Change of seasons means change of tires, car check up
Issue date: 11/2/08 Section: Cars and Trucks
(ARA) - It seems like the kids just started school, but soon you'll be packing up and hitting the road on your next family vacation. And contrary to popular belief, the weeks leading up to the trip are not the time to start getting your vehicle ready.
A better trigger for that tune-up is the change of season. As soon as the temperatures cool and you start to notice leaves falling from the trees, it's time to start getting your vehicle ready. Here are three easy steps to follow:
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR MECHANIC.
When you bring your vehicle in for its fall or winter checkup, your mechanic may recommend a number of services to prepare your vehicle for the season, such as brakes, battery condition, oil and filters, hoses and belts. Two of the most critical items to check are anti-freeze and tires. Your technician can recommend the minimum temperature threshold for your area, and add anti-freeze as needed. Tire condition is even more important during the winter months. Remember the "Penny Rule:" Insert a penny upside down in your tread groove; if you can see all of Mr. Lincoln's head, it's time to change your tires!
PUT TOGETHER AN EMERGENCY KIT.
If you don't have one already, put together a winter emergency kit. It should contain tools you can use to get out of a bind - such as adjustable wrenches that will allow you to make low-level repairs, jumper cables, a jack, air pump and flashlight. You'll also need a first aid kit to treat any injuries that may occur in an accident. And in case you get stranded, carry canned or non-perishable food items and a can opener, a few gallons of clean water and enough warm blankets to cover up the entire family.
TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE'S INTERIOR.
Fall/winter will bring with it mud, slush, dirt, salt and grime, all things that are hard to get out of the carpet. Protect your investment by upgrading your floor mats.
"Taking care of carpeting is probably one of the most overlooked aspects of vehicle maintenance," said Frank Turner of Lund International, makers of automotive accessories. "It's not there just for looks. It insulates the interior of the car, helps reduce road noise and protects the metal flooring beneath it."
A better trigger for that tune-up is the change of season. As soon as the temperatures cool and you start to notice leaves falling from the trees, it's time to start getting your vehicle ready. Here are three easy steps to follow:
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR MECHANIC.
When you bring your vehicle in for its fall or winter checkup, your mechanic may recommend a number of services to prepare your vehicle for the season, such as brakes, battery condition, oil and filters, hoses and belts. Two of the most critical items to check are anti-freeze and tires. Your technician can recommend the minimum temperature threshold for your area, and add anti-freeze as needed. Tire condition is even more important during the winter months. Remember the "Penny Rule:" Insert a penny upside down in your tread groove; if you can see all of Mr. Lincoln's head, it's time to change your tires!
PUT TOGETHER AN EMERGENCY KIT.
If you don't have one already, put together a winter emergency kit. It should contain tools you can use to get out of a bind - such as adjustable wrenches that will allow you to make low-level repairs, jumper cables, a jack, air pump and flashlight. You'll also need a first aid kit to treat any injuries that may occur in an accident. And in case you get stranded, carry canned or non-perishable food items and a can opener, a few gallons of clean water and enough warm blankets to cover up the entire family.
TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE'S INTERIOR.
Fall/winter will bring with it mud, slush, dirt, salt and grime, all things that are hard to get out of the carpet. Protect your investment by upgrading your floor mats.
"Taking care of carpeting is probably one of the most overlooked aspects of vehicle maintenance," said Frank Turner of Lund International, makers of automotive accessories. "It's not there just for looks. It insulates the interior of the car, helps reduce road noise and protects the metal flooring beneath it."
Be the first to comment on this story