Car Care Tips...

Abnormal weather is here. Is your car ready?

MCKENNA AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES reminds motorists to have the following items checked before abnormal weather sets in. These steps will not only keep you safe, but will go a long way in keeping your vehicle dependable, economical, and efficient.

BATTERY: Your battery grows weaker in cold weather. A battery's power is reduced by 35% when the thermometer drops to freezing temperature and 60% when the temperature drops to zero degrees. Our technicians can test you battery and its related components to assure you fast and easy starts in any weather. According to the battery council of America, the average life expectancy of a modern day battery is 4 years. If your battery is 4 years or older, consider a new one now.

COOLING SYSTEM: Every two years the cooling system should be flushed and refilled with fresh antifreeze, also referred to as coolant. To ensure maximum protection, have your system flushed and refilled every two years. If your system hasn’t been flushed in the last 24 months and the cold is coming, at least have the coolant's freeze protection checked and see that it is set 32 Degrees below zero.

Note: Some vehicles are equipped with special components/coolant designed to last for 5-years or 150,000 miles. Although this is an extended interval, motorists should be aware that this coolant does require changing. In addition, this special coolant should not be mixed with standard antifreeze.

EXHAUST SYSTEM: A winter rarely passes that an unsuspecting motorist isn't poisoned by carbon monoxide, the victim of a faulty exhaust system. Our technicians can check for small holes and leaks that can allow the deadly gasses to escape into the car's cabin, and possibly cause death. Get it fixed before it’s too late.

FUEL: Keep your fuel tank at least half-full. This serves two purposes. First, you'll never be caught with an empty tank. Second, condensation will be less likely to take place, keeping water out of your fuel tank.

Also remember filling a fuel tank that is almost empty, right after driving can damage your fuel pump. After only a few minutes of driving the fuel pump gets hot and is cooled by the fuel in the tank, if the level is so low that it won’t cool the pump and you fill the tank with cold fuel, you can damage the pump.

HEATER AND DEFROSTER: This system ensures both comfort and visibility. Have it checked (including proper operation of all ducts) prior to the onset of cold weather. There is nothing worse then driving in cold weather with no defroster and cold feet.

HOSES AND BELTS: Many new cars have several hoses but only one belt. This makes service an important issue. You should have your belts and hoses checked with every service and changed every four years. A failed hose or belt will not only leave you stranded, but can cause severe engine damage.

OIL: Because winter weather exaggerates the harmful effects of driving, it's important that your oil and oil filter are changed according to your owner's manual. Many manuals refer to "severe service" and “normal service” driving. Many vehicle owners confuse normal and severe service driving. Severe service is classified as city stop and go driving, the type of driving most of us do. The normal service classification is, 45 minutes of continues driving at a speed in excess of 45 MPH. Most of us don’t do that every day. 

TIRES: Driving on worn tires is scary in any weather, especially winter and rain. Make sure your tires are wearing evenly and have sufficient tread, if not, have the suspension repaired, aligned, and the tires replaced.

Check air pressure often, too much air pressure reduces traction and handling, too little air also makes for poor handling and increases rolling resistance, which increases fuel usage and reduces tire life. Keep tires inflated to owner's manual specifications. Don't forget to check the spare.

TRANSMISSION:  Your transmission is one of the most important parts of your vehicle, if it doesn’t work you’re not going to move. Keeping your transmission working properly is a simple mater of changing its life blood, the fluid. Your transmission works by way of fluid pressure. That fluid (transmission fluid) must be kept clean. Have your transmission serviced at the beginning of the winter to ensure smooth shifting. Consider using Synthetic fluid also, it may cost more but provides superior protection. 

TUNE UP: Although these days a tune up is often referred to as a "performance or engine analysis" they are necessary and the intent is the same, to make certain your engine is running as efficiently and economically as possible so that it will last for thousands of miles without leaving you stranded.

WIPER BLADES: Heat and the summer sun take their toll on windshield wipers. If your blades are cracking, chattering, or smearing get new ones. Those designed to dislodge ice from the windshield can be especially helpful now. Invest in an ice scraper, and keep your windshield washer reservoir filled. This will ensure that you'll never have to peer through a grimy windshield.

Even with the best service intentions you never know what can happen, so don't forget to prepare yourself for a adverse weather emergency such as accidents, running off the road, or an unforeseen break down. Cell phones are great but not always 100% reliable. Consider the worst case scenario and pack your car accordingly. Don't forget blankets, flares and flashlight, snacks, water, vital medications, and a good first aid kit.