Quick Maintenance Tips for Winter Reliability
PHOENIX, Nov. 29, 2004 -- CSK Auto Parts stores, offers the following suggestions to help improve your driving experience in the season of freezing temperatures:
1. Keep ice scrapers and snow brushes in the house if an overnight storm is predicted. This will allow you to remove snow and ice before having to open the car doors or trunk. Keep a spare ice scraper in the car as well. 2. Store window and lock de-icers in the house. They won't help if they're frozen inside your vehicle. Additional de-icers in the car and at work are also a good idea. 3. Windshield wiper blades should be capable of completely clearing the windshield in three swipes. Replace the blades if cleaning the blade edges doesn't help. Winter-type blades prevent snow from jamming in the blade's center, and are the best choice for snow and icy weather. 4. Top off washer fluid frequently. Don't wait until you run out of fluid and the windshield is covered with salt or sandy residue. Keep your defroster on with the heat to prevent fluid from freezing on the windshield in extreme cold. 5. Give inside window surfaces an extra cleaning to reduce surface fog formation and to speed the defogging process. Your air conditioning system typically runs with your heater to dehumidify the cabin for quicker defogging of all windows. You might want a professional service provider to check your systems to ensure proper operation. 6. Test engine coolant or antifreeze to ensure freeze protection to at least (-30) degrees Fahrenheit. If it looks rusty or has been there for more than two years, change the antifreeze to restore the freeze protection, rust inhibitors and water pump lubricant. An inexpensive do-it-yourself coolant flush will help remove any harmful grit that could cause premature water pump failure. While you're looking at the cooling system, check the belts and hoses to make certain they are in good shape to last through the season. 7. Make sure that all lights, especially high beams, turn signals, and brake lights, are in working condition, and that headlights are aimed correctly. Keep lights as clean as possible for maximum visibility.