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Car
Care Tips for Students and Parents |
by:
ARA |
(ARA)
- Parents and students will do well to get
their vehicles in shape before winter arrives,
according to the pros and the nonprofit
National Institute for Automotive Service
Excellence (ASE). Many breakdowns can be
avoided entirely by routine maintenance.
The following tips from ASE should give
parent and student alike a road map to fall
car care.
First things first -- Read your owner's
manual and follow the manufacturer's recommended
service schedules.
Engine Performance -- Get engine driveability
problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling,
diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good
repair shop. Cold weather will make existing
problems worse. Replace dirty filters-air,
fuel, PCV, etc.
Fuel -- Put a bottle of fuel de-icer in
your tank once a month to help keep moisture
from freezing in the fuel line. Note, too,
that a gas tank that's kept filled helps
prevent moisture from forming.
Oil -- Change your oil and oil filter as
specified in your manual -- more often (every
3,000 miles or so) if your driving is mostly
stop-and-go or consists of frequent short
trips.
Cooling System -- The cooling system should
be flushed and refilled as recommended.
The level, condition, and concentration
of the coolant should be checked periodically.
(A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is
usually recommended.) If you're doing your
own work, never remove the radiator cap
until the engine has thoroughly cooled!
The tightness and condition of drive belts,
clamps, and hoses should be checked by a
certified auto technician.
Heater/Defroster -- The heater and defroster
must be in good working condition for passenger
comfort and driver visibility.
Windshield Wipers -- Replace old blades.
If your climate is harsh, purchase rubber-clad
(winter) blades to fight ice build-up. Stock
up on windshield washer solvent; you'll
be surprised how much you use. Carry an
ice-scraper.
Battery -- The only accurate way to detect
a weak battery is with professional equipment.
Routine care: Scrape away corrosion from
posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces;
re-tighten all connections. If battery caps
are removable, check fluid level monthly.
A word of caution: Removal of cables can
cause damage or loss of data/codes on some
newer vehicles. Check your manual. Be sure
to avoid contact with corrosive deposits
and battery acid. Wear eye protection and
rubber gloves.
Lights -- Inspect all lights and bulbs;
replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean
road grime from all lenses. To prevent scratching,
never use a dry rag.
Exhaust System -- Your vehicle should be
placed on a lift and the exhaust system
examined for leaks. The trunk and floorboards
should be inspected for small holes. Exhaust
fumes can be deadly.
Tires -- Worn tires will be of little use
in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining
tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping;
check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks.
Check tire pressure once a month. Let the
tires "cool down" before checking the pressure.
Rotate as recommended. Don't forget your
spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition.
Emergencies -- Carry gloves, boots, blankets,
flares, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter,
tire chains, a flashlight, and a cell phone.
Put a few "high-energy" snacks in your glove
box.
For more car care tips, visit www.ase.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
About the author:
Courtesy of ARA Content
Circulated by Bandoni
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