Winter is almost
here....... Some, Winter Motoring Advice.......
When cold weather hits and you start seeing harmless, steamy,
white exhaust from your car, it's usually a good sign that you
should protect it.
"The plummeting temperatures cause all kinds of problems. So in
order to stay safe, save money and reduce fuel consumption, it's
important to keep your car properly maintained and tuned. For
specific suggestions for your car or truck, check the owner's
manual that came with your vehicle."
Follow these tips and cold weather driving can be a little
easier:
• Routine Maintenance
For winter, it's important to ensure your vehicle's battery and
charging system are in good operating condition. In cold
weather, a battery's cranking power is reduced significantly. At
the same time, the electrical power needed to start your car
increases when the temperature plunges. Having quality jumper
cables or a portable power pack in your trunk is a superb way to
prepare for the worst. At the same time, check to make sure your
heater and defroster work. Finally, check your wiper blades.
• Filters, Coolant and Hoses
Make sure all filters-oil, gas and air-are in good condition.
Check your coolant level and thermostat functionality to ensure
proper engine warm-up. Coolant should be changed every two
years; extended-life coolants last about five years. Check for
leaking or soft hoses and replace. Also, be sure to check the
radiator or coolant tank pressure cap.
• Lubrication
To ease engine start-up during cold weather, use a
multiviscosity synthetic oil such as Schaeffer's 5W-30, which
will help protect you car at temperatures below zero.
Low-viscosity oils not only speed start-up, but help reduce wear
by flowing oil quickly to critical engine parts. Fully synthetic
oils, such as Schaffer's 9000 series, are specifically designed
to protect your engine in all temperatures.
• Tire Pressure
Examine your tires, checking for excessive wear and proper
inflation. Good tread is needed to stay safe on snow and ice.
Additionally, both underinflation and overinflation are
undesirable. Low pressure increases wear and fuel consumption,
while overpressure can reduce traction, especially in icy
conditions. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, consider
snow tires.
• Vehicle Warm-up
Let your car idle for a few seconds to make sure the lubrication
is circulated throughout the engine, providing protection. It's
not necessary to idle for a long time, as that simply wastes
fuel and offers no more protection than a few seconds of idling
will. Nonetheless, drive easily at first.
• Slow Down
Do not exceed speed limits and keep safe driving distances.
Avoid gas-wasting jackrabbit starts and pace your driving to
help avoid the need for sudden stops, which is especially
critical during wet and icy road conditions.
• Dealing with Ice
Make sure you have window ice scrapers and deicers for the
locks. When you're stuck, having a small shovel is useful to dig
out of the snow. The weight of a bag of sand in the trunk will
give added traction in rear-wheel-drive vehicles and can be used
to sprinkle on the snow and ice to gain better traction. Don't
forget personal protection such as a warm coat, hat and glove,
and a blanket, in case you get stuck in a storm.
• Keep Fuel in the Tank
Never let the fuel tank drop below the half-full mark. A sudden
storm with unexpected heavy snowfall could leave you stranded
for hours. Having an adequate fuel supply will allow you to idle
the engine from time to time to keep warm.
"Your car will be more dependable if properly cared for," says
MacPherson. "Take care of your car in the cold and it will keep
you from being left out in the cold."
What are those drips
on your drive way?
If
you have ever experienced a fluid leak, but not sure whether
you are losing oil, transmission fluid, coolant or brake fluid
here is a simple, but effective method to diagnose what type
of fluid is leaking.
Place
an old sheet or large piece of white cardboard under the vehicle
overnight. In the morning you will have your answer. If the
leaks have the following color, you have a good indication of
what type of fluid your vehicle is leaking.
Bright
Green or Reddish: Radiator coolant, this is also very
slippery to the touch.
Light
or Dark Brown: If you change the oil often it will be
light brown, if not the fluid will be a darker brown.
(under
the motor) Make sure to change you engine oil every 3-5,000
miles.
Bright
Blue: Windshield washer fluid.
Light
Brown: If there is also a strong odor of rotten eggs,
this is 90 weight or gear lube. It may be leaking from the rear
axle center section or the manual transmission.
Red
Fluid: Automatic transmission fluid or power steering
fluid. (Depending where the fluid is coming from, it could be
long life coolant.)
Clear:
Power steering fluid or water from the condenser on the AC unit.
Light
Yellow/Brown: Brake fluid is light yellow when new.
As it absorbs water the fluid becomes a dark muddy brown. Brake
fluid absorbs 2% water over a one-year period under normal braking
conditions. This is very important fluid and should be changed
every other year.
Amber:
Gasoline, but there will be a distinct odor.
