Pre-Winter Checklist for Safe Holiday Driving

Holiday driving can bring plenty of smiles but some anxiety, too. Road conditions have changed and your vehicle may not be responding the way it should.

“Ask your service advisors to do a walk-around of your vehicle with you to discuss concerns before heading out of town,” said Brian Trigalet, who works for ITW Professional Automotive Products. “There are lots of ways to improve vehicle safety and engine performance in colder weather.”

ITW owns some of the most iconic brands in the automotive industry for vehicle care. Their extensive product line includes RainX, Black Magic, Fix-A-Flat, Blue Coral and Wynn’s engine products.

Having worked in the professional auto products industry for more than two decades, Trigalet describes himself as “super attentive to maintenance.” Part of his job involves working directly with service advisors and service managers.

The goal is keeping customer vehicles operating at peak performance, Trigalet said. That means helping them understand services that go beyond basic oil change regimen.

“Does your vehicle hesitate when you accelerate to merge onto a freeway?” asked Trigalet, who has owned several SUVs. “That’s almost always related to the fuel intake system and reduces fuel efficiency.

“Fuel injector problems are exacerbated by cold weather.”

A service as simple as fuel injector cleaning could improve mileage, performance and engine longevity.

Here is Trigalet’s personal checklist of car care for safe and reliable holiday driving:

1. Check tire condition and tread wear. Those first cold days of autumn can deflate tires. Look for tread worn or uneven wear.

   “Cars have four palm-size pieces or rubber touching the road,” said Trigalet, who lives in Ohio and has vast experience driving icy, wet conditions. “Tires are critical in winter weather and you should always check them before leaving town.”

2. Replace conventional rubber wiper blades and the rear blade on SUVs with a set designed to withstand inclement weather. Consider winter blades that contain rubber compounds to remain flexible in extreme weather.

   For rainy regions look for blades that have silicon compounds that resist cracking, remain pliable and form to your windshield contour.

3. Consider getting a pre-winter decarbonization service for vehicles more than three years old. The service can remove sooty build-up in fuel injectors that accumulates over time and affects fuel economy.

   “Have you ever experienced hesitation when you press the accelerator when merging onto a freeway,” Trigalet asked. “That’s almost always related to carbon build-up.“

   Ask your service advisor if your vehicle is due for this service. The frequency is determined by driving conditions, fuel quality, mileage and engine design.

4. Check all headlight and taillights to make sure they are operating properly and have a bright glow. Traditional bulbs lose their brightness and LED lights may stop working.
5. The all-important “walk around.” Ask your service advisor to take a look at your vehicle with you to point out areas of concern.
6. Consider adding a fuel tank additive to help improve winter mileage and performance.

   “Unless you are using Top Tier fuel, carbon deposits build up inside your engine,” said Trigalet. “Tank additives can help clean your vehicle engine and improve performance.”

   Top Tier fuel is recommended by AAA and consumer reports. Look for the Top Tier sign on gasoline pumps.

7. Replace the cabin air filter. Summer dust and pollen can clog filters. Food odors, smoke and sweaty gym clothes can turn cabin air foul.

   “Does your family like to stop at fast food places on their holiday drives?” Trigalet asked. “It may be too cold to roll down the windows for fresh air, so make sure the cabin air filter is working efficiently.”

8. Check climate control system performance. Does the system heat up slowly or circulate poorly? Autumn leaves can clog vents and leaks or low fluid levels can prevent the system from working properly.
9. Refill the windshield wiper fluid tank. Cleaning windows throughout summer may have left your wiper fluid tank near empty. Ask about fluids designed for freezing climates and rain repellent additives for wet climates. Note: Winter grades may contain chemicals that have use restrictions.
10. Investigate grinding and squeaking noises. Hot summer driving accelerates wear on brake pads, and grinding or squealing noises are two signs they probably need replacement.
11. Get a battery charge test before leaving town to avoid sudden failure. A weak battery can go dead literally overnight in cold weather.
12. Watch for vehicle vibrations when the car is idling. The problem may be caused by motor mounts. They are made from rubber compounds and deteriorate like any other rubber-based product. The problem worsens over time and may cause other vehicle issues such as loose hoses, torn belts and abnormal tire wear.
13. Listen for screeching sounds underneath the hood. The engine belts are worn and need replacement before causing extensive engine damage. Belts may look adequate and require a trained eye to spot problems.
14. Inspect engine hoses that may be leaky or worn from hot summer driving. Ozone causes rubber hoses to lose their pliability and eventually become hardened. Some acids in radiator fluid can eat away radiator hoses from the inside.
15. Take a few extra precautions for older vehicles or vehicles not used very often. The traditional oil change service every 5,000 or 7,000 miles may always apply.

    Engine oil additives break down even when a vehicle is sitting. Also, vehicles with low mileage may get moisture condensation build-up in the crankcase, which can lead to engine wear and tear.

“Customers should ask their service advisor how to keep aging vehicles running in peak condition throughout the upcoming winter,” Trigalet said.