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Winterizing Will Help Avoid Automotive Troubles According to NAPA

17 November 1998

Winterizing Will Help Avoid Automotive Troubles According to NAPA

    ATLANTA, Nov. 17 -- As morning frost hits more regions of the
nation, now is the time for consumers to winterize their cars, according to
the National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA).
    NAPA recommends that consumers follow six easy steps to prevent the common
cold-weather ills of automobiles.

    NAPA's Winterizing Tips:
    1) Battery Check:  During a typical winter rush hour, the car battery must
handle the strain of idling in heavy traffic, along with operating the
headlights, heater, defroster, rear window defogger, wipers and radio.
    "It's important to have your battery and charging system performance
tested by an ASE-certified technician each year before the foul weather hits,"
said Jim Kiple, director of technical services for NAPA.  "Thousands of
vehicles strand passengers every year because the batteries can't carry the
load."
    2) Fluid Check:  There are key fluids that need to be checked to ensure
safe vehicle operation.  In the winter, antifreeze is one of the most
important and should generally be changed by an automotive technician every
two years.  Other fluids to check are oil, transmission, brake, battery, power
steering and windshield washer fluid.  Any owner's manual will provide helpful
information, including diagrams.
    "Drivers can take a look under the hood to check most vehicle fluids and
remedy the situation themselves," Kiple said.
    3) Tire Tread Check:  Tire tread is an important safety point, and worn
tires tend to hydroplane.  A quick trick to check tread is to insert a penny
into the groove, placing Lincoln's head in first.  If the top of his head
shows, then the tire has worn past its legal limit.  If the tread is deeper on
the outside of the tire than on the inside, it may be more economical to
rotate the tires rather than replace them.
    4) Tire Pressure Check:  Cold temperature causes air to contract.  A
30-degree drop in temperature can make a four- to five-pound difference in
tire pressure.  Low pressure tires don't meet the road properly, and such
tires fail to shed water effectively.  These conditions can lead to
hydroplaning or sliding on icy pavement, creating hazardous and potentially
life-threatening situations.
    5) Wiper Blade Check:  Summer rain combined with smog, heat and ozone
causes significant wear and tear on wiper blades.
    "It's good insurance to put a fresh set of blades on each year, regardless
of how they look," Kiple said.  "Changing wiper blades will prevent accidents
due to poor visibility."
    6) Brake Check:  When it rains in the winter, it's easy to get caught
unexpectedly in deep water.  Standing water is usually dirty, and this grit
can get between brake components, causing brakes to wear out quickly.
    NAPA recommends consumers get a thorough prewinter brake inspection by an
ASE-certified technician to ensure driving safety.
    For additional tips and information, visit NAPA's Website at
http://www.NAPAonline.com.