(Family Features), September 14, 2015-- Conducting routine
maintenance on your vehicle is necessary to maintain optimal performance and
prevent costly repairs. As colder weather approaches, and with it the potential
for treacherous road conditions, giving certain areas of your car special
attention can also protect your safety.
“Getting
your vehicle ready for winter while temperatures are still mild is a proactive
approach to preventive maintenance that helps ensure safety and reliability
when severe winter weather strikes,” said Rich White, executive director, Car
Care Council.
The
following tips will help you learn how to care for the systems and features
most likely to affect your safety as winter approaches. Learn about the
benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair, and order a free copy
of the council’s Car Care Guide, at www.carcare.org.
Brakes
The
brake system is a car’s most important safety system. A faulty brake system may
impede your ability to safely slow your vehicle in inclement driving conditions
or avoid an accident. Brakes sustain normal wear and eventually need to be
replaced for both performance and safety reasons. Ignoring routine maintenance
and letting brake pads wear too thin can lead to costly rotor and drum
replacement, in addition to compromising your ability to execute a sudden stop
safely.
·
Have
your complete brake system thoroughly inspected annually and replace equipment
as needed.
·
If
your car is pulling to the left or right, or if you hear odd noises when you
apply the brakes, you should have your brakes inspected. Other warning signs
include an illuminated brake warning light, brake grabbing, low pedal feel,
vibration, hard pedal feel and squealing.
·
Don’t
overlook the parking brake, which also may require adjustment or replacement
parts.
Wheels
and Tires
When
roads become wet or icy, the right wheels and tires can help ensure you have
the traction you need to maintain control. Maintaining tire balance and wheel
alignment reduces tire wear and improves handling and fuel economy. Tire
replacement is necessary if the tread depth is below the minimum legal
requirement, or if the sidewalls are severely cracked or punctured. In
addition, normal wear and road conditions can take their toll on your car’s
steering and suspension system and disrupt the alignment, which in turn reduces
optimum handling.
·
Use
the “penny test” to check your tread; if you see Lincoln’s head above the tread,
you are ready for new tires.
·
Have
your car’s alignment checked at least annually or at the first sign of improper
handling or uneven wear.
·
Check
inflation pressure at least once a month (including the spare) and once per
week in the winter.
·
Rotate
and balance tires every 6,000 miles to avoid accelerated wear on shock
absorbers and struts.
Battery
Your
battery should be securely mounted, with connections clean, tight and
corrosion-free. If the battery is three years old or more, it should be tested and
replaced if necessary.
Headlights
Headlights
play a major role in safe driving; the chances for accidents increase if you
can’t see or be seen. The lighting system provides nighttime visibility,
signals and alerts other drivers, and supplies light for viewing instruments
and the vehicle’s interior.
·
If
there is any doubt about whether or not your headlights should be on, turn them
on.
·
Keep
headlights, tail lights and signal lights clean. External dirt and debris can
dim operational lights, making it difficult to be seen by others.
·
Make
sure your headlights are properly aimed. If they aren’t, headlights blind other
drivers and reduce your ability to see the road.
·
Don’t
overdrive your headlights. You should be able to stop inside the illuminated
area; otherwise you are creating a blind crash area in front of your vehicle.
·
Replace
dimming, rapidly blinking or non-functioning lights immediately, but check
first to ensure a loose or faulty fuse isn’t the source of the problem.
Windshield
Wipers
The
wiper system keeps excessive water, snow and dirt from building up on the
windshield, maintaining clear visibility. Many factors can accelerate the
replacement of wipers, including operating conditions, frequency of use,
material and type of wipers and weather.
·
In
general, replace blades every six months or when cracked, cut, torn, streaking
or chattering.
·
Be
aware that some vehicles have two washer fluid reservoirs. Check levels monthly
and use washer fluid only; do not use water.
Maintenance
Checklist
Whether
you do it yourself or take your car to a professional service technician, the
Car Care Council recommends these basic maintenance procedures to keep your
vehicle operating at its best:
1.
Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission,
as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
2.
Check the hoses and belts for signs of damage or wear.
3.
Check the battery and replace if necessary.
4.
Check the brake system annually and have the brake linings, rotors and drums
inspected at each oil change.
5.
Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if
there is an unusual noise.
6.
Check the heating, ventilating and air conditioning system, as proper heating
and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons
such as defrosting.
7.
Inspect the steering and suspension system annually, including shock absorbers,
struts and chassis parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related
components.
8.
Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a
need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald
spots.
9.
Check the wipers and lighting, including both interior and exterior lighting,
and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during
precipitation.
Photos
courtesy of Getty Images
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