With summer gone, and winter all over us, we will soon be entering the
toughest driving season for many vehicles. With that thought in mind, it is a good idea to properly prepare these vehicles for the cold. Proper
preventative maintenance can help to avoid potentially dangerous vehicle
problems.
Performing this type of preventative maintenance will reduce the chances
of your winter driving being interrupted by vehicle problems. What's more,
you'll probably extend the life of your vehicle. Have a safe winter driving
season.
Heater - You wouldn't want your heater to fail during a long cold winter. In
very cold areas, where cold fronts, accompanied by blizzard-like conditions
occur, the loss of your heater can be much more than just an inconvenience.
Heater hoses and their connections should be checked before the onset of cold
weather.
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Air Filter - If your air filter has not been changed recently, this is a good
time to do so.
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Belts & Hoses - It's a good idea to check all belts and hoses before winter
sets in. Belts should be checked for proper tension and wear. Either replace
questionable belts or carry spares and the tools to install them. Check hoses
for wear and tear. Replace any that look questionable. To be needlessly
stranded, in the dead of winter because of a hose or belt problem, is
potentially dangerous.
Antifreeze-Coolant - As winter approaches, one of the most important things
you can do for your car is check the antifreeze. Most manufacturers recommend
a 50:50 mixture of antifreeze to water which will provide protection against
freezing down to -35 degrees F. Antifreeze content is easily measured with a
float hydrometer. If your coolant has not been changed in the last two years,
it is a good idea to drain the old coolant for proper disposal and replace
with a fresh mixture. Antifreeze, while very stable, will degrade over time.
When it degrades, its ability to protect your engine diminishes.
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Battery - One of the most common cold weather problems is battery failure. As
a battery ages, its ability to provide adequate current at low temperatures
decreases. Thus, it is possible for a battery to appear to behave normally in
warm weather and then fail to crank after sitting overnight in cold
temperatures. Be sure to check the fluid level in each cell of a non-sealed
battery and check for proper charge. No one wants to be stranded due to a
dead battery.
Brakes - Examine the brake pads and/or shoes for remaining life. it's easier
to replace brakes locally than on the road. While examining the brake system,
make sure to check the brake fluid level. As most brake fluids are glycol
based, they absorb water over time, through brake system seals, hoses and
caps. If the water level reaches a significant concentration, a hot running
brake system can boil the brake fluid, forming a compressible vapor in the
brake line, which in severe cases can cause spongy brakes or brake failure.
Do not ignore proper brake fluid maintenance. And be sure to install the
proper fluid. Contamination with the wrong product can lead to brake system
failure.
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Lubrication System - Before any long trip, it is a good idea to change engine
oil and filter, as well as performing any routine chassis and general
lubrication. Some vehicles require changes in motor oil viscosity grades in
colder weather from those recommended in warm weather. Be sure to check your
owner's manual for the proper viscosity grade. The vast majority of late
model American and Japanese cars and light trucks list 5W-30 and l0W-30 as
the only recommended viscosity grades
for all-temperature service.
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Tires - Before any trip, check for adequate remaining tread and adjust for
the recommended pressure. Proper pressure will not only increase the life of
a tire, but will improve fuel economy as well, which can be very important on
a long trip. Always check tire pressure when the tires are cold. Be sure to
check the spare also.
Under-the-Hood Fluids - Check the fluid levels not previously mentioned,
including the power steering fluid reservoir, windshield washer reservoir,
automatic transmission, manual gearbox, and differential(s). Investigate any
unexplained fluid losses.
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Windshield Wipers - The time to check wiper blades is just before and after
winter. Winter driving in sleet, snow and ice is the toughest punishment that
your wiper blades will ever see. Having old worn blades at the onset of
winter could lead to dangerous driving conditions should you encounter any
bad weather.
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