DRIVERS have been urged to make sure their car is in top shape before cold weather rolls in by doing crucial checks that could save thousands of dollars.
An auto expert shared the most important car parts to inspect – and neglecting one area during the winter could leave drivers with repair bills up to $3,500.
Drivers should check their coolant levels before the cold months (stock image)[/caption]
It’s also important for drivers to check their tire pressure (stock image[/caption]
Ron Krauch is an automotive writer with four decades of experience working with cars.
His love for cars started as a child as he grew up around an auto shop in Baltimore where his dad worked.
He went on to attend racing schools and work for industry giants like Pontiac, Ford, and CarMax.
Krauch offered advice to drivers about which parts of their cars to check ahead of the winter in an interview with The U.S. Sun.
The auto expert, who writes for CarsAndConvos.com, said that it’s imperative for drivers to top off or replace fluids before the winter.
Drivers should ensure their car’s coolant or antifreeze is properly mixed and at the correct level to prevent freezing.
The 50/50 rule, half antifreeze and half water, is usually the standard for properly mixing the liquid.
Antifreeze lowers the freezing point of water in your car engine’s cooling system to prevent it from turning to ice and expanding in cold temperatures.
If coolant is used properly, the water could freeze and expand – cracking your engine block.
Fixing a cracked engine block isn’t typically cheap, as CarBrain estimates the damage typically costs at least $3,500 to repair.
The auto company says that it’s often better to just sell a car with a cracked engine block rather than try to replace it as it could take long hours to fix and cost $1,500 for just the parts alone.
CHECK YOUR FLUIDS
Coolant isn’t the only fluid you should check, as Krauch recommends getting an oil change before the cold.
“Use the correct oil for winter, as some oils thicken in cold temperatures, making it harder for the engine to start,” the expert told The U.S. Sun.
He also recommended taking care of your windshield wiper fluid and making sure your wiper blades are in good condition.
More winter car advice from AAA
The American Automobile Association shared advice on preparing your car for the winter months.
AAA gave the following tips for drivers getting ready for cold weather:
- Get your brakes checked
- Check tire pressure
- Test your car’s battery
- Apply water repellent to your windshield
- Check antifreeze levels
- Clean your headlights
- Have emergency tools available like jumper cables, salt, and an ice scraper
“Use winter washer fluid that won’t freeze and fill up the reservoir,” Krauch said.
TREADING LIGHTLY
Krauch also said it’s important for drivers to check their tires and tire pressure before winter.
“Cold weather causes tire pressure to drop, so check and inflate them to the recommended level. Under-inflated tires can reduce traction,” he explained.
The expert recommends drivers in snowy areas switch to winter tires as they have a better grip on snow and ice.
Drivers should also make sure their tires have sufficient tread before hitting wet or icy roads – which you can check using a coin.
TEST YOUR BATTERY
Finally, Krauch says drivers should inspect their car batteries because “cold temperatures reduce battery performance.”
You should have your battery tested, especially if it’s more than three years old.
Drivers should also check that their battery terminals are clean and corrosion-free to maintain a good connection.
If you’re taking your car to the shop for any of these crucial checks, Krauch previously warned against three services offered by dealerships that could waste your time and money.
Automotive expert Ron Krauch[/caption]
