SEASONAL TIPS FOR MAXIMUM CAR CARE

 

AUTUMN/WINTER SERVICING FOR YOUR CAR:

To get ready for the Fall driving season and the colder weather that is coming, you should take some time and invest a few dollars in maintenance for your car.  It has just come through a long, rough summer of high temperatures which take their toll on the parts and systems in your vehicle.

A good starting point is to get out your owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedules.

  • Engine Performance: Get engine drivability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good repair shop. Cold weather will make existing problems worse. Replace dirty filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.).
  • Fuel: Put a bottle of fuel de-icer in your tank once a month to help keep moisture from freezing in the fuel line. Note, too, that keeping your gas tank filled helps prevent moisture from forming due to condensation.
  • Oil: Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual; more often (every 5,000 miles or so) if your driving is mostly stop-and-go or consists of frequent short trips.  The best thing you can do for your car is ensure that your engine oil is changed regularly. Be sure to use a premium oil of the proper grade for your vehicle’s engine.  FRAM oil, air and fuel filters are the best that money can buy.  To help ensure a long, trouble free life for your engine “Change your oil and filter regularly!”
  • Cooling System: The cooling system should be flushed and refilled as recommended. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. Your local auto repair shop will now which type of coolant to use and will be able to test the condition of the coolant for you.  The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses should also be checked at this time by your mechanic.
  • Heater/Defroster: The heater and defroster must be in good working condition for passenger comfort and driver visibility. This is the time of the year that condensation can form on the inside and outside of the windshield.  A properly functioning heater/defroster will ensure that you can remove the condensation from the glass.
  • Windshield Wipers: Replace old blades. If your climate is very harsh, purchase rubber-clad (winter) blades to fight ice build-up. Some new models of cars are using “beam blades” that minimize the need for winter blades.  Whatever type of blade your car requires, we recommend TRICO Exact Fit, TRICO Innovision, or TRICO Winter Blades to ensure good visibility.  Good wiper blades can help you to see the road in difficult conditions!  And be sure to stock up on windshield washer solvent — you will be surprised at how much you use. Carry an ice-scraper as well.
  • Battery — The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. Your local service shop can run a test and tell you if you will need a new battery so that you do not get stranded in tough weather condidtions. Your mecanic will also perform some routine care servicing on your battery: scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check fluid level monthly.

A word of caution: Removal of cables can cause damage or loss of data or codes on some newer vehicles. Check your manual. Be sure to avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.

  • Lights: Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean road grime from all lenses. To prevent scratching of the large clear lens units on newer vehicles, never use a dry rag to do the cleaning. That will only scratch the surface.
  • Exhaust System: Your vehicle should be placed on a lift and the exhaust system examined for leaks. The trunk and floorboards should be inspected for small holes. Exhaust fumes can be deadly. This service check can be performed when you are having your oil and filter changed.
  • Tires: Worn tires will be of little use in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressure once a month. Let the tires “cool down” before checking the pressure. Rotate as recommended. Don’t forget to check the inflation of your spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition.
  • Emergencies: Carry gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter, tire chains, a flashlight, and a cell phone. Put a few “high-energy” snacks in your glove box.

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SPRING/SUMMER SERVICING FOR YOUR CAR:

After surviving our harsh Canadian winter your car is due for a complete check up and some routine maintenance to get it read for summer driving.

Prior to making plans for a weekend away or a road trip to visit friends this summer, consider getting your vehicle ready for higher temperatures. High summer temperatures provide a vastly different operating environment for your vehicle.  Taking care to make sure that our car is summer tuned will pay off in economy and minimizing the potential for breakdown or damage to your vehicle’s systems.

Here are some warm weather tips to make sure your vehicle is up to summer’s challenge.

  • Check the cooling system – both hoses and radiator – for leaks. Check the coolant recovery reservoir under the hood when the engine is cold. If required, add the coolant recommended in your owner’s manual.
  • Oil Change - Use a high quality FRAM oil filter, a genuine FRAM air filter and quality motor oil to ensure that your engine is equipped for higher summer operating temperatures. A fresh air filter will improve your fuel economy by a minimum of 12% and pay for itself in the first three weeks after the change.  Be certain that  you ask for genuine FRAM filters.  Some installers are using low quality air and oil filters that do not have the filtering capability of a FRAM filter, or the long life of a FRAM.  Oil should ideally be changed every 5000-6000 kilometres.In extreme summer temperatures, you may have to change the grade of your engine oil. Check your owner’s manual for the viscosity grade recommended for your vehicle’s engine.
  • Change your cabin air filter. If you spent much of the winter coughing and sneezing you might want to replace your cabin air filter. Dust, dirt and mould can be trapped in the cabin air filter and they require periodic changes. In addition, a new cabin air filter improves air flow and maximizes the operation of your air conditioning system.
  • Ensure the air conditioning system is working properly - you don’t want to wait until the first hot day to find out it needs service.
  • Replace worn wiper blades. After months of ice and sleet, your wiper blades may not be cleaning your windshield properly. Consider replacing them to avoid over-using your washer fluid.
  • Tire tread – measure it and inspect it. Tires with less than 1.6 mm of tire tread depth or visible treadwear indicators in three or more places should be replaced as should tires with bulges, splits or cracks.
  • Clean the interior of your vehicle - Allergens like pollen, as well as bacteria, are just some of the substances that can build up over the winter. Use a disinfectant to wipe down frequently used areas, such as the steering wheel. And, vacuum your seats, carpet and floor mats. A clean car is much more enjoyable.  Surveys also suggest that if you keep your car clean you are more likely to value it and prolong its life, a very economically sensible thing to do.

Winter can take a bigger toll on your vehicle than you think.  Spring is the perfect time to have your filters, fluids, brakes, windshield wipers and tires checked out - because before you know it, summer will be here.

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