Randy's Automobile Winter Preparation Tips

1. Change the Fuel Filter and use a high quality gas line antifreeze like BG Gas line antifreeze.
   
   
2. Check the belts. If they are cracked, change them now rather than in a snow bank on the side of the road.
   
   
3. Have the alternator checked for ability to sustain the load of defrosters, electric rear window defrosters, heater, wipers and lights.
   
   
4. Invest in a good set of actual snow tires.
   
   
5. inspect and change any needed brakes and the ABS system. The ABS is very important during slippery conditions.
   
   
6. Check and change any lubricants like engine oil and transmission fluid. If your car has differentials, change that fluid also as well as the coolant. Neglected coolant actually creates an acid that will "eat" your radiator from the inside out.
   
   
7. Hoses - they are not permanent. Have them changed if they are more than two (2) years old.
   
   
8. Wiper blades both front and rear if your car has them. Tip: free up the wipers from the frozen glass by gently lifting. If they do not easily release from the snow and ice use the cars defroster to clear all the ice from the windshield to completely thaw. Otherwise, if you turn on the wipers with them frozen to the windshield or covered with snow, this will ruin the wiper motor. So, take your time and plan ahead. Save some time and money.
   
   
9. If your vehicle has power windows, never never try to open the windows until they are completely free of all snow and ice. If you don't, you will destroy the window motor and cause yourself unnecessary money and aggravation.
   
   
10. Have the exhaust system checked for leaks that will leak CARBON MONOXIDE into the car. With all of the windows closed the chance of CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING is much greater.
    
    
11. Air and cabin air filters need to be changed also.
    
    
12. If it has been 60,000 miles or more since you have had the timing belt changed or you just recently bought this car and it is unknown when the timing belt was changed, it is a good practice to change it so you now have a service record to go by. Also, if your engine has the design where the timing belt also runs the water pump, have it changed. Timing belt run water pumps are a major cause of premature timing belt failure and in some cases catastrophic engine damage when they fail and lock-up causing the timing belt to break.

It seems like a lot to do but wouldn't you rather take care of it and not have a breakdown or ignore it and have a very expensive unplanned disaster ruin your Holiday.

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