Get Ready for Winter | Millsboro Auto Care

Millsboro Auto Maintenance | Millsboro Tune Up | In and Out Tire Pros

October is Car Care Month, a perfect time to make sure your car is ready for the upcoming winter. In and Out Tires can help you 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 your 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.”

That’s resulted in an increase in calls for battery service, salinapost.com says.

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 Millsboro auto care specialists at In and Out Tires.

In and Out Tire Pros is a local, family owned auto care and auto repair service center that Bill and Rita Schrider have built into the top, trusted auto repair, auto care, and auto accessories service center in Millsboro. We are dedicated to giving you the very best auto repair and auto care service, with a focus on upfront and honest quotes, timely response to issues, and quality products and parts.

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