The beauty of autumn at Winterpast can’t be denied. The air is crisp, the crab apple has dropped her last fruit, and suddenly, cars in town have started blinking mysterious dashboard lights. It’s as if they all got together and decided, “Let’s make them guess what this means.”Before you end up in a game of “Name That Warning Light,” consider giving your car a little love as the seasons change.
Just like us, tires go a little flat when the temperature drops. The air inside them contracts, leaving your car a bit flat-footed. So, grab your gauge and check the tire pressure. The right numbers for pressure and tire size are usually posted on a sticker in the driver’s door jamb.
While you’re down there, examine the tread.
1. Grab a penny and turn the side with Lincoln’s silhouette toward you, so his head is visible..
2. Insert the penny between the treads with Lincoln’s head pointing into the tire.
3. Can you see the top of Lincoln’s head? If you can, it means your tire tread has worn down to an unsafe level, and it’s likely time to buy new tires.
Now, if your tires are as smooth as a baby’s cheek, no need to do the test, it’s time for new tires. Bald tires and icy roads don’t make a cute couple.
Your car runs on fluids like you run on coffee. Check the radiator, oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid levels and replenish with fluids made for winter temperatures in your area. A dirty frozen windshield is a recipe for disaster. If you pop the hood and don’t know what you’re looking at, your friendly mechanic lives for this stuff. And, don’t forget YouTube.
If you hear squeaks, squeals, or that awful metal-on-metal screech when you slow down, that’s your car’s way of politely begging for attention. Don’t ignore it. Brakes are not an optional accessory. They’re what stand between you and the rear bumper of that guy who forgot to scrape his windshield this morning.
Antifreeze isn’t just a cute name—it’s what keeps your engine from freezing when temperatures plummet. Make sure it’s the right mix for your area. (What works in sunny Las Vegas may not help much in a Reno cold snap!)
Once a year, change your windshield wipers. Be sure you have a first-aid kit stowed for emergencies. If the weather in your area includes snow, ice, and high winds, carry a blanket, water, and snacks just in case.
When’s the last time you treated your car to a professional once-over? A seasonal inspection can catch small issues before they turn into big, expensive surprises. Your car braves wind, rain, sleet, snow, and the occasional tumbleweed while keeping you safe. As the seasons change, give it the attention it deserves. Top off the fluids, check the brakes, and fill those tires.
Nothing says “prepared” quite like a car that starts, stops, and stays safely between the lines, especially when you need more Christmas lights to outshine the neighbor across the street.
More tomorrow.