Jenna NashAs the season shifts into full fall-mode, now is the time to take precautionary measures to ensure automobiles makes it through the tough winter months. Cold weather can be disastrous to even the newest of cars and snow and ice can cause unforeseen pitfalls. It is important to prepare a head of time to prevent cars from getting stuck out in the snow come winter.
Contrary to popular belief, warming up the car in the morning is not a good idea. Letting the engine run while scrapping the windows is fine, but if it exceeds 5 minutes the chances of overheating increase dramatically. Stewart Simmons, a mechanic at Hub Tire in Norristown, suggests starting the car as usual and driving slow for the first few miles. This will give the engine a chance to warm up while the car is in motion.
Another simple tip is to keep the gas tank full. Once the needle drops below a quarter tank, the gas can freeze, which will result in the purchase of a whole new gas tank. For sophomore, Joe Clark, keeping his gas full in his Nissan Z3 is important. “The car is so light, gas is the only thing that holds it down.”
Make sure the antifreeze is full and check the oil. These fluids are the blood of the car, leaks and low levels can cause added stress to an engine. Also, check the breaks, break fluid and power-steering fluid, these can be easily over looked or put off.
According to Simmons, small problems can turn into major disasters come winter. “It’s a lot cheaper to have a car maintained, then it is to have it fixed.” Simmons says, “Have your mechanic look at the car now, to catch anything internal, such as a transmission problem or leaks.”
Events can occur, in the course of winter, to which no one can foresee. Check with the carmaker to find out about any roadside assistance program. If help is not offered though your lease or dealer, a variety of AAA memberships can help keep the car and driver safe no matter what budget.
For college students making the long trips back and forth for Thanksgiving and Christmas, it’s important to have an emergency plan. AAA’s website suggests keeping an emergency pack in the trunk consisting of jumper-cables, a blanket, a gallon of water and anti-freeze, oil, a few sheets of cardboard or a sheet of chain mesh and always a spare tire.
The cardboard and chain mesh can be placed beneath a wheel that is imbedded in the snow. AAA also suggests having available cell phones fully charged when driving for an extended period of time.
Taking these steps will ensure the car makes it thought the winter. Drive safely.
Posted to the web by Jenna Nash
