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9.5 COLD WEATHER OR WINTER TUNE-UP; AUTOMOBILE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE
By Don Patten
Don Patten is a leading expert in automotive education. His text book Automotive Service Basics published by Prentice Hall is used in automotive instruction courses world wide.
When the seasons start to change and it is apparent that the weather will soon be colder, there are certain systems that should be checked so you will not be left with a no start, no heat, condition. Let's call this a cold weather or winter tune-up. I realize that many of these steps will be beyond the expertise of some owners. They still should be done and by using this list your mechanic can do any test beyond your ability. Do what you can and hire the rest.
CHARGING SYSTEM AND BATTERY.
Place a voltmeter at the battery terminals. It should read 12.6 volts. Start the engine. The voltage should increase to at least 13.5 volts and stop at 15.5 volts. Inspect the battery terminals and clean any that show signs of corrosion. If the battery can be serviced (caps can be removed), fill the battery up to the split rings using only distilled water. Check the battery hold-down strap and be sure it is tight. Look at the date stamp on the battery. Batteries that are over four years old and up are probably due for replacement. At the first sign of battery trouble, replace it.
== HEATER, DEFROSTER, AND COOLING SYSTEM.
Check for leaks, cracked hoses, and worn belts. Remove the radiator cap and inspect the color of the coolant and look for rust or corrosion inside the radiator. Check for coolant contamination such as engine oil, dirt, and transmission fluid. Do a hydrometer test to check the protection level. Add the correct amount of antifreeze to make a coolant in each case where the hydrometer test indicates a weak or low protection level. Check and replace any radiator and heater hoses if they show signs or cracking or ballooning. Start the engine and let it reach operating temperature. Check the heater and blower operation. Put the selector switch in the defrost position and see if the defroster ducts have a good flow of warm air into the windshield. If you have an electric defroster, check to see if the element heats. Change the windshield washer fluid to an antifreeze type and turn on the washer. Look at the washer pattern to see if there are any clogged nozzles. Check and replace any worn wiper blades. Ice and snow will be especially hard on an old blade.
== ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, AND DRIVE SHAFT.
Change the engine oil using a winter viscosity if you will be operating in extremely low temperatures. This is the time to replace the spark plugs if those in engine have been driven for over fifty thousand miles or the engine skips. Replace the air filter and gasoline filter if they have high mileage. If it is time (high mileage) to replace the timing belt, have this done as cold weather starts are hard on belts of this type. Replace the water pump belts if they show signs of cracking and wear. Be sure there are not any manifold or exhaust system leaks that would allow carbon monoxide into the passenger compartment. Check for fuel leaks and examine the exhaust smoke. Blue, black or white mean the engine is burning oil, too much fuel, or coolant. Inspect and test for damaged engine motor mounts. Rocking the vehicle in ice and snow is very hard on motor mounts. Check the fluid level in the transmission. Consider a viscosity change in standard transmissions if you will be in extremely cold weather conditions. Adjust standard transmission clutches as you may be in snow and need maximum power. Be sure the automatic transmission is full of fluid and it is not contaminated. If the drive shaft has lubrication fittings, be sure to lubricate them. Check the shaft for looseness and binding. Replace universal joints if they show wear.
TIRES, BRAKES, AND WHEELS.
Check the air pressure in each tire including the spare even if it is a space saver. Uneven tire pressure can cause the car to brake unevenly on ice and snow. Pay attention to uneven braking. Brake shoes and pads could need replacement. Be sure that there is not condensation and moisture buildup in the brake fluid. Contaminated brake fluid should be changed. Look at tire tread and replace tires that are badly worn or down to the tread bar. If you will encounter snow, consider changing to snow tires. Check the tire alignment as certain alignment angles effect steering.
== EMERGENCY ITEMS.
Be sure you have a flashlight. Check the vehicle jack and be sure it works properly. Get some flares or reflective cones in case you get stuck and have to warn others. Purchase an ice scraper or chemical deicer. If you will be in areas of heavy ice and snow, carry some sand and a shovel. In some areas, snow chains are needed. Battery jumper cables are always a good item to have as winter weather is hard on the battery. If there is a possibility you may be stalled in remote areas, pack a blanket, water, and food. To be disabled in a snow storm is a life and death situation. It is always better to be well prepared than loose toes and fingers to frostbite. Today with the new electronics, most people can dial 911 if they remember to bring the cell phone with them.
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM:
One little known fact is that most engine radiators and cooling systems are too small to maintain the right engine temperature under extreme conditions. Some examples of extreme driving conditions are stop and go driving for long periods of time on a hot day or climbing a long hill with the engine under a heavy load. These conditions usually result in over heating if the system is not operating at maximum efficiency. To make sure the system is operating right, follow these steps: First, make sure the coolant is at the right strength (50% water and 50% antifreeze). This will give the system maximum heat transfer. This step requires the use of a cooling system hydrometer tester. Next, be sure the inside of the radiator is free of scale and rust. Use a chemical cleaner, or have the radiator cleaned if needed. Check the condition of the pressure cap. Replace it if the seal is damaged. Replace radiator and heater hoses every four years or when they show signs of cracking. Repair all leaks and have the system pressure-checked to see if all leaks are repaired. Replace the water pump belt if it shows signs of damage.
== AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM:
Place a thermometer in the center duct of the air conditioner blower outlet. Turn on the blower and air conditioner to maximum cool. Drive the vehicle and check the thermometer. The temperature should be in the forty to fifty degree Fahrenheit range. Clean out the fins on both the radiator and condenser at the front of the engine. If the temperature is not right and the fins are clear, additional service is required. This requires a licensed professional. He will install pressure gauges and do further testing. A common air conditioner problem is low refrigerant.
ENGINE OIL AND TRANSMISSION LUBRICANTS:
Change the engine oil to a summer viscosity. This is needed because of the increased heat to protect the engine from damage. Use a 20W-30 instead of a 10W-30 for example. Change both the automatic transmission filter and oil if your vehicle is automatic.. If you are towing a boat or trailer, consider a transmission cooler to prevent transmission damage due to excess heat in the fluid.
== BRAKES:
Extreme heat can be the enemy of the hydraulic brake system. This is especially true as the system wears out. More brake use is required to stop in the same distance. Have the disc brake pads checked for thickness and general condition. Flush out and replace contaminated brake fluid in the master cylinder. A brake system that has not been serviced after there is high mileage on the vehicle should be taken apart and new system parts installed. Replace the pads and shoes. Rebuild the calipers and wheel cylinders. Have the drums and rotors turned. These operations are important for your safety. Brakes develop an extreme amount of heat especially in the hot summer weather. They have to be operating at peak efficiency.
== TIRES AND SUSPENSION:
Worn and damaged tires can be a safety hazard anytime, but most people travel more in the summer, and the heat speeds up tire failure. Examine the tread for any signs of abnormal wear. Be sure the correct inflation pressure is maintained. Under inflated tires over heat and deteriorate rapidly. Align and balance the tires if wear indicates they need it. This is a good time to replace worn shocks and steering parts. Lubricate all suspension parts that have grease fittings.
== ENGINE:
Check the air filter and replace it if needed. Replace the fuel filter and PCV valve. Check and replace any faulty ignition parts. Check and replace any worn accessory belts. Check the power steering fluid and replace dirty, contaminated fluid. Check the engine motor mounts. Consider a complete engine tune-up if it runs poorly or gets low fuel mileage.
== ADDITIONAL SYSTEMS:
Fill the washer reservoir and try the washers. Clean and adjust the nozzles if they do not work as designed. Replace worn wiper blades. Check all lights and set the headlights if they do not direct their light beam forward and slightly down. Be sure your inspection sticker is up to date and the license has been renewed. The middle of a trip is the wrong time to remember these items.
