Car Care Tips For Students And Parents

ARA) - Parents and students will do well to have their vehicles in shape before winter arrives, according to the pros as well as the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Many breakdowns can be avoided entirely by routine maintenance. The following tips from ASE should give parent and student alike a guide to fall car care.

First things first -- Read your owner?s manual and continue with the manufacturer?s recommended service schedules.

Engine Performance -- Get engine driveability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected in a good repair center. Cold weather is likely to make existing problems worse. Replace dirty filters?air, fuel, PCV, etc.

Fuel -- Put a bottle of fuel de-icer inside your tank once per month to hold moisture from freezing inside fuel line. Note, too, a gas tank that?s kept filled aids in preventing moisture from forming.

Oil -- Change your oil and oil filter as specified inside your manual -- more frequently (every 3,000 miles roughly) if the driving is mainly stop-and-go or contains frequent short trips.

Cooling System -- The cooling system must be flushed and refilled as recommended. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant must be checked periodically. (A 50/50 mixture of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.) If you?re doing your own work, never eliminate the radiator cap prior to the engine has thoroughly cooled! The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses must be checked with a certified technician.

Heater/Defroster -- The heater and defroster have to be in good working condition for passenger comfort and driver visibility.

Windshield Wipers -- Replace old blades. If your climate is harsh, purchase rubber-clad (winter) blades to fight ice build-up. Stock up on windshield washer solvent; you?ll be blown away how much you use. Carry an ice-scraper.

Battery -- The only accurate way to detect a weak battery has been professional equipment. Routine care: Scrape away corrosion from posts and associations; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check fluid level monthly.

A word of caution: Removal of cables can cause damage or lack of data/codes on some newer vehicles. Check your manual. Be sure to avoid connection with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.

Lights -- Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean road grime coming from all lenses. To prevent scratching, never utilize a dry rag.

Exhaust System -- Your vehicle should be put on an enhancement and the exhaust system examined for leaks. The trunk and floorboards should be inspected for small holes. Exhaust fumes might be deadly.

Tires -- Worn tires will likely be of little use in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; look at the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressure every month. Let the tires ?cool off? before checking pressure. Rotate as recommended. Don?t forget your spare, and be sure the jack is in good shape.

Emergencies -- Carry gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a little shovel, sand or kitty litter, tire chains, a flashlight, plus a cellular phone. Put several ?high-energy? snacks in your glove box.

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