Tuning Up Before the Cool Down
By: Brittany Sweeney
Updated: October 16, 2012
Williamsport, Lycoming County- It's time for a tune up before the cool down, as it's only a matter of time before winter arrives. Fall is the best time to make sure your car is ready for freezing temperatures. It's that time of year again to check on something you rely on every day, your car.
Erin Langer of Williamsport says "my husband winterized our car. I think he does antifreeze and things like that. He does it every year, in the fall when things start to get cold." Montoursville resident Robert Pace says "so the innards don't freeze up and ruin the engine of the car."
Before we know it winter will be upon us, so George Dincher, Vice President of Dincher's Auto Body, has some tips to help.
Dincher says "the best time is usually the fall at least in October, definitely before November. Ya know, before the winter hits." He says the easiest place to start is the antifreeze. "There's usually a line that says the full and minimal amount and just because its green doesn't mean it's good. It should be changed every 2 years," says Dincher.
Next is the tires and Dincher wants you to know "if you don't change your tires when they are showing their wear bars or you see that there is a definite balding problem and you don't change it you can slide on the ice or have a blow-out and be stuck somewhere you don't want to be."
Finally, check your belts. "Rule of thumb for any belt or hoses every 4 years you replace them regardless of how they look, even if they are nice and shiny they still could be bad," says Dincher.
A few other small parts may need tweaking, but Dincher says if you follow these guidelines you should be good to go, but Pace of Montoursville warns, "it's easy to do, but if you don't have the time it's a little dirty and messy." Then you're ready to combat the cold on the open road.
Dincher also says "we have harsh winters in this area and no one wants to be broke down." He reminds everyone to have an extra blanket and flashlight in the car just in case you do break down during the winter months.
