Author Archives: Tracy

Simple Car Maintenance

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There are few possessions you depend on in life as much as your car. For most it is a huge investment. We rely on our cars each day to get us to work, help us run errands, and transport us to the fun destinations we enjoy in between. It is easy to take your ride for granted, but eventually the day will come when your vehicle will fail. If you don’t take proper care of it, that day maybe sooner than later.

Taking care of your vehicle means making sure that you take your car into a professional for the regular maintenance it needs. Not only do you need to protect your investment, you need to know that you and your passengers are as safe as possible while on the road.  Your trusted auto service provider can help you be sure your car stays in top condition.

There are also some basic auto maintenance things you can check on your own to keep your car running smoothly:

  • Oil Check
  • Engine Leaks
  • Air Filter
  • Accessory Belts
  • Wiper Blades
  • Tire Care

Over the next several weeks, I will expand on how to do these checks on your own. In the meantime, knowing your vehicle and finding a trusted local auto service professional will keep you driving safely,  reliably, and efficiently.

Car Care – Spring Cleaning

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Now is the time for car care spring cleaning. Not only will spring cleaning get your car looking great, it is the ideal time to undo some of winter’s damage. Generally speaking, as the seasons change, it is also a good idea to stop by your auto service center to have regular services performed such as oil and fluids changes, wheel alignment,  and tire rotation.

Start your car care spring cleaning with a thorough car wash including underbody. After a season of driving on winter roads, the bottom of your car will be coated with corrosion causing salt, sand, and grime. Corrosion leads to rust  that will seriously damage your car, so it is important to clean it from top to bottom. Be sure to get the undercarriage power wash at your car wash or spray the car’s bottom with your own hose. A thorough rinsing is all you need – special cleaners are not necessary.

Tires can become cracked or dry-rotted, so it is essential to include them in your spring cleaning.  Scrub your tires with a good quality cleaner. Follow up with a protective product. There are a number of options, with some providing a slick finish, others a more matte finish. The important thing is that it conditions and protects the rubber in your tires, and contains a UV protectant.

When I say clean, I mean clean.  Do a thorough job inside and out. Wipe down the engine to clear away all the debris that has accumulated under the hood.  Remove any white residue off the battery with a toothbrush, baking soda, and water. It is important to do this because if corrosion residue accumulates,  it may prevent your car from starting. Cleaning also helps prepare the battery for the stress of warmer temperatures.

As part of your car care spring cleaning, be sure to scrub the bottoms of doors and clean the window channels. It is a good idea to apply a silicone spray that will repel dirt and lubricates the surfaces so the windows will not stick. Take the time to clean rugs and upholstery to remove all the salt from the car’s inside. Salt can damage some fabrics and lead to damage. Be sure to check the wiper blades and replace them if necessary.

Your final spring cleaning step should be to wax. Waxing provides your car with protection and gives it a beautiful finish.

Storing Winter Tires

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Could it be true? It looks like winter may finally be behind us! As thoughts turn to warmer weather and Springtime, there is something you may not be thinking of, but probably should consider – your winter tires.

An important part of tire maintenance, proper tire storage is typically overlooked. Storing your winter tires the right way will keep them looking great and performing well.

Tires should be stored in a clean, cool and dry place. Keep them away from sunlight and be sure they are not exposed to strong air currents. It is true that the rubber used to make tires is engineered to resist the effects of sunlight, ozone, and water, however these elements still cause wear. Seasonal storage time provides a great opportunity to minimize exposure to these stresses and give your tires a break.

The following are some storage tips to keep in mind:

  • Tires stored while mounted on rims should be inflated to 10 psi.
  • Tires that are put in storage during warm weather should be inflated to about 15 psi to offset the pressure drop during cold weather months.
  • Cover or wrap tires for storage. Many types of covers are available from auto parts retailers.
  • If tires are mounted on rims, they should be stacked four deep underneath a tire cover.
  • Tires should be stored upright and under a cover if they are mounted on rims, rather than stacked or suspended from the ceiling.
  • Tires with whitewall or raised white lettering should be stored with the whitewall or raised white lettering facing each other to avoid black rubber staining.
  • It is best not to store tires outside, but it is unavoidable, keep them raised off the storage surface.

Warm Up Your Car in Winter?

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Dear Tracy,

In the winter, my roommate  always “warms up” her car for about 15 minutes before driving anywhere. This seems like a huge waste of gas to me, especially for someone who struggles to pay her bills. But she insists her dad told her she should never drive in winter without warming up, or she will damage the engine. Is true that you need to warm up your car in winter?

Sydney J.

Dear Sydney,

Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to warm up your car before driving it. Warming it up ahead of time can help to defrost the windows and clear them for visibility, but the engine does not require a warm up.

According to the Car Care Council, warming up, or idling longer that 30 seconds is unnecessary. A better way to warm up an engine is to drive slowly as you begin your trip. In other words, as you pull out of your driveway or parking lot, do not gun the engine. Just take it easy for the first few minutes as you head down the road.

