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Ready Now for Winter Driving: Ten Tips from the Pros Get
Ready Now for Winter Driving: Ten Tips from the Pros
Fall is the perfect time to undo the damage done by the heat and dust of summer and to prepare for cold-weather driving.
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), a non-profit group that administers national certification tests to automotive technicians, offers the following tips to help you get ready for winter driving. Some are easy; others require the skilled hands of a professional auto technician.
1. Getting Started. All drivers, even those who never pick up a wrench, should start by reading their owner's manual and becoming familiar with the basic systems. The manual provides useful tips on driving, safety, and maintenance.
All recommended service schedules should be followed. Consider the consequences of neglect: A survey of the nation's elite ASE-certified automotive technicians revealed that owners could extend the life of their vehicles by 50% or more through regular maintenance.
2. General Cleaning/Maintenance. Wash your vehicle and apply a protective coating of wax or polish. Inspect all lights and replace burned out bulbs. Replace worn wiper blades and make sure you have plenty of washer fluid. Carry emergency gear such as gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a flashlight, and a cell phone.
3. Battery. The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with the professional equipment available at good repair shops. Most people, though, can perform routine care. Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; retighten connections. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.
4. Engine Oil. The oil change is one of the most vital maintenance tasks, yet it is one of the most neglected. The oil and filter should be changed as specified in your owner's manual - more often (every 3,000 miles or so), if you do lots of stop-and-go driving, carry heavy loads, or drive long distances.
5. Cooling System. To help prevent radiator freeze-ups and/or overheating, the cooling system should be flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. Never remove the radiator cap until the engine has cooled down. A 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water is usually recommended. (Check manual to be certain.) The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps and hoses should be checked by a pro.
6. Engine Performance. Be prepared to describe changes in your engine's performance to a qualified technician. Rough idling, hard starts, stalling or diminished power should be corrected before harsh weather sets in. The air, fuel and PVC filters should be replaced according to the manufacturers' recommendations.
7. Heater/Defroster. For comfort and safety, the heater and defroster should be in good working condition. To prevent deadly fumes from entering the vehicle, have the exhaust system examined for leaks and the underbody and trunk inspected for small holes.
8. Tires. Balding tires are a safety hazard and of little use in snow and slush. Replace them. Tires should be rotated about every 5,000 miles. The air pressure should be checked once a month; let the tires "cool down" first. Check the sidewalls for nicks and cuts. Examine tires for tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping. Remember to check the spare tire and make certain the jack is in working condition. Use caution before installing tire chains; they are not compatible with some of today's "low profile" body styles and tire packages. Check your owner's manual.
9. Brakes. Regular maintenance will extend the life of the brakes and prevent more costly repairs due to neglect. Brakes should be inspected as recommended by your manual, or sooner if you notice pulsations, grabbing, noises, or longer stopping distances.
10. Finding Good Auto Service. Ask friends and associates for their recommendations. Contact your local consumer organization regarding reputation, complaints, etc. Look for vehicles of comparable value to your own on the lot.
Once inside, look for orderly conditions, modern equipment, customer service awards, and current training certificates. Policies regarding pricing and guarantees should be posted. The write-up staff should be courteous and willing to listen to you and answer your questions.
Technicians are the backbone of any repair establishment. A popular way to judge the know-how of individual technicians is to look for certification.
Besides giving you peace of mind this winter, a well-maintained vehicle is safer to drive, more economical to operate, and retains a greater portion of its resale value than one that's neglected. A win-win situation.
Reprinted with permission from the Car Care Council, Port Clinton, Ohio.