IS YOUR CAR READY FOR WINTER?
With the onset of winter, AAA Car Care wants to remind motorists that now is the time to have your vehicle checkup done. No one wants to be stranded in the cold by a vehicle breakdown. Properly preparing your vehicle for winter driving is essential for the safety of all passengers and will significantly decrease the chances of your vehicle letting you down.
AAA recommends that motorists use a simple checklist to determine their vehicle’ winter maintenance needs. Many of the items on the list can be inspected by a car owner in less than an hour, but others should be performed by a certified technician like those at AAA’s owned and operated Car Care Center in Clifton Park.
WINTER CAR CARE CHECKLIST
Battery and Charging System – Have the battery and charging system tested by a trained technician. A fully charged battery in good condition is required to start an engine in cold weather.
Battery Cables and Terminals – Make sure the battery terminals and cable ends are free from corrosion, and the connections are tight.
Drive Belts – Inspect the underside of accessory drive belts for cracks or fraying. Many newer multi rib "serpentine" belts are made of materials that do not show visible signs of wear; replace these belts at 60,000-mile intervals.
Engine Hoses – Inspect cooling system hoses for leaks, cracks or loose clamps. Also, squeeze the hoses and replace any that are brittle or excessively spongy feeling.
Tire Type and Tread – In areas with heavy winter weather, installing snow tires on all four wheels will provide the best winter traction. 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.
Tire Pressure – Check tire inflation pressure more frequently in fall and winter. As the average temperature drops, so will tire pressures – typically by 1 PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The proper tire pressure levels can be in the owner's manual or on a sticker usually located on the driver's side door jamb. Also, check the spare.
Air Filter – Check the engine air filter by holding it up to a 60-watt light bulb. If light can be seen through much of the filter, it is still clean enough to work effectively. However, if the light is blocked by most of the filter, replace it.
Coolant Levels – Check the coolant level in the overflow tank when the engine is cold. If the level is low, add a 50/50 solution of coolant and water to maintain the necessary antifreeze capability. Test the antifreeze protection level with an inexpensive tester available at any auto parts store.
Lights – Check the operation of all headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, and backup lights. Replace any burnt-out bulbs.
Wiper Blades – The blades should completely clear the glass with each swipe. Replace any blade that leaves streaks or misses spots. In areas with snow, consider installing winter wiper blades that wrap the blade frame in a rubber boot to reduce ice and snow buildup that can prevent good contact between the blade and the glass.
Washer Fluid – Fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir with a winter cleaning solution that has antifreeze components to prevent it from freezing.
Brakes – If there is any indication of a brake problem, have the system inspected by a certified technician to ensure all components are in good working order. Transmission, Brake and Power Steering Fluids – Check all fluids to ensure they are at or above the minimum safe levels.
To schedule your appointment, contact the AAA Car Care Center today at 518-831-1861 or AAA.com/CarCare.
