As you shift into gear for fall and winter driving, here are 10 car-care tips to keep your engine humming and vehicle performance high, as the temperatures drop.
It's important to prepare for the upcoming fall and winter driving season, and there is a simple, comprehensive checklist to keep you -- and your automobile -- on the road in the cold. Here are the top tips for fall and winter driving:
Use the Three P's For Safe Fall & Winter Driving: The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration advises to prepare (maintenance checks) for the trip, Protect yourself (buckle up and use child safety seats) and Prevent (be alert, drive slower and avoid fatigue) crashes on the road.
Achieve Anti-Freeze: Check your anti-freeze for proper strength - it should be good to -35 degrees Celsius. Buy only ethylene glycol-based fluid with low freezing and high boiling points. The recommended anti-freeze lifetime is two years or 30,000 miles.
Fluid Mechanics: Oil change ... check your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommended winter rating. A 10W-30 weight oil works for everything short of arctic or alpine winter conditions.
Wiper-washer fluids ... keep your reservoir full with winter washer fluid -- a solvent that is good to 10 degrees below zero. Be sure your transmission fluid is clean.
Wipers, Belts and Hoses: Replace your wipers, especially for night driving and encounters with rain, sleet and snow. Check all belts and hoses ... cracked, frayed or worn rubber may not make it through the winter.
Check your tires: Take a long look at your tread. Driving in colder conditions, and on icy, snowy roads requires as much traction as your tires can deliver. Replace them if you see worn tread or sidewall damage. If you are unsure, place a penny -- Lincoln's head first -- in the tire tread. Consider buying new tires if the tread does not go past Lincoln's forehead.
Get A Charge From Battery, Electrical System: Check your battery and charging system. Fall and winter driving requires more power from your battery, so consider buying a stronger, heftier battery. Batteries lose power as the temperatures drop - so not only do you need more power to start the car, but you also get less power from your battery.
Winter emergency kit: Keep these must-have winter items in your trunk... heavy duty jumper cables, flashlight, emergency flares, ice scraper, snow brush, small shovel, abrasive material (sand, kitty litter), blanket, gloves, heavy socks, winter boots, and tire chains for snowy areas.
Keep your gas tank full: Always maintain a full gas tank ... if you get stranded or stuck in gridlock, your engine is your only source of heat.
Double-check rear window defroster: If some of the lines don't work, they can be repaired.
Plan your route: Allow plenty of time (check the weather and leave early), be familiar with map/directions, and let others know your route and arrival time.