Having said that, it is important to note that your roommate’s dad is not totally off base. Cars used to require warming up in the days of carburetor fuel systems. Today’s cars are equipped with fuel-injection technology, computer systems, and thinner synthetic oils. These new developments make warm ups unnecessary in newer cars.

Some folks may prefer to warm up their car anyway, so that it will be nice and toasty when they climb inside. While this is understandable, warming your car does have some drawbacks. Wasting gas, is one that you mentioned. Idling reduces fuel economy. Idling can also cause excessive wear or stress on engine components, such as cylinders, spark plugs, and the exhaust system. Shivering behind the wheel for a brief period could indeed save your roommate gas and money, and also extend the life of her car.

Another reason why warming up is not such a great idea is pollution.  A vehicle that idles for more than 30 seconds increases air pollution. It is easy to underestimate the impact of one car, but together, we can make a significant reduction in air pollution.

Safe Winter Driving: Accidents Aren’t the Only Hazard

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Major storms and extreme low temperatures have been creating some major driving problems. While snow and ice cause an increased risk for collisions on the roads, the cold temperatures also leave your vehicle vulnerable to damage. Cautious winter driving means not only being careful on the road, but also paying a little extra attention to car care.

You may avoid cold weather problems that could leave you stranded by watching these three things:

1. Weak or Dead Batteries

Extremely low temperatures strain your car battery because the chemical reactions needed to make it work happen more slowly. If you already have an old battery, this can cause it to fail even more quickly. Have the battery tested. If it needs replacement, do it right away!

2. Thickened Fluids

Freezing temperatures cause thickening of fluids your car needs to run properly, including transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, oil, and antifreeze. Making sure these fluids are maintained at proper levels will help you avoid trouble.

3. Lost Tire Pressure

Tires typically lose 1 pound per square inch (psi) for every 10 degrees of temperature drop.  Under inflated tires do not perform well, plus the tire pressure loss can eventually result in a flat tire. Be sure to check inflation more frequently as the air gets colder.

Along with following these preventive measures, it is a good idea to always be prepared for a road emergency. This is especially true in frigid temperatures. You may want to throw some winter items in your trunk, along with your roadside emergency kit, such as blankets, gloves, boots, packaged hand warmers, and a folding shovel. You may also want to keep bottled water and snacks in the car, just in case you find yourself hungry and waiting for a tow!

Snow Tires for an SUV?

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Dear Tracy,

I thought that having a 4-wheel drive vehicle meant that I would not need snow tires, but my SUV’s handling on icy roads is not as great as I thought it would be. Would having snow tires installed help?

Rob T.

Dear Rob,

An SUV does offer many winter driving advantages. When you drive on snow covered roads, or try to get up  an unplowed driveway, you will be especially appreciative of that 4-wheel drive. Unfortunately, when it comes to slippery ice and slush, the power advantage of the 4-wheel drive system does not provide much benefit.

SUVs and other 4-wheel drive vehicles usually come equipped with large, wide all season tires. While great for driving in most conditions, these standard tires are less than ideal for winter driving conditions. The type of rubber used does not grip well in cold temperatures, and the tread pattern is not designed to channel large amounts of water on the road. Also, tires with a larger surface area may not cut through snow effectively, and be likely to hydroplane.

Snow tires, or winter tires are developed from a softer rubber than all season tires. This allows them to provide better road grip and handling. Winter tires also feature an open tread design, which gives them better handling capability on slush and snow. When it comes to stopping and cornering on snow and ice,  winter tires will give you a definite advantage, especially with four-wheel drive vehicles, which tend to be heavier and take longer to come to a stop.

If you are doing a lot of driving in slick and icy conditions, winter tires are well worth the investment. Using them will also help you extend the usable life of the your all season tires!

Winter Wash

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Dear Tracy,

I am concerned about the salt that has been building up on my car this winter, but I am reluctant to wash it because I have heard the locks, trunk, and gas cap can freeze. Is freezing a problem or is it okay to wash during winter? I am really worried about the salt damaging my car and my tires!

Rachel B.

Dear Rachel,

It is definitely a good idea to keep your car washed in the winter. While salt is a quick and effective way for municipalities to make roads safer during periods of ice and snow, it is also a very caustic substance that can lead to pitting and rusting on your car’s finish. To prevent lock freezing and other such issues, you can apply WD40 to help water from penetrating these areas.

If you have newer winter tires that have a decent amount of tread, you shouldn’t have to worry about salt damaging your tires. But the metal surfaces of your vehicle, including your wheels, are vulnerable to salt damage. Salt can ultimately lead to rust occurring on the body and underside areas of your car.

Fortunately the process of salt leading to rust takes time. The coatings and paint finishes used today do a very good job of providing protection.  With regular washings during the winter months your car should handle the salt abuse just fine. How often you need to wash the car will depend on how much salt and road sludge you encounter. Since salt is particularly hard on chrome, it may be worth swapping your wheels out it the winter months, if you have really expensive wheels. Also, waxing your car during the autumn months will provide extra protection that will make your winter washes more effective.

