Cold Weather Tips: Even Your Car Can Get The Flu!
Are you and your family ready for the cold and flu season? How about your car? "The same snowy, freezing, damp weather that brings on the sniffles for people lowers the resistance in cars," says Joel Burrows, a.k.a. "The Car Doctor" and VP of Training/R&D at Precision Tune Auto Care (PTAC). “Motorists are more likely to face car trouble in winter than any other time of year,” says Burrows. The American Automobile Association reports that of the 21 million emergency road service calls they receive, most are in the late fall and winter. Of those calls, 40% involve vehicles that wouldn't start and 34% are for major mechanical failures requiring towing.
In light of those statistics, the Car Doctor suggests making sure "your car is healthy with a complete physical exam. Just as a cough is the signal for an on-coming cold, rough idling, hard starts, stalling or diminished power are signs of pending car trouble. A thorough inspection and analysis by a trusted professional assures that your car is running at maximum efficiency and provides insight to potential problems. Pay special attention to replacing dirty filters for air, fuel and crankcase ventilation when necessary."
In addition to the basics, Burrows identifies critical areas that cause car owners the most headaches during winters. He advises giving special attention to:
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Oil. Oil changes should be more frequent in winter. As temperatures drop, oil thickens and provides less efficient lubrication. Use lighter oil (5W-30 or 10W-40) or try synthetic oil, which flows better in extremely cold weather, offering more protection at start-up. For specific recommendations for your vehicle, always refer to the manufacturer’s service schedule.
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Antifreeze. Antifreeze, or “Engine Coolant” should be checked at every oil change not only for the proper level, but also for proper mixture concentration and pH level as well. The coolant must remove heat, lubricate and prevent corrosion. These tests and inspections will keep the cooling system in a good state of health for safe and reliable operation.
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Battery. At 32 degrees, a vehicle’s battery may have only 50% of its summer output but the engine can require almost twice the need for starting power. Check connections to assure a tight fit. Have your auto care service provider perform a load test on your vehicle’s battery and remove corrosion from posts and cable connections.
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Hoses. Hoses should be inspected every year and changed every three. They wear from the inside out, so defects are not always visible. Squeeze to detect loss of elasticity. Look for cracked, bulging, brittle or limp hoses.
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Belts. Check overall condition and tension on the belt. Too tight a belt can ruin an alternator; too loose can result in a dead battery. Look for cracks in serpentine type belts. Five cracks per inch in a serpentine belt is a good time to replace the belt to assure reliable operation of belt driven accessories.
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Tires. When the temperature drops so does the air pressure in tires. Improper inflation causes premature wearing which, in turn, can cause an accident. Check tire pressure when the tires are cold, not after driving. Also check for cuts, abrasions and uneven wear.
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Brakes. Road contamination and moisture can affect your braking ability. This is especially true in winter due to salt and other materials used to battle snow and ice. A thorough brake inspection, particularly of friction materials, like pads and shoes, is just what the doctor ordered.
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Heater/defroster. The heater and defroster provide warmth and comfort as well as good visibility for safe driving. A screeching sound when you turn on the heater or a stiff control lever can mean trouble so have it checked out.
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Fuel. In cold weather, keep your gas tank full. Pour a bottle of fuel de-icer in the tank once a month to prevent moisture from freezing in the fuel line.
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Windshield. Invest in rubber-clad winter blades that can help prevent ice and snow build-up. Wipers work harder clearing snow, frost, ice and road salt. Be sure that your windshield washer system operates properly. Select an oil change procedure that tops off this vital fluid when visiting your automotive service provider.
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Exhaust system. Have a qualified technician check your exhaust system on a lift for leaks, soft exhaust pipes, small holes in trunk and floorboards, and cracked rubber hangers or broken clamps. Failure to replace faulty components could be deadly.
"Each car, just like each person, is a little different,” Burrows notes, adding, “Learn about the needs of your own car. Everyone should begin a car preparedness inventory for each season by reading the owner's manual."