Winter CAR CARE - maintenance tips

Ebony, Nov, 2001

GETTING the car ready for winter now can save you a lot of headaches and money later. So while you are changing your wardrobe, and making other personal and business adjustments, you should take time to winterize your car.

Check The Battery

The same battery that started the car with ease during the summer months loses some of its spark in the winter. At 32 degrees Fahrenheit, batteries lose 35 percent of their power, according to the Automobile Association of America (AAA), and fall off even further as the temperature drops.

Keep the battery's terminals clean, and if the battery is more than two years old, have a technician check the charging system to ensure it is ready for the cold. If there are signs of a weak battery, such as a grinding sound when the ignition is turned on, have the ear examined by a specialist.

Tire Safety Counts

Tire care is important for all seasons, but is magnified in the winter months. Tires should be inspected and rotated regularly.

Since tires become deflated as the temperature drops, it's important to monitor their pressure. Use a gauge to check the pressure when the tires are cold.

Rotation is crucial to the longevity of tires. And there's an added benefit to keeping tires up to par: fuel efficiency. When tires are inflated properly, cars have less resistance to overcome to move forward, and therefore use less fuel, according to AAA, to help to ease the pain of soaring gas costs.

Belts And Hoses Need Attention

Hoses, the arteries of a car's cooling system, are especially vulnerable to cold weather. Examine the hoses carefully and make sure there are no leaks, bulges or cracks. Broken belts are a driver's worst nightmare during any season because the engine will not work without them, and being stranded on a snowy, winter night can double the frustration. Try to prevent this fate by simply opening the hood to make sure the belts are tight; they should not flex more than a half an inch.

Fill The Fluids

To keep the car running smoothly this winter, oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid and coolant must be kept clean and plentiful. Oil, which lubricates the engine, should be checked and changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Also make sure the transmission and brake fluids are at proper levels.

Despite the chill outside, cars can overheat in the winter if they run low on or out of coolant. Coolant is also necessary to produce heat for the car. If the coolant has not been changed in more than two years, have the system flushed. When adding coolant, mix an equal part of water.

The gas tank should be kept close to full during the winter months to prevent frozen gas lines. Add a bottle of de-icer to the tank as a backup. Don't let the motor idle for more than a few minutes because it wastes gas and can damage the engine.

Keep The Car Clean

The combination of snow, deicing chemicals and road salt can take the luster off a car's finish. Therefore, the car needs a thorough cleaning every 10 days. When scraping off ice, use the scraper only on the windows and not the body to avoid damage to the finish. If there are scratches on the car, have them touched up by a professional immediately.

See And Be Seen

The importance of windshield wipers is magnified in the winter months. Replace blades that are not in good working order. Put only no-freeze windshield washer fluid in the washer reservoirs.

Having a clear view of your surroundings is crucial to your safety, the safety of your passengers and others on the road. Keep a scraper and a can of de-icer in the trunk at all times. Get rid of all snow and ice on the windows before beginning to drive.

Also, make sure others on the road can see you. Check headlights, taillights and blinkers, and replace any burned-out bulbs.

Take A Brake

Brakes are crucial to the safe operation of a car, especially in snowy weather. Listen carefully for changes in the sound during braking, and take notice if the brakes have longer stopping distances and unnecessary pulsing (Cars equipped with anti-lock brakes should feel pulsing during rapid stops only). If there are any problems, don't wait until the "Check Brakes" light appears; have the car checked immediately.

Other Important Tips

To avoid being locked out of the car because of cold weather, keep the doors, hinges and locks lubricated.

If you are trapped in the middle of a severe storm, stay inside the vehicle. Crack the window for ventilation and periodically run the engine and heater to stay warm.

The American Red Cross says motorists should keep an emergency supply kit in case they are stranded because of car trouble. The supply kit should contain battery jumper cables, a first-aid kit, shovel, basic tool kit (pliers, screwdriver, wrench, pocket knife), blankets, transistor radio, a bag of sand, and bright-colored cloth. If possible, motorists should carry a cellular phone so that they can call for help.

For more important tips on how you and your car can survive the winter months, visit the AAA's Web site at www.icepack.org.

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