Tips for Winterizing and Summerizing Your Car
Posted by Val Amodeo on Tue, Feb 23, 2010 @ 01:02 PM
As the seasons change to both summer and winter, it is important to take the proper steps in protecting your vehicle from the climate change. A lot of these maintenance essentials can be performed easily on your own, but sometimes it is difficult to determine what preparations need to be done to your car and for what season. Here are a few ideas to help you regulate your car according to the seasons:
Winterizing
During the winter, defrosting your windows may be a daily task. So, it is important to make sure your heater and defroster are in good working condition, as well as the levels of antifreeze in your cooling system.
Aim for having a 50-50 mix of antifreeze (coolant) and water inside your radiator. This will prevent the mixture from freezing even at ridiculously cold temperatures. It's easy to check the status of the mixture with an inexpensive antifreeze tester, which you can pick up at any auto parts store. If the mixture is off, your cooling system should be drained and refilled or flushed.
Keep your car stocked with some winter essentials just in case an emergency should arise when you are on the road. Gloves, boots, a blanket, flares, a flashlight and a few snacks could potentially save your life if you were to be caught in a winter weather emergency.
Summerizing
In the summertime your car engine's coolant can reach 250 degrees F, meaning your car could overheat. While you have the car in for its tune-up, make sure that the mechanic checks the radiator for any leaks or cracks. If needed, have the radiator flushed and new coolant added. If the coolant level is low, have them add coolant to the right level for your car.
The air conditioner should be inspected for any worn or damaged belts. You should inspect the air-conditioning hoses for any leaks or damage. You want to also make sure the clamps are tight; if they are loose you can tighten them with a screwdriver.
When the temperature goes up, so does your braking system's temperature. This can cause your brake pads to wear quickly. Have your brakes checked to see how worn they are and replace them if necessary.
For Summer and Winter
Weather and temperature change can take a toll on your tires. Checking their traction is important, along with checking tire pressure regularly to make sure your tires don't have any dangerous wear or nicks in the rubber. Rotating tires after every 7,500 miles will help you get better gas mileage.
Check your oil filter. It's incredibly important to make sure your oil is high quality and clean, your filters are clean, and your belts/hoses aren't cracked or otherwise compromised. All of these aspects of your vehicle are more stressed in extreme temperatures.
Taking the time to give your car extra care with seasonal changes will only help you in the long run. Utilizing these tips will help you avoid potential roadside issues and eliminate some unnecessary stress while traveling in your vehicle.