Preparing your vehicle for winter
Tips on winterizing your automobile during the colder months of the year
August Kelm
Issue date: 12/7/06 Section: Features
The coming of winter means a few things to all of us: holidays, shopping, family, and the unavoidable cold weather. One of the worst possible things that can happen during this time of year is car trouble. No one wants to get stranded in a snow storm, but with a little preventive maintenance, anyone can at least lessen a chance of that happening.
Since the Lakeland does not allow any major work to be done on students' vehicles in the parking lot, such as fluid changes like engine oil, some of us take our vehicles to a dealership or local garage. It is a good way to go if you have the money for it, but some of us do not. Even if you have the money, some people don't know what to suggest to their mechanic check.
Here is a list of items to check or get checked; most of these things can be done free or for a small amount of money depending on the item.
Tires: Always check the tread on your tires. With snow coming and cold winds, ice can form on the roads which can cause accidents. True, on some ice, like black ice, even the best treaded tires are still fated to slip, but your life depends on your tires and their condition.
You can check your tread depth with a penny or dime. A good tread will cover about half the coin; some new tires may even cover the whole coin. If it covers only the lower half, new tires may be in order.
Another thing to check on is tire pressure. Your tire's pressure affects a few things such as gas mileage, tread wear, ride comfort, and even stability on poor road conditions. All car manufactures have a sticker on or around the driver's side door with factory suggested tire pressures for all tires. For those with non stock tires, go off the suggested pressures from the side wall of the tire or call the tire vendor.
Tire pressure can be checked with a pressure gage. There are many different types but the most common is the pen-sized pressure gage. It can be found in every auto parts store, gas station, and other retail stores with automotive sections. If your tire or tires are low, most gas stations have free compressed air, or charge a twenty-five-cent fee.
Since the Lakeland does not allow any major work to be done on students' vehicles in the parking lot, such as fluid changes like engine oil, some of us take our vehicles to a dealership or local garage. It is a good way to go if you have the money for it, but some of us do not. Even if you have the money, some people don't know what to suggest to their mechanic check.
Here is a list of items to check or get checked; most of these things can be done free or for a small amount of money depending on the item.
Tires: Always check the tread on your tires. With snow coming and cold winds, ice can form on the roads which can cause accidents. True, on some ice, like black ice, even the best treaded tires are still fated to slip, but your life depends on your tires and their condition.
You can check your tread depth with a penny or dime. A good tread will cover about half the coin; some new tires may even cover the whole coin. If it covers only the lower half, new tires may be in order.
Another thing to check on is tire pressure. Your tire's pressure affects a few things such as gas mileage, tread wear, ride comfort, and even stability on poor road conditions. All car manufactures have a sticker on or around the driver's side door with factory suggested tire pressures for all tires. For those with non stock tires, go off the suggested pressures from the side wall of the tire or call the tire vendor.
Tire pressure can be checked with a pressure gage. There are many different types but the most common is the pen-sized pressure gage. It can be found in every auto parts store, gas station, and other retail stores with automotive sections. If your tire or tires are low, most gas stations have free compressed air, or charge a twenty-five-cent fee.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Best Car Insurance Tips
posted 2/26/10 @ 6:24 PM CST
So many people forget to do these things year after year so it is certainly a good reminder even as we are in the midst of winter. Also, having the right tires can prevent so many accidents in the snow, which can save you on your insurance. (Continued…)
writing service
posted 3/08/10 @ 4:16 PM CST
Thanks to author! I like articles like this about title , very interesting
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