This Indiana winter has been mild so far. Not so for Yakutsk, Russia. Right now it's anywhere from -39 to -50 degrees Fahrenheit in that city of 300,000, and most of them have to start their cars in the morning to go to work.
That's when you will want to have a good battery, the right coolant, air in your tires, clean filters and the right oil in your car.
Thankfully we don't have to face those kind of temperatures here in Indiana, but when it gets cold outside the materials, air and fluids in your car go through many changes.
That's why winter auto maintenance is important.
Here are points to consider when getting your car prepared for the cold,
How's your battery?
Auto batteries are rated in Cold Cranking Amps for a reason. The ability to start your car and then drive off in the cold are the most important things when operating autos in the winter.
"If you have a security or anti-theft system on your car it will pull current even when the car is off, putting a slight drain on the battery," says Kokomo Jiffy Lube's Markland Store Manager Joseph Trivette. Cold weather causes the battery to become less efficient, and if you have to start your car frequently in the winter your battery will be one of your primary concerns.
At Jiffy Lube we check to make sure your battery still has enough capacity to keep a charge. That will come in handy if the temperature drops significantly.
What weight of oil are you using?
"It really depends on the manufacturer of your vehicle and what their recommendations are." states Trivette. "Some vehicles call for dropping down to an 0-20 weight, and then in the summer a 5-20 weight. The thinner oil is called for as it gets colder outside." Jiffy Lube uses its large database of manufacturer's recommendations to find the right blend for your car. Then they fill it with quality Pennzoil products.
What kind of coolant are you using?
Despite the labeling of anti-freeze as "universal" it is once again best to use blends that manufacturers recommend. Jiffy Lube technicians check an auto's coolant to see how protective the liquid would be at colder temperatures.
Are your filters dirty or damaged?
Auto filters have to deal with outside air, salt and winter debris like tree leaves. Your engine air filter has to keep these things from getting into your engine. Cabin filters keep the air coming and recirculating inside as clean as they can. That's another service that Jiffy Lube does, checking your filters to see if they need replacement.
How are your tires?
Even if there is no snow on the roads, winter cold can cause problems for tires as well. If tires are under-inflated the tread can wear differently and the sidewalls can break down. Tire checks are another Jiffy Lube service besides coolant, oil and filter changes that are very important when the temperatures dip.
Jiffy Lube will do all of these checks and services for you when they change your oil. They will even vacuum out your car too.
Enjoy this warm holiday season, but prepare your car for the cold winter winds that are coming by visiting your Kokomo Jiffy Lube locations at 1226 East Markland and 3711 South Reed Road /931.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Terrell’s Indiana Auto Care Jiffy Lube!
Go to https://indianajiffylube.com for coupons and more information about Jiffy Lube services.