Don’t Get Caught with Your Tires Down
Sept. 30, 2016 – Tomorrow marks the start of Car Care Month and AAA says October is the perfect month to make sure your vehicle is winter ready. The weather is mild and there is plenty of time to take care of preventive maintenance and make any needed repairs.
“When it comes to maintaining your car or pickup, one stitch really can save nine,” said Chuck Mai, spokesman for AAA Oklahoma. “We’ve come up with a simple checklist to help you pinpoint your vehicle’s maintenance needs. Many of the things on this list car owners should be able to check themselves easily and quickly, but others are best taken care of by a certified auto technician.”
Motorists can identify reliable, high-quality repair facilities staffed with certified technicians by looking for the AAA Approved Auto Repair sign. These facilities meet and maintain high standards for customer service, technician training, tools, equipment, warranties and cleanliness. Nearby shops can be located at AAA.com/repair. There are dozens in Oklahoma.
Winter Car Care Checklist
Battery and Charging System – Have the battery and charging system tested by a trained technician. A fully charged battery in good condition is required to start an engine in cold weather. AAA members can request a visit from a AAA Mobile Battery Service technician who will test their battery and replace it on-site, if necessary.
Battery Cables and Terminals – Make sure the battery terminals and cable ends are free from corrosion and the connections are tight.
Drive Belts – Inspect the underside of accessory drive belts for cracks or fraying. Many multi-rib serpentine belts are made of materials that do not show obvious signs of wear; replace these belts at 60,000-mile intervals.
Engine Hoses – Inspect cooling system hoses for leaks, cracks or loose clamps. Also, squeeze the hoses and replace any that are brittle or feel excessively spongy.
Tire Type and Tread – In Oklahoma, all-season tires work well in our light to moderate snow conditions, provided they have adequate tread depth. Uneven tire wear can indicate alignment, wheel balance or suspension problems that must be addressed to prevent further tire damage. Replace any tire that has less than 3/32-inches of tread. Use the penny test: insert a penny – Lincoln’s head first – into the deepest part of your tire’s tread. If you can still see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to invest in a new set of tires.
Tire Pressure – Check your tires’ inflation pressure more frequently in fall and winter. As the average temperature drops, so will tire pressures – typically by one pound per square inch (PSI) for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The proper tire pressure levels can be found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker typically located on the driver’s side door jamb or on the door of the glove compartment. Also, check your spare, if you have one. Many newer cars come without one.
Air Filter – Check the engine air filter by holding it up to a bright light bulb. If light can be seen through much of the filter, it is still clean enough to work effectively. However, if light is blocked by most of the filter, replace it.
Coolant Levels – Check the coolant level in the overflow tank when the engine is cold. If the level is low, add a 50/50 solution of coolant and water to maintain the necessary antifreeze capability. Test the antifreeze protection level with an inexpensive tester available at auto parts stores or go to a qualified auto tech.
Lights – Check the operation of all headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers and back-up lights. Replace any burnt-out bulbs.
Wiper Blades – The blades should completely clear the glass with each swipe. Replace any blades that leave streaks or miss spots.
Washer Fluid – Fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir with a winter cleaning solution that has antifreeze components to prevent it from freezing.
Brakes – If there is any indication of a brake problem, have the system inspected by a certified technician to ensure all components are in good working order.
Transmission, Brake and Power Steering Fluids – Check all fluids under the hood to make sure they are at or above the minimum safe levels.
Emergency Road Kit – Carry an emergency kit equipped for winter weather. The kit should include:
• Bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, clay-based kitty litter) or traction mats
• Snow shovel
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Windshield washer solvent
• Ice scraper with brush
• Cloth or roll of paper towels
• Jumper cables (and know how to use them)
• Extra warm clothing such as gloves, hats and scarves
• Blankets
• Warning devices such as flares or triangles
• Drinking water
• Non-perishable snacks for both humans and pets
• First-aid kit
• Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench, duct tape)
• Cell phone and car charger cord. Pre-program your phone with rescue apps (AAA.com/Mobile) and important phone numbers including family and emergency services.
The road to a long car life starts with the owner's manual. Following the vehicle manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule found in the owner's manual is the best way to keep a car running properly and avoid costly repairs.
A not-for-profit, fully tax-paying organization, AAA Oklahoma provides its 395,400 Oklahoma members with emergency roadside assistance and auto travel services. Plus, the auto club offers members and the general public a wide range of personal insurance, worldwide travel and financial services at branch offices across Oklahoma and online at AAA.com. Motorists can map a route, identify gas prices, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.