By Don Patten
Don Patten is a leading expert in automotive education. His text book Automotive Service Basics published by Prentice Hall is used in automotive instruction courses world wide.
When the seasons start to change and it is apparent that the weather will soon be colder, there are certain systems that should be checked so you will not be left with a no start, no heat, condition. Let's call this a cold weather or winter tune-up. I realize that many of these steps will be beyond the expertise of some owners. They still should be done and by using this list your mechanic can do any test beyond your ability. Do what you can and hire the rest.
CHARGING SYSTEM AND BATTERY.
Place a voltmeter at the battery terminals. It should read 12.6 volts. Start the engine. The voltage should increase to at least 13.5 volts and stop at 15.5 volts. Inspect the battery terminals and clean any that show signs of corrosion. If the battery can be serviced (caps can be removed), fill the battery up to the split rings using only distilled water. Check the battery hold-down strap and be sure it is tight. Look at the date stamp on the battery. Batteries that are over four years old and up are probably due for replacement. At the first sign of battery trouble, replace it.
== HEATER, DEFROSTER, AND COOLING SYSTEM.
Check for leaks, cracked hoses, and worn belts. Remove the radiator cap and inspect the color of the coolant and look for rust or corrosion inside the radiator. Check for coolant contamination such as engine oil, dirt, and transmission fluid. Do a hydrometer test to check the protection level. Add the correct amount of antifreeze to make a coolant in each case where the hydrometer test indicates a weak or low protection level. Check and replace any radiator and heater hoses if they show signs or cracking or ballooning. Start the engine and let it reach operating temperature. Check the heater and blower operation. Put the selector switch in the defrost position and see if the defroster ducts have a good flow of warm air into the windshield. If you have an electric defroster, check to see if the element heats. Change the windshield washer fluid to an antifreeze type and turn on the washer. Look at the washer pattern to see if there are any clogged nozzles. Check and replace any worn wiper blades. Ice and snow will be especially hard on an old blade.
== ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, AND DRIVE SHAFT.
Change the engine oil using a winter viscosity if you will be operating in extremely low temperatures. This is the time to replace the spark plugs if those in engine have been driven for over fifty thousand miles or the engine skips. Replace the air filter and gasoline filter if they have high mileage. If it is time (high mileage) to replace the timing belt, have this done as cold weather starts are hard on belts of this type. Replace the water pump belts if they show signs of cracking and wear. Be sure there are not any manifold or exhaust system leaks that would allow carbon monoxide into the passenger compartment. Check for fuel leaks and examine the exhaust smoke. Blue, black or white mean the engine is burning oil, too much fuel, or coolant. Inspect and test for damaged engine motor mounts. Rocking the vehicle in ice and snow is very hard on motor mounts. Check the fluid level in the transmission. Consider a viscosity change in standard transmissions if you will be in extremely cold weather conditions. Adjust standard transmission clutches as you may be in snow and need maximum power. Be sure the automatic transmission is full of fluid and it is not contaminated. If the drive shaft has lubrication fittings, be sure to lubricate them. Check the shaft for looseness and binding. Replace universal joints if they show wear.
TIRES, BRAKES, AND WHEELS.
Check the air pressure in each tire including the spare even if it is a space saver. Uneven tire pressure can cause the car to brake unevenly on ice and snow. Pay attention to uneven braking. Brake shoes and pads could need replacement. Be sure that there is not condensation and moisture buildup in the brake fluid. Contaminated brake fluid should be changed. Look at tire tread and replace tires that are badly worn or down to the tread bar. If you will encounter snow, consider changing to snow tires. Check the tire alignment as certain alignment angles effect steering.
== EMERGENCY ITEMS.
