Wiper Blades, Tires, More Require Special Attention in Extreme Temperatures, Says Lake Arbor Auto
WESTMINSTER, Colo. (Jan. 5, 2010) – Lake Arbor Automotive & Truck has witnessed an increase in cold-temperature-related car problems in recent days, and the Westminster-based repair-and-maintenance shop encourages car owners to be mindful of the Five Ways to Beat the Winter.
No. 1, Allow a brief amount of warm-up time.
Today’s vehicles don’t require much warm-up, but you will find that an extra 30 seconds will allow your vehicle to perform better, mostly because the fluids in your car have an optimal operating temperature (and it isn’t 5-below zero). For example, you will find your power steering doesn’t really kick in until the power steering fluid warms up and sheds its increased viscosity. Caveat: Unattended warm-up or “puffing” is illegal in most Colorado cities due to the vulnerability to car theft.
No. 2, Plug in your block heater if you have one.
The heat to the engine will allow it to resist the potential stress caused by the freezing temperatures – not to mention the threat of freezing under-protected radiator fluid.
No. 3, Lift windshield wipers off the windshield during long periods of inactivity.
Wipers ice up faster when they are in contact with the snow on the glass, and they lose the pliability that makes them effective. Also, do a good job of scraping the bottom and edges of your windshield, again to protect the wipers.
No. 4, Clear the cowl grate at the outside bottom of your windshield.
The cowl grate provides the air intake for the car’s heater, and any blockage will increase the risk that under-hood fumes could seep into the passenger compartment. These fumes can include carbon monoxide.
No. 5, Ask a qualified auto mechanic to inspect your vehicle for cold-weather worthiness.
The main areas of the car requiring attention are the battery, anti-freeze, wiper blades, washer fluid, tires and overall reliability. You DON’T want to end up on the side of the road in these temperatures.
There are plenty of additional items to keep in mind while driving in cold, snowy weather, many of which pertain to safe driving on slick roads. Lake Arbor Auto advises all its customers to keep a bag of kitty litter in the trunk in case the car gets stuck in ice. Clear your entire car of snow and ice to enhance visibility. And keep your fuel tank full, thus minimizing chances of condensation in the fuel lines and providing an ongoing source of heat in case you do get stranded.
About Lake Arbor Automotive & Truck
Founded in 1992 as the Emissions Clinic, Lake Arbor Auto moved in 2006 to its current location at 91st Avenue and Marshall Place in Westminster, Colo., with a state-of-the-art facility designed for maximum customer comfort. Lake Arbor Auto is a recipient of the BBB’s Gold Star award, is a Triple-A approved repair shop (one of only 85 in the entire state) and has the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence with five ASE certified Master Technicians on staff. Lake Arbor Auto is an ASA (Automotive Service Association) national and state member, is the highest volume emissions repair facility in Colorado and is a member of the Association of Diesel Specialists. Owner Dana TePoel was named the 2008 Small Business Person of the Year by the Metro North Chamber of Commerce. For information, call 303-429-7700 or go to HYPERLINK “http://www.lakearborauto.com”www.lakearborauto.com. “We do the right thing for you every time.”