With warmer weather fading away, it is now time to start thinking about getting your car ready for the colder months ahead. Being proactive and having your vehicle serviced while temperatures are still mild is an ideal approach to preventative maintenance which helps ensure safety and reliability when New Jersey’s winter weather strikes. October is fall car care month which means motorists should complete a seasonal vehicle checkup to maximize efficiency and maintain safety so there won’t be any surprises come wintertime. This fall, our certified technicians here at Luke’s Auto Service recommend you use this simple checklist of 8 basic maintenance procedures to keep your vehicle operating at its best:
1.Check All Fluids
This includes the engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission, windshield washer fluid, and of course antifreeze/coolant. If it has been a while since you’ve had any of these checked, you will want to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Antifreeze, for example, should be able to protect your cooling system down to -34 degrees and should have the proper pH so it can protect vital engine parts from rust and corrosion. Not doing so puts your vehicle at risk of overheating or having the coolant freeze – either way, serious engine damage can result. We can test the condition of the antifreeze to let you know if it has adequate protection to make it through the winter months.
2.Check the Windshield Wipers and Your Vehicle’s Lights
Your vehicle’s wiper blade should be completely clearing the glass with each swipe. We can replace any blade that leaves streaks or misses spots. We recommend wiper blades to be replaced every spring and especially fall as obscured windshield visibility is a major contributor to winter accidents. Also, make sure the windshield wiper fluid is topped off (we can do this for you when you come in for service) and be sure to carry an extra bottle of fluid in your vehicle if you anticipate the need to drive in the snow. Don’t forget to also check that all interior and exterior lighting (headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, and back-up lights) are working properly so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation. We can replace any burnt-out bulbs.
3. Check the Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System as Well as All Hoses and Belts
Your vehicle’s heating and cooling performance during the winter months are crucial for interior comfort as well as safety reasons such as defrosting. Also, make sure your engine hoses and drive belts aren’t cracked, brittle, frayed, loose, or showing signs of excessive wear. We can check these for you!
4. Check Your Brakes
If there is any indication of a brake problem, bring your vehicle down as soon as possible and our certified technicians will inspect the brake linings, rotors, and drums to be sure all components are in proper working order.
5. Check Your Tires
This includes your tire tread and tire pressure. Poor tire tread is especially dangerous when driving on snow and ice. We can replace any tires that are at the end of their useful life and rotate them as well. All-season tires work well in light-to-moderate snow conditions provided they have adequate tread depth. Replace any tire that has less than 3/32-inches of tread. Uneven tire wear can indicate alignment, wheel balance, or suspension problems that must be addressed to prevent further tire damage. If your car is pulling to the left or right, there is a good chance you may need an alignment. Poor alignment is a much bigger issue when the roads are slippery because making more steering adjustments increases the risk of skidding. Check tire inflation pressure on all four tires and the spare more frequently in fall and winter. As the average temperature drops, so will tire pressures – typically by one PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Proper tire pressure levels can be found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker typically located on the driver’s side door jamb. If you find you need new tires, give us a call. We can help you select the right tires for your vehicle and your budget.
6. Check Your Vehicle’s Battery
Dead car batteries are extremely common during the winter and are one of the easiest ways to get stranded. If you have an old battery, we strongly consider replacing it during the fall as cold winter days place an added strain on them. If your battery is approaching 4 years of age, you may want to consider replacing it soon before you end up stranded on a cold winter morning. We can always test the battery for you and make sure the battery terminals and cable ends are free from corrosion and the connections are tight.
7. Don’t Allow Your Gas Gauge to Get Too Low
Running the gas tank down to empty can cause a lot of problems. First, the sludge that is in the tank will make its way to vital engine parts causing problems with your fuel system and engine performance. Also, moisture in the air can cause any water in the gasoline to freeze in the fuel lines. In the wintertime, it’s a good practice to make sure you have at least half a tank of gas at all times. Read more about why it is important to keep your fuel tank full especially in colder weather here.
8. Pack an Emergency Road Kit
Carry an emergency kit equipped for winter weather. The kit should include:
- A car phone charger
- Drinking water/Non-perishable snacks
- First-aid kit
- Bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter) or traction mats
- Snow shovel
- Blankets/Extra warm clothing (gloves, hats, scarves)
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Window washer solvent
- Ice scraper with brush
- Cloth or roll of paper towels
- Jumper cables
- Warning devices (flares or triangles)
- Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench)
We want you and your family to be safe as the holiday season draws closer and temperatures continue to drop. Don’t procrastinate getting your vehicle serviced this year! The best way to avoid common winter car problems and ensure safety is to have it serviced right now at Luke’s Auto Service in Verona, NJ!
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