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Car Maintenance

Must-Know Car Maintenance for the Chilly Season

As temperatures dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, it's crucial to pay attention to various aspects of vehicle maintenance. Ensuring proper tire pressure and monitoring essential fluids can make a significant difference in the performance and safety of your vehicle during the colder months.

Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter with These Key Tips

Tire Pressure Matters

All tires should maintain a pressure of 30–35 psi. When the temperature drops, tire pressure is known to decrease. If it drops below 30 psi, it's essential to refill the tire to its operating pressure. For older model cars without tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), having a tire pressure gauge readily available at convenience stores is a great idea.

Imagine driving with underinflated tires in cold weather. It can lead to reduced fuel efficiency, uneven tire wear, and even affect the handling and safety of your vehicle. By regularly checking and maintaining the correct tire pressure, you can avoid these issues and ensure a smooth ride.

Essential Fluids to Check

During the colder months, there are four critical fluids that need to be monitored:

Antifreeze: This prevents the engine from overheating and warms the vehicle's interior. Before checking the antifreeze levels, make sure the engine temperature has dropped below 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Antifreeze is typically blue, orange, or green and is located in the radiator under the hood, usually behind the front grille. Open the radiator cap to inspect the fluid level. If you notice antifreeze leaking in your driveway, it's time to take your car to a mechanic.

Engine Oil: It's important to check engine oil year-round, but especially in cold months. First, ensure the car engine is off. Find the yellow or orange dipstick and pull it out to check the oil level against the markings. For accuracy, check the dipstick twice.

Brake Fluid: Found in the master cylinder on the driver's side near the firewall, the cylinder cap is labeled "Brake Fluid." Open the cap and check if the fluid level meets the marked requirement.

Windshield Wiper Fluid: Windshield wiper fluid reservoirs vary by vehicle but are marked with a blue cap with a windshield icon. Check the fluid level and refill as needed to ensure clear visibility during winter storms.

Inspect Your Serpentine Belts

Serpentine belts operate important components like the power steering, A/C, water pump, and alternator. There are two ways to check the belt:

Sound: A damaged belt makes a screeching noise when the engine runs. Listen closely near the belt to confirm the source of the sound. This can help you identify any potential issues before they lead to more serious problems.

Visual and Physical Inspection: Look for visible cracks and feel the belt for damage. Cold weather can cause rubber belts to crack, so it's important to regularly inspect them.

Emergency Items to Keep in Your Car

Here are some essential items to have in your car during the winter season in case of emergencies:

Jumper cables: In case your battery dies, jumper cables can come in handy to give it a jumpstart.

A gallon of antifreeze or water: This can help if you need to top up the radiator or deal with a coolant leak.

A mini air compressor: Useful for inflating tires or airing up a spare tire.

A blanket: Keeps you warm in case you get stranded in cold weather.

A fully stocked emergency wheel kit: Equipped with tools and spare parts to handle minor tire issues.

By staying proactive about your vehicle's maintenance during the colder months, you can save yourself from unexpected breakdowns. Keeping an eye on these key components will help you be better prepared to navigate winter roads and ensure your safety on the road.

When weather makes an appearance, especially at the start of the season, it leads to a significant increase in driving incidents. Trooper Jeremy Thorson of the Washington State Patrol sheds light on this issue. Many drivers aren't accustomed to driving in such conditions, and after a few weeks of relatively mild weather following a big ice storm, they are ill-prepared. Trooper Weber, too, has witnessed numerous car crashes. He emphasizes that driving too fast for road conditions is a common cause, along with distracted driving. A horrific collision in the Mattawa area a few days ago resulted in a fatality, caused by a driver looking down at a device and hitting another car. This clearly shows the dangers of distracted driving. Weber recommends that every driver have an emergency kit in their car containing water, protein, and a phone charger. Even if you don't have one, having a charger for your cell phone in the car is essential as you might find yourself stranded on the side of the road and need that charge to get help or keep yourself occupied. Boredom can actually have a significant impact on a driver's state of mind.

Headlights and Road Conditions

One Action News Reporter observed while driving along Highway 12. He noticed a large number of cars without their headlights on. Additionally, the snow and road conditions became more severe near Rimrock Lake. It is crucial to ensure that your headlights are on when driving in such weather. If you choose to drive across Snoqualmie Pass and chains are required but you don't have them, it is advisable to turn around. Trooper Weber warns that there are troopers on duty, and they will stop and ticket those who don't comply.

Preparing for the Cold

Trooper Weber reminds people to make sure their windshield wiper fluid is ready for the cold. Checking the brakes is also essential to ensure safe driving. In cold weather, the wiper fluid can freeze, and faulty brakes can lead to dangerous situations. By taking these simple precautions, drivers can enhance their safety on the road.

During this holiday season, as we find ourselves spending a significant amount of time in our cars, it becomes crucial to ensure their proper functioning. Kenny Westfall, the owner of K&M Auto, emphasizes the importance of getting our cars serviced to navigate through the winter months smoothly.

Ensure a Smooth Winter Drive with Car Servicing

Common Winter Car Issues

During the winter months, one of the most common problems faced by vehicles is related to heating. As Kenny Westfall mentioned, the heating system often goes down, with issues such as actuators for the heaters not working properly, preventing them from maintaining the desired temperature. Radiators also tend to give trouble during this time. It is essential to be vigilant and take your vehicle in for general service during winter to catch such issues early on.Another aspect to pay attention to is the condition of the brakes. During the cold weather, brakes may act up, posing a safety risk. Additionally, heaters not working as efficiently as usual can make the winter driving experience uncomfortable. Regular servicing helps in identifying and addressing these problems before they escalate.

Importance of Winter Car Servicing

Getting your car serviced during winter is not just a routine task; it is a necessary precaution. By having your vehicle checked and serviced, you can avoid breakdowns on the road, especially during the harsh winter conditions. It ensures that your car's engine, heating system, and other components are in optimal condition, providing you with a reliable and comfortable ride.Moreover, timely servicing can save you from costly repairs in the long run. It allows the mechanic to detect any potential issues and address them promptly, preventing minor problems from turning into major ones. This not only saves you money but also gives you peace of mind during the holiday season when you are on the go.

Taking Care of Your Vehicle

As we spend more time in our cars during the holiday season, it is our responsibility to take good care of them. Regular maintenance, such as checking the fluid levels, tire pressure, and battery, can go a long way in keeping your vehicle in good shape. In addition to servicing during winter, it is advisable to follow a regular maintenance schedule throughout the year.By being proactive in taking care of your car, you can enjoy a hassle-free driving experience and make the most of the holiday season. Remember, a well-maintained car is not only safe but also enhances the overall enjoyment of your journey.