Even when it’s a warm, sunny day in Chattanooga, urban driving conditions here are still considered severe, said Neel Elliott, owner of Express Oil Change at Northgate Park.
Stop-and-go traffic and mountainous terrain take a huge toll on vehicles, Elliott said. “It adds up to severe driving conditions,” he said. “If you drove on an interstate most of the time, it would not be considered severe.”
Most manufacturers call for shorter routine maintenance intervals if your car, truck or SUV is driven under “severe” conditions.
“Maintenance is always important no matter the season. But fall is a good time so that we can make sure we’re ready for winter months. Checking the condition of the coolant system is important,” Elliott said.
Additionally, it’s important to change coolant fluid periodically, he said. “You don’t want to build rust deposits in your system because it would create a leak, and the car would overheat and you would have to replace your engine,” he said.
Steven Ray, owner of Midnite Oil in Ooltewah, agreed.
“Antifreeze serves as your engine’s coolant during summer and will break down. Changing the coolant will ensure your car will not freeze when the temperature drops, the water pump will be lubricated and working properly and will protect gaskets and plastic cooling parts from corrosion,” Ray said. “It is as important as oil in your car.”
Elliott suggested getting oil changes every 3,000 to 3,500 miles.
Because of the down economy, people are waiting longer before getting oil changes, he said.
“Since 1998, fewer new cars have been purchased,” he said. “People have become accustomed to maintaining their cars to keep them longer. So while maintenance is up, our oil-changing business is flat. They’re stretching out the miles.”
Car-care tips
Neel Elliott, owner of Express Oil Change at Northgate Park, gives this advice.
* Perform regular maintenance. Routine inspections include engine oil, battery and battery terminals, cooling system, air filters, windshield wipers, lights, belts and brakes.
*Prepare for the long haul. In addition to regular oil changes, understand there are many ways to prolong the life of your vehicle. Tire rotation and balancing should be done about every 6,000 miles, and brakes should be checked every six months for wear. Also, check tire air pressure every time you have the oil changed.
* Keep safety in mind. Have an automobile safety kit on hand. Kits should include a blanket, flashlight with extra batteries, tow ropes, windshield scrapers, jumper cables, a road map and a first-aid kit.
EQUIPMENT TO CARRY
In addition to an emergency safety kit, drivers should carry the following items in their vehicles during cold-weather months:
* properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod-type jack
* shovel
* jumper cables
* tow and tire chains
* bag of salt or cat litter
* tool kit
Source: National Safety Council