Cooler weather means it’s time to get your vehicle checked out

Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
TIRE PRESSURE — A quick check of your tire pressure can help extend the life of your tires and improve your gas mileage.
By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — The leaves have turned their autumn hues of red and gold, and most have fallen from their limbs, which is a sure sign that colder weather is fast approaching.
    With the colder weather comes an increased need to perform preventative measures to your vehicle. October is Fall Car Care Month, which is the perfect time to make sure your vehicle is running in tip-top condition.
    Dan Soucy, owner of Soucy’s Auto Repair and Auto Electronics in Houlton, said maintaining proper tire pressure is one of the best things a driver can do to not only save wear and tear on their tires, but also to increase gas mileage.
    When the temperature drops, air contracts, which can cause a drop in tire pressure. Recommended tire pressure varies depending on the size of the tire and the type of vehicle. The suggested PSI (pounds per square inch) can be located on the inside of the driver’s side door. Normal weather and cold weather recommended PSI are typically listed.
    Statistics show that more than 50 percent of drivers are driving cars with some sort of maintenance issue that affects the safety and performance of the car including underinflated tires, dirty motor oil, and low fluid levels.
    Checking the wear on your tires, especially for those that use all-seasoned radials on a year-round basis, is crucial with snow on the way.
    One tried and true method for determining if your tires are too worn is the penny method. To do this, place a penny inside the tires’ grooves. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the treads are worn and the tires should be replaced. To save wear on your treads, Soucy recommends rotating your tires ever 5,000-6,000 miles. A good way to remember this is to have your tires rotated on every other oil change.
    Most tires have a wear indicator, which is a solid line that goes across the tire. Examine the inside of tire treads and the line can be seen. When that marking forms a horizontal line across the tire, it’s time for them to be changed.
    Another key check for vehicles in the fall is anti-freeze, since it prevents freezing of key components in a vehicle. There are a number of ways one can check their anti-freeze.
    “Anti-freeze is either green, yellow or red in color,” Soucy said. “If it’s brown, it has gone bad. You can also tell by the smell. If it smells awful, it’s gone bad.”
    Mechanics can test the strength of the antifreeze with a device called a hydrometer, which entails sucking out a small amount of antifreeze and measuring its strength of protection by its color.
    “A weak antifreeze can cause a number of problems,” he said. “It can break a radiator, rupture a line or worse, crack an engine block. If that happens, you might as well trash your car.”
    Checking all of the hoses and belts for cracks, brittleness or signs of excessive wear is another thing drivers should do.
    Naturally, with the dropping temperatures, having a strong battery is a necessity, Soucy said. He suggests examining the connection, and making sure there is no corrosion on the terminals.
    Brakes are another item that should be inspected with the coming snow.
    “If your ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) light is on, it’s not helping you,” he said.
    With long, snowy winters in Aroostook County, having wiper blades in good working order are another key. It makes sense, because if you can’t see out of your windshield properly, there is increased danger of striking an object in the road. An auto technician can advise on the appropriate type and size for your vehicle.
    To help motorists follow a vehicle maintenance program, a free digital Car Care Guide can be found on the council’s website at www.carcare.org/car-care-guide. The guide is available in English and Spanish, and includes information on service interval schedules, questions to ask a technician and tips to drive smart and save money.