Local Mechanic Joins Motor Club Warning Winter Drivers To Be Prepared

By John Voket

A quick vehicle safety check-up that includes assessing tire pressure, coolant integrity, belts, hoses, other critical fluids, and your car battery can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars by catching a breakdown before it happens. But more importantly, car care specialist Eddie Jensen of Jensen Automotive said, this simple preventative maintenance procedure he offers free to customers can save a lot more.

“If we catch a belt or hose about to go, even the serpentine belt, the cost to replace it is minor compared to being stranded in a storm, or in subzero temperatures with no electricity and no heat,” he said. These types of breakdowns, which require road side assistance and possibly towing, occur quite frequently.

According to Connecticut’s automobile club office, more than five million drivers nationwide are expected to call AAA for towing or emergency winter response to car trouble this winter. In addition to towing services, AAA predicts that various clubs nationwide will jumpstart or replace one million batteries.

Closer to home, the Connecticut Motor Club estimates it will tow or jumpstart more than 40,000 cars in its territory consisting of New Haven, Fairfield, and Litchfield Counties before year’s end.

To help consumers avoid becoming stranded by preventable, weather-related conditions, the Connecticut Motor Club offers tips to help prepare a vehicle for colder weather:

*During the winter, visibility is very important. So inspect wiper blades for wear and tear; and replace the summer versions with heavy-duty winter blades, including the rear window wiper blade, if applicable.

*Make sure headlights and rear lights are working.

*Oil vehicle door and trunk locks with a special lock lubricant.

*Before installing snow tires, inspect the treads for wear. Worn tires lose their grip on slippery pavements.

*Make sure tires are properly inflated according to the manufacturer’s specifications. In cold weather, check tire pressure weekly since pressure can drop one pound per square inch for every ten degrees the temperature drops.

*Make sure the spare tire is properly inflated.

*Examine hoses and belts for wear.

*Top off your windshield wiper fluid.

*Test and replace antifreeze if required.

*Check battery cables for corrosion and clean them with baking soda if necessary. And have the battery tested to make sure it is operating at full capacity.

Mr Jensen said the procedure to clean corroded battery terminals can be done in his shop for under $20, or by the vehicle’s owner in just a few minutes with a couple of simple tools.

“Battery corrosion prevents adequate recharging, and in worse cases can cause a no start situation,” he said. In addition, he said, antifreeze should be changed at least every three years, and tested annually to determine it will remain fluid in temperatures of 30-degrees below zero or colder.

“The older the antifreeze, the more likely you will get rust buildup in the coolant system,” Mr Jensen said. “Poorly circulating coolant will not only prevent the car heater from working properly, but can also cause the car to overheat.”

Potholes, especially in bitter cold, can snap already worn elements in a vehicle’s suspension system.

“The suspension system is also a good thing to check before hard winter weather and cold temperatures set in,” he suggested.

Even things like spark plugs and filters, if not maintained or replaced as needed, can cause winter breakdowns or tax a vehicle’s performance, Mr Jensen said.

In addition to performing preventive auto maintenance, the Connecticut Motor Club encourages motorists to carry an emergency roadside kit in their trunk. At minimum, the kit should include:

*A sack of sand or kitty litter or traction mats

*A snow shovel

*An ice scraper and brush

*A flashlight and fresh batteries

*Paper towels or rags

*Emergency reflectors or flares

*Extra clothing especially a blanket, gloves; and jacket

*A first-aid kit

*Jumper cables

And a working cellphone is another critical item to have available, especially during foul weather driving, just in case your vehicle becomes stuck or is unable to start.

Getting A Snowbound Vehicle Unstuck

Should you find yourself stranded in the snow with no help in sight, the Connecticut Motor Club cautions drivers to avoid needlessly spinning their vehicle’s tires since this will potentially dig the vehicle deeper into the snow. To properly free your vehicle:     

*Clear away as much snow as possible from around the tires, under the vehicle and near the vehicle exhaust pipe.

*Improve your traction by scattering abrasive material around the front tires for front-wheel drive cars, and rear tires for rear-wheel drive cars.

*Place the car in low gear (automatic transmissions) or second gear (manual transmissions) and apply gentle pressure to the accelerator. Ease off if the tires begin to spin.

*Try slowly rocking the car. Ease forward with the car in low gear (automatic transmissions) or second gear (manual transmissions). When the car will no longer go forward, release the accelerator to allow the car to roll back. When the vehicle stops its backward motion, apply minimum pressure on the accelerator again. Repeat these actions in rapid succession until the vehicle rolls free. But beware: don’t rock the vehicle for prolonged periods as serious damage to the automatic transmission or clutch may occur.

*If others are available, have them assist the car’s rocking motion by pushing. But make sure the Good Samaritans are not standing directly behind the car’s rear wheels because of a risk of flying gravel, sand, and ice. Footing also can be hazardous, and overexertion can be especially dangerous in cold weather.