Here are some suggestions on caring for your car:

Winterizing your car
Anti-freeze
Most anti-freezes are an ethylene glycol based fluid that has a low freezing point when mixed with water and a high boiling point. Most times it is a nice bright green color, but it can be either black or red.

Motor Oil
Most motor oil manufacturers have a summer and winter grade oil recommendations. Check your vehicle owners' manual for the recommended winter grade oil and change the oil to that grade.

Battery
Have the battery and charging system tested.Clean the top of the battery with a solution of baking soda and water. When it is nice and clean, spray a nice coat of terminal protector or put a layer of white lithium grease on the terminals to keep them clean and air away from them.

Tune-up
the harder it is for the fuel to ignite when starting when the temperature is low. If you haven't had a tune-up in a while, now is the time to get one. With a fresh set of spark plugs and new distributor cap, rotor and ignition wires as needed, your chances of your car starting without flooding greatly improve.

About Your Brakes
What it Does

The brake system applies frictional force to the wheels to slow or stop the vehicle.

Sercive and Maintenance

The following inspections and maintenance procedures can help prevent potential brake problems.

• Check brake fluid level at every oil change. Replace fluid according to owner's manual recommendations.
• Calipers and wheel cylinders should be checked at every brake inspection and serviced or replaced as required.
• Inspect the brake lines for rust, punctures or visible leaks (You may be able to do this, but consult a qualified technician if necessary)
• The following should be conducted by a qualified technician:
  • Inspection of the brake hoses for brittleness or cracking
  • Inspection of brake linings and pads for wear or contamination by brake fluid or grease
  • Inpsection of wheel bearings and grease seals
  • Parking brake adjustments (if needed)

Did You Know?

When you step on your brake pedal, you command a stopping force 10 times as powerful as the force that puts the car in motion. The braking system can exert as much as 1,000 pounds (450 kg) of hydraulic pressure on each of the four brakes.

 

Shocks
Shock absorbers are essential for control and most people take them for granted. Depending on the application most shocks last about 30,000 to 60,000 miles and will have to be replaced. Not only will good shock absorbers improve your ride but they will help to preserve your tires and front end components.

Motor Oils
The single most important item effecting engine longevity is motor oil and the frequency of servicing or changing the oil. There are two critical points to remember about oil changes. The first is the frequency of oil changes and. the second is the type of oil that is used.

All oils are not created equally. As a matter of fact they are not even close in most cases. The following is a ‘primer’ on oils and will cover mineral oils and all of the synthetics that are used for automotive application.

The oil change interval should be every 3,000 to 5,000 miles depending on the severity of your driving conditions. Remember that city driving is far harder on the oil than highway driving as is towing and extended high-speed motoring.

The oil filter should be replaced at, every oil change.