Getting Ready for the Fall Season
Getting Your Car Ready for Fall - The temperatures become more tolerable,
the leaves begin to display an amazing contrast of colorful images throughout the
terrene. However, what comes next may be considered colorful only if you appreciate
the color white. Yes, winter. Its frigid temperatures and mounds of snow not only
weakens the spirits of some people, but also it inflicts many difficulties for those
who journey into the bitter cold relying on their automobile to take them for point
A to point B. Therefore, rather than just placing a snow brush or scrapper in your
car, it is important to prepare a vehicle for this harsh time of the year.
To begin, there are several checks and services one should consider for their
vehicle prior to winter’s arrival. Antifreeze, also known as
engine coolant, should be checked not only
for the boiling point, but also the freezing point. If the vehicle’s coolant hasn’t
been changed for more than three to four years, it would be wise to have the cooling
system flushed and new coolant installed. If your coolant is checked and the freezing
point is less than -15F, it can freeze even on a warmer day. Remember, when driving,
the wind chill passing through the radiator
is actually colder than the outside temp. As a result, the coolant can freeze even
if the ambient temperature is warmer than the freezing point of the coolant. Therefore,
it should be changed.
Additionally, this is a good time to open the hood and check
serpentine belts and hoses.
A broken belt, radiator or heater hose
can leave you stranded. Check the hoses for evidence of
leaks, bulging, or cracks. As far
as the belts, make sure they are tight and don’t have cracks or tears on them. Also,
while the hood is open, check your oil or have it changed if it is time, and take
a good look at the transmission fluid.
It should be a pinkish red color. If it is brown or discolored, having the
transmission serviced
is a good idea. It is also a good time to replace old and worn
wiper blades. With
slush and road grime, you need to have a good set of wiper blades to help eliminate
streaking while driving. There are wiper blades specifically designed for winter
use. The have a rubber boot that covers the entire blade assembly to help eliminate
icing. As a result, the blade will sit firmly on the windshield and not allow streaks.
Also, it is important to fill the
windshield washer reservoir
with a quality washer fluid. Remember, water will freeze, so it is important to
remove it and replace it with the correct fluid.
One of the most common problems during winter driving is a
dead battery. Often times, loose
or corroded battery terminals can cause a weak connection between the battery and
electrical components causing the vehicle to not start. Therefore, one should make
sure the terminals are clean and tight. Some baking soda and water will help clean
corrosion from the terminals. It is also recommended that you have your battery
load tested to determine if it is still in proper working order. This type of test
requires special tools. However, most parts stores offer the service free of charge.
If your battery is five years old or older, you may want to consider replacing it.
Tires are a very important any time of the year. However, winter driving conditions make it even more important to have good tread on the tires. If you live in a snowy area, it is recommended that the tires have at least 5/32” of tread. You may want them inspected by a technician if you are concerned. However, it is suggested that you ask a technician that works in a shop that doesn’t sell tires. Tire pressure is also important to check. Air contracts when it gets cold, so while the temperatures are still moderate, take the time to check and adjust pressure. Your owner’s manual will provide the proper pressures needed. And, don’t forget to check the spare tire’s air pressure, and make sure you have the factory tools needed to change a tire in the event of a flat. It is also a good time to check all lights on a vehicle. Make sure all brake lights, turn signal lights, parking lights, license plate lights, marker lights, fog lights, emergency flashers, and both high and low beam head lights are properly working. Finally, keep an emergency kit in the vehicle. A blanket, gloves, boots, and a scarf can become very helpful if the vehicle becomes disabled. Also, in the event the vehicle becomes stuck, sand or kitty liter can help the vehicle gain traction. Even a small shovel is a good idea to keep in the vehicle to help dig deep snow away from the vehicle’s tires. Winter can be a difficult time and it is demanding on any vehicle. Therefore, try to prepare yourself for any condition you may experience. Remember, mechanical problems can arise at any time. However, some problems can be eliminated with the proper preparation and maintenance. - By Joe Felicia - aka: Jacobandnickolas
If further assistance is needed, our certified car repair technicians are ready to answer your car questions. Related Car Repair Information
Tires are a very important any time of the year. However, winter driving conditions make it even more important to have good tread on the tires. If you live in a snowy area, it is recommended that the tires have at least 5/32” of tread. You may want them inspected by a technician if you are concerned. However, it is suggested that you ask a technician that works in a shop that doesn’t sell tires. Tire pressure is also important to check. Air contracts when it gets cold, so while the temperatures are still moderate, take the time to check and adjust pressure. Your owner’s manual will provide the proper pressures needed. And, don’t forget to check the spare tire’s air pressure, and make sure you have the factory tools needed to change a tire in the event of a flat. It is also a good time to check all lights on a vehicle. Make sure all brake lights, turn signal lights, parking lights, license plate lights, marker lights, fog lights, emergency flashers, and both high and low beam head lights are properly working. Finally, keep an emergency kit in the vehicle. A blanket, gloves, boots, and a scarf can become very helpful if the vehicle becomes disabled. Also, in the event the vehicle becomes stuck, sand or kitty liter can help the vehicle gain traction. Even a small shovel is a good idea to keep in the vehicle to help dig deep snow away from the vehicle’s tires. Winter can be a difficult time and it is demanding on any vehicle. Therefore, try to prepare yourself for any condition you may experience. Remember, mechanical problems can arise at any time. However, some problems can be eliminated with the proper preparation and maintenance. - By Joe Felicia - aka: Jacobandnickolas
If further assistance is needed, our certified car repair technicians are ready to answer your car questions. Related Car Repair Information