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Show • • • • • Fall CAR CARE, 2012 Page 7 Avoid tows in rain or snow this winter AAA offers seasonal safety tips SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - The season of snow, rain, fog, and weather-related auto accidents is upon us. In preparation, AAA Utah urges motorists to get their vehicles ready for the upcoming fall and winter weather to reduce their chances of being stranded in the cold. "Although summer auto crashes are more often fatal, fall and winter have the highest number of weather-related crashes, deaths and injuries," reports Rolayne Fairclough, AAA Utah spokesperson. "The combination of poorly maintained vehicles and driver error, along with loss of visibility and slick roads, causes thousands of preventable crashes each year." There are many ways to help prepare your car for winter driving. Antifreeze Protection A 50/50 solution of engine coolant and water will provide the necessary antifreeze capability. Don't Forget-Check hoses: Visually inspect the cooling system hoses for leaks, cracks or loose clamps. Also, feel the hoses to see if any are brittle or if any of them have an excessively soft and spongy feeling. Don't Forget-Flush cooling system: Motorists should have the cooling system flushed and new coolant installed as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Depending on the type of coolant used, it may be necessary every two to five years. Electrical System The efficiency of a vehicle battery decreases in colder temperatures. Heading into cold weather, have the vehicle's battery condition tested, especially if the battery is older than three years (AAA Mobile Battery Service will test members' auto batteries at no charge). If the battery has removable caps, make sure the cells are filled to the proper level with distilled water and that all cable connections are tight and that the terminals and clamps are free of corrosion. Don't Forget-Alternator belt: While the battery provides a reserve source of electrical energy, the alternator provides electrical power once the engine is running and it charges the battery. Make sure the alternator belt is properly adjusted. A loose belt is a common cause of a dead battery. While older vehicles require manual belt tightening, late models typically have automatic tensioners-but those can wear out or fail. Also inspect the alternator belt for signs of wear, such as cracks or missing segments on its ribbed underside. Windshield Check the windshield fluid reservoir before the first freeze of the year and use a windshield cleaning solution with antifreeze components. Also, check the operation of the pump and the aim of the sprayers. Don't Forget-Winter wiper blades: Make sure that wiper blades are completely clearing the windshield glass with each swipe. If there are streaks or missed spots, it's time to replace them. During the snow season, consider installing winter wiper blades. These special units wrap the blade in a rubber boot that prevents ice and snow buildup between the glass and blade. Tires If any tire has less than 3/32-inches of tread, it should be replaced. All-season tires work well in light to moderate snow conditions, providing they have adequate tread depth. In areas with heavy winter weather, using snow tires on all four wheels will provide the best winter traction. Don't Forget-Tire pressure: While motorists should check the pressure in their tires at least once a month, they should increase the frequency during winter months. As the temperature starts to drop, so will the pressures in the tires-typically 1 PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The proper tire pressure levels can be found on a sticker located on the driver's side door jamb. Also, don't forget to check the pressure in the spare. Brakes Brakes that already tend to grab or pull on a dry road are likely to lock on ice or snow-covered pavement, resulting in a loss of stopping power and/or steering control. Make sure brakes are in properly working order before winter weather arrives. Don't Forget-Brake fluid flush: Brake fluid absorbs water that collects at low points in the hydraulic system and causes rust, fluid leaks and even brake failure. On vehicles with antilock brakes, moisture in the brake fluid also can damage expensive electro-hydraulic control units. Most manufacturers recommend that the brake system be flushed and new fluid installed every two to three years. Check the owner's manual for the recommended service interval. While some do-it-yourselfers might check these items themselves, others can find guaranteed, professional maintenance and repair service at a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility. AAA Northern California, Nevada and Utah has nearly 600 Approved Auto Repair facilities. TRANSMISSIONS TOTAL CAR CARE AAMCO Transmissions & Total Car Care "Best Warranty in the Business" www.aamcologan.com Services We Offer: Free Towing with Major Transmission Repairs Transcan And External Diagnostic Service Complete Electronic Diagnostics Including Engine Automatic And Manual Transmission Repair Transmission Repair, Rebuilding And Replacement Transfer Case And Differential Service Manual Transmission Repair And Replacement Clutch Replacement Including Hydraulics Transfer Case Repair And Rebuilding Differential Repair And Overhaul Brake Service And Repair Engine Tune Up And Fuel Injection Cleaning All Factory Recommended Maintenance Steering And Suspension Repair Air Conditioning Repair And Recharging I I FREE Protect Check Our thorough 36-step system inspection, MI_ $35 value. Come in now! 752-1940 75 E. 2000 No. • North Logan See our new store near Les Schwab • More than 35 years in business • Locally Owned |
