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September \| October 2003 Volume 77 Issue 5

Auto Talk

Winter calls for layers of protection for your car

As the mercury dips, and you pull jeans, jackets and sweaters out of the closet for the cooler weather, it's also important to provide layers of protection for your car—both inside and out.

Winter Warm-ups
Just as you need a cup of hot chocolate or coffee to warm up at a football game or after a day on the ski slopes, your engine needs a good warm-up

"A great rule of thumb is to change your antifreeze at least once every two years."

throughout the winter. And nothing takes the chill off your car like a gallon of the green stuff—antifreeze.

Antifreeze is a crucial part of the car-care routine. If you're running on old antifreeze, it may have that same strong green color, but the additives may be worn out. When that happens, the inside of your radiator could begin to rust, and the mixture will lose its ability to withstand freezing temperatures.

A great rule of thumb is to change your antifreeze at least once every two years. If you don't know when your antifreeze was changed last, have it checked when you get your oil changed. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, buy an antifreeze tester and check some known fluids, such as water and pure antifreeze, to be sure it is reading correctly. Then, fill the tester with fluid from the radiator or overflow reservoir, and it will tell you at what temperature the antifreeze will freeze or boil.

Another tip to help your car take on winter weather is to change your oil grade. Select the lowest winter-grade oil your owner's manual allows. The heavier the motor oil, the less cold weather protection it provides: 10W-30 is good to -13º F, 15W-30 is good to -4º F, and 20W-30 is good to 5º F. For most vehicles, 5W-30 offers the best all-weather protection, fuel efficiency, and energy conservation.

Adding Layers of Protection
It is equally important to winterize your car on the outside. When the autumn air turns crisp, it's the perfect time to give your car's exterior one final detailing to protect it from the harsh winter ahead.

While most wax their cars to make them look great, waxing also provides an important protective layer between your car and the elements. And while waxing helps your car's exterior weather the winter, remember a seasonal detailing to tires to keep whitewalls white and blackwalls black is also important. For an extra layer of winter protection and professional-looking finish, apply a non-oily tire dressing to give the tires a long-lasting, semi-gloss luster that doesn't rapidly attract road grime.

Don't get left out in the cold this winter. When you layer on the clothes, also remember to add layers of protection to your car.

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