October is Car Care Month - 10 Fall Maintenance Tips

It won’t be long before the weather gets iffy, if that time hasn’t already arrived. Driving safely during the fall months requires more than just cautious driver behavior. Your car also needs some attention.

Here are 10 practical tips to help get your car ready for fall.

• Check the brakes and tires. Inclement weather and associated road conditions and other hazards require good stopping power. That means good brakes and tires. If the tires have wear bars showing, say the experts, you need to replace the tires. Most good brake and tire shops will inspect the brakes and tires at no charge. Also check the tire pressure, as tire pressure drops when the outside temperatures plummet. Keep the pressure at levels recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
• Check the lights. Walk around the outside of the car and check the operation of all lights: headlights, taillights, parking lights, brake lights and emergency flashers. Replace all broken bulbs and those that have stopped working. Make sure all lights are clean. If you own an older vehicle with sealed-beam headlamps, you might want to pony up for halogen lamps for improved visibility and safer driving.
• Replace wiper blades. The purpose of wiper blades is to completely clear the windshield. Cracked or worn blades won’t do an adequate job. Check the blade’s rubber to ensure it is flexible and operate the wipers to see that the blades clear the glass. Replace worn blades.
• Make sure heater/defroster work. Driving with an improperly working heater isn’t fun or safe. Driving with fogged-up windows is an accident waiting to happen. Check front and rear window defrosters to ensure proper working condition. If necessary, have heater and defroster systems repaired.
• Have the battery checked. A fully charged battery is necessary to start the car in cold weather. Have the battery and charging system inspected by a trained technician who can replace it if required. If you see signs of corrosion on the battery terminals or cable ends or if you spot loose connections, your battery needs attention.
• Inspect under the hood. Looking under the hood will allow you to identify any obvious signs of wear or items that need replacing or fixing. Look for leaks, cracks or loose clamps in the cooling system and squeeze the hoses and replace any that are spongy-feeling or brittle. Inspect the underside of drive belts for fraying and replace as required. If you’ve noticed any engine noises, experienced sputtering or other engine problems, have a licensed mechanic thoroughly inspect the engine and make any necessary repairs.
• Change oil and air filter. If the oil is dirty or you’re at your recommended oil change time, change the oil. Also check the air filter to ensure that it is clean enough to allow for proper operation. If you can’t see light through it when you hold it up to a 60-watt bulb, it’s time to replace the air filter.
• Refill cooling system. Experts such as AAA recommend checking the coolant level in the overflow tank when the engine is cold. If the level is too low, add a 50/50 solution of water and coolant to allow proper antifreeze capability. It may be necessary to refill the cooling system.
• Check all fluid levels. This includes washer fluid, along with transmission, brake and power steering fluids. Make sure they are all at or above minimum safe levels and refill as necessary.
• Get a good car wash/detail. It may sound crazy, spiffing up your car with an extra-special wash or even a detail, but when your vehicle is clean, it’s easier to spot any potential problems.

Source:  http://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1087781_10-practical-tips-to-get-your-car-ready-for-fall

September is Preparedness Month - Stay Safe On The Road With An Emergency Kit

There are plenty of emergency preparedness kits available on the market today, but in putting your own kit together you will be better able to meet your family's specific emergency needs.

Step 1 - Establish Need

Spend a few minutes thinking about who might be needing the kit. Do you travel as a family? Is this a commuter car? Is there more than one driver? Taking a few minutes to establish these specific parameters will go a long way in being prepared for road emergencies.

Step 2 - Determine Space

The goal in being prepared is to have ready access to the supplies you need when you need them. An emergency kit that is hard to get to can be dangerously ineffective. Space can be utilized in the trunk, under a seat, behind the seat or under the floor. Once you know where the kit will go you can plan to pack according to the available space.

Step 3 - Check Basics

Establish what you have in your car as a standard feature. Is your spare tire still usable? Pull it out to check for air pressure and the overall condition. Do you have all the associated tools ( jack and lug wrench) available and stored in their designated space?

• Test the emergency lights in your car to make sure the bulbs and fuses are in working condition.
• Test the lighter unit, which will be vital if you need to recharge a cell phone.

Step 4 - Add Tools

• Jumper Cables
• Flares
• Flash Light With Fresh and Extra Batteries
• A Tire Inflating Product or Can Sealant
• Small Tool Kit
• Duct Tape
• Pocket Knife

If you live in a mountainous area be sure to include these seasonal items:

• Chains
• Shovel With a Folding Handle
• Cat Litter or Sand
• Thermal Blanket (large enough for two)
• Gloves

Step 5 - Prepare Medical Kit

An emergency preparedness kit must include a good quality First Aid Case. Rather than piece mealing a kit, these can be purchased at a local auto supply store. In addition to what is already in the kit, you may want to include emergency numbers for doctors, family members and other important connections. Tape these numbers securely to the inside cover of the kit. If someone in your family has a specific need or medical condition such as diabetes or asthma, be sure to include this information also. If there is room to add extra insulin or other sustaining medications, now would be the time to do so.


Step 6 - Gather Provisions

Today's food preservation methods makes it convenient to carry life support food for long periods of time without needing refrigeration. Pack into your emergency preparedness kit:

• High Energy Protein bars
• Dehydrated Fruits
• Canned Nuts
• Fresh Water or Some Sort of Portable Water Purifying System

Step 7 - Additional Items

Not every situation on the road qualifies as a full scale emergency, but the following items will be good to have on board regardless of the degree of need or crises:

• Cell Phone Charger
• Toilet Paper
• Safety Matches
• Coins For Land Line Calling
• Change of Clothing
• Pen and Paper
• Bright Scarf or Flag

Source:  http://www.doityourself.com/stry/assembling-an-emergency-preparedness-kit-for-your-car#b