AutoVantage 10 Tune-Up Tips for Fall, Winter Driving

Keep your Automobile in Top Shape for Changing Seasons

NORWALK, Conn., Sept. 24 -- As you shift into gear for fall and winter driving, AutoVantage offers 10 car-care tips to keep your engine humming and vehicle performance high as the temperatures drop.

It's important to prepare for the upcoming fall and winter driving season, and there is a simple, comprehensive checklist to keep you -- and your automobile -- on the road in the cold. AutoVantage experts have developed top tips for drivers to consider as they round the curve into winter.

"AutoVantage helps you save money on winterizing your car, tune-ups and any necessary repairs for the changing seasons," said AutoVantage Director Michael Lombardo. "AutoVantage saves on everything from maintenance discounts to 24/7 emergency roadside assistance to travel - and even a unique mechanic hotline service that delivers fair and reliable repair advice from independent, ASE certified mechanics who ensure you receive the right repair, realistic estimates and access to parts and labor rates." Here are AutoVantage's top tips for fall and winter driving:

   1. Use the Three P's For Safe Fall & Winter Driving:  The National
      Highway Transportation Safety Administration advises to Prepare
      (maintenance checks) for the trip, Protect yourself (buckle up & use
      child safety seats) and Prevent (be alert, drive slower & avoid
      fatigue) crashes on the road.

   2. Achieve Anti-Freeze:  Check your anti-freeze for proper strength - it
      should be good to -35 degrees Celsius.  Buy only ethylene glycol-based
      fluid with low freezing and high boiling points.  The recommended
      anti-freeze lifetime is two years or 30,000 miles.

   3. Fluid Mechanics:  Oil change  ...  check your owner's manual for the
      manufacturer's recommended winter rating.  A 10W-30 weight oil works
      for everything short of arctic or alpine winter conditions.
      Wiper-washer fluids  ...  keep your reservoir full with winter washer
      fluid -- a solvent that is good to 10 degrees below zero. Be sure your
      transmission fluid is clean.

   4. Wipers, Belts & Hoses, Oh My:  Replace your wipers, especially for
      night driving and encounters with rain, sleet and snow.  Check all
      belts and hoses  ...  cracked, frayed or worn rubber may not make it
      through the winter.

   5. Check your tires:  Take a long look at your tread.  Driving in colder
      conditions, and on icy, snowy roads requires as much traction as your
      tires can deliver.  Replace them if you see worn tread or sidewall
      damage.  If you are unsure, place a penny -- Lincoln's head first --
      in the tire tread. Consider buying new tires if the tread does not go
      past Lincoln's forehead.

   6. Get A Charge From Battery, Electrical System:  Check your battery and
      charging system.  Fall and winter driving requires more power from
      your battery, so consider buying a stronger, heftier battery.
      Batteries lose power as the temperatures drop - so not only do you
      need more power to start the car, but you also get less power from
      your battery.

   7. Winter emergency kit:  Keep these must-have winter items in your trunk
      ...  heavy duty jumper cables, flashlight, emergency flares, ice
      scraper, snow brush, small shovel, abrasive material (sand, kitty
      litter), blanket, gloves, heavy socks, winter boots, and tire chains
      for snowy areas.

   8. Keep your gas tank full:  Always maintain a full gas tank  ...  if
      you get stranded or stuck in gridlock, your engine is your only
      source of heat.

   9. Double-check rear window defroster: If some of the lines don't work,
      they can be repaired.

   10. Plan your route: Allow plenty of time (check the weather and leave
       early), be familiar with map/directions, and let others know your
       route and arrival time.

AutoVantage offers car-care savings from 5 to 20 percent off sales and regular rates at some 19,000 service locations, including participating AAMCO, Jiffy Lube, Meineke and American Car Care Center locations. Trip routing for maps and door-to-door driving directions across the U.S. is also included.

"One AutoVantage membership covers all of the drivers in your family through the changing seasons," Lombardo added. "We never charge extra for covering your spouse or children living in your household with our 24-hour nationwide emergency towing, roadside assistance, and lockout protection from our network of more than 10,000 emergency roadside assistance providers. We'll even send a locksmith if you are locked out of your home."