• Engine Tune Up
Get engine problems such as hard starts, stalling and hesitations corrected. Cooler weather makes existing problems worse. Waiting to address an issue will often cost you more.
• Cooling System
Have your cooling system flushed and filled according to the recommendation found in your owner's manual. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. A mixture of 50 percent antifreeze and 50 percent distilled water is recommended. Keep in mind, adding too much coolant can cause problems too, so stay as close to a 50/50 mixture as possible.
• Oil
If you're not already using a synthetic oil, consider switching to one such as Mobil 1 0W-30 or Mobil 1 5W-30. These viscosity oils will help your car operate more efficiently, making it easier for your car to start in cooler temperatures. The protection range of a synthetic is wider than that of conventional oil. If your neighborhood is exposed to cold temperatures, your engine will be protected well by a synthetic oil such as Mobil 1.
• Battery
Check the vehicle's battery power. Clean all surfaces of the battery and make sure all the connections are tight. Dirty cables and loose battery connections can cause electrical system problems. Also, keep in mind, driving in cooler temperatures requires more power from your battery, so if your battery is more than four years old, you may want to change it now.
• Brakes
Keeping your brake system in top shape should be a priority, as the brakes are the most important safety feature on your vehicle. Make sure to have your vehicle's brake pads, fluid levels and emergency brake inspected as well. Noises, squealing and brake pedal pulsations are the most common symptoms of brakes that need repair.
• Tires
Examine your tires' tread, checking for excessive wearing and side wall damage. Replace worn tires promptly and regularly rotate the tires on your vehicle. If you have a passenger car and can't find the sticker on the driver's door that tells you what the proper inflation of your tires should be, then inflate your tires to 35 psi. That's a good default air pressure you can use until you can get to a service facility.
• Heater and Defroster
Check the heater and defroster to ensure they are working properly. Visibility and passenger comfort depend on it.
"Don't wait for signs of car trouble to alert you to a problem with your vehicle, especially as cooler weather begins to set in," says Salem. "Instead, be proactive when it comes to preventative maintenance and increase the engine life of your vehicle. You may also save yourself some potential hassles in the process."
For more information on vehicle maintenance, check out www.mobiloil.com.
