Cooler Weather Vehicle Care

School has started and it’s time to get back into the swing of things. Cooler weather is coming faster here in Wyoming than other parts of the country. This means it may be time to start thinking about winterizing the RV, boat, motorcycle, and other summer-weather toys.

Let’s look at a few ways to take care of your vehicle for the cooler weather.

Fall Maintenance Prep

Though we’re typically familiar with things that need maintained throughout the year, let’s look at a few things that can be checked on as the fall season rolls in.

1. Fluids & Filters

Checking and changing fluids when necessary is crucial. Fluids include windshield wiper fluid, transmission fluid, oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant. These fluids help keep your vehicle running smoothly. Changing filters helps keep air flowing into the engine, preventing the engine from working too hard and your vehicle from using too much fuel.

2. Tires & Brakes

Check the tires over. The tread can be checked with the penny test. Place a penny into the grooves of the tread, upside down. If you can see Lincoln’s full head, it’s time for new tires. Make sure the tires are properly inflated with a tire gauge. The appropriate tire pressure should be listed in your owner’s manual. Also, if it’s been a while, and the tread is still good, have your tires rotated. Wearing evenly saves you, not only, fuel, but money in the long run.

Your technician can check the brakes, making sure the pads aren’t worn down. Colder weather can be tough on brakes with slippery roads from ice.

3. Belts & Hoses

It’s a great time to do a quick check of the belts and hoses for wear, cracks, breakage, holes, and tightening them. Keep them safe and updated to prevent issues in the upcoming months. 

4. Battery & Lights

While you’re under the hood checking the belts and hoses, check the battery. The battery connections should be secure and also clean. It’s a good idea to replace a struggling battery in preparation for the colder weather.

5. Wipers & Wiper Fluid

Windshield wipers and the wiper fluid should be checked regularly. Wipers can quickly be dried out, cracking, or breaking because of temperature changes and extreme weather. Check or top off your wiper fluid. Be sure to use season/weather appropriate fluid. Some are fine for summer and warmer months; others are specially designed for preventing freezing.

Your Towing Company

This cooler weather vehicle care list is simple, but important to check throughout the year to prevent any surprises while driving.

We are Select Towing and Recovery. Located in Casper, Wyoming and serving the surrounding area with everything from car towing to heavy duty truck winch outs. If you find yourself broken down, call your 24-hour, local towing company at 307-277-0713. We will take care of you.

Read more of our blogs here: Our Blogs.

Summer Maintenance

Spring is here and summer is coming. School is ending and it’s time to think about those summer vacation plans. So, whether you’re doing local day trips or traveling across the country, summer vehicle maintenance is important for the upkeep and safety of your ride.

Top 10 Summer Maintenance Prep Tips

Though some things need managed throughout the year, this list will cover things that may not be maintained regularly on vehicles.

1. A/C

If your A/C is pushing hot air when you test it, adding refrigerant may do the trick. If your A/C doesn’t cool, have your technician check it. Also, this is a good time to check the air filter. A dirty air filter can effect fuel efficiency, as well as create starting issues, concerning engine sounds, and black smoke from the exhaust pipe.

2. Belts, Hoses

Your technician will be able to tighten, but also, check all of the belts and hoses for cracks, breakage, wear, leaks, holes, or anything else that could cause issues down the road.

3. Coolant Flush

Coolant is a fluid that helps your vehicle regulate engine temperatures in both the extreme heat and extreme cold. Since low coolant can cause fuel mileage issues, odd noises, and heater failure, it’s good to check them occasionally.

4. Brakes

Grinding noises and vibrations are a sign that the brakes need checked or replaced. Your technician can check for things like fluid leaks, but also take a look at the pads, rotors, shoes, and drums. If they do, in fact, need replaced, the Repair Cost Estimator may help to get an idea of what that service may cost.

5. Tires

First, start by checking the tire pressure and tread on all tires and your spare. The pressure can be checked with a pressure gauge. The recommended pressure can be found in your vehicle owner manual or a quick search online. Next, tire tread can be checked with a quarter. Place the quarter in between the treads. If you can see George Washington’s head, it’s time for new tires. And last, if the tires haven’t been rotated in a while, or ever, it may be time so they can wear evenly and last a bit longer.

6. Wipers & Wiper Fluid

Wipers take a beating because they are exposed to temperature and weather changes, year round. So, they should be checked regularly. Make sure they are in good, working condition and your wiper fluid is topped off before that trip.

7. Transfer Case

If you have a 4WD, the vehicle’s transfer case and differential fluid aren’t always top priority when thinking of vehicle checks. Since these are tough jobs and should be handled by an experienced mechanic about every 30,000 miles. This keeps the drivetrain of the 4WD vehicles healthy and the vehicle running smoothly.

8. Other Fluids & Filters

The oil and oil filters are considered more often than other fluids or just summer maintenance, and changed every three months, but the power steering and transmission fluids may need checked and topped off before you head out to keep them in top working order.

9. Lights

Headlights and tail lights are easy to see and check. For safety, also make sure the blinkers are working properly. 

10. Battery

The battery connections should be clean and secure. In addition, your technician can check the life of your battery. If it is struggling, replace well before that road trip for safety and one less hassle.

This Summer Maintenance list is not exhaustive, but, it will give you or your mechanic a good start on making sure your vehicle is ready to go on your next adventure.

Your Towing Company

We are Select Towing and Recovery. Located in Casper, Wyoming and serving the surrounding area with everything from car towing to heavy duty truck winch outs. If you find yourself broken down, call your 24-hour, local towing company at 307-277-0713. We will take care of you.