Auto News & Features, Car Information » Winter Car Care

Get Your Vehicle Ready for the Change of Season

Jennifer — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 22:16:49 +0000

Get Your Vehicle Ready for the Change of Season

It seems like the kids just started school, but soon you’ll be packing up and hitting the road on your next family vacation. And contrary to popular belief, the weeks leading up to the trip are not the time to start getting your vehicle ready.

A better trigger for that tune-up is the change of season. As soon as the temperatures cool and you start to notice leaves falling from the trees, it’s time to start getting your vehicle ready. Here are three easy steps to follow:

1. Schedule an appointment with your mechanic.
When you bring your vehicle in for its fall or winter checkup, your mechanic may recommend a number of services to prepare your vehicle for the season, such as brakes, battery condition, oil and filters, hoses and belts. Two of the most critical items to check are anti-freeze and tires. Your technician can recommend the minimum temperature threshold for your area, and add anti-freeze as needed. Tire condition is even more important during the winter months. Remember the “Penny Rule”: Insert a penny upside down in your tread groove; if you can see all of Mr. Lincoln’s head, it’s time to change your tires!

2. Put together an emergency kit.
If you don’t have one already, put together a winter emergency kit. It should contain tools you can use to get out of a bind – such as adjustable wrenches that will allow you to make low-level repairs, jumper cables, a jack, air pump and flashlight. You’ll also need a first aid kit to treat any injuries that may occur in an accident. And in case you get stranded, carry canned or non-perishable food items and a can opener, a few gallons of clean water and enough warm blankets to cover up the entire family.

3. Take steps to protect your vehicle’s interior.
Fall/winter will bring with it mud, slush, dirt, salt and grime, all things that are hard to get out of the carpet. Protect your investment by upgrading your floor mats.

“Taking care of carpeting is probably one of the most overlooked aspects of vehicle maintenance,” says Frank Turner of Lund International, makers of automotive accessories. “It’s not there just for looks. It insulates the interior of the car, helps reduce road noise and protects the metal flooring beneath it.”

The experts at Lund International offer the following tips for protecting your vehicle’s interior from the wear and tear of the winter months:

* Whenever possible, shake excess dirt, mud and snow off your shoes before getting into the vehicle. This minimizes cleanup and helps protect the carpeting.

* Vacuum and shampoo regularly. Frequent vacuuming helps remove loose dirt before it becomes ingrained in the nap of the carpet. Shampooing or steam cleaning will help remove any built-up dirt and stains.

* Upgrade your standard issue floor mats with a more heavy-duty option.
Lund International’s Nifty brand offers The Catch All product line which provides protection for trucks, SUVs and even car interiors. Styles vary from plush OE nylon carpeting to the Nifty Extreme Catch-All which is made of Xynet, a custom molded thermoplastic material. Both styles resist water, snow, mud, grease and chemicals, are easy to install, and offer easy, take-out/hose-off convenience The mats fit over factory-installed carpeting and come with a lifetime guarantee against cracking, splitting or breaking.

* Enhance and protect your vehicle’s trunk or rear storage area.
Whenever possible, place items inside a sturdy box or bag before placing them inside your vehicle to prevent spillage. It would also be a good idea to put a Lund Cargo Logic Cargo Area Protector over the carpet to keep salt, dirt and wetness from spoiling your interior. The included Cargo Loks, which Velcro right to the mat, can be used to help keep items from tipping and rolling around.

To learn more about products to protect your vehicle’s interior, visit www.LundInternational.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Preparing Your Vehicle for the Winter Driving Season

Jennifer — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 21:40:13 +0000

With much of the country enjoying unseasonably warm weather, it might be easy to forget that winter — and the weather challenges that come with the season — will be here before we know it. Before the weather gets unbearable, now is a good time to make sure that your vehicle is ready for winter.

“Be ready, be prepared,” says Jim Sinclair, vice president of service for Subaru of America, Inc. “Even if your vehicle gives you the confidence and control that comes with the superior traction and inherent safety of all-wheel drive, you’ll still need to give your vehicle a thorough ‘winterizing’ treatment.”

Here are some hints for ensuring your car is in top condition for safe winter motoring:

* Rain is a common winter driving hazard throughout the country. While most people think of ice or snow when cautioned about slippery roads, the truth is wet roads can be just as slick. Tires can hydroplane on a layer of water, losing contact with the road and causing the vehicle to skid. Rain lifts oil and other slippery fluids, dripped by passing autos, and can create a slick layer on the blacktop. Flooded roads can stall engines. Slow down on wet roads. Consider buying a vehicle with features like all-wheel drive and electronic stability control.

* Start out with a safe car. Studies show that all-wheel drive and electronic stability control significantly reduce the risk of being involved in a crash. Automakers are beginning to offer the technologies on more models. Subaru offers both as standard equipment on models like its Tribeca, which has earned the top safety ratings from industry watchdogs such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www.safecar.gov) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (www.iihs.org).

* Replace worn tires. Your tires are your vehicle’s only contact with the road. Worn treads provide less traction and greater chance to slide. Likewise, for optimal performance — and better gas mileage — make sure tires are properly inflated according to your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

* Don’t forget your wiper blades. Worn wiper blades can severely hamper visibility in poor weather, and after a long summer of sun and heat, wiper blades can become dry and brittle. And don’t forget the inside of the glass — a strong glass cleaner can remove the oily film and help the defroster clear windows faster.

* Check your vehicle’s fluid levels. Maintaining a 50/50 mix of antifreeze will prevent your engine coolant from freezing as temperatures drop. Be sure your engine oil is ready for the season — when having the oil changed, remember that severe cold weather can require a switch to a different oil viscosity for better flow at lower temperatures. Be sure that your power steering and brake fluids are properly filled, and don’t forget the battery — while most modern batteries are sealed and cannot be filled, a charge test will ensure enough cranking power to start your engine as temperatures fall.

* Winter driving also comes with shorter daylight hours — and a greater likelihood of at least some portion of your commute being driven in the dark — so it is important to check all vehicle lighting. Check not only your headlights, but also your taillights, back-up lights, turn signals, parking lights and brake lights. These lights are important not only because they help you to see, but also serve as a way to help you communicate clearly with other motorists.

* Take advantage of safety resources. Throughout October, National Car Care month, many dealerships offer free safety screenings to motorists who drive the brand of car sold at the dealership. For example, during the month of October, participating Subaru dealers will conduct free professional diagnostics on all Subaru models. The inspection includes a check-up of all major operating systems, and drivers receive a written report of the vehicle’s condition. Visit www.subaru.com to find a dealer in your area.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Measure your tire pressure regularly this winter

Jennifer — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 13:24:37 +0000

(NC)-Canadians aren’t measuring up when it comes to checking their tires for proper inflation. Fifty one per cent of Canadian motorists don’t take the time to measure their tire pressure monthly even though 97% of us believe it’s important, according to an Ipsos Reid study commissioned by the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC).

Current RAC statistics show 23% of Canadian motorists drive with at least one tire that is under-inflated by 20% or more, resulting in more than 640 million litres of fuel being needlessly consumed. No wonder people are concerned – carbon dioxide spewing from vehicles is the single greatest cause of greenhouse gas emissions.

By measuring your tires’ pressure once a month, and maintaining proper tire inflation, you could save two weeks worth of gas a year, the cost of one or two sets of tires over the lifetime of your vehicle, reduce harmful emissions, and increase the safety of your vehicle.

Proper tire care is simple and easy. Measure tire pressure monthly, including the spare, using a good-quality tire pressure gauge. You can’t tell if your tires are properly inflated just by looking at them. If you’re not sure how to do it, ask someone to help you.

Remember, a change in temperature can mean a change in tire pressure. Check out betiresmart.ca or vehicles.gc.ca for more tips on being tire smart this winter.

Credit:

Which kind of tires do you need this winter?

Jennifer — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 13:14:26 +0000

(NC)-Summer tires, winter tires, all season tires. The choice is up to you. One thing’s for sure, though – Canada has four distinct seasons with four distinct types of driving weather. Here’s some information from the Rubber Association of Canada to help you decide what type of tire to buy:

. Summer tires are designed primarily for dry and some wet driving; they are not for use in snow, ice or other winter or heavy rain conditions. They have a very smooth-looking tread design, with minimal or no sipes. Sipes are small slits in the tread that help improve traction.

