01/06/2022
10 Ways To Keep Your Car Running
Beef-up your battery
The best defense against the cold is a good battery. You can have your battery tested at a mechanic’s shop or use an inexpensive tester at home. If your battery comes up “weak,” put a charger on it.
Batteries generally last three to five years.
Tight is right
Make sure the cables are tightly connected to the battery. A loose connection means the battery is not charging correctly.
Keep it clean
Corrosion can clog up the posts and cables of your battery, making it weaker. A paste of baking soda and water and an old toothbrush will clean it right up. Dry everything thoroughly when done. A shop will charge you anywhere from $15 to $30 for this, so do it yourself for some big savings.
Warm ups welcome
Adding an engine block heater can be the difference between a running car and freezing by the side of the road. Heaters run from $14 to $35, depending on the size of your car’s engine. Install it yourself or have your mechanic do it for peace of mind.
Check belts and hoses
The extreme cold makes them brittle, so have everything checked when you get an oil change. It’s much less expensive to replace them before they cause an engine failure.
Fill ‘er up!
A full tank of gas is easier on your engine in the cold. It keeps the fuel from freezing and prevents the v***r from crystallizing. A good rule of thumb is to keep your tank at least half full at all times.
Test your antifreeze
Make sure the correct ratio of antifreeze to water, usually 50/50, is added to the engine. This can also be done during an oil change, or check with your owner’s manual.
More Heet?
Adding a fuel additive like Heet® to your gas keeps the fuel lines from freezing up, but it won’t work if they are already frozen. This is especially important if your vehicle is parked outside for extended periods of time in extreme cold.
Turn it off
Before trying to start a cold car, turn off the radio, heater, and any lights. They sap energy from the battery when it’s already weakened from the cold.
Don’t get froze out!
Spray door locks and door jambs with WD-40® to prevent the locks from freezing. Wipe up any excess to avoid damaging the paint. Graphite or a de-icing spray also works. Just don’t store it inside the car!