During October, Car Care Month, AAA encourages motorists to prepare their vehicles for the cold and snowy months ahead. Yet, confusion around maintenance schedules often leads many to neglect important tasks, and leaves drivers stuck out in the cold.
Last winter (December through March) AAA Ohio Auto Club responded to more than 169,000 calls for roadside assistance in its 38-county territory. Many of these winter breakdowns can be prevented by simply following the maintenance schedule outlined in the vehicle owner’s manual.
Oil Change Basics:
At least half of the vehicles AAA inspects have an issue with vehicle lubricants. This includes motor oil, which lubricates, cleans, cools and protects an engine. Low oil levels can lead to breakdowns and costly engine damage.
The old rule of changing oil every 3,000 miles or three months is gone, but AAA finds most motorists still change their oil every 3,000 to 6,000 miles. When it comes to oil changes, experts say smart consumers should know the following:
- Proper change interval: It depends on the vehicle and the owner’s driving habits and will be found in the vehicle owner’s manual. Some vehicles that require full synthetic oil can go 10,000 miles or more between changes.
- Type of oil the car requires: This can typically be found on the oil filler cap and always in the vehicle owner’s manual. Using the right oil will help protect the vehicle warranty.
It’s also important to check the oil at least once a month between changes, as leaking or burning oil can lead to low oil levels and breakdowns.
Cooling Systems:
Repair shops report engine coolant as one of the most missed maintenance items. During the winter AAA often assists motorists with engine cooling system issues, including frozen radiators or engine blocks, and cars with no heat because of low coolant levels.
To avoid these issues, check the level, condition and concentration of the coolant periodically. A 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water is usually recommended. Not all vehicles require the same type of antifreeze. Check vehicle owner’s manual for recommended type.
Tires:
Last winter, AAA Ohio responded to more than 30,000 tire-related calls. Motorists should make sure tires have sufficient tread remaining for good winter traction (4/32″ is recommended). Check tire pressure once a month when they are cold. Tire pressure should match the levels posted on the decal located on the inside of the driver’s side door, and not what’s marked on the tire.
Vehicle Batteries:
It requires a fully charged battery in good condition to start a vehicle in cold weather, but extreme temperatures drain batteries. AAA Ohio responded to nearly 22,000 battery calls last winter due to extended cold weather. The average life of a battery is three to five years. If a car battery is three years or older, have a professional check it to ensure it is strong enough to face the cold this winter.
Emergency Roadside Assistance Kit:
Motorists should also be prepared for breakdowns by stocking their car now with a winter emergency roadside assistance kit, which includes jumper cables, blankets and extra clothes to stay warm, flashlight and extra batteries, ice scraper, reflectors, shovel, first aid kit, water and non-perishable food and a mobile phone with a charger to call for help.