Be sure you have a flashlight. Check the vehicle jack and be sure it works properly. Get some flares or reflective cones in case you get stuck and have to warn others. Purchase an ice scraper or chemical deicer. If you will be in areas of heavy ice and snow, carry some sand and a shovel. In some areas, snow chains are needed. Battery jumper cables are always a good item to have as winter weather is hard on the battery. If there is a possibility you may be stalled in remote areas, pack a blanket, water, and food. To be disabled in a snow storm is a life and death situation. It is always better to be well prepared than loose toes and fingers to frostbite. Today with the new electronics, most people can dial 911 if they remember to bring the cell phone with them.
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM:
One little known fact is that most engine radiators and cooling systems are too small to maintain the right engine temperature under extreme conditions. Some examples of extreme driving conditions are stop and go driving for long periods of time on a hot day or climbing a long hill with the engine under a heavy load. These conditions usually result in over heating if the system is not operating at maximum efficiency. To make sure the system is operating right, follow these steps: First, make sure the coolant is at the right strength (50% water and 50% antifreeze). This will give the system maximum heat transfer. This step requires the use of a cooling system hydrometer tester. Next, be sure the inside of the radiator is free of scale and rust. Use a chemical cleaner, or have the radiator cleaned if needed. Check the condition of the pressure cap. Replace it if the seal is damaged. Replace radiator and heater hoses every four years or when they show signs of cracking. Repair all leaks and have the system pressure-checked to see if all leaks are repaired. Replace the water pump belt if it shows signs of damage.
== AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM:
Place a thermometer in the center duct of the air conditioner blower outlet. Turn on the blower and air conditioner to maximum cool. Drive the vehicle and check the thermometer. The temperature should be in the forty to fifty degree Fahrenheit range. Clean out the fins on both the radiator and condenser at the front of the engine. If the temperature is not right and the fins are clear, additional service is required. This requires a licensed professional. He will install pressure gauges and do further testing. A common air conditioner problem is low refrigerant.
ENGINE OIL AND TRANSMISSION LUBRICANTS:
Change the engine oil to a summer viscosity. This is needed because of the increased heat to protect the engine from damage. Use a 20W-30 instead of a 10W-30 for example. Change both the automatic transmission filter and oil if your vehicle is automatic.. If you are towing a boat or trailer, consider a transmission cooler to prevent transmission damage due to excess heat in the fluid.
== BRAKES:
Extreme heat can be the enemy of the hydraulic brake system. This is especially true as the system wears out. More brake use is required to stop in the same distance. Have the disc brake pads checked for thickness and general condition. Flush out and replace contaminated brake fluid in the master cylinder. A brake system that has not been serviced after there is high mileage on the vehicle should be taken apart and new system parts installed. Replace the pads and shoes. Rebuild the calipers and wheel cylinders. Have the drums and rotors turned. These operations are important for your safety. Brakes develop an extreme amount of heat especially in the hot summer weather. They have to be operating at peak efficiency.
== TIRES AND SUSPENSION:
Worn and damaged tires can be a safety hazard anytime, but most people travel more in the summer, and the heat speeds up tire failure. Examine the tread for any signs of abnormal wear. Be sure the correct inflation pressure is maintained. Under inflated tires over heat and deteriorate rapidly. Align and balance the tires if wear indicates they need it. This is a good time to replace worn shocks and steering parts. Lubricate all suspension parts that have grease fittings.
== ENGINE:
Check the air filter and replace it if needed. Replace the fuel filter and PCV valve. Check and replace any faulty ignition parts. Check and replace any worn accessory belts. Check the power steering fluid and replace dirty, contaminated fluid. Check the engine motor mounts. Consider a complete engine tune-up if it runs poorly or gets low fuel mileage.
== ADDITIONAL SYSTEMS:
Fill the washer reservoir and try the washers. Clean and adjust the nozzles if they do not work as designed. Replace worn wiper blades. Check all lights and set the headlights if they do not direct their light beam forward and slightly down. Be sure your inspection sticker is up to date and the license has been renewed. The middle of a trip is the wrong time to remember these items.
