It Pays to Be Nice to Your Car When the Weather Gets Nasty

It's Fair to Say That in Foul Weather, Cars Function Differently. That's Why Maintenance Is So Important in Cold Weather.

FAIRFAX, Va., Dec. 16 -- Cars function differently in cold weather, according to Tom Olszewski, automotive technical advisor, ExxonMobil Lubricants & Specialties. "In the winter months, all sorts of vehicle ailments crop up. It is important to keep your car properly tuned and change your engine oil and fluids regularly, and checking your tire pressure will help you to avoid costly repairs and vehicle breakdowns in the cold of winter."

Vehicle maintenance is extremely important during the winter months. In addition to performing routine maintenance, using quality products and making precautionary efforts will help drivers through even the nastiest of conditions; see http://www.mobil1.com/ .

   -- Vehicle warm-up -- To ensure proper engine oil flow and lubrication,
      allow your engine to idle for a few seconds before driving in cold
      weather, and drive slowly for the first few miles until the oil is
      fully warmed up. This reduces emissions and saves fuel.
   -- Tune-ups -- Get a full engine tune-up according to your owner's
      manual.
   -- Check the battery -- If a battery is older than four years, it may
      only work well in warm weather.
   -- Check filters, coolants and hoses -- Make sure all filters -- oil, gas
      and air -- are in good condition. Check the coolant and thermostat to
      ensure proper engine warm-up, as well as the heater and defroster
      operation. Coolant should be changed every two years; however,
      extended-life coolants used in many newer vehicles last about five
      years. Check for leaking or soft hoses and replace.
   -- Switch to synthetic oil -- To ease engine start-up during cold
      weather, switching to a multi-viscosity oil such as Mobil 1 10W-30 or
      Mobil 1 5W-30 will help your car operate more efficiently, making it
      easier for your car to start in extremely cold temperatures.
   -- Fix the brakes -- Don't postpone needed brake work during winter
      months. Avoiding brake repair can be extremely dangerous, and it will
      cost more to overhaul the entire brake system.
   -- Tire pressure -- Check tires for excessive wear and proper inflation.
      Do not under inflate or over inflate tires. Low pressure increases
      wear and fuel consumption while too much pressure can reduce traction,
      especially in icy conditions. As the weather gets cooler, your air
      pressure decreases. Check tires and inflate to the proper pressure.
   -- Icy windows and locks -- Make sure to have window ice scrapers and
      de-icers available. Also make sure your windshield wipers and front
      and rear defrosters are working properly. A de-icer for door locks is
      also useful, but a heated key can help when locks are frozen.
   -- Personal protection -- Don't forget personal protection such as a warm
      coat, hat and gloves, blanket and cell phone in case you are stuck in
      a storm.
   -- Slow down -- Do not exceed speed limits and keep safe driving
      distances. Unnecessary speedups, slowdowns and stops can decrease fuel
      economy by up to two miles per gallon. Avoid gas-wasting jackrabbit
      starts and pace your driving to help avoid the need for sudden stops,
      which is especially critical during wet and icy road conditions.

"Your car will be a more dependable means of transportation throughout the winter if properly cared for," says Olszewski. "If you take care of it, it will more likely take care of you. And it will do it for a lot less money."