Winterize... or else?

Here in the eastern United States we're beginning to experience the beginnings of Winter. Some might say that they've been feeling it for quite a while... and that can be true, depending on just where you live along the east coast of the USA.

Any way you look at it, Winter is on the way and it's time to make certain that your car is ready for whatever may come your way. There are OBVIOUS things like anti-freeze that may need to actually be replaced. That's right, REPLACED! If you look in your coolant recovery bucket and the contents are brown... when normally they're a bright green (or other color) then you should really consider having your cooling system flushed and new coolant added to the level that is proper for the area in which you live.

Next should be (in my mind) the BATTERY! If your battery is not in top shape, you may discover some very cold morning that all you get is a loud CLICK when you turn the key to start your engine. Most shops will test your battery for FREE. They do that because they need to know your battery's condition so they can recommend a proper course of action and the test is usually quick to have done... so don't put it off. Have yours checked. If your battery is not a sealed unit, make sure the cells have sufficient electrolyte levels. If you look inside and you can see the bare plates of the battery... you could have a problem real quick! Also... make sure your cables and connectors are clean and in good shape with SECURE connections!

On this blog we always stress the use of proper lubricants and our First Choice is Amsoil Lubricants as they're the best Synthetics you'll find anywhere. Make sure that you keep your oil and filters changed at the necessary intervals and use the best lubricants you can afford. Doing that will pay you back in a big way! And, using synthetic lubricants will allow your engine to turn over more easily in the winter and lighten the load on that old battery!

The Very next things to check on would be your TIRES! Driving around on dry pavement in the summer with tires that have little to no tread may be something you can get away with... but in the winter when you can suddenly find yourself driving on snow and ice (or both) you need good tread between you and the road surface. I recently purchased new tires for my old car and the buying experience was probably the best I've ever had... I actually purchased them online! That's right, I bought my tires online and had them shipped to my house by UPS. Then I took them to my local Wal-Mart store and the mechanics there took off my old tires, put on the new ones and did all that balancing stuff that is also quite necessary. The price, at Wal-Mart, was amazingly low... you wouldn't believe HOW low... and the price of all that changing and balancing of the tire was covered by a $50 gift card that came with the tires! How about that... ?

Oh yes, where did I do my Online Shopping??? Just look at the banner below and you'll find all the details and information you need to have a great experience just like I did. I entered my car's information: year, model, make, etc... and the website offered me a great selection of tires and rims that work well on MY car! Enjoy YOUR shopping experience...




Drive safely out there this winter and have a Great Holiday season. And remember to drive gently and you'll save on your fuel costs. If you think, for a minute, that the fuel crisis is over in this country (or in the world at large) think again! In my estimation, we've only seen the tip of the iceberg when it comes to high fuel prices. We are likely to look back at last summer's $4 gas prices and wish we were ONLY paying $4 per gallon.

What I'm saying is... learn NOW how to drive smart so you use less fuel. Learn to HyperMile! You'll be amazed at how much LESS gas you have to use if you HyperMile. Would you believe that you can actually come close to doubling your current mileage if you would really work at it? It's true... and car companies and the oil companies and unfortunately... the news networks, don't want you to know about it! So, be smart and learn now while there's less urgency. That's always the best time to learn.

Happy Holidays from Dave, the HyperMiler