Summertime is the Time
To Winterize Your Car!
By Daryl Hardwick
Daryl’s Automotive
I know it is hot outside, however that is a very good reason to remember that cold winter morning last year when you got ready for work and your car would not start. How did it happen?
Well, it probably happened because like the cricket in the old Aesop fable you chirped all summer and when winter came you were not prepared. But this year you can be like the squirrel in the story and get read for the winter months ahead. That way you will avoid a whole lot of problems for yourself. Because winter can be very tough on cars, and right now is the perfect time to get yours ready for those cold months ahead.
Here are some things you can do right now:
Check your antifreeze – Your car’s radiator has a mixture in it of half water and half antifreeze. We will check it for our customers for free, or you can spend about $5 for a tester and check it yourself. If your radiator needs to be flushed you need to know it now, not next winter when the temperature drops into the teens one night.
Inspect your tires – The last line of defense on a frozen road between you and an oak tree is your tires. Many people are hurt or killed with the money they saved on tires in their pocket. You need to inspect your tires right now. If they have not been rotated regularly and they are not in good shape, it makes no difference that they did not go the full 50,000 miles you thought the manufacturer promised you. You need to invest in a set of tires before winter gets here. When it gets cold be sure to check your tire pressure because tires always lose pressure in cold temperatures. Even brand new tires need to be properly inflated to perform the way you want and need them to.
Replace your wipers – Anything that falls from the sky lands on your windshield. Remember all that soupy muck you drove through last winter? Well it is coming back and you want to be sure your wipers are ready to handle it for you. It is a highly affordable thing to do, but it is also a very safe thing to do.
Check your windshield washer fluid – Believe it or not sloppy rainy weather is right around the corner. It is a simple thing that you will be glad you did the next time you get stuck behind an 18-wheeler in the rain. And don’t use anything but proper windshield washer fluid because it won’t freeze.
Check your battery – If your battery is getting close to the end of its natural life and the posts are all corroded there is a good chance you will be late for work on the first really cold day this winter. Make sure your car will start this fall and winter by making sure your car’s electrical system is up to snuff.
Check your spark plug wires – Another good idea before winter comes is to open the hood and look at your spark plug wires. If they are all cracked and broken now would be a good time to change them. It really does not cost a lot and if you save yourself the price of a tow truck you could be way ahead of the game money-wise.
Inspect your brakes - One place where you never want to cut corners are your car’s brakes. You need to have them professionally inspected at least annually and a good time to do that is right now before winter. You want to know your brakes have enough meat on them to get you through the season.
Check your engine oil – You should be doing this every month or so, but if you have not done it in a while now is the perfect time to get it done and get it off your mind.
Of course, we’re always available to help with any car care or maintenance questions or problems. Just give us a call at 769-2832. And remember, even as hot as it is, winter is right around the corner.