13 Reasons To Call Your Mechanic Before Winter Solstice

Routine oil changes help extend the life of your vehicle, but that’s not enough to keep you safe and warm throughout winter. 

What else should you consider before traveling for the holidays?

“Always get an inspection if you hear noises coming from the wheel well,” said Tony Molla, industry expert and former vice president at Automotive Service Association.  

Molla, also a former certified technician from the National institute of Automotive Service Excellent, practices what he preaches. One of his consistent mantras: Get your vehicle inspected every spring and again in autumn before winter sets in. 

The sound of disharmony

Listening to the hum of finely tuned vehicles is like hearing a symphony for Molla. If the engine is out of sync, if the brakes produce clunking sounds or there are squeals coming from under the hood, Molla becomes like a conductor who has been affronted by dissonant chords.

“Modern vehicles rarely break if properly maintained,” Molla says matter of factly. “A manufacturer-trained or certified professional technician can help keep your car running smoothly as you encounter harsh winter conditions.”

Important November Inspections

Molla’s checklist of important inspections and tips for November driving:

1. Battery fatigue. Cold weather can cause a weak battery to go dead overnight. Look for tell-tell signs such as an engine that is hard to turn over, headlights that appear duller and power windows that operate slowly.

“Batteries lose their effectiveness over time,” Molla said. “The easiest way to avoid the problem is by getting your vehicle charging system checked periodically.”

1. Cabin air filter. Dust, insects, pollen accumulate in the summer months and reduce effectiveness come fall. Replacing your cabin air filter is an inexpensive investment in a healthy environment for all family members. 

2. Overheating vehicle. In winter? Yes, an old thermostat can cause your vehicle to overheat. It also can cause odd sounds from the engine compartment or leaking of radiator fluid. 

3. Exterior lighting. Check your headlights and brake lights again this autumn as daylight lessens. Have a friend look at the brake lights as you press the pedal.  Test high beams to make sure they are directed at the proper angle. Flash your headlights and high beams against a flat surface from level ground (such as inside your garage).

4. Heater and defroster. Turn on the system and adjust the settings. Is the system responsive? Lack of warm air is another sign your vehicle thermostat may need to be replaced.

5. Ventilation problem. The lines could be clogged with leaves and twigs accumulated during summer and early autumn.  Are you getting good circulation of warm air in front and back vents? 

6. Inspect the spare tire. Keep a pressure gauge in the glove box to make sure tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires wear faster. They also do not grip as well on wet roads, especially on slick, oily pavement common during autumn rain showers.

7. Poor engine performance. Cold weather can increase problems such as poor fuel economy, rough idling, slow acceleration or hard starts. 

8. Wiper blade replacement–a common yet important refrain. Don’t wait until harsh winter arrives and product inventory runs low. Remember, summer days leach the resins out of wiper blade rubber and reduce their effectiveness. Old blades can scratch the windshield and blur vision.

9. Windshield washer fluid. Autumn storms tend to coat your windshield with dirt and grime collected on summer roads. Top off your fluid tank filled before venturing out for Thanksgiving journeys.

10. Alignment and steering issues. Does your vehicle tend to pull to one side or another? Your car may need an alignment. Camber refers to the vertical angle of wheels and toe refers to the horizontal angle of the tires. Both need to be properly aligned to help extend the life of your tires and prevent steering problems.

11. Engine belts. Hot summer days can increase wear on belts. Cracked belts or worn hoses can disable a vehicle in a matter of seconds. Make sure your vehicle’s serpentine belt can make it through the winter.

12. Exhaust system. Have your certified technician examine the exhaust system for leaks, which may lead to deadly conditions in a closed vehicle.

“The more complete list of minor repairs that you give to your service provider, the more satisfied you will be,” Molla said. “A November inspection can help catch problems to prevent your family from getting stranded.”

Other Pre-winter Tips

Prepare your vehicle and yourself for harsh weather and long nights with this some basic safety suggestions:

1. Tools for tribulations. Avoid hours of roadside frustration by having the right tools so you—or a passerby—have the emergency tools to help when stranded. Make sure your vehicle is outfitted with a lug wrench and vehicle jack. 

1. Prepare for night driving. The end of daylight savings time means the beginning of long winter nights. Equip your vehicle with emergency supplies such as flares, gloves, a blanket, flashlight and some basic tools (life hammer, adjustable wrench, screw driver, pliers, wire cutters).

1. Owner’s manual. Keep the original manual in your glovebox for handy reference in emergencies. It contains answers to all sorts of questions about your vehicle, maintenance and common problems. 

2. Start a log file. Create a vehicle note file on your cell phone and jot down items you have noticed: engine, tires, windshields, auto body dents and dings, slow cranking, dimming, squealing brakes, burned-out lights, cracked wiper blades.