aftermarket price a shop found online or at another store. Call the parts counter at 972-864-9725 with the part number and the price you found. Which Chevy dealer near Garland sells OEM parts wholesale? Jupiter Chevrolet on I-635 in Garland, TX, sells GM parts wholesale to independent shops, body shops and used-car dealers. Jupiter stocks engines, transmissions and body parts in a 40,000-square-foot warehouse, delivers anywhere in DFW and will price match. Shops from Garland to Fort Worth can call 972-864-9725. Parts availability, delivery areas and account terms are set by Jupiter Chevrolet and can change. Always follow GM Service Information and repair procedures for the specific vehicle, and confirm stock with the parts counter before you commit a repair. About the Author Eric Fussell is the General Manager of Jupiter Chevrolet in Garland, Texas. He works with Jupiter's sales, service, parts, and collision teams to help customers understand their vehicles, their ownership options, and the programs that come with buying and owning a Chevrolet in North Texas. Methodology This article uses General Motors parts information and GM's collision repair position statements, current as of October 2026. Statements about GM-required parts and procedures are limited to what those collision position statements say. Jupiter's inventory, delivery, price matching and counter details come from General Manager Eric Fussell (October and November 2026). Sources & Further Reading Collision Position Statement: Aftermarket Parts, General Motors (Sept. 18, 2026) — GM prohibits non-Genuine aftermarket parts in collision repairs; OE parts required for warranty coverage. Collision Position Statement: Windshield Replacement, General Motors (Sept. 18, 2026) — aftermarket glass clarity differences; calibration required after windshield replacement. Position Statements & Safety Information, GM Parts — index of GM collision repair position statements. About Us, GM Parts — GM Genuine Parts and ACDelco brand definitions. Jupiter Collision Center — GM collision repair on the Jupiter campus. Jupiter Chevrolet Service — service and parts departments in Garland. Published: November 5, 2026 | Last updated: November 5, 2026

Jupiter Chevrolet service advisor walking around a black Chevrolet Equinox in the Garland, TX service drive

Daylight Saving Time Has Ended: Is Your Car Ready for Darker Drives Home?

