Quantcast
Jump to content

  • Welcome to Auto Parts Forum

    Whether you are a veteran automotive parts guru or just someone looking for some quick auto parts advice, register today and start a new topic in our forum. Registration is free and you can even sign up with social network platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Google, and LinkedIn. 

     

Arctic Blast Wake-Up Call: Winterize Your Vehicle Now


Recommended Posts

2234-Winter-Images-940x788.jpg

The recent record cold weather in a large part of the country should be a wake-up call to motorists who have not yet winterized their vehicles, warns the Car Care Council.

“Freezing cold temperatures can stress out a vehicle, as well as its driver,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “The recent record low temperatures are a harsh reminder to be car care aware. Motorists should invest a little time now to check their vehicles so they have one less worry when arctic temperatures strike again.”

Very cold temperatures reduce a vehicle’s battery power so it’s important to keep the connections clean, tight and corrosion-free. Batteries don’t always give warning signs before they fail completely, so if the vehicle’s battery is more than three years old, it’s wise to replace it.

Be diligent about changing the oil and filter at recommended intervals. Dirty oil can spell trouble in winter. Consider changing to “winter weight” oil if you live in a cold climate. Check the fuel, air and transmission filters at the same time.

Have the brakes inspected and check the tire tread depth and tire pressure. If snow and ice are a problem in your area, consider special tires designed to grip slick roads. During winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly.

Winter magnifies existing problems such as pings, hard starts, sluggish performance or rough idling, so if you’re due for a tune-up, have it done before the temperatures drop again. Also, clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system and have the exhaust system checked for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are closed.

For good visibility, make sure that exterior and interior lights work and headlights are properly aimed.

Also check to see that heaters, defrosters, lights and wipers work properly. Consider winter wiper blades and use cold weather washer fluid. Wiper blades that are cracked or torn, or that chatter, streak and don’t properly clean your windshield should be changed.

Keep the gas tank at least half full at all times to decrease the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing. Lastly, stock an emergency kit with an ice scraper and snowbrush, jumper cables, flashlight, flares, blanket, extra clothes, candles/matches, bottled water, dry food snacks and needed medication.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at

link hidden, please login to view
. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at
link hidden, please login to view
.

The post

link hidden, please login to view
appeared first on
link hidden, please login to view
.

link hidden, please login to view

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Similar Topics

    • By Garage Gurus
      Garage Gurus | How to Use a Five-Gas Analyzer to Diagnose a Vehicle
    • By Counterman
      In link hidden, please login to view, we gave leaders from the major distribution groups and trade associations an opportunity to reflect on the most critical issues affecting the automotive aftermarket. For the second year in a row, we let distribution leaders “riff” on these topics in their own words.
      Here’s what Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association, had to say about the ongoing battle to pass Right-to-Repair legislation – in Massachusetts and at the national level.
      “A rising tide lifts all boats” is a quote commonly attributed to President John F. Kennedy to suggest that investing in economic development can benefit everyone who participates in the economy. The same sentiment is true for the more than $400 billion auto care industry, as evidenced by our recent joint channel forecast that showed our industry outperforming our expectations in 2022.
      That’s how we roll: Collaboration is critical between supplier, distributor and end user to ensure that we’re meeting the needs of our industry from the top of the supply chain down to the consumer.
      It’s easy to get comfortable when the numbers are this good and it’s hard to keep up with demand … everything appears to be firing on all cylinders (of course, an automotive analogy). While it’s important to celebrate our success, it’s also critical for all of us to be engaged to thwart the biggest threat to our industry since its inception. 
      On June 12, a representative from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
      link hidden, please login to view instructing them to ignore the Massachusetts Data Access Law (Right to Repair Act) that was approved by 75% of the voters because they interpreted it to be federally pre-empted by the national Safety Act. This letter came two years after the federal court in Massachusetts asked NHTSA to comment on the trial – which they opted not to do.  This is a now a rallying cry for all of us, and I’m afraid that unless we activate our entire industry around this issue, we all will lose … especially the consumer. Shop owners and DIYers are already experiencing instances where data is not made available by the automakers, and this will continually escalate should we not pass Right to Repair at the national level.
      The phrase “Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country” was actually first used as a typing drill in the mid 19th century – not shouted in the House of Burgesses by Patrick Henry as is commonly believed. We now have a new rallying cry of, “Now is the time for all men and women to defend the auto care industry and consumer choice,” which is critical to our long-term viability as an industry.   
      Here’s how you and your company can take part in the most important battle our industry has ever faced:
      Scan the QR Code below to send an automatic letter to your local congressperson telling them to support the REPAIR Act. Download the Right-to-Repair promotional materials at link hidden, please login to viewto conduct a unified company awareness campaign on Right to Repair. Our toolkit has everything you need to educate employees and customers about the necessity of Right to Repair. Host your congressperson at your place of business. We have a complete program that handles the contacts, the logistics and the talking points. It’s easier than you think, and any politician is always looking for a photo op with their local business constituents. Here’s a link to our link hidden, please login to view to learn how to get started. I saved the most important for last: Attend the Auto Care Association’s legislative summit on Sept. 21 in Washington, D.C. Join us and hundreds of your industry colleagues in Washington as we arrange meetings between you and your local congressional representatives so they can hear directly from you about our industry’s need to access vehicle data. link hidden, please login to view Meeting with an elected official is nothing more than a sales call, and guess what? You are the customer! The loudest voice in Washington is that of the taxpayer/voter – and we provide the talking points, the meeting schedule and a thoroughly American day participating in the political process. This is a day you will bring home to your family and friends, and I promise you: You will not regret it. 
      Take a look back at highlights from our last legislative summit in 2019
      link hidden, please login to view and stay tuned throughout the year for additional details.   Thanks to all of you for engaging in the protection of our industry’s future!   
      The post
      link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
      link hidden, please login to view
    • By abenleulmi
      The thermostat is a crucial component in your car's engine system, playing a vital role in regulating the engine temperature. Contrary to common beliefs, removing your car's thermostat can lead to severe consequences, affecting fuel efficiency and engine lifespan. In this article, we will explore the benefits of retaining the thermostat and explain why removing it should be avoided. link hidden, please login to view  
    • 30% OFF all service and repair manuals
    • By Rona
      link hidden, please login to view is a professional brake pads manufacturer with 20 years of experience in producing ceramic, semi-metallic, and low-metallic brake pads. GDST products are mostly exported to America like South America and North America, Australia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, covering more than 30 countries and continuing to expand in the automotive aftermarket. Certifications: E-Mark ECE R90, AMECA, LINK TEST REPORT, IATF16949.

      Web: 
      link hidden, please login to view Email: [email protected]
      Whatsapp/Phone: +8618555330281

×
  • Create New...