As Winter Officially Arrives, Parts Seller Offers Car Care Tips for Safe Driving
PHILADELPHIA--Dec. 1, 20046, 2004--The Pep Boys - Manny, Moe & Jack , the nation's leading automotive aftermarket retail and service chain, reminds motorists to be prepared for the winter season, which officially begins on December 21. Because winter weather can take a toll on your car, be sure to seek the proper preventive maintenance, and also stock up on products and accessories that help make winter driving safer and easier. Visit your local Pep Boys store for the widest variety of automotive and travel merchandise, as well as dealer-quality service at the best prices. Log on to pepboys.com to find a store near you and to learn about Pep Boys' safe and affordable towing services.Here's a checklist of things you can do to prepare for the winter freeze:
1. Ice scrapers and snow brushes should be kept in the house if
an overnight storm is predicted. This will allow you to remove
snow and ice before having to open the car doors or trunk.
Keep a spare ice scraper in the car as well.
2. Window and lock de-icer should also be kept in the house.
Keeping additional de-icers at work is also a good idea.
3. Windshield wiper blades should be capable of completely
clearing the windshield in three swipes. Replace the blades if
cleaning the edge of the blade doesn't help. Winter-type
blades prevent snow from freezing the blade's mechanism and
are best when you anticipate driving in snow and icy weather.
4. Washer fluid should be topped off frequently. Don't wait until
you run out of fluid and the windshield is covered with salt
or sandy residue. Have the defroster on with the heat to keep
the fluid from freezing on the windshield in extreme cold.
5. Inside window surfaces must be extra clean to reduce surface
fog formation and to speed the defogging process. Your air
conditioning system typically runs with your defroster and
heater to dehumidify the cabin for quicker defogging of all
windows. Have your professional service provider check your
systems to ensure proper operation.
6. Engine coolant or antifreeze must be tested to ensure freeze
protection to at least (-30) degrees Fahrenheit. If it looks
rusty or has been in the system for more than two years,
change the antifreeze to restore the freeze protection, rust
inhibitors and water pump lubricant. A professional coolant
flush will not only restore these important features but will
also help to remove any harmful materials that could cause
premature water pump failure. While you're looking at the
cooling system, check the belts and hoses to make certain they
are in good shape and will last the season.
7. Engine oil should always be changed according to
manufacturers' recommended intervals. If you drive in severe
conditions such as extremely cold climates or dusty conditions
or in towing trailers, you may want to consider changing your
oil as often as every 3,000 miles. As winter approaches, the
oil's viscosity (thickness) is very important. Oil that does
not have multiple weights in its viscosity rating (i.e.
10W-30) might make the engine crank too slow to start. Check
your owner's manual for the recommended viscosity and type of
oil for the coldest temperature expected in your region. For
the ultimate protection, consider synthetic oil and a premium
filter on your next oil change.
8. Automotive transmission fluid should register full on the
dipstick with the engine running, not leaking, and should not
have a brown, burnt appearance or odor. Transmissions get a
workout when a vehicle gets stuck in the snow. If the
manufacturer's recommended transmission fluid change is near,
have it done as a preventive measure.
9. Lights, including high beams, turn signals, brake lights and
license plate bulbs must be in working condition with
headlights aimed correctly. Keep the lights clean for maximum
visibility.
10. Tire treads must have a minimum of 2/32" depth in every
groove. An easy way to check this is to use the "penny test":
stick a penny face up in the tread; if you can still see the
top of Lincoln's head, then the tire should be changed. If the
tread is wearing differently between the edges and the middle
tread, check the tire pressure. If one side is wearing more
than the other, it's time for a wheel alignment. 2/32" is not
very much tread in bad weather, so the deeper the tread
grooves, the better the traction in snow and the higher the
resistance to hydroplaning in water. Tire chains are helpful
in deep snow conditions. Check local ordinances regarding
their use.
11. Brakes should be inspected at least twice a year or sooner if
you suspect that something is wrong. The best times are just
before winter and summer to prevent problems in extreme
temperatures.
12. Have the exhaust system inspected before winter. Exhaust
system leaks can be lethal if you are stuck on ice or snow and
the engine is running.
13. Check ups of car batteries, the terminals and the charging and
starting systems should take place before winter. If your
battery is more than four years old, you may want to replace
it before it goes bad for ease of mind and sure starting
throughout the season. Rear window defoggers and lights and
accessories put a drain on your charging and starting systems,
and winter is a particularly stressful period.
14. Tune up your engine periodically, particularly if it is not
running perfectly. Otherwise, it will be harder to start
during the winter, and breakdowns can be dangerous. Have any
problems diagnosed and repaired before the onset of winter.
15. An emergency kit should include battery jumper cables, a
flashlight, matches, and a "Help" sign. In colder climates,
include a candle, winter blanket, high-energy snacks, shovel,
and kitty litter or sand for traction. And don't forget that
cell phone!
