Talks About Cars

If you think that the summer season is the most harsh time of the year for your car, well, think again.

Mark Salem, talk show host and ASE Certified Master Technician said that the upcoming winter season can cause major problems in your car than any other season. That is why he suggests some significant preventive maintenance tips for all car owners to prevent their car's from damage due to the harsh and freezing temperatures.

Salem recommends the following seven winter preparation tips:

1. Engine Tune Up
"Get engine problems such as hard starts, stalling and hesitations corrected now. Cooler weather makes existing problems worse. Waiting to address an issue will often cost you more."

2. Cooling System
"Have your cooling system flushed and filled according to the recommendation found in your owner’s manual"

3. Oil
Owners should consider using synthetic oil. These oils will help the car to operate more efficiently, making it easier for the driver to start in cooler temperatures, said Salem.

4. Battery
According to Salem, car owners should check the car's battery power and clean all surfaces of the battery. In addition, also try to make sure that all of the connections are tight, as dirty cables and loose battery connections can cause electrical system problems.

5. 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", said Salem.

6. Tires
Salem said, "examine your tires’ tread, checking for excessive wearing and side wall damage. Replace worn tires promptly and regularly rotate the tires on your vehicle." He also added that in case you cant find the guide for the proper inflation of your tires, you should inflate your tires to 35 psi.

7. Heater and Defroster
"Don’t put off checking the heater and defroster to ensure they are working properly before the cold weather hits. Visibility and passenger comfort depend on it."

Salem added: "As the weather cools off and the leaves begin to fall, take some steps to prepare your vehicle for the cold months ahead. A little preventative maintenance can go a long way. 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. 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."