TECH, the global tire and wheel authority, knows the importance of a well-maintained car and that’s why we want to remind you that October is Fall Car Care Month!
October is “Fall Car Care Month” and means colder temperatures are right around the corner, which can be hard on your vehicle. Proper maintenance of your vehicle now can help avoid some expensive repairs later. TECH would like to share some important car care tips to help you stay one step ahead of the impending weather changes.
Here are 5 simple things you can do to help properly maintain your car for the coming season:
1. Check your tires.
Check the tread with the penny test – Insert a penny into your tire’s tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tread depth is less than 2/32 inch and it’s time to replace your tires.
Check the air pressure – Recommended pressure is usually between 30 and 35 PSI. To find the optimum tire pressure for your car, look for the manufacturer’s sticker in the door jamb or in your owner’s manual.
If you live in harsh climates you might want to invest in a set of tires designed for winter driving. Your local tire dealer can assist you in selecting the tire to best meet your winter driving needs.
2. Get a basic tune-up.
Have a trained service technician check your belts, hoses, ignition, brakes, wiring, fan belts, spark plugs, air, fuel and emission filters.
Ideally, you should get a tune-up every 30,000 miles. Keep in mind that if you think you’re going to reach it in the winter, you may want to go early.
3. Check your battery.
Cold temperatures make your battery work harder because your engine needs more current from the battery in order to start.
If you don’t have access to a service technician, a simple way to check to your battery’s charge is to turn on your headlights before you start your engine. If your lights get brighter when the car is on, your battery may be dying.
You’ll also want to check the battery’s cables for cracks and breaks.
4. Change your windshield wiper fluid and blades.
Washer fluid with an antifreeze solution will help keep your windshield clear in freezing temperatures.
It’s wise to change your wiper blades every 6 – 12 months.
5. Keep your gas tank filled.
Keep your tank at least ¼ – ½ way full at all times! Cold weather can cause condensation to form in an empty or near empty gas tank. The condensation can freeze in your fuel lines, which can block the flow of gas to your engine.
TECH has over 80 years of tire & wheel industry innovation and leadership. TECH is one of the brands in parent company TRC’s portfolio of brands. TECH helps fulfill TRC’s 4r vision of Repair, Reuse, Recycle & Repurpose.
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