Measures to take for seasonal car maintenance

With winter still hovering and temperatures swinging, students need to spend a little time outside of classes making sure their vehicles continue to run well.
According to the Car Care Council, taking care of minor concerns and establishing regular maintenance now can help prevent major problems in the future.
“Neglected vehicle care almost always means much higher costs down the line in the form of more extensive repairs or lost resale value,” said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council.
Tire pressure should be checked weekly in cold weather, according to the Council’s website, www.carcare.org. Tire tread also should be checked, and look for bulges, punctures and cracks that may be on the tire sidewalls. If the tread isn’t good or other problems are found, the tires need to be changed to prevent accidents.
Every vehicle should have a spare tire and it, too, needs to be checked for pressure and tread. In the event of a possible flat tire, always have a jack and lug wrench handy, as well as a can or two of Fix-A-Flat. This product is a tire sealant in a can designed for flat tires caused by small punctures. Fix-A-Flat is temporary, but can seal the tire long enough to enable someone to get to a repair shop or service station for a patch or replacement tire.
Windshield wiper blades also need to be checked and replaced if they are dull. The general rule is that wiper blades should be replaced every six months. Also, during cold weather, standard wiper fluid should be changed to a fluid that contains antifreeze.
Other vehicle inspections crucial in cold weather include checking the battery, brake system, heater, defroster and exhaust system. Carbon monoxide leaks in the exhaust can be deadly, particularly in the winter when windows are closed.
The Car Care Council also recommends that gas tanks be kept at least half full during the winter to minimize the chances of gas lines freezing. Along with a spare tire and tools, a good vehicle emergency kit will include an ice scraper, jumper cables, flashlight, flares, blanket, extra clothes, candles and/or matches, bottled water, dry food snacks and needed medication.
Door locks also can freeze, so try warming the key and then inserting it into the lock. Another trick is to dab the key with some petroleum jelly. This may not work on the first try, but be persistent. Also, be gentle so the lock or key doesn’t get damaged.
For those whose vehicles already were winterized, and along with the system checks listed above, the Car Care Council recommends the following tips to get good vehicle performance in any season:
• Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
• Check the hoses and belts to make sure they are not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing signs of excessive wear.
• Have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change.
• Schedule a tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.
• Inspect the steering and suspension system annually, including shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.
• Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly.
“With proper care,” according to the Council, “the typical vehicle should deliver at least 200,000 miles of safe, dependable performance.”
“Whether it’s an oil change, replacing brakes or new belts and hoses, that periodic repair bill is a drop in the bucket compared to monthly payments on a new car,” White said. “The bottom line is that a properly maintained vehicle is safer, more dependable, more fuel efficient, less polluting and more valuable.”