Never underestimate the damage that cold, winter weather can do to your vehicle. Everything from tires and brakes to fluids and oils are affected by the change in temperatures. Always make sure you have the correct type of motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and differential grease recommended by the manufacture for proper performance and to insure long life of those components. It is always a good idea to start a cold vehicle and let it warm up to a minimum operating temperature before you leave the driveway. Operating a vehicle when it is just started for the first time (after sitting all night) is doing harm and shorten the life of the internal components of your engine, transmission, and other driveline components.

Make sure you check the pressures in your tires at least twice through out the winter months. The cold temperatures will make the pressure decrease which will result in poor handling and increase the potential for losing control of your vehicle on cold, slippery roads. Furthermore, it’s always a good idea to check to tire pressure in your spare tire. The pressure could be too low when the time comes that you may need it.

Tech Tips
By Will Kivett
G.M. Brandywine Installation Division

When the weather turns colder problems can develop with your vehicle that you may not be aware of. Make sure you check the date on your battery to see if its time to change it out. Most batteries will last about 3 years. The colder the outside temperatures, shorter the life expectancy of your battery will be. Always check the battery positive and negative terminals to make sure they are making good connections.

Make sure all your fluids are at their proper levels and the correct type of fluids are being used for the winter weather. Finally, always check your tire’s air pressure. The colder outside air temperatures will cause the tire to drop in air pressure automatically making them under inflated and causing poor handling of your vehicle.

By Will Kivett
G.M. Brandywine Installation Division

By: Will Kivett
G.M. Brandywine Installations Division

Perhaps the biggest problem with flat tires is they always seem to come at the worst possible time. Before you duck out of the office early and start your weekend getaway, be sure you’re prepared for whatever pitfalls the road might present. Check the trunk and make sure you still have a spare tire and a jack ready to roll should they be needed. In addition, make sure you carry some basic tools in case a minor roadside repair may be required.

With many vehicles today having extensive and elaborate electrical systems, it is very important in keeping up with your battery and charging systems. Excessive heat and over-charging shorten the life of a battery. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which then damages the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate, which will eventually destroy a battery.

To get the most life out of a battery, it is recommended to have the electrical system checked every 6000 miles to make sure it is charging at the correct rate. If your car’s battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it often, especially in hot weather and add distilled water if necessary. Keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt can become a conductor, which drains battery power. If corrosion accumulates on battery terminals, it becomes an insulator and inhibits the current flow.

By: Will Kivett
G.M. Brandywine Installation Division

The stalled car syndrome, more noticeable on our roadways than in our driveways, has been with us for generations. But it becomes more critical with increased population. Beyond missed appointments or being late for work it also results in the condition known as road rage. Not only can a disabled vehicle have an annoying “ripple effect” that goes beyond the immediate scene: it can be disastrous for the driver who is left vulnerable to roadside crime or to the elements.

Don’t blame your car, it can’t drive itself to the repair shop and ask for an oil change or new spark plugs. An old battery or badly worn tires has its way of forewarning us that its going to let us down, but we tend to wait for the inevitable.  Don’t wait; I can’t stress enough the importance of periodic check ups. This not only helps prevent traffic jams due to mechanical break-downs, but also ensures the optimum safety and efficiency of our vehicles.

Nothing can ruin a spring road trip more than a broken-down vehicle. So it is important to make sure that you tune-up your vehicle using the proper parts. If you take your vehicle to a repair shop, ask for a listing of the parts installed and if they are new or aftermarket. Sometimes aftermarket items are cheaper; however make sure they are factory replacements. If not, do not use them. It could cost more money in the long run. A basic engine tune-up consists of changing out the spark plugs, plug wires, cap and rotor, or coil pack boots, PCV valve, all drive belts, fuel injector cleaning, thermostat, fuel filter, air filter, and oil and oil filter. It also would be advisable to replace the timing belt every 60,000 miles on the average type vehicle.

By: Will Kivett
G.M. Brandywine Installation Division

By: Will Kivett
G.M. Brandywine Installations Division

To be prepared for the changing weather and road conditions of spring, here’s a simple checklist of tips motorists should perform to help keep their vehicles running longer and more cost-effectively:

Check tire tread: The lower the tread depth the less traction you will have on wet roads and the greater the distance you will need to stop.
Watch for inflation: As temperatures change, so can tire pressure. Proper tire inflation is essential for increased automotive safety, optimum driving performance and significant cost savings, including better fuel mileage.
Breathe free: Replacing a dirty air filter can increase a vehicle’s fuel efficiency by reducing the strain on the engine, especially during warmer months.
Keep it flowing: When changing your motor oil, you may have to change the viscosity of the oil (especially from colder climates to warmer climates) In the warmer weather, you’ll get less protection as things heat up, so make sure you use the correct grade and viscosity.

Next Month: What you need to know about Tuning – up your engine.

With economic factors challenging, many consumers are making tough financial decisions, including postponing plans to buy a new vehicle. The typical vehicle on the road today is about nine years old. Routine maintenance and upkeep is becoming increasingly important not only for a vehicle’s longevity, but also for its efficiency and safety. Motorists should keep this in mind when they maybe reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that they think can be put off at least for the short term. Such decisions, however, could potentially shorten the life of a vehicle and cost more money in the long term.

Next Month: “How to prepare for the changing weather and road conditions of spring”
By: Will Kivett
G.M. Brandywine Installation Division