QUINCY -- You rely on your car to get you from point A to point B, but your car relies on you to keep it happy in extreme temperatures.
That's why it's important to keep good care of your car before weather hits.
But since the weather is here, there are a few things you can do now to try and keep your car happy.
One of the most important things you can do is keep your gas tank full.
"When a gas tank gets hot and cold, water forms and it will freeze in extreme weather like this. When we get into warmer weather, keep it as full as in the cold days," says Mark Kuhlmeier, owner of Kuhly's Import Specialist.
But gasoline is not the only fluid you should pay attention to in your car.
How does your car like the cold weather?
"Oh boy, it doesn't like it any better than you do. Too much extreme of heat or cool, it just doesn't like it at all. It'd rather be in the garage," says Kuhlmeier.
But you know you need your car in the winter. That's why it's important to give it a little extra TLC. Mark Kuhlmeier tells me your car's coolant can be your biggest enemy in the winter.
"One thing to worry about is it may be running low on coolant. You may think it's fine because the heater's working. But it may not be at all and the car will overheat in cold weather," says Kuhlmeier.
You can change your coolant by yourself. Just check your owners manual for instructions on dealing with coolant and your radiator. Just remember, never open your radiator cap when you're car is hot.
"Íf you do that, you'll see an explosion like a geyser coming out. It'll scald you. Coolant runs about 210 degrees, water boils at 212," says Kuhlmeier.
Now let's talk air pressure. You probably know your tires can deflate in cold weather, but how much. Kuhlmeier tells me your tire can lose up to two pounds for every degree it drops below 32. That's why it's important to check your tire pressure every week.
Keep in mind though, if you inflate your tires with nitrogen, you don't have to check your pressure at all.
**ON JANUARY 20, 2009 KHQA RECEIVED THIS E-MAIL FROM CHRIS LEIN WITH www.getnitrogen.org **
I represent the Get Nitrogen Institute, a non-profit organization formed to promote the benefits of nitrogen tire inflation. I recently read your article "Keep your car chugging in cold weather" on the Connect Tristates website.
I am pleased to see the article mention nitrogen as a means to improve pressure retention. Nitrogen maintains pressure 3 - 4 times longer than ordinary air and also removes dirt, water vapor and oxygen which can be harmful to your tires, wheels and valve stems. However, the pressure in a tire inflated with nitrogen will still decrease over time, though to a much lesser degree than a tire inflated with air. The pressure in a tire also rises and falls in response to changes in ambient temperature regardless of the inflation gas.
In the interest of your readers' safety and to prevent misleading them as to the benefits of nitrogen we would ask that you print a correction for this article urging that regular pressure checks are still performed. If you would like more information please visit our website at www.GetNitrogen.org or call me at the number below. I'd be happy to discuss this with you.
Thanks for the prompt response!
Chris
Kuhlmeier also says blue windshield washer fluid is not good in winter.
He tells KHQA it can freeze as soon as it comes out of the dispenser.
Before you leave, warming up your car for just five minutes can do a world of good for your car.
"The oil that's in there is real thick and heavy. It's almost like molasses. That's where the engine will wear. Let it warm up," says Kuhlmeier.
Besides being more comfortable for you when you get in, gradually warming up your car can save your windshield. In cold weather like this, your windshield contracts, a sudden change in temperature can crack your windshield. And the same holds true for your plastic dashboard.
One other thing to keep in mind, you should never jump start a battery in cold weather.
"When a battery discharges, the acid inside turns to water and freezes. If you put energy to something frozen, it will blow up," says Kuhlmeier.
Instead what you should do is take the battery out and have it tested. Keep in mind, after three years, batteries get tired so it may need to be replaced. By being proactive about your car, it's bound to save you money in the long run because once something breaks, it's usually more expensive to fix.
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