Car Maintenance in Fall Weather
October 8th, 2010
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Fall is in effect!With the changing of the leaves you don’t necessarily have to change your tires, but according to the experts like Jim MacPherson the “car doctor,”the Fall “…gives us time to repair the wear and tear and allows us to prepare for those colder days ahead. Following a simple maintenance checklist will save drivers time and money by extending the life of their vehicle and ensuring safer operation.”
In general, as the temperature starts to drop, there are three major areas that need to be, and should be addressed with your car. Follow these guidelines to help keep you driving smoothly through the season:
Check System and Fluid Levels
For those who haven’t had their yearly recommended tune-up, this is the best time before the weather takes a more severe turn. Your annual tune-up will help remedy engine problems (and its best to correct engine-related problems in temperate rather than inclement weather). A tune-up at this time will also assure that any low fluid levels are properly adjusted.
However, one popular misperception is that the engine cooling system (radiator) can be neglected during colder months. Not true. The coolant needs to be kept at recommended levels (as indicated in your vehicle’s user manual) with a 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and distilled water to
moderate the engine temperature and prevent it from over heating or freezing over.
Consider Synthetic Oil
Many experts recommend using sythetic motor oil to protect engines that undergo radical temperature change (as many Texans have experienced). The benefits of synthetic motor oil include easier and faster flow to engine parts especially during cold start-ups helping the
engine run smoother, reduces engine wear-and-tear and keeps the engine cleaner.
Tire Pressure & Tread Check
Winter tires are not an absolute necessity given our relatively mild Texas winters, however, it is crucial that you check tire pressure monthly and make sure that the recommended PSI (pounds-per-square-inch) rating is met. The PSI rating can be found in your owner’s manual, driver-
side door manual, and on the tires themselves.
It’s also a good idea to check the tread of your tires around every 3,000 miles for excessive wear. The penny test is a quick way to evaluate tread wear. If you stick a penny at various points along the tire groove with Lincoln’s head upside down, any part of his head that is covered means the tread depth is greater than 2/32″. However, if none of his head is covered, this means the tread depth is most likely less than 2/32″.
Texas car inspection laws require that tread depth be at least 3/32″ or a vehicle will not pass inspection.
If you’re in doubt about the tread depth of your tires or in need of a tune-up, just call us at 817-488-5520 to schedule an appointment.