Articles

Car Maintaince For Autumn

As summer heads towards a close and children head back to school and the summer vacations are now memories, it’s time to turn your attention towards your trusty car, truck or SUV that has served you well during those hot summer days getting you to your destinations without missing a beat. It’s time for your Pre-Winter maintaince .... some of the items are perfect for this time of year, some of these include ...

1. Getting your oil and filter changed over to your winter grade oil .... a lot of cars specify a lighter grade of oil during the colder months to keep the oil flowing smoothly throughout your engine, then next time you’re ready for an oil change remember to change your viscosities as well.

2. Have the cooling system flushed for your engine and replace it with a high-quality coolant and have the mixture tailored to keep your engine protected for -20 or -30 degree temperatures ... having the coolant system serviced regularly will help to prevent corrosion build up inside your engine and radiator and keep things operational for a longer period. It also helps to make sure your warm and cozy inside your vehicle during those cold winter days.

3. Have the battery and charging system tested ... The battery of your vehicle sees a lot of demand during the colder months running systems in your vehicle and keeping your running along. Batteries most times don’t go "Bad" all at once, they slowly degrade over time so having it tested twice a year (once in the fall and once in the spring) will keep you from becoming stranded during bad or inclement weather. It’s not a bad idea to invest in a "Jump Starter" emergency battery pack as well for those just in case situations.

4. Now is a great time of year to give your car, truck or SUV a good bath. Because the weather is very enjoyable this time of year take the time to give your vehicle a good interior cleaning, steam cleaning your carpets and upholstery is a great way to keep you cars interior in top shape and maintain your vehicles value when trade in time comes around. it smells fresh and clean too, who doesn’t love to drive or ride in a nice clean fresh smelling vehicle anyway?

5. Lastly, it’s the time of year to take care or your painted exterior surfaces and your vinyl and rubber trim ... a good bath for your vehicle will do wonders for the life of the paint and will help to keep rust and corrosion away. using a high quality car wash soap done by pressure washer or by hand ( it’s tempting but stay away from those drive through car washes as they are murder to your vehicles finishes) will rinse away all sorts of grimy things that your paint could do without and after you dry your car immediately after its wash take the time to put a couple of coats ( Yes, I did say a couple) of coats of a top quality liquid wax on your car to protect the painted surfaces from winters road grime so that in next year’s spring time it looks fantastic. treat all your rubber and vinyl surfaces with a couple (yes, a couple again) coats of a vynal and rubber protectant. although the old standard Armor All has been around for a very long time there are some others that provide more modern protection and last quite a bit longer than that old stuff .....

 

  Happy Motoring from all of us at Autobody Specialists ...