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Stress Management Works for Holidays
and Automobiles
In domino fashion, failing to plan for
maintenance can turn small problems into larger ones, putting a serious
dent in your automotive budget. The penalties of procrastinating on
vehicle maintenance range from a heater that runs cold
to a battery that won't start the car.
Take care of your car's seasonal services immediately and make
plans to get ahead of the game next year. An early visit to your
repair facility provides the opportunity to budget for unanticipated
repairs. The Car Care Council offers the following checklist:
Engine performance
A poorly maintained
engine is hard to start in cold weather, if it starts at all. It may
run rough and lose power. Have fuel, ignition and emission control
systems checked, necessary components replaced and adjustments made.
Battery and electrical system
How old is
your battery? If it's three or more years old, it should be tested
and replaced if necessary. Even a strong battery that can deliver
full power at 80 degrees F. will have dropped to 65 percent of its
output at freezing temperature and only 40 percent at zero degrees.
Clean and tighten battery terminals, as loose or corroded
connections can cause symptoms of a weak or dead battery.
Oil and filter
Change both as recommended in
the owner's manual, generally at 3,000-mile intervals for severe
conditions and cold weather operation, especially when most driving
is stop-and-go traffic. Check the owner's manual for more
information on severe service or refer to Car Care Council's Service Interval Schedule.
Visibility
Replace old wiper blades and be
sure your washers are working. Carry spare washer solvent in your
vehicle.
Cooling system
A vehicle's antifreeze should
be changed annually, or as recommended in the owner's manual. Flush
the cooling system every 24 months. The recommended mixture is 50/50
antifreeze and distilled water. Have the system pressure tested for
leaks and check hoses and drive belt(s) for tension and condition.
Tires
Inspect, balance, check inflation and
rotate tires. Check inflation on the spare and make sure the jack is
in place.
Lights
Check all lights and replace burned
out bulbs
Exhaust System
Have the vehicle put on a
lift for an inspection of the exhaust system. Leaking exhaust fumes
can be deadly.
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