Winter Season Car Care

All of your vehicles mechanical and electrical systems are subjected to very harsh conditions in the winter that can cause them to fail and create the need to use a AAA tow truck. To avoid this scenario from happening, there are some simple things that can be done to help protect your vehicle.

First before winter sets in, schedule your vehicle to be serviced and checked over by a reliable automotive repair facility. Your local AAA Approved Auto Repair (AAR) facility fits the bill nicely for this service. AAA inspects them yearly and certifies that they meet our training, technology, and technician standards that are required by AAA to be in the program. They offer a 24,000 mile or 24 month warranty on all repair work and offer a discount on labor through the AAA Discounts and Rewards program.

Make sure the oil and filter are freshly changed going into winter, to make sure of proper oil flow when it gets very cold. The air filter for the engine and the cabin filter for the interior should be checked and replaced if needed to reduce the chance of something causing a reduced air flow either to the engine or to the heating and defrosting systems.

Looking at your vehicle’s needs, start off by making sure that the parts of the car that touch the road are all in good shape. Make sure all your tires have plenty of tread and are correctly inflated. Tires in cold weather can lose air as much as 1-2 lbs. for every drop of 10 degrees or more. Check the tire pressures regularly in the winter. Also while having your service done, see if a tire alignment or tire rotation should be done to make sure your car is tracking properly and helping your tires to wear evenly.

Other important items that should be checked are the battery, charging, and starting systems. Have your AAR facility verify everything is in good condition and the battery is strong for winter time starting. If you can’t make it to the garage, call AAA and have their mobile battery service come to your home or business to check everything and if needed to replace your battery.

Have the AAR facility check all your vehicles lights and their operations because with winter being a darker season, all lights working is a necessity. Also have them verify your ignition components, brake system, belts and hoses, exhaust system, and heater and defroster are operating as designed and that there are no fluid leaks. Make sure the engine cooling system is working properly, has no leaks, and for central Pennsylvania has a freezing temperature good to at least -25 degrees below o.  One other area that is often overlooked in winter maintenance is wiper and washer operation. We recommend special winter wipers during this time of years because their design keep snow from freezing in the blades. Also, use special low temperature windshield washer fluid in the washer bottle so that it doesn’t freeze up.

For additional information about the AAA Approved Auto Repair program visit your local AAA branch office or go to aaa.com/auto.

By Bruce Phillips- AAA Central Penn’s Approved Auto Repair Manager