October is Car Care Month, a perfect time to make sure your car is ready for the upcoming winter. Tracy’s Automotive can help with that.
October is Car Care month. AAA says that the event serves as “an ideal time to remind motorists as the weather cools, motorists should complete a seasonal vehicle checkup to maintain safety and maximize efficiency.”
That might not sound very urgent in the mildly cool days of October, but making sure you car is winter-prepped is wise. That’s especially true this year, according to salinapost.com: “As a result of earlier COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, an increase of people working from home and virtual learning, motorists are logging far fewer miles and vehicles are sitting idle for longer periods of time. …
“During the summer of 2020 AAA Kansas emergency roadside rescue crews responded to nearly 5,000 calls for battery service, an increase of 5.4% compared to the summer of 2019 as a result of the stay-at-home orders issued in the spring.”
AAA offers this winter car care checklist to help with preparations:
“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. ….
“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 newer 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 have an excessively spongy feeling.
“Tire Type and Tread – In areas with heavy winter weather, installing snow tires on all four wheels will provide the best winter traction. All-season tires work well in light-to -moderate snow conditions provided they have adequate tread depth. Replace any tire that has less than 3/32-inches of tread. Uneven tire wear can indicate alignment, wheel balance or suspension problems that must be addressed to prevent further tire damage.
“Tire Pressure – Check tire inflation pressure on all four tires and the spare more frequently in fall and winter. As the average temperature drops, so will tire pressures – typically by one PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit. 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.
“Air Filter – Check the engine air filter by holding it up to a 60-watt 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 annually with an inexpensive tester available at any auto parts store.
“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 blade that leaves streaks or misses spots. In regions where snow is common, consider installing winter wiper blades that wrap the blade frame in a rubber boot to reduce ice and snow buildup that can prevent good contact between the blade and the glass.
“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 to ensure they are at or above the minimum safe levels.
“Emergency Road Kit – Carry an emergency kit equipped for winter weather.”
The easiest way to make sure these checks are done and anything needed is repaired well before cold weather sets in, is to get with the Wichita auto care specialists at Tracy’s Automotive.
While you’re at Tracy’s Automotive, check into our specials, like free road hazard protection on a set of four tires.
Tracy’s Automotive is a proud dealer for Jasper Engines and Vogue Performance Exhaust systems.
While you’re at Tracy’s Automotive, be sure to sign up for our giveaway of a $150 gift card and a Weber Spirit II E-210 gas grill. The Weber Spirit II E-210 is a two-burner grill that’s built to fit small spaces, and packed with features such as the powerful GS4 grilling system, iGrill capability, and convenient side tables for placing serving trays.
Once you fall in love with the Spirit II E-210, fill out a form. We’ll be giving away one $150 gift card and one grill at each of our locations in November. No purchase necessary but you must enter at one of our service centers. Stay tuned for more details or ask one of the auto pros when you visit one of our service centers.
Tracy’s Automotive is here to help you. If you don’t have time or feel you can take your car to the shop, Tracy’s Automotive will pick it up at your home or work. Then, after your car is serviced or repaired, Tracy’s Automotive will bring it back to you thoroughly cleaned.
Tracy’s passion for a better tire buying, auto care and auto repair experience drove us to develop the model of Tracy’s Automotive Tire Pros. Tracy’s has turned hard work and inspiration into a booming tire and auto repair provider. Now Tracy’s has three locations and serves customers all over Wichita and Goddard. Tracy’s is thrilled to be a part of your family’s trusted brands for all auto repair and tire needs.
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