Cold Weather & Tire Pressure

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Dear Tracy,

I have a new car that has several fancy features, including a tire pressure monitoring system. Since the cold weather has set in, I have been noticing that the TPMS light always seems to be on. A friend told me it’s not unusual for that to happen in cold temperatures, and not to worry. Is this true?

Mara W.

Dear Mara,

Your friend is partially correct, it is common for that light to illuminate in cold weather.  But you should not ignore it. The reason the light comes on is because air pressure decreases in frigid temperatures. Experts say that air pressure in a tire goes down 1-2 pounds for every 10 degrees of temperature change. You need to check the air pressure of your tires, and most likely you will find you need to add air to them.

There are several reasons why it is important to check the pressure of your tires when it is cold outside and keep them inflated to the manufacturer’s recommendation:

  • Low tire pressure can cause a vehicle to be sluggish and hard to maneuver
  • Wear and tear on the tires increases substantially when the pressure is low
  • Low tire pressure has a negative impact on your gas mileage and costs you money
  • When the pressure is too low, your tires could overheat, which could lead to a blowout

It is a good idea to check the pressure of your tires monthly. Make sure the tires are cold when you adjust the air pressure to reach the most accurate pressure level.

New Year’s Car Care Resolutions

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As we head into a brand new year we find ourselves thinking about starting or getting back into some good habits. For 2015, why not add a commitment to car care to your list? Not only does good car and tire care make sense for protecting and prolonging the life of your vehicle and tires, it also means that you and your passengers will be safer on the road.

Here is my suggested list of simple car and tire care actions:

Check Tire Pressure & Tread Depth

At least once a month, make it a point to check your tire pressure. You can find the proper pressure for your vehicle’s tires listed in your owner’s manual. Keep in mind that the maximum pressure is not the same as the recommended pressure.  Don’t forget to also check the pressure of your spare tire.

Two or three times a year you can check the tread depth by using the penny test. Hold a penny so you can read “In God We Trust” across the top. Insert it into five different sections of the tire and look at Lincoln’s head.  If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your treads are excessively worn, and it is time for a new set of tires. If Abe’s head is covered to about the forehead hairline, the tread is in good shape and you probably do not need new tires.

Tire Balancing & Rotation

Tire balancing and rotation should be part of your regular service and done according to your owner’s manual recommended schedule. Tire balancing provides a smooth ride and assures even tire wear by properly adjusting the wheel weight distribution around the vehicle. Tire rotation is an important maintenance step that will greatly extend the life of your tires. Manufacturers have specific recommendations, so it is advisable to refer to your owner’s manual tire rotation guidelines to ensure proper tread wear.

Keep Up on Regular Maintenance

To keep your car running properly and performing at peak levels, it is essential to stay up-to-date with recommended regular maintenance services. Like us, our vehicles need regular check-ups to maintain good health and catch potential problems before they become serious issues. The following is a list of typical services – consult your owner’s manual for your vehicle’s recommended services and frequency.

  • Coolant Flush and Replacement
  • Oil Change
  • Fluid Checks – Power Steering and Brake
  • Brake Inspection
  • Check Belts & Hoses
  • Filters – Air and Fuel
  • Battery & Cables
  • Lights
  • Exhaust System
  • Windshield Washer Fluid & Wiper Blades

Once you establish a solid car care routine, you can drive with added confidence that you are traveling safely and cost efficiently wherever the road takes you. Happy New Year!

Home for the Holidays – Make it a Safe Trip!

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Image courtesy of Pintrest

The American Automobile Association Year-End Holiday Travel Forecast reports that 98.6 million people will travel 50 miles or more over the holidays, and that year-end holiday travel volume will reach the highest peak since AAA began recording holiday travel stats in 2001.

According to the AAA forecast, nearly 91 percent of all travelers will celebrate the holidays with a road trip, which is an increase of 4.2 percent from last year. With today’s national average price of gas at $2.53 per gallon (70 cents less than last year), the report also says that lower gas prices will help boost disposable income this holiday season.

Holiday road trips can be a fun part of the season’s festivities, as long as you are safe and prepared. Whether you are driving home or to another special destination for the holidays, here are a few preparation tips:

  • Make sure your vehicle is ready! Get a service check including: battery, brakes, wipers, lights, oil, coolant, fluids, and tire pressure.
  • Download an app like GasBuddy to help you find the best gas prices along the way.
  • Whether it means updating your GPS, printing a fresh set of Mapquest directions, or picking up a paper version from a gas station, make sure your maps are current.
  • As you pack the car, you might be tempted to remove things you normally keep in the trunk in order to make room for packages and luggage. Be sure not to leave behind roadside emergency items such as jumper cables or a folding shovel.

Whatever your plans might be, have a Merry Christmas and the happiest of holidays!