Winter car maintenance

Pointers for your winter car maintenance:

• Engine oil level

Specific steps for checking and changing the oil if necessary:

1. Locate the oil dipstick: The dipstick is usually located near the front of the engine and has a bright yellow or orange handle.
2. Check the oil level: With the engine off, pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag. Re-insert the dipstick and pull it out again to check the oil level. The oil level should be between the "low" and "full" marks on the dipstick.
3. Add oil if necessary: If the oil level is low, add oil slowly through the oil filler cap, located on top of the engine. Avoid overfilling the oil.
4. Change the oil: It's recommended to change the oil at regular intervals specified in the car manual. This interval can be as low as every 3,000 miles or as high as every 15,000 miles, depending on the vehicle and driving conditions.
5. Use the right oil: Use the oil recommended in your car manual, it could be conventional, synthetic, or synthetic blend.
6. Dispose of the used oil: After changing the oil, make sure to dispose of the used oil properly by taking it to a recycling facility or to a mechanic.

• Tire pressure and tread depth

Specific steps to check the tire pressure and tread depth:

1. Locate the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle, which can usually be found on a label on the driver's side door jamb or in the owner's manual.
2. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure of each tire, including the spare. Make sure the tires are cold (driven less than a mile) when you check the pressure.
3. If the pressure is low, use a tire inflator to add air to the tires until they reach the recommended pressure.
4. To check the tread depth, you can use a tire tread depth gauge or the penny test. To do the penny test, simply place a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln's head upside down and facing you. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, the treads are worn and it's time to replace the tires.
5. Check the tread depth in several locations on each tire, including the center, edges, and both sides of the tires, to ensure that they are wearing evenly.
6. If the tread depth is less than 2/32 of an inch, or if the tires are worn unevenly, it may be time to replace them.
7. Repeat this process at least once a month or before a long trip.

• Brakes

Specific steps to check the brakes:

1. Begin by visually inspecting the brake pads. Open the hood and locate the brake pads. They are the rectangular-shaped pads located inside the caliper, which is the metal clamp that surrounds the rotor. Check the thickness of the brake pads, they should be at least 1/4 inch thick. If the pads are worn down to less than 1/4 inch, they need to be replaced.
2. Check the brake rotors. The rotors are the metal discs that the brake pads press against to slow down and stop the vehicle. Look for any signs of cracking, warping, or uneven wear on the rotors. If the rotors are damaged, they need to be replaced.
3. Check the brake fluid level. Locate the brake fluid reservoir under the hood, it's usually a clear plastic container with a lid. Make sure the fluid level is between the minimum and maximum marks. If the fluid level is low, use a clean cloth to wipe the reservoir clean, then add brake fluid until the level is correct.
4. Check the brake hoses and lines. Look for any signs of cracking, swelling, or leaks in the brake hoses and lines. If you find any damage, the hoses and lines need to be replaced.
5. Test the brakes by pressing down on the brake pedal. The pedal should feel firm and not spongy. If the pedal feels spongy, it may be an indication of air in the brake system, which will need to be bled.
6. Have a professional mechanic inspect your brakes if you're unsure about the condition of the brake system or if you notice any warning signs such as squealing or grinding noises, vibration or pulling when braking or a brake warning light on the dashboard.

• Windshield wipers

Specific steps to Check the windshield wipers and replace them:

1. Begin by visually inspecting the wipers. Look for any signs of wear or damage, such as cracks, fraying, or missing sections on the wiper blades.
2. Test the wipers by turning on the windshield wipers and observing how well they clean the windshield. If the wipers are leaving streaks or are not cleaning the windshield effectively, it's time to replace them.
3. To replace the wipers, you'll first need to remove the old wiper blades. This typically involves lifting a small tab or pressing a release button on the wiper arm and sliding the old wiper blade off. Be careful not to touch the wiper blade or the metal wiper arm with your fingers, as the oil from your skin can cause the rubber to deteriorate.
4. Refer to the vehicle's manual or look on the wipers or under the hood to find the size of the wipers that are recommended for your car.
5. Install the new wiper blades by sliding them onto the wiper arm, making sure that they are securely in place.
6. Test the wipers again to make sure they are working properly.

