October is fall car care month. This is the perfect time to give your vehicle a little bit of extra TLC before the harsh conditions of winter set in. Taking a little time now to change the necessary fluids, do the checks will save you time, money and potential headaches in an emergency situation further down the line. With that in mind, we at Workman’s Friend are here to provide you with a few tips and tricks to keep you safe on the road.
Related: Top 5 Ways to Winterize Your Car
Fluids
First and foremost check all fluid levels in your car. That includes your engine or motor oil, which is the equivalent to the blood in our body. Make sure to consult your owner’s manual to know what type of oil your car uses. While checking the oil dipstick at the beginning of fall is a good idea, inspecting the fluid on a monthly basis throughout the year at certain intervals is also recommended. Again, your owner’s manual should recommend when to do that.
Though transmission fluid lasts considerably longer than motor oil, but it still needs to be checked and replaced. New fluid is typically red in appearance, but it will eventually darken as it ages. Once transmission fluid turns dark brown, it will need to be changed because it isn’t lubricating your car properly.
Other fluids to inspect include brake, transmission, power steering, not to mention windshield washer, and anti-freeze. The levels of these liquids are as equally as important the motor oil and transmission fluids and not to be overlooked.
When handling any automotive fluid you will undoubtedly get dirty. That’s where Workman’s Friend Hand Cleaner with Activated Charcoal is invaluable. A simple application of our powerful odor and stain remover containing high-grade pumice will leave your hands spotless. Plus with infused plant oils, your skin will not only be clean but soft to the touch as well.
Hoses, Belts and Cables
Cracks and frays are sure signs that your car’s hoses and belts need to be replaced. Many of the newer multi-rib or snake-like drive belts are made of materials that do not show obvious signs of wear. That is why car experts recommend replacing these belts every 60,000 miles. Take a look at the hoses in your cooling system for leaks, cracks, or loose clamps. Also, squeeze the hoses and replace any that are brittle or have an excessively spongy feeling. Examine your battery cables and their terminals to make sure they show no signs of corrosion and the connections are tight. Any indications of this mean the battery might not work.
Before you test any belts, hoses, and cables make sure to apply a thin layer of Workman’s Friend Barrier Skin Cream. It will keep your hands moisturized but not greasy allowing you to properly feel the wear and tear of your car parts.
Tires
It’s important to check the pressure of all four tires and the spare. As the temperature drops tires can lose one pound of pressure for every drop of 10 degrees. Refer to your car’s owner’s manual for the correct information. Inspect tires for bulges, bald spots, and the tread depth of your tires before the first snowfall. You can do this by placing a penny into the grooves of each of your tires. If Lincoln’s head is covered you have more than 2/32” of tread depth remaining on your tire. This is the recommended depth per the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Don’t forget to reach for your bottle of Workman’s Friend Healing Hand Cream to restore the moisture to your hands before and after inspecting your tires. Infused with Vitamin E and other naturally healing ingredients, our lotion will heal your dry and cracked skin.
Drive Safely
We rely on our vehicles to get us safely from point A to point B on a regular basis. Many of us don’t realize that without proper car care, the security of your car can be compromised. The few tips that we at Workman’s Friend have offered above are just some of many fall automobile maintenance suggestions. For more information consult your car’s owner’s manual. Drive safely!