Winter car care - Automobiles

Ebony, Nov, 2002

For some nature lovers, there's a special kind of magic about driving during the winter. The crisp air on your face, the beautiful landscape of snow-capped trees and the flapping sounds of birds heading south can be especially exhilarating.

But those who do not winterize their automobiles now may have to face the sound of a stalled engine, the bright lights of a tow truck and the sound of money unnecessarily leaving their pocket later on.

If you want to avoid that scenario, the following vehicle safety tips can, experts say, prevent you from being stranded on the side of the winter road.

Refer to your automobile's owner's manual before making any adjustments to your vehicle.

CHECK YOUR BATTERY

Batteries tend to lose some of their spark during the colder months--at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, batteries lose 35 percent of their power, according to the Automobile Association of America (AAA). As the temperature dips, so does your battery's power, so 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 that it is ready for the cold months ahead. If there are signs of a weak battery, such as a grinding sound when the ignition is turned on, have the car fully examined by a specialist.

BE TIRE SMART

The Rubber Manufacturers Association suggests that you take just five minutes every month to check the following:

Pressure: A tire can lose up to half of its air pressure and not appear flat, so it's important to check your air pressure. Underinflated tires are not only a driving hazard, but they can also lead to tire stress, irregular wear, loss of control and accidents. Alignment: Hitting a pothole or a curb can throw your front end out of alignment and damage your tires. Have a specialist check the alignment periodically. Rotation: In most cases, irregular tire wear can be corrected by rotating your tires. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual or the tire manufacturer for the appropriate rotation pattern for your vehicle. Keep in mind that irregular tire wear may also be caused by misalignment, imbalance or another mechanical problem. Tread: Tires must be replaced when the tread is worn down to 1/16 of an inch in order to prevent skidding. Some tires have built-in tread-wear indicators, which are narrow strips of smooth rubber across the tread that appear when the tread is worn down. If you do not have tread-wear indicators, an easy test is to place a penny into a tread groove. If part of Lincoln's head is covered by the tread, you're driving with the proper amount of tread. If you can see Lincoln's entire head, then you need new tires.

MAINTAIN PROPER FLUID LEVELS

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

No matter how cold it gets, your car can still overheat in the winter if it runs low on or is 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.

Your gas tank should never hit the halfway mark during the cold months. In order to prevent frozen gas lines, the tank should be kept close to full. Add a bottle of de-icer to the tank as a backup.

Almost everyone can appreciate a toasty car in the dead of winter, but be careful. Letting the motor idle for more than a few minutes wastes gas and may damage your engine.

TEND TO BELTS AND HOSES

Your engine will not work with broken belts. To prevent a major hassle, pop the hood and make sure the belts are tight. They should not flex more than half an inch. While you're checking your belts, you should inspect your hoses as well. Your hoses, also known as the arteries of the car's cooling system, are especially defenseless during the colder months. Protect your car's cooling system by examining the hoses carefully, paying close attention to leaks, bulges or cracks.

GIVE YOUR BRAKES A BREAK

If your "check brakes" light is flashing, have your car checked immediately. Brakes are crucial to the safe operation of a car, especially on slick and icy roads. 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 pulse during rapid stops only). If there are any problems with your brakes, have them serviced by a professional.

MAINTAIN A CLEAR VIEW OF THE ROAD

When driving, you should always aim to see and to be seen by others. Replace your windshield wiper blades if they are not in good working order. Put only no-freeze windshield washer fluid in the washer reservoirs. Keep an ice scraper and a can of de-icer in the trunk of your car at all times. Don't be lazy; get rid of all of the snow and ice on your windshield prior to driving. Also, make sure others can see you. Check headlights, tail-lights and replace any burned-out bulbs.