Summer’s almost over, the kids are headed back to school and before you know it there’ll be a snap in the air. If you’re like a lot of people, you probably put a lot of miles on your vehicle this summer, with road trips and errands and whatnot. Make sure your car’s ready for winter:
How long has it been since your last oil change? Conventional motor oil should be changed at about a 5,000 mile interval for the best engine protection, while synthetic oil can go about 10,000 miles between changes. Pull your oil dipstick…does it look like honey, or is it the color of black coffee?
Coincidentally, your tires should be rotated about every 5,000 miles to ensure even wear all around. While your vehicle’s up in the air for an oil change, why not schedule a tire rotation at the same time? Tire warranties require regular rotations for full treadwear coverage.
Your vehicle’s coolant is a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water, along with anticorrosion agents to head off the buildup of scale in the system. You’ll need the best protection you can get going into the cold months, and our techs can quickly and easily test the specific gravity of your coolant to see what kind of condition it’s in. If it’s too far gone, we recommend a cooling system flush and refill, along with a check of the hoses and hose clamps.
Check your tire inflation. Underinflated tires will cost you money in terms of poorer fuel economy and premature tire wear. Remember to check them while they’re still cold, since the pressure will read higher when tires are hot. You can find proper inflation levels on the sticker on the vehicle’s driver’s door frame.
Got any concerns about your vehicle before winter sets in? Give us a call and make an appointment at The Tire Terminal in Mississauga, ON!