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Automotive
Cold Weather Driving Is Your Car Prepared?
By Carl Baker
Carl Baker is the owner
of Hamlins Automotive
551 Mayer Street
Bridgeville, PA 15017
(412)221-2100
Right now the weather is warm and pleasant, but before you
know it, temperatures will cool off and there will be snow on the
ground. Frigid temperatures and poor road conditions wont leave
you out in the cold or take a toll on your vehicle if you take the
right steps to make sure your car is winter weather ready.
Here are a few simple suggestions that should help steer you in the right direction.
Crank up the heat. Dont wait until snow is on the ground or frost is on your windshield to test out your heater and defroster. Test all of the heater and defrost settings before winter weather strikes to make sure that they are working properly and take care of those problems immediately. Your comfort and that of your passengers depends on it.
Check your oil. During winter, you need oil that can handle low temperatures and quickly flow to critical engine parts on those frosty mornings.
Test your tires. Your tire pressure will go down as the weather cools, so make sure your tires are inflated properly. Too little pressure will increase wear and increase your fuel intake; too much pressure can reduce traction, especially in icy conditions. The proper air pressure listings are often found on the side of the drivers door or in your owners manual. Make sure you also inspect your treads and replace any tires that look worn.
Replace worn wiper blades and keep plenty of windshield wiper fluid on hand. Have qualified auto techs check the condition of your battery and cables, plus the radiator, and all hoses and belts. The cooling system/radiator should be completely flushed and refilled as recommended. The level, condition and concentration of the coolant/antifreeze should be checked periodically. (Never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled!) Have the exhaust system examined for leaks, a potentially deadly condition in closed vehicles.
Now is a great time for you to wash and wax your vehicle to protect it from salt, grit and other grime.
Proper maintenance and preparation will help ensure that you and your passengers dont get caught out in the cold.
Here are a few simple suggestions that should help steer you in the right direction.
Crank up the heat. Dont wait until snow is on the ground or frost is on your windshield to test out your heater and defroster. Test all of the heater and defrost settings before winter weather strikes to make sure that they are working properly and take care of those problems immediately. Your comfort and that of your passengers depends on it.
Check your oil. During winter, you need oil that can handle low temperatures and quickly flow to critical engine parts on those frosty mornings.
Test your tires. Your tire pressure will go down as the weather cools, so make sure your tires are inflated properly. Too little pressure will increase wear and increase your fuel intake; too much pressure can reduce traction, especially in icy conditions. The proper air pressure listings are often found on the side of the drivers door or in your owners manual. Make sure you also inspect your treads and replace any tires that look worn.
Replace worn wiper blades and keep plenty of windshield wiper fluid on hand. Have qualified auto techs check the condition of your battery and cables, plus the radiator, and all hoses and belts. The cooling system/radiator should be completely flushed and refilled as recommended. The level, condition and concentration of the coolant/antifreeze should be checked periodically. (Never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled!) Have the exhaust system examined for leaks, a potentially deadly condition in closed vehicles.
Now is a great time for you to wash and wax your vehicle to protect it from salt, grit and other grime.
Proper maintenance and preparation will help ensure that you and your passengers dont get caught out in the cold.
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All information contained in this publication is protected by copyright, and is owned by either McKee Magazines, Inc or a third party. Any and all information, trademarks, trade names, logos, designs and images are protected by U.S. Copyright and Trademark Laws. Reproduction, distribution, transmission or other unintended use of the material contained herein is prohibited without the express permission of the publishers of McKee Magazines. All rights reserved.
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Also publishers of The Peters Township Source, The South Fayette Source, The Northern Washington Source and The Bethel Park Source.
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P. O. Box 301
Presto, PA 15142
phone 412.257.0340
fax 412.257.0302
website www.mcmags.com
All information contained in this publication is protected by copyright, and is owned by either McKee Magazines, Inc or a third party. Any and all information, trademarks, trade names, logos, designs and images are protected by U.S. Copyright and Trademark Laws. Reproduction, distribution, transmission or other unintended use of the material contained herein is prohibited without the express permission of the publishers of McKee Magazines. All rights reserved.
The views, opinions and commentaries contained herein are not necessarily those of McKee Magazines, Inc.
Also publishers of The Peters Township Source, The South Fayette Source, The Northern Washington Source and The Bethel Park Source.
McKee Magazines, Inc.
P. O. Box 301
Presto, PA 15142
phone 412.257.0340
fax 412.257.0302
website www.mcmags.com
