Basic advice can help motorists avoid trouble from winter weather

Winters in the Charleston area typically aren’t as severe as, say, Alaska, or even the Upstate of South Carolina.

But there’s still the threat of freezing temperatures, ice and even snow. And cold weather can be bad for cars and trucks, notably their batteries, tires and some engine parts.

Auto service professionals say if motorists took their sedans, pickups and sport utilities to the shop for scheduled checkups, they would not have to worry so much about a climate change.

“You have some (owners) who are consistent in their maintenance,” said David M. Hay, president of Charleston-based Hay Tire Co., which handles a full range of automotive service work. They might bring in the vehicle in the fall for its 60,000 mile service, and the manufacturer recommends certain treatments that help during the colder times. “The needs for an old fashioned winter checkup aren’t applicable,” he said.

Troubles crop up, Hay said, “when you have customers who only respond to breakdowns.” Then, they may wind up with a dead battery, frozen coolant, or worn tires, possibly in places where they are nowhere near a mechanic.

“When we had that cold snap three to four weeks ago,” said Bill Sekula, vice president at Hay Tire, “man, we were changing batteries!”

Hay said such neglect as letting tire inflation dip 10 percent can lead to a corresponding 10 percent slide in carrying capacity, which can be a real problem towing a boat or horse trailer. The service center has seen more customers as a result of tire pressure monitors, a feature on many newer cars, signaling that tires are underinflated. Some motorists may get irritated with the sensors going off, but he said that’s an important safety consideration as well as fuel saver since reduced tread can lower gas mileage.

Another important component to check on is coolant, which keeps the engine warm in winter and cool in summer. Manufacturers have tried to extend to life of coolant to 100,000 miles or more. But dealer service technicians recommend the fluid be changed at half that figure, Hay said.

Also, motorists should take into consideration winter travel plans. A trip to ski slopes, or one of the kids’ heading to college, the car is in a different climate,” Hay said.

Meanwhile, various auto supply and repair chains this time of year publicize tips on how to keep you car in top shape during winter.

Here’s advice from Missouri-based O’Reilly Automotive Inc., which has stores in the Charleston area.

-- Antifreeze. The number one cause of engine-related breakdowns is cooling system failure. The best way to prevent this is to have your antifreeze flushed with a good chemical cleaner and filled with at least a 50/50 mix every two years.

-- Battery. Batteries lose cranking power as the thermometer dips, so if yours is more than three years old, have it checked by a qualified technician to ensure it’s in good working order.

-- Brakes. Worn brakes are dangerous under normal driving conditions, but they can create an especially hazardous situation on snow and ice.

-- Emergency Kit. Keep your vehicle stocked with basic supplies including a good spare tire and a working jack. Also consider a blanket, boots and gloves, ice scraper, jumper cables, first aid kit, flashlight, flares, cell phone and basic tools.

-- Oil and Filter. Drivers in cold climates may notice a change in vehicle performance. Using the correct oil grade and a fresh filter will lead to better fuel efficiency.

-- Tires. Tire pressure drops along with the outdoor temperature, so check often for proper inflation.

-- Windshield Wipers. A blast of wintry weather will quickly wear down and crack blades, so stash an extra set in the trunk for emergencies. Keep the windshield washer reservoir filled with freeze-resistant wiper fluid.

For more information, go to the company’s Web site at www.oreillyauto.com.>

Reach Jim Parker at 937-5542 or jparker@postandcourier.com

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