CAR CARE CORNER ate) pC) Car Care Tips For Cooler Temps (NAPSA)—As the seasons change, so do the maintenance needs of your vehicle. Fall is a mance, which is specifically designed for the longer oil change intervals manufacturers are recommending for many newercars. It’s guaranteed to protect your engine for up to 15,000 miles. Mobil 1 Extended Performance also flows quickly to critical engine great time to focus on preventa- tive maintenance and to make sure that your vehicle is in top shape before the harsh winter monthsset in. “Fall is the best season to enoy driving,” says Pat Goss, host of PBS’ “MotorWeek” and Washington Post automotive columnist. parts at start-up, even in very low winter-morning temperatures, “Between sports tailgating, hunt- ing, and taking leisurely drives to enoy the changing leaves, there’s no shortage of activities to do in yourcar. It’s also an ideal time to focus on car care before winter hits.” This fall, Goss recommendscar- ing for the three main areas of your vehicle, otherwise known as the “TOU”—inside, outside and under the hood. Here are some specific things that you should focus on in each area to prepare your car for the coming winter months: Inside Makesure that all important documents for your vehicle are up to date and within reach. This includes proof of insurance, registration, maintenance logs and warranty information. As temperatures begin to drop, take your ice scraper out of the garage and put it back in the car. It’s also a good idea to put an extra blanket andpair of gloves in your trunk before winter weather strikes. Outside Check the pressure in each tire to ensure that it’s at the rec- Pat Goss, host of PBS’ “MotorWeek” and Washington Post automotive columnist. ommended level. (The air-pressure specifications can usually be found on the driver’s side dooramb or in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.) Low tire pressure can result in lower gas mileage and affect the handling of your car, sometimes leading to potentially dangerous blowouts. Inspect your tires for excessive tread wear and replace any tires that are balding, as they are morelikely to lose traction in wet and/or icy conditions. * Don’t wait until you’re caught driving in bad weather to start thinking about your windshield wiper blades. If your wipers are starting to smear rather than squeegee, it’s a good idea to replace them. Under the Hood Get an oil change. It’s the best insurance you can buy to prevent excessive engine wear. I rec- ommend using a synthetic oil, such as Mobil 1 Extended Perfor- reducing wear at start-up and promoting extended enginelife. Have your vehicle’s cooling system checked for any leaks or low coolant levels. According to the National Car Care Council, cooling system failure is the number one cause of engine-related roadside breakdowns. Coolant may be something that you only associate with warmer weather, but as winter approaches, it’s very important to make sure that your vehicle’s coolant (or antifreeze) is ready to withstandthe frigid temperatures that await. Schedule a full engine tuneup, as outlined in your owner’s manual. By having your filters replaced andfluids topped off regularly, your vehicle’s performance will improve. “Don’t wait for signs of car trouble to take care of your vehicle, especially as cooler weather begins to take hold,” says Goss. “Instead, be proactive when it comes to preventative mainte- nance and save yourself some time, money and potential headaches in the process.” For more information on vehicle maintenance, visit www. mobiloil.com.
