Published: December 27, 2007 04:56 pm            

Local technicians offer tips on winterizing autos

By Cristin Ross

cross@jacksonvilleprogress.com

People aren’t the only ones that find it hard to start on a cold morning.

The family vehicle can fall victim to a laundry list of cold-weather quirks, but with a few preemptive maintenance tricks, the old jalopy can make it through another winter trouble free.

“Cold weather can be hard on batteries, belts and hoses and other parts,” said Michael Furrer, parts and service director at Bob Francis Ford in Rusk. “Most people wouldn’t have the proper tools to do, say an antifreeze test, so bringing a car to a certified technician is always a good idea at this time of year.”

The Car Care Council reports there are more road service calls in cold weather for dead batteries that cause starting failure. Low temperatures make electro-chemical action sluggish, making a battery’s output less. Also, colder temperatures increase thickness of the engine oil, making the engine harder to turn over. These factors lead to harder starting.

“An average of one out of four vehicles gets a new battery every year,” said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council in a release published on the council’s Web site. “Sooner or later all batteries have to be replaced, but having to so prematurely can involve more than the cost of a road service call and a new battery, it can be inconvenient as well.”

Even a strong battery that can deliver full power at 80 degrees F. will have dropped to 65 percent of its output at freezing temperature and only 40 percent at zero degrees. If a battery is three or more years old, it should be tested and replaced if necessary.

“It’s always a good idea to ask to have your battery checked,” Bacon Chevrolet service advisor Joe Francis said.

The Car Care Council suggests maintaining these prior to colder temperatures include:

• Engine performance - A poorly maintained engine is hard to start in cold weather, if it starts at all. It may run rough and lose power. Have fuel, ignition and emission control systems checked, necessary components replaced and adjustments made.

• Oil and filter - Change both as recommended in the owner’s manual, generally at 3,000-mile intervals for severe conditions and cold weather operation, especially when most driving is stop-and-go traffic. Check the owner’s manual for more information on severe service or refer to Car Care Council’s Service Interval Schedule.

• Cooling system - A vehicle’s antifreeze should be changed annually, or as recommended in the owner’s manual. Flush the cooling system every 24 months. The recommended mixture is 50/50 antifreeze and distilled water. Have the system pressure tested for leaks and check hoses and drive belt(s) for tension and condition.

• Visibility - Replace old wiper blades and be sure your washers are working. Carry spare washer solvent in your vehicle.

• Tires - Inspect, balance, check inflation and rotate tires. Check inflation on the spare and make sure the jack is in place.

• Exhaust System - Have the vehicle put on a lift for an inspection of the exhaust system. Leaking exhaust fumes can be deadly.

———

On the Net: carcare.or

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.