• Lights

Specific steps to Check the lights and replace any burnt out bulbs:

1. Begin by checking all of the lights on your vehicle, including the headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and emergency flashers. You can do this by turning on the lights and walking around the vehicle to check that they are all functioning properly.
2. Check each light individually by turning on the corresponding switch on the dashboard or the lever on the steering column. This will allow you to identify which specific light is not working.
3. Locate the burnt-out bulb. On most vehicles, the bulbs are located behind the lens of the light assembly. You may need to remove a few screws or clips to access the bulb.
4. Carefully remove the burnt-out bulb by turning it counterclockwise. Be careful not to touch the new bulb with your fingers as the oil from your skin can cause the bulb to burn out prematurely.
5. Install the new bulb by inserting it into the socket and turning it clockwise to secure it in place.
6. Test the light again to make sure it's working properly.
7. Repeat the process for any other burnt-out bulbs.

• Hoses and Belts

Specific steps to Check the hoses and belts for any cracks or signs of wear:

1. Begin by locating the hoses and belts in your vehicle. The hoses can be found in various locations, such as the engine compartment, radiator, and heater core, while the belts can be found on the front of the engine and are typically used to drive the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, and other accessories.
2. Visually inspect the hoses and belts for any signs of cracking, fraying, or other damage. Check for any bulges, blisters, or soft spots, which can indicate a weak or failing hose or belt.
3. Check the hoses for any leaks by gently squeezing the hoses with your hand. If the hoses feel soft or spongy, they may be damaged and need to be replaced.
4. Check the belts for proper tension by pressing down on the belt with your thumb. The belt should have some give, but not be too loose or too tight. If the belt is too loose, it may need to be adjusted or replaced.
5. If you find any signs of wear or damage, it's best to replace the hoses and belts as soon as possible to prevent the possibility of failure while driving.

• Air filter

Specific steps to Check the air filter and replace if it is dirty:

1. Begin by locating the air filter in your vehicle. The air filter is typically located in the air filter box, which can be found in the engine compartment, usually near the front of the engine.
2. Remove the air filter from the air filter box. This can typically be done by releasing the clips or latches that hold the cover in place and removing the cover.
3. Inspect the air filter. A clean air filter should be white or off-white in color. If the filter is dirty, it will be darker in color.
4. Compare the air filter with a new one, if the air filter is visibly dirty or clogged, it should be replaced.
5. Remove the old filter and replace it with a new one. Make sure that the new filter is inserted in the correct direction and that the seal on the filter is secure.
6. Reinstall the air filter box cover, making sure that it is securely in place.

• Coolant level

Specific steps to check the coolant level and top off if necessary:

1. Locate the coolant reservoir, it is typically a translucent plastic container that can be found in the engine compartment, often near the front of the engine.
2. Check the coolant level by looking at the side of the reservoir, where there is typically a "minimum" and "maximum" level indicator. Make sure the coolant level is between the two marks.
3. If the coolant level is low, you will need to top it off.
4. Carefully remove the coolant reservoir cap, being careful not to burn yourself as the coolant may still be hot.
5. Slowly pour coolant into the reservoir until the level reaches the maximum indicator.
6. Check the coolant level again after a few minutes, as the coolant may settle.
7. Once the coolant level is at the correct level, reinstall the reservoir cap and make sure it is tight.

• Power steering fluid

Specific steps to Check the power steering fluid level and top off if necessary:

1. Locate the power steering fluid reservoir, it is typically a translucent plastic container that can be found in the engine compartment, often near the power steering pump.
2. Check the power steering fluid level by looking at the side of the reservoir, where there is typically a "minimum" and "maximum" level indicator. Make sure the power steering fluid level is between the two marks.
3. If the power steering fluid level is low, you will need to top it off.
4. Carefully remove the power steering fluid reservoir cap, being careful not to burn yourself as the fluid may still be hot.
5. Slowly pour power steering fluid into the reservoir until the level reaches the maximum indicator.
6. Check the power steering fluid level again after a few minutes, as the fluid may settle.
7. Once the power steering fluid level is at the correct level, reinstall the reservoir cap and make sure it is tight.

Have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic at regular intervals to check for any potential issues that may need repairs.

It's important to check the car manual for the specific recommendations for your vehicle. These steps can help keep your car running smoothly and reduce the likelihood of breakdowns.