Steve from Oregon’s Best Cars

Sponsored by Oregon’s Best Cars - Preventive maintenance now can help ensure worry-free driving this winter. The vacations are over, the kids are back in school, and cooler evenings have begun. Take advantage of the lull to prepare your vehicle for the winter ahead, advice from the pros and the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Breakdowns, never convenient, can be dangerous in cold weather. The following tips from ASE should give parent and student alike a road map to fall car care.

1.) Read your owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedules.

2.) Engine Performance: Have 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.

3.) Fuel: Put a bottle of fuel de-icer in your tank once a month to help keep moisture from freezing in the fuel line.

4.) Oil: Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual more often (every 3,000 miles or so) if your driving is mostly stop-and-go or consists of a lot of frequent short trips.

5.) Cooling System: The cooling system should be flushed and refilled as recommended. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a certified auto technician.

6.) Heater/Defroster: The heater and defroster must be in good working condition for passenger comfort and driver visibility.

7.) Windshield Wipers: Replace old blades. Stock up on windshield washer solvent you’ll be surprised how much you use. Carry an ice-scraper.

8.) Battery: The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. But do-it-yourselfers can do routine maintenance by scrapping away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check fluid level monthly.

9.) Lights: Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean road grime from all lenses with a moistened cloth or towel.

10.) 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.

11.) 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. Don’t forget your spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition.

12.) 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.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972 as a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive professionals. Visit www.ase.com for more information.