Reader gives tips on 'winterizing' your car

Fall break has passed and many students have returned to campus prepared with winter clothes. However, the same attention in preparing vehicles for the change of seasons is sometimes overlooked.

"When winterizing your car, the cooling system should be your main focus," said Chris Davis, a mechanic at Davis Garage located on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

"When preparing your car for the winter months, your main focus should be the cooling system."

The cooling system must remain at a certain temperature so the anti-freeze does not freeze. The anti-freeze should test at 10 degrees below zero.

Anti-freeze can come in colors such as green, red and yellow; if anti-freeze needs to be added make sure it is the right color.

The hoses; the belts; the thermostat; the radiator and the radiator cap -- should be checked for leaks and deterioration.

"Your hoses should be soft and pliable, not hard and crunchy," Davis said.

Because hoses tend to deteriorate from the inside out, they can be hard to detect. Although leaks can be checked by simply looking under the hood, it is best to check under the vehicle.

It is also important to maintain regular service inspections on your vehicle, in order to detect early problems.

Hoses and belts should be checked every four to six years. The thermostat and the anti-freeze should be checked every two to two and a half years.

"You should check your battery before it gets cold. Because of the chemical nature in batteries, they perform best in warm weather," said Melissa Hammons, of Sears Automotive.

In addition, inspect windshield wiper blades to ensure they are working properly and filled with wiper fluid.  The wiper fluid contains an agent, which is a chemical that keeps the fluid lines from freezing.  Never substitute windshield wiper fluid because water will freeze.

When winterizing a vehicle, it is important to remember to get the oil checked on a regular basis in order to protect your engine.

Along with checking these parts and fluids, be aware of the tire pressure and gas levels. Allowing the gas tank to get too low can cause moisture to get into the gas lines of your vehicle and cause freezing.

"Although some mechanics will check your vehicle's fluid at no charge, it is best to ask about prices up front before services are rendered," Davis said.