. All season tires provide a good balance of quiet, comfort and handling for most Canadian drivers. The tread design has more grooves and sipes than summer tires, providing better wet traction. They can be identified by “M+S” branding on the side of the tire and can therefore be used in moderate snow and slush conditions.

. Winter tires offer a combination of specialized tread designs and compounds providing effective traction in Canada’s difficult winter conditions (i.e. snow, ice, sleet, rain and low road-surface temperatures). At temperatures below 7°C, standard compound tires begin to lose elasticity, resulting in reduced traction. Winter tire compounds retain elasticity to grip at much lower temperatures. Typical winter tread designs have larger grooves and tread blocks that have many more sipes than the typical all season tire. Tires marked with the RAC mountain snowflake symbol molded on the sidewall have been tested to provide a minimum 10 per cent better traction in severe snow conditions. Many winter tires provide 30 to 50 per cent better traction in winter conditions.

Caution – winter tires should be installed in sets of four. Failure to follow this recommendation could result in severe and dangerous handling conditions. Visit betiresmart.ca or vehicles.gc.ca for more tips on tire selection and maintenance.

Credit: www.newscanada.com

Winter driving 101: Smart driving can keep you from getting caught in the cold

Jennifer — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 16:21:02 +0000

(NC)-While snow and ice are a familiar part of life for most Canadians, there are a few simple precautions every driver should remember before heading out in the cold. According to the experts at Uniroyal Tire, these driving tips could save you time and money while helping keep you safe.

. Drive slowly and cautiously. Approach hills, intersections and bridges with care and be aware of other drivers around you.

. Avoid sudden braking. Try to apply pressure to your brakes only while your car is going straight, not during a curve. Don’t pump your anti-lock brakes.

. Accelerate slowly after stopping. Remember that traction is greatest just before the wheels spin. Putting gentle pressure on the gas pedal when starting is the best way to maintain traction and avoid skids.

. Anticipate turns, curves and lane changes early and steer with smooth, careful movements. Icy, slushy and snowy conditions can make turning more difficult and skids are often caused by sudden acceleration, braking or turns.

. If you begin to skid, don’t panic. Let up on the accelerator or brake and look up (where you want to go). Turn the steering wheel into the skid in the same direction the rear end is sliding. If your front wheels are sliding, hold the wheel straight and let the skid correct itself.

. If you get stuck, don’t spin your wheels. Spinning your tires may cause excessive heat build-up and could result in personal injury or damage to your vehicle. If you cannot move after accelerating slowly, try spreading a traction aid such as sand or cat-litter in front of your wheels. You can also use a blanket in front of your wheels to help with traction.

Visit www.uniroyal.ca to download “Preparing for Winter 101: ‘Weather’ You Stay or Fly Away,” a free eBook that includes a broad range of money-saving tips for the winter, including helpful advice for Snowbirds as they prepare for their journey south.

Credit: www.newscanada.com

Preparing for winter 101: Money-saving tips for savvy snowbirds on the go

Jennifer — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 15:29:52 +0000

(NC)-High gas prices and peak season pricing won’t stop Canada’s snowbirds from flocking to the south when cold weather hits – the lure of sunny skies and warm ocean breezes is just too great! According to savings expert Camilla Cornell, snowbirds should follow a few easy steps, however, to get the most value out of their journey south.

Cornell has teamed up with Uniroyal Tire on an eBook – Preparing for Winter 101 – that provides a wealth of helpful tips and is available for free to the public at www.uniroyal.ca. Here are some of the snowbird tips:

Before you go:

Some preventative vehicle maintenance is key to having a safe and economical road trip.

1. Prepare your vehicle. Before you leave, take your vehicle for a thorough inspection. Keeping your engine properly maintained can save as much as four cents per litre on gasoline; and having a clean, versus a clogged, air filter can mean savings of up to 11 cents per litre.

