Thursday, January 03, 2013

WINTERIZE YOUR CAR
 



     Winter can be especially hard on automobiles. Go that extra mile to ensure your car comes through this harsh weather unscathed.

1)      Winter time brings a reduction of splattered bugs across the front of your car. Anytime they do grace the front of your vehicle, wipe them off at night as bug juice loves to nibble on paint leaving what looks like rock chips in the paint.

2)      Frequent sanding of the roads lathers the bottom of the car in fine rock and mud. As soon as the weather warms enough so water doesn’t freeze immediately, wash off the underneath of your car to prevent corrosion.

3)      Naturally keep your car protected from the elements by applying Mary Moppins Advantage. The polymers make the surface slick so sand, salt and dirt find a difficult time penetrating to the paint where it does a host of damage.

4)      Slide a piece of pipe insulation over them whenever snow or freezing ice is in the forecast. This prevents the blades from sticking to the glass so they will not tear when pulled away from the windshield.

5)      Clean the battery terminal ends and add water if needed. If your battery is 4 years old have it load tested to test its ability to hold a charge. Any battery between  4 ½ to 5 years old should be replaced.

6)      Test the pressure in your tires. Replace tires if they are five years old no matter the number of miles you have driven. Rubber oxidizes even in a dark garage or warehouse. Five year old tires will blow even with apparently good tread on them. When you purchase tires ask the store to order new tires for you. Some of tires sit on the shelves for a year or more, which costs you a year of usability.  

7)      Moisture builds in the gas tank. It freezes and can burst the tank. Fill your tank when it’s a quarter low on gas.

8)      Carry bird seed rather than kitty litter or sand for those times you get stuck in snow. Tuck a wool blanket (surplus stores carry them and are a bargain),  a large carpet sample to kneel on when putting on chains, energy bars, small snow shovel, flares, flashlight, boots, wool gloves, hat and socks in the trunk for emergencies. Carry a large, bright red flag and a long extension handle that extends well above the car. Cardboard is quite insulating so tuck several pieces cut to the size of the windows in the trunk. If you do get stuck don’t run your car for the heat. It’s a good way to run out of gas or run your battery down. Then stay with your car if you do get stuck.  
 
This article may only be copied giving full credit to Mary Findley and her website www.goclean.com. All rights reserved worldwide copyright @2013

No comments: