Auto123.com - Helping you drive happy

It's never too soon to prepare for winter driving

Get the best interest rate
Justin Pritchard
Fall maintenance can be a great family bonding activity that your car will thank you for

If you feel like only about a month has passed since you were beginning spring cleaning duties, you aren't alone. It is a reality for many Canadians how short and sweet our summers are, and you might find yourself readying for fall cleanup.

With the change of season comes a lot of work around the house and camp, but it's important amidst all of the disassembly of patio sets, storage of summer toys and endless raking not to overlook the vehicle that you and your family depend on for reliable transportation 365 days a year.

Maybe you're planning to spend some time with the family on a road trip this fall. Perhaps you'll pack up and head out of town for a weekend or two. Regardless of your family plans, here are some steps to follow in order to ensure trouble free operation of your vehicle for the fall and winter driving that lies ahead.

Under the Hood:
Your engine and transmission have a variety of fluids and filters to keep them running at their best- fuel, oil, coolant, and more. Grab a service manual and change any fluids that might need to be replaced, or take your ride to your favorite lube-shop to have the work done professionally.

Coolant is especially important when temperatures dip below zero, and you'll want to have it checked to ensure it won't freeze when the mercury gets low. You'll need a thinner viscosity of engine oil too. Don't take fluids lightly- they could mean the difference between starting or not on that frigid morning when you're running late.

Check and replace your air filter as necessary. If your older car doesn't seem to be running at its best, consider using some air intake cleaner. It costs under $10 at most auto parts stores and removes years of grime from your intake tract and vacuum hoses. Often times, it's all that's needed to bring a sluggish engine back to life and improve mileage.

Under the Body:
Protect your machine's vital frame and body components against rust- a process which is drastically accelerated in winter months. Specialized shops can help by applying a coating to metal parts in order to keep salt and moisture from turning your frame and body into a flaky, rusted mess.

Usually,  companies offer a lifetime warranty against rust perforation  as long as the applications are made yearly. That's peace of mind which is hard to put a price on.

Exterior:
Your car is probably covered in a layer of paint that is not only intended to make it look good, but to protect the metal underneath too. Your ride's paint will take a lot of abuse in the fall and winter months, so a paint sealant, or at least a good coat of wax, is a good idea in the fall while it's still warm enough to apply. It helps to form a barrier to make sure that your paint escapes the colder months unscathed.

Rims:
A little known secret for protection of your factory alloys is available in your grocery store for about two bucks. PAM cooking spray is the perfect weapon- its safe enough to eat off of, but protects cooking in extremes of temperature and a few coats will last all winter long. Spray lightly over your rims but avoid the brake parts underneath. Just wash off in the springtime, and your rims will look the way they did in the fall.

Maintenance:
Most dealerships offer winter maintenance packages to take care of your vehicle and offer peace of mind for family travels in wintertime. In addition to performing maintenance which your vehicle needs anyhow, such packages also allow the dealer mechanic to get up close and personal with parts of your ride you'll probably never check yourself. After all, your dealership knows your car best, and if you neglect it, it will let you down.

With a little forward thinking and some help from your vehicle's dealership or your favorite mechanic, you can tackle fall road trips and upcoming winter driving with confidence and peace of mind.

Read more on the subject
WINTER SURVIVAL TIPS

Justin Pritchard
Justin Pritchard
Automotive expert
None