Confidence Code 2.0: October is National Car Care Month
October is here and the holidays are just around the corner. This is the time of year when road travel spikes and increases. When the demand to travel trends upward, the attention of maintenance and safety for your vehicle should follow suit. A Better Life HQ returns with tips and procedures for another National Car Care Month to get you ready for the fall and winter seasons.
In case you missed our blog in April, check it out here. While the outline from our guide in April’s National Car Care Month blog remains relevant all-season long, the unpredictable weather that comes with the colder seasons further adds to the vehicle owner’s checklist.
Early forecasts predict a more precipitous weather pattern for Oklahoma City in the months to come. Plan accordingly and follow these tips to prepare.
Check your fluids and tires
- Oil, radiator, power steering and windshield washer fluids: The best way to check your oil level is from the oil dipstick. Add the proper amount of oil grade to your engine by removing the oil cap if the level is lower than normal. In most cases, your power steering fluid should only be examined and filled when necessary. If the power steering fluid reservoir appears low, a quick glance of the power steering pump and hoses for leaks should be performed prior to filling. Topping off your windshield washer fluid is a great idea to help maximize visibility during harsh and inclement weather. For better performance, consider changing your windshield washer fluid to a wintry grade for colder climates and to best withstand freezing.
- Brake fluid: Carefully examine your brake fluid reservoir. As mentioned in our previous blog, it is not recommended to fill your brake fluid (fill only when new brake pads are installed). If the reservoir appears lower than maximum level, proceed checking the wear and thickness of your brake pads.
- Tire pressure: Refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended pressure for your vehicle before inflating/deflating tires. Top tip: If your vehicle is equipped with staggered wheels, the recommended pressure for front and rear tires will differ.
Items to have in the car
- Battery jumper cables: Every vehicle owner should have a set of battery cables tucked in the trunk in case of parking or roadside emergencies.
- Duct tape, zip ties and hose clamps: Leaks and damage to your hoses would disrupt the operation of major components to your vehicle’s engine. To alleviate further damage and to buy extra time for emergency repairs, having these items on hand should provide temporary solutions.
- Tire pressure gauge: A manual tire pressure gauge would suffice, but a digital tire pressure gauge will provide a more accurate reading.
- Flashlight(s): This is a must-have item in your glove compartment. If necessary, change the batteries and check the status of the flashlight bulb if it is non-LED.
- Standard tools: Screwdrivers, compact socket set and pliers are necessities to have at the very minimum. Adding a window squeegee and ice scraper to your tool bag are highly recommended items to have close by to combat those foggy, wet and snowy days.
Handy considerations
- OBDII scan tool: If a check engine or warning icon appears on your cluster, an OBDII scanning tool is great to have. The tool diagnoses your vehicle and pulls error readings from the onboarding computer. With this tool, you have the freedom to perform your own diagnostics before any needed repairs and remove warnings once errors are addressed. This is a popular tool available at your local auto parts store and online.
- Portable battery jump-starter: This handy tool is small enough to fit in a handbag with the power to jumpstart a car in seconds. Brands and specifications vary with some models having the capability to start a car from a power source in the vehicle interior cabin.
- Portable tire inflator: An effective, convenient tool that is just as essential as having battery jumper cables. A compact, reliable source of air for your tires is an automatic win-win.
- Digital voltmeter: A tool for automotive professionals and DIY individuals to check power and electrical readings on the go or in the garage.
For distant road trips
- Car fluids (oil and radiator)
- Extra beverages/snacks
- Blankets, gloves, and warm clothing
- General pain medication
- Batteries/power banks
- Rags/towels
- Coins and loose change
Now is the perfect time to have your vehicle thoroughly inspected. Perform these maintenance tips carefully, and let’s do our best to avoid situations behind the wheel and on the road.
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