fall/winter tips

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As summer ends, it’s time to start thinking about the colder weather ahead and your vehicle. Autumn is the ideal time for automotive maintenance and repair. Make sure you're car is mechanically sound before the temperature dips and the streets get icy. First, if you're a Do-It-Yourselfer, get under the hood. Otherwise, find a repair shop with a courteous staff, qualified technicians, and modern equipment. Look for repair facilities that employ ASE-certified automotive technicians to do those jobs you cannot or do not want to perform. Winter only magnifies existing problems like pings, hard starts, sluggish performance or rough idling, so make certain the engine is in peak condition. An inconvenience in the summer, stalling can be deadly in winter storms.

1. Read your owner's manual and follow the manufacturer's service intervals.

2. Cooling system

Check the coolant (antifreeze); coolant should be flushed and refilled every two years in most vehicles. Maintaining the freshness and level of the antifreeze in your cooling system is as easy as 1-2-3.

• coolant tip 1 Maintaining the whole system
• coolant tip 2 How to top up and flush your coolant
• coolant quiz Check your cool quotient with a cooling system quiz

3. Oil change

Check the owner's manual to see if your driving habits are considered "severe." This may include driving in stop-and-go traffic, frequent short trips, extreme temperatures, or towing and hauling, all of which require more frequent oil changes, usually every 3000-3500 miles.

If you live in a cold climate (sub-zero driving temperatures) consider dropping your oil weight from 10-W30 to 5-W30, a "winter weight" oil, for less wear and tear on the engine.

• Save your car and save money
• Routine maintenance is the easiest way to have a long-lasting automobile

4. Several "must check" items under the hood

• Battery: How old is your battery? If it’s three or more years old, it should be tested and replaced if necessary. Even a strong battery that can deliver full power at 80 degrees F. will have dropped to 65 percent of its output at freezing temperature and only 40 percent at zero degrees.Clean and tighten battery terminals, as loose or corroded connections can cause symptoms of a weak or dead battery.
  • battery tip 1 How to shop for a battery
  • battery tip 2 Connecting jumper cables
  • battery tip 3 Lead-acid batteries top the nation's recycling list
  
  
• Exhaust system: Have the vehicle put on a lift for an inspection of the exhaust system. Inspect for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Leaking exhaust fumes can be deadly and must be corrected without delay. Look underneath for loose or broken exhaust clamps and supports. Check for holes in the muffler or pipes. Replace rusted or damage parts.
  
• The Heater/Defroster should be in good working condition.


• Gas Tank: Keep the gas tank full. In addition to staying ready for the road, a full fuel tank decreases the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing.

5. Exterior concerns

• Tires: When was the last time you checked the air pressure in your spare tire, or any of your tires for that matter? Both tire tread and tire pressure should be checked weekly. Don't forget to check that you have the jack. If you will be driving regularly in the snow or ice replace worn tires with all-season radials or snow tires designed to grip slick roads.
  • tire tip 1 Air your spare (tire)
  • tire tip 2 Are you prepared to change a flat?
  • tire tip 3 Atmospheric conditions can affect tire pressure
  
  
• Lights: Lights should be inspected regularly. Check to see that bulbs are illuminated, and headlights are properly aimed.
  


• Wipers: Replace wiper blades every six months. Keep plenty of washer fluid on hand to fight road salt, grit, and other grime.
  • wiper tip 1 Wiper Blades Enhance Visability, Driver Safety
  • wiper tip 2 This Halloween - Change Your Clocks, Change Your Wiper Blades
  • wiper tip 3 Safe Winter Driving Starts With Fresh Wiper Blades
  
  

6. Emergencies: tapping the trunk

Even the most meticulously maintained vehicle can develop problems on the road, especially during inclement weather. That's when it pays to be prepared for an emergency.

• Make sure that the spare tire is properly inflated.
• Pack items that would be needed if you got stranded for a several hours. A cell phone (with a car charger) is a good start. Also include the following: flares, boots, gloves, ice scraper and windshield de-icer, high-energy snacks, a blanket, shovel, flashlight, tire chains, a few tools, whisk broom, extra clothes, candle/matches, bottled water, and needed medication.

For a Dependable Motor Vehicle
visit us in the Redwood Auto Care Center
Across the street from the Skyview Drive-In

2335 Soquel Drive
Santa Cruz CA 95065
831-462-4436
Monday-Friday/8:00 am-5:00 pm