I have been an auto technician for 40 years and would like to share some of my knowledge. For more automotive information please visit my website at http://www.gunnysautotips.com/ and http://www.carhelpsites.com
Getting your vehicle ready for the winter is easier than you think.
Check the coolant and make sure the antifreeze is clean and strong enough for the temperature where you live. IE; -10 or -50 degrees, etc.
Have the heater and air conditioning system looked over by a qualified technician. Most people think that the air conditioner is not used in the winter but when on defrost in the winter will remove excess moisture.
Have your car’s belts, clamps, and hoses checked by a technician. This only takes a few minutes and is usually inexpensive.
Change your oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles or four times a year.
Replace air and fuel filters as recommended. These are the type of easy and inexpensive services that will prolong the life of the engine.
Get plenty of windshield washer solvent – we have a tendency to use a lot of this in the winter with sloppy road conditions. Nothing is worse than having dirty slush splashed on the windshield and no fluid in the reservoir to clean it. Also a proper mixture of washer fluid aids in removing icy build up on the windshield.
Tires should be rotated every 6000 miles or so leaving the best tires on driving axles. In the front with front wheel drive and in the rear with rear wheel drive for better traction in the snow. Rotating tires gives you the maximum tire life since the front tires tend to wear faster than the rears. This is due to the front tires being subjected to the constant friction of directions turned.
Check the spare tire to make sure it’s inflated properly. Also, make sure you have a jack along with it!
Have your transmission serviced periodically, and prevent big-time repair bills. In fact many manufacturers with 10/100 warranties will insist on this to keep the coverage from becoming void.
If you notice that your brakes are less efficient, get them checked out right away. The life you save may not just be yours but mine as well.
Have your battery checked periodically to see how much life it has left and clean the terminals. Who wants to use jumper cables in the middle of a deep freeze or snow storm. Especially if far away from home.
Inspect all lights and bulbs to make sure they’re working. Cheaper than a traffic ticket.
Carry a first aid kit, flares, jumper cables, a flashlight, and a cell phone.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
Resale value of luxury brands in Toronto market
By: Rick Li | 27/12/2009This article explores some of the highest and lowest resale value on luxury brands, it will help you to determine which one is most suitable for you, and which one to stay away from.
What is Electric Car and How to make electric car conversion ?
By: Good Idea | 27/12/2009What is Electric Car and How to make electric car conversion ? Is that possible to make electric car conversion ? Now there are electric vehicles on the roads. What is electric car what is the electric car conversion ?! Electric car is use Electric Energy instead of Gas. Conver the gas energy to electric energy for running a car. Let's say it easily:
The 2010 Acura MDX: The SUV with street smarts
By: Tod Martin | 27/12/2009In many drivers’ minds, Acura service has always been top notch. From their reputable standing of well-made construction, safety-conscious features and technological advancements, Acura is a serious competitor in the car industry. Consumers are becoming more technologically savvy.
Buying a quality used car in Oshawa
By: Rick Li | 26/12/2009This article explores some of the good practice when it comes to finding a quality used car in Toronto
Discount Car Stereo
By: Ed Dearmin | 26/12/2009Dying to satisfy that craving for that boom bass but can’t make the budget? Can’t sleep ‘cuz of that new Clarion head unit? Look no further, you just need to find that discount car stereo to fulfill your car audio needs.
Car Stereo Installation Guide
By: Ed Dearmin | 26/12/2009Want to save some money? Ever wonder if you could do a car stereo installation yourself? Yes, you can do it yourself! Go ahead, spend that money on your hardware! Don’t spend it on labor. Besides, doing a car stereo installation yourself can be a very rewarding experience, not to mention you can learn a lot from it too. Nothing beats the feeling of seeing your “creation” in action, running smoothly and perfectly.
A New Peak For The Alpine Car Stereo
By: Ed Dearmin | 26/12/2009We all know that brand names matter when purchasing car audio hardware. There are brands that are surely more reputable than others. When you are at the store and they offer choice after choice after choice, suddenly you feel overwhelmed on what really to buy. But you can be assured of one thing, if they offer you an Alpine car stereo you can’t go wrong with it.
How to get a car rental
By: Ed Dearmin | 26/12/2009There’s more to renting the car than just reserving it and paying for it, to make sure that you get the best deal follow these steps and tips.
Auto Mechanics salary
By: guenter hohmann | 23/11/2009 | AutomotiveThe general public has a misconception that automobile mechanics make a lot of money, more so than most trades are paying. This article will explain that this is not so. In fact for the high technology of today's vehicles, the amount of training required, the tool investment, the poor labor rate provided by the manufacturers and the plan a technician gets paid with makes him in my opinion grossly under paid. Read on.
Check These Car Symptoms
By: guenter hohmann | 17/10/2009 | CarsThere are many symptoms your car may exhibit that should be checked into quickly. These would include noises, odors, dash board warning lights and just plain "it doesn't feel or handle properly". In order to avoid large actual repairs and large repair bills these symptoms should never be ignored.
Rule of Thumb Automobile Service Schedule
By: guenter hohmann | 07/09/2008 | CarsYour owner’s manual will give the information when all maintenance tasks should be done. Most tasks will be listed according to the mileage and the type of driving you do. These services should be followed to give your vehicle maximum dependability. Basically the following list is the average service schedule for most automobiles
“Check Engine Light” On. Why Always Me?
By: guenter hohmann | 04/12/2007 | CarsWhen the “check engine light” comes on you can pound on the dashboard all you want hollering “Why Always Me. This Car Is A Lemon. Etc, etc, etc". Is it the car or is it you? Read on.
Backyard Mechanic R.I.P
By: guenter hohmann | 30/10/2007 | AutomotiveWhen I started in the automotive field 40 years ago I did much of my own work and work for other people in the backyard. Where the time went I have no clue but cars were a lot simpler and easier to work on then. Spark plugs and wires, air and fuel filters, distributors and carburetors where all in the open and easy to get to. There were many ways to make adjustments to make your auto run smoother.
Clobber the Pop-up Ads Once and for All
By: guenter hohmann | 08/09/2007 | SoftwareAdware is one of the largest sources of headaches for computer users today. This type of software doesn't spy on you or anything quite like that - instead, it covers your screen in ads, even when you aren't connected to the Internet.
How to Help Diagnose Your Automobile Problems
By: guenter hohmann | 15/08/2007 | AutomotiveIf you go to a doctor you don’t just say “my body hurts”. Of course not, you would be more specific. How about going to your bank and say “there’s a problem with my money”. They will look at you as though you had two heads. If you take your automobile to a repair shop and say “my car doesn’t run right”, what are they supposed to do with that lack of information?