It’s time to ready your vehicle for winter driving

The grapevines are changing color, the weather is getting cooler and the days are getting shorter – all signs that say “winter is on its way” to the Valley.
According to the Car Care Council, that also means it’s time for “Fall Car Care Month,” which is the perfect time to make sure our vehicles are ready for the changing seasons.
While we may enjoy relatively temperate weather all year in Northern California, it’s always a good idea to take a few preventive steps to make sure your vehicle is ready to roll. In fact, according to a survey conducted by the Car Care Council, more than 70 percent of motorists admit they did not have their cars winterized. Why take the risk?
“The most important things are usually pretty obvious,” said Mike Larbre, owner of Mike Larbre Automotive in Sonoma.  “Things like windshield wipers and washer operation, tires, antifreeze, and heater and defroster operation are really important to check this time of year.”
The Car Care Council and Larbre recommend a few simple tasks that can be performed by you or your automotive technician to help keep your car in good shape until warm weather returns:
• Wipers: Replace wiper blades every six months or when cracked, cut, torn, streaking or chattering for optimum wiping performance and safety.
• Fluids: Check the oil, filters and fluids. Oil should be checked regularly and changed per the owner’s manual recommended intervals. Brake, transmission, power steering, coolant and windshield washer fluids should also be checked regularly. “It’s important to have your auto shop check the freeze point and the pH level of your antifreeze before cold weather,” said Larbre.
• Gas: Keep the gas tank at least half full. This decreases the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing.
• Battery: Check that the battery connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free. If it is three years old or more, the battery should be tested and, if necessary, replaced.  “As soon as the weather starts changing, we find a lot of battery failures,” said Larbre.
Tires: Check the pressure of all tires, including the spare, at least once a month. Check the tread for uneven or irregular wear and cuts and bruises along the sidewalls. Have your car’s alignment checked at least annually to reduce tire wear.  These steps also help improve fuel economy and handling.
Lights: Make sure the headlights work and are properly aimed. Test exterior and interior lights and have bulbs that are not working checked immediately.
Hoses: Inspect hoses at each oil change and have them replaced when leaking, brittle, cracked, rusted, swollen or restricted. Check V-belts and serpentine belts for looseness and condition, and have them replaced when cracked, frayed, glazed or showing signs of excessive wear.
Heater: Larbre recommends that you make sure the heater, defroster and rear-window defroster are all working properly, before you’re stuck with a cold, frosty car.