Winterize before the snow flies
Temperatures and snow may not be falling yet but this is the time to winterize vehicles.
Local automotive repair shops report some customers getting the jump on winter by having cars winterized.
Mike's Service Center reported customers have begun to think about the colder temperatures ahead.
"We're beginning to winterize cars for customers," Helen Bernhardt said.
David Leith of Leith, Inc., said he checks everything on vehicles but one thing that may be overlooked are tires.
"You need to take a good look at the tires," Leith said. "You don't want to have a flat in the winter."
Barry Allen of Webster Auto Service said fluid levels and belts need to be checked all year round.
"Temperature change affects cars," Allen said. "It can make problems show up that weren't there before."
Basic tips
— Check the antifreeze. The antifreeze should be flushed every two years in most vehicles.
The repair shops contacted agreed the antifreeze should be able to accommodate temperatures from 25 to 35 below zero.
— Change the oil. The oil should be changed every 3,000 miles year round but all recommended a fresh oil change to start the cold weather.
— Check the battery and exhaust system. Those cold days are hard on batteries. Leaving the car running to warm up, especially in confined areas, may lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
— Check heater and defroster. Often times drivers don't think about checking the heating system until it's needed.
— Keep the gas tank at least half full, decreasing the chance of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing.
— Check tire tread depth and pressure.
— Check headlights and taillights.
— Replace wiper blades every six months.
— Be prepared for an emergency with an ice scraper, windshield de-icer, flashlight, whisk broom, blanket, extra clothes, candle/matches, bottled water, snacks, necessary medications, and first aid kit.
Tips for better gas mileage
— Check gas cap. Make sure the cap fits tightly to avoid gas evaporating from tank.
— Check tires. When tires aren't inflated properly, it's like driving with the parking brake on.
— Replace spark plugs regularly. Vehicles can have either four, six, or eight spark plugs that fire as many as three million times every 1,000 miles. A dirty spark plug causes misfiring and wastes fuel.
— Replace dirty air filters. An air filter that's clogged with dirt, dust, and bugs choke off the air, causing too much gas to be burned for the amount of air. This wastes gas and causes the engine to lose power. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent, saving about 15 cents per gallon.
— Don't be an aggressive driver. Aggressive driving can lower gas mileage by as much as 33 percent on the highway and five percent on city streets.
— Avoid excessive idling. Sitting idle gets zero miles per gallon. Letting the vehicle warm up for one to two minutes is sufficient.
— Observe the speed limit. Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. Each mile driven over 60 will result in an additional 10 to 34 cents per gallon. To maintain a constant speed on the highway, cruise control is recommended.
