Winter Preparation
11-17-2005, 01:41 PM
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Winter Preparation
I figured this would come in handy for some of you.
Wipers, tires and lights - Wiper blades should be replaced every six months. Windshield washer fluid should be full and should have a low freezing point. Tires should be inspected for wear and should be (sure they are) properly inflated according to manufacturer recommendations. Before hitting the road all lights and signals on the vehicle should be operational.
Engine - Your motor vehicle's oil filter should be changed every 5,000 kilometers or three months -- whichever comes first. The air filter should be inspected, too, and replaced as needed. Fuel filters should be checked for clogs or leaks. A thorough inspection of the ignition system should include spark plugs and wires, distributor, emission system components and the fuel-injection system. If necessary, have an auto technician tune the engine.
Battery - Have the battery load tested for weakness. Be sure all contacts are clean and cables are secure.
Cooling System - Check the level and freezing point of your vehicle's radiator fluid. The freezing point should test to at least 35 degrees below zero. If necessary, add a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water (the water reduces the corrosive nature of antifreeze). Check all hoses; they should not be excessively soft or brittle. The cooling system should be flushed every other year.
Braking System - Check the brake fluid level. If your car's brakes squeal or pull the vehicle to one side when applied, or if the pedal feels soft when pumped, have the brake system inspected.
Transmission - Check the transmission fluid level of your vehicle. Add fluid and change the filter if necessary. On rear-wheel drive cars, check the level of fluid in the differential.
Underneath the car - Lubricate the steerage linkage according to the owner's manual. Have the exhaust system inspected for leaks that could affect the engine performance and possibly allow deadly fumes to seep into the car.
Doors and locks - Make sure that all working parts on your vehicle's door are properly lubricated. Frozen door locks can be overcome by using commercially available lock de-icers, never use hot water. Other methods to open frozen locks include aiming a hair dryer at the frozen lock or heating the key with a lighter or match.
Wipers, tires and lights - Wiper blades should be replaced every six months. Windshield washer fluid should be full and should have a low freezing point. Tires should be inspected for wear and should be (sure they are) properly inflated according to manufacturer recommendations. Before hitting the road all lights and signals on the vehicle should be operational.
Engine - Your motor vehicle's oil filter should be changed every 5,000 kilometers or three months -- whichever comes first. The air filter should be inspected, too, and replaced as needed. Fuel filters should be checked for clogs or leaks. A thorough inspection of the ignition system should include spark plugs and wires, distributor, emission system components and the fuel-injection system. If necessary, have an auto technician tune the engine.
Battery - Have the battery load tested for weakness. Be sure all contacts are clean and cables are secure.
Cooling System - Check the level and freezing point of your vehicle's radiator fluid. The freezing point should test to at least 35 degrees below zero. If necessary, add a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water (the water reduces the corrosive nature of antifreeze). Check all hoses; they should not be excessively soft or brittle. The cooling system should be flushed every other year.
Braking System - Check the brake fluid level. If your car's brakes squeal or pull the vehicle to one side when applied, or if the pedal feels soft when pumped, have the brake system inspected.
Transmission - Check the transmission fluid level of your vehicle. Add fluid and change the filter if necessary. On rear-wheel drive cars, check the level of fluid in the differential.
Underneath the car - Lubricate the steerage linkage according to the owner's manual. Have the exhaust system inspected for leaks that could affect the engine performance and possibly allow deadly fumes to seep into the car.
Doors and locks - Make sure that all working parts on your vehicle's door are properly lubricated. Frozen door locks can be overcome by using commercially available lock de-icers, never use hot water. Other methods to open frozen locks include aiming a hair dryer at the frozen lock or heating the key with a lighter or match.
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