2. Check your tires. A recent survey conducted by Uniroyal Tire found that most drivers have tires that are under inflated. This simple step can save up to three cents per litre. “Making sure tires are properly inflated is one of the easiest and most important maintenance procedures drivers can do,” says Cornell. “Properly inflated tires not only contribute to greater fuel efficiency, but also last longer and perform better.”

3. Pack a travel kit. Think of items you might need while on the road or in the case of an emergency. Not only will this help keep you safe, but also prevent unnecessary stops at convenience stores. Some things to pack: beverages, light snacks, an extra bottle of motor oil, cell phone, ice scraper and brush, tow rope, cat litter (for a traction aid), blankets, a good flashlight, matches, a portable weather radio and a can of lock de-icer.

4. Safeguard your home. Ward off burglars and protect your home. Cancel the newspaper and set timers so lights seem as if you were home. Arrange to have your driveway shovelled and leave a key with a trusted neighbour- ask them to check the house to ensure that mail doesn’t accumulate. Finally, leave a number where you can be reached for emergencies.

On the road:

1. Chart your path. With online mapping sites like mapquest.ca, it’s simple to plan your route to the sun. If you know what cities and towns you’ll be passing through, make use of websites like gasbuddy.com and hotels.ca to find the lower-priced fuel and accommodations en route.

2. Camp free in your RV. There are thousands of places where seniors can stay free or at minimal cost. According to Chuck Woodbury, editor of FreeCampgrounds.com, some Wal-Mart stores allow RVers to spend a night in their parking lots and other RVers hole up free in truck spots.

For more savings tips and to download the eBook from Cornell and Uniroyal Tire, visit www.uniroyal.ca.

Credit: www.newscanada.com

Preparing for winter 101: Smart car care tips for the cold months ahead

Jennifer — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 16:25:05 +0000

(NC)-While driving in snow and ice may be an unavoidable part of life for many Canadians, taking a few simple precautions can help drivers stay in control when the weather isn’t. According to the experts at Uniroyal Tire, following these easy car care tips could save you time and money while helping keep you safe:

. When the roads are covered, make sure you are as well with the proper tires for your vehicle. Winter tires such as the Uniroyal Tiger Paw Ice and Snow tire are specifically designed to increase traction in wintry conditions. Install them on all four wheels and avoid mixing tires with different tread patterns and wear.

. Make sure your tires have sufficient tread depth. Even if you live in an area with infrequent snow falls, you need to check the tread depth of your tires. Winter usually means more freezing rain, and proper tread depth is critical for providing the necessary traction in the slush. Ask your tire dealer to check the tread depth on all your tires and follow his advice. Tires that are getting worn down should be replaced before winter arrives.

. A recent survey conducted by Uniroyal found that most drivers have tires that are under inflated. A drop in outside temperature will mean a drop in the air pressure (PSI – pounds per square inch) in your tires. For every 5°C of temperature drop, tire pressure goes down by approximately one pound. Under inflation affects handling and can also cause your tires to wear faster. Check your air pressure monthly and maintain pressure at the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended level, found in your owner’s manual or inside the doorjamb.

. Check your vehicle’s battery, fluid levels, defrosters and wipers to ensure that everything is in working order. Cold weather is especially hard on batteries. Have your battery checked to be sure all connections are clean and tight. Always keep the gas tank at least half-full to prepare for unexpected delays.

. Use a block heater in winter when the temperature drops to -20°C. A block heater keeps your engine oil and coolant warm, which makes the vehicle easier to start and can increase winter fuel economy by as much as 10 percent. (Use a timer to switch on the block heater one or two hours before you plan to drive).

. Visibility is crucial when driving in inclement conditions. Scrape ice and snow from every window and from exterior rear view mirrors. Also, brush snow off the hood, roof, trunk, turn signals, lights and fender walls of your vehicle.

. In case of emergency, stock your vehicle with a first-aid kit, flashlight -make sure your batteries are fully charged, blankets, jumper cables, warm clothes and gloves, food, bottled water, a bag of abrasive material (such as sand, salt or clay-based cat-litter) and a cell phone.

Credit: www.newscanada.com