TL;DR Daylight saving time ended Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, moving many DFW commutes home into darkness for the rest of the fall and winter. A five-minute check of headlights, lenses, wipers, washer fluid, windshield and mirrors helps you see and be seen. Jupiter Chevrolet in Garland checks lighting, wipers and fluids in the 151-point inspection on every service visit. If you leave work around 5:30, your drive home on I-635 now starts with headlights on, and it will through the winter. Your lights and glass suddenly matter a lot more. Here is a quick driveway check, plus what our service team looks at. How Did Nov. 1 Change Your Commute? Clocks fell back one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, so the evening rush that ran in daylight in October has moved toward dusk and dark. In April 2025 Senate testimony, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported that crashes resulting in pedestrian or bicyclist deaths rose 13% in the five weeks after the fall time change (2010 to 2019 data). Separate IIHS research found good-rated headlights were associated with a 19% lower nighttime single-vehicle crash rate than poor-rated ones. The clock change itself doesn't make your car any less safe. It moves more of your normal driving into the dark, which is when lights and clean glass do the most work. Your 5-Minute Visibility Check Park facing a wall or garage door, then: Headlights. Try low and high beams. Both sides should match in color and brightness. Lenses. In daylight, look for yellow or cloudy plastic. Wipers. Run them with fluid. Streaking, skipping or chattering means worn rubber. In North Texas it doesn't rain often enough to notice a cracked blade until the day you need it. Washer fluid. Top it off before evening glare hits a dusty windshield. Windshield. Look for chips or cracks in your line of sight. Clean the inside of the glass too. Mirrors. Clean all three and angle them so trailing headlights don't hit your eyes. What Should You Do About Hazy Headlights? Have them looked at. Most headlight lenses are polycarbonate plastic with a protective coating, and sunlight breaks that coating down over time. Years of strong sun exposure can speed that deterioration. In AAA testing, deteriorated headlights on low beam put out just 22% of the light of new ones. Not every hazy lens is that far gone, but if yours look yellow or dull, mention it to your service advisor. On the service drive, advisors look for fading, water inside the lens and lamps that aren't as bright as they should be. Jupiter can often correct the haze, though some headlights need to be replaced instead. Jupiter Collision Center or the Jupiter Custom Shop, both on the same Garland campus, handles the repair. What Does Jupiter Check When You Come In? Every service visit at Jupiter Chevrolet includes our 151-point inspection, which covers lighting, wipers and fluids. Results are graded green (good to go), yellow (take care of it soon) or red (needs attention now). You don't have to fix anything the same day. When you pull into the service drive, expect your service advisor to run your wipers and washer spray with you, so you can both see how they're working before winter rain and ice arrive. More in our standard service visit post. In the service drive, our drive-over scanner captures 360-degree imagery and reads tire tread. You also get a free recall, tire, and alignment check with every service visit. Not due for service? In some cases, including for existing customers, Jupiter may offer a complimentary standalone inspection, so call the service department to ask. "Basically, it's the vehicle's report card." Jason Ashcroft, Fixed Operations Director, Jupiter Chevrolet If your check turned up a dim bulb, a streaky wiper or a chipped windshield, bring it to Jupiter on I-635 in Garland before the drive home gets dark. Schedule Service at Jupiter Chevrolet in Garland, or call 972-464-1093. Frequently Asked Questions When did daylight saving time end in 2026? Daylight saving time ended Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026 at 2 a.m. local time, when clocks fell back one hour, according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology. After that, many Garland and Dallas commuters drive home in the dark. Why are my headlights yellow or cloudy? Sunlight breaks down the protective coating on plastic headlight lenses until they turn yellow or cloudy. Years of strong sun exposure can speed that up. AAA found deteriorated headlights on low beam produced just 22% of the light of new ones. If yours look hazy, ask your Jupiter Chevrolet service advisor to take a look. When the haze can be corrected, Jupiter Collision Center or the Jupiter Custom Shop handles the restoration on the same Garland campus. How often should I replace wiper blades in Texas? AAA's rule of thumb is every 6 to 12 months, and it notes that intense sun and high heat wear the rubber out faster. Texas drivers often forget them because it doesn't rain much, so replace them sooner if they streak, skip or chatter. Jupiter Chevrolet checks wipers in the 151-point inspection on every service visit. Does the Jupiter Advantage cover windshield damage? The Jupiter Advantage includes a One-Year Protection Bundle that lists windshield repair. Eligibility depends on the written program terms, so check the Jupiter Advantage page or ask Jupiter Chevrolet in Garland whether your vehicle is covered. Where can I get my headlights and wipers checked near Garland, TX? Jupiter Chevrolet on I-635 in Garland checks lighting and wipers in the 151-point inspection on every service visit. Not due for service? In some cases, including for existing customers, Jupiter may offer a complimentary standalone inspection, so call the service department to ask. Call 972-464-1093 or schedule online. It's a short drive from Mesquite, Rowlett and East Dallas. Bulb types, wiper sizes and maintenance needs vary by model and model year. Always follow your owner's manual. Jupiter Advantage eligibility, coverage, maintenance requirements, exclusions and claims are governed by the written program terms. About the Author Eric Fussell is the General Manager of Jupiter Chevrolet in Garland, Texas. He works with Jupiter's sales, service, parts, and collision teams to help customers understand their vehicles, their ownership options, and the programs that come with buying and owning a Chevrolet in North Texas. Methodology This article uses 2026 daylight saving time information from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, crash and headlight research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and headlight and wiper guidance from AAA, current as of October 2026. The AAA 22% figure describes the deteriorated headlights in that test, not every cloudy lens. Jupiter's inspection details come from Jupiter Chevrolet's General Manager and on-record interviews with Fixed Operations Director Jason Ashcroft. Sources & Further Reading Testimony of David Harkey before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, IIHS (April 10, 2025) — 13% rise in pedestrian and bicyclist fatal crashes after the fall change. Good IIHS headlight ratings linked to lower crash rates, IIHS (Oct. 14, 2021) — 19% lower nighttime single-vehicle crash rate. Daylight Saving Time, NIST — DST ends Nov. 1, 2026 at 2 a.m. AAA Illuminates the Dangers of Driving with Cloudy Headlights, AAA (Dec. 11, 2018) — sunlight damage to lens coating; 22% light output. When to Replace Your Windshield Wipers and Why It Matters, AAA (Jan. 10, 2026) — 6 to 12 month wiper guideline; heat wear. The Jupiter Advantage, Jupiter Chevrolet — One-Year Protection Bundle; free checks. Schedule Service, Jupiter Chevrolet — booking. Published: November 3, 2026 | Last updated: November 3, 2026