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Brrrrr…Boy, does it feel like it got chilly overnight! Okay, so I know I have been harping on the changing season for my last couple of articles, but I really do love fall in the Carolinas. I get excited as the temperature drops and the leaves start to change colors. That being said, I really just wanted to give you some tips on getting your car ready for winter. After speaking with several of our AAA Technicians, I’ve compiled the Top 5 tips to help winterize your car and keep you safe on the road through the upcoming holiday season.
I may seem like a broken record on this one, but getting regular oil changes throughout the year is crucial to the upkeep of your mobile palace. Getting the right oil with the right viscosity, or thickness, can keep your vehicle properly maintained throughout the winter. Oil tends to get thicker as the temperature drops, and if it is too thick, it will not do an effective job of keeping your engine lubricated. It’s also important to note that the most engine wear occurs during cold starts, so stay on top of your regular maintenance to prevent any damage.
Getting the right coolant mixture to withstand winter weather is vital to the winterizing process. A 50-50 mix of water and coolant should be adequate to prevent the mixture from freezing when the temperature drops. Although the Carolinas aren’t known for Arctic climate, it only takes one or two nights of freezing temperatures to damage an unprotected engine. Proper use of coolant helps alleviate that possibility.
I told you last month how important the battery is for your mobile palace, and I want to reiterate that, especially with the winter months approaching. If your battery is more than three years old, it is probably a good idea to consider purchasing a new one soon. And it’s always a good idea, no matter how old your battery is, to get it checked during your routine maintenance to prevent any unnecessary car troubles in the future.
Winter weather inevitably leads to icy roads and poor road conditions. Keeping your tires at the correct tire pressure ensures better traction as you drive. As the temperature drops, the pressure in your tires is likely to drop as well. Monthly pressure checks are recommended during the winter months not only because of the temperature change, but also because of the increase in travel during the holidays.
It’s easy to forget about the small things like windshield wipers when we are worried about the big things like engines, transmissions, etc. Rain, ice and snow can be huge driving hazards in the winter months so make sure to get your wiper blades changed about once a year to ensure they work up to their potential. Also remember to keep your windshield washer reservoir filled. Plain water may freeze in the winter months, but wiper fluid is designed to withstand the elements while cleaning your windshield.
I know it seems like a lot to remember, and let’s face it, no one carries a check list of desired maintenance into their auto repair shop. AAA Car Care Center has developed two maintenance packages designed to take you not only through winter, but the rest of the year as well. So much easier than a checklist, huh?
 The first package is our Winterize Service package. This package includes a power flush, up to two gallons of standard coolant, inspection of belts and hoses and a thermostat check, all for less than $50!
The other package is our 200K package, which is designed to take care of a year’s worth of maintenance for your mobile palace. Included in this package are 12 monthly tire pressure checks, 1 A/C pressure check, 1 battery check, 4 oil changes, 1 tire rotation, 1 air filter, 1 free glass repair and 1 headlamp replacement, all for less than $100! Easy enough?
You can find more information here on winterizing your mobile palace or just visit one of our stores.
If you have any tip and tricks, or there is something you want to know about, email me at girlsgarage@mailaaa.com |
