Chilly winter weather and long holiday drives make car 'winterizing' essential
Just because your car still starts after a chilly winter night doesn't mean it's all clear under the hood.
Through the winter months there are several precautions that can be taken to ensure vehicles function safely and properly, particularly during long trips to and from campus.
Cullen Stearns, employee of Auto-Lab of Mount Pleasant, 402 N. Mission St., said the best advice is to just come in and get the vehicle checked out.
“(Winterization is) definitely not what it used to be 10 or 15 years ago, the main focus was on getting all fluids replaced,” Stearns said. “Now it is not so much replacing, just a normal check-up to make sure everything is running smoothly.”
The shops will look for anti-freeze levels, make sure no systems are clogged up and check tire tread wear and pressure, he said.
Dan Needham from Tuffy Auto Service Center 4703 E. Pickard St., said to always have a certified mechanic check tire pressure and anti-freeze to make sure everything is prepared for winter.
Needham previously taught a seminar at Central Michigan University on the importance of vehicle maintenance.
“A lot of students go home for the holidays and that could be anywhere from Grand Rapids to Detroit, so getting your vehicle inspected is very important,” Needham said.
Midas, 1303 E. Pickard St., manager Cody Williams said winter drivers must always be prepared for anything to come their way.
“Always dress warm because you could break down at any moment, and buy an emergency road kid because they really do work,” Williams said.
There are frequent problems that happen when you do not take the time to "winterize" your car, he said. Coolant can actually damage the motor beyond the point of repair.
“When you put a Coke bottle in the freezer it is the same concept of a frozen radiator, something will crack when it freezes, damaging your motor,” Williams said.
Carrying salt or sand can come in handy if heading off-road in the snow. Drivers can pack it around their cars’ stuck tires to help take off out of trouble, he said.
