The Citizen, 2008-10-23, Page 16PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2008.
(MS) -- Some people anxiously
await the first few snowflakes of
winter, while others dread below-
zero mornings and icy commutes to
work.
No matter how you feel about the
cold, the reality is that it can take its
toll on your vehicle if you don’t take
the right precautions, say automotive
experts.
Your car or truck requires routine
maintenance year-round, but there
are certain items to especially focus
on when the temperature drops.
Taking a few moments now might
save you from the frustration of
being stranded later.
MOTOR OIL MUSTS
Engines work harder in winter.
That’s because oils and greases
become thicker when it’s cold,
slowing starting rpm, restricting oil
flow to critical engine parts,
increasing wear on bearings and
rings, decreasing engine life, and
increasing the burden on an already
overtaxed starting system. Over
time, friction and impeded fluid flow
can contribute to engine wear.
For severe cold, there is a
significant performance difference
between synthetic and conventional
motor oil. Many synthetic motor oils
still flow or pump at temperatures up
to sixty and seventy below zero.
Synthetics have a broader
service range than traditional
petroleum.
AVOID FROSTBITE FOR
YOUR VEHICLE
Inadequate antifreeze in the
engine’s cooling system can result in
serious damage to your vehicle.
Make sure you check antifreeze
levels and the effective workingtemperature of the product you’reusing. Otherwise you risk a cracked
engine block, blown hoses and water
pump failure --just to name a few
scenarios -- from frozen, expanded
water in your vehicle’s critical
systems.
There are a number of relatively
inexpensive antifreeze testers
available for measuring the effective
working temperature of your
antifreeze. If you don’t own one of
these gauges, be sure to have the
radiator fluid checked at your local
service station to make sure it is
suitable for severe cold
temperatures.
Propylene glycol-based
antifreezes provide excellent
protection against freezing.
Propylene glycol is safer than
ethylene glycol antifreezes, in that it
is relatively safe if accidentally
ingested by animals, and it doesn’t
have the sweet taste and smell that
lures pets and children to the
ethylene glycol variety in the first
place.
BATTERY BASICS
As temperatures drop, so does the
efficiency of the battery. In very cold
weather, the battery’s power output
can be diminished to as little as 10
per cent. Batteries also lose power as
they age. So if you were thinking
about getting a new car battery, now
may be the time to do so to ensure
you’re not stranded on the side of the
road in a snowstorm due to a battery
that won’t turn over the engine.
Think winter prep now for safer
winter driving later. For more tips,
visit www.amsoil.com.
371 Parson Crt., Goderich
519-524-2501 or 1-866-426-9502
• Free Estimates • Front Wheel Drives
• 4x4 Service • Domestic and Imports
• Clutch and Differential Repairs
• Specializing in Automatic and
Computer Controlled
Transmissions
• 1 Year Warranty on
Rebuilt Transmissions
We accept
Rust Control
Protect Your Vehicle
With Krown
Specially formulated for
rust protection
and
environmentally-friendly
Huron
Transmission
Save
$1000
on your fall
application
RADARAUTO PARTS
"You will find it at CARQUEST"
235 Turnberry St.,
BRUSSELS 519-887-9661
Highway 8 West,
MITCHELL 519-348-8485
20 King St.,
CLINTON 519-482-3445
Also at:
and
519-523-4356
Complete Mechanical Service
Computerized Tune-Ups
Snow Tires - Mufflers - Brakes
Vehicle Inspection Station
Kris’s Car Care
INTERIOR & EXTERIOR
CARS * TRUCKS * BOATS *
MOTORCYCLES
519-524-4777 or Cell 519-525-9309
230 Huron Rd., Goderich
WAX * SHAMPOO
& BUFFING
Winterize your exterior paint finish and
interior fabric (as well as your engine)
Get set
The leaves have changed, signifying that now is the time to
prep your vehicle for winter travel. (MS photo)
Time is now to preparevehicle for winter travel