Winter Car Care

Here comes the cold, here comes the cold, and I say it's all right -- NOT!!!!!! Ah yes - tis the season for pulling out the winter clothes and storing the summer ones. Tis the season for making sure your vehicle is READY for those cold winter days. Here at West Loop Auto Body, we want to make sure you always prepared (Boy Scout Motto) for those days.
First thing we need to check is your battery. As the temperture drops, so does the cranking power of your battery. At 32 degrees, your battery has 15% less starting power than it does at 80 degrees; at 0 degrees, it has 35% less power; at -20 degrees, it has less than half the cranking power while the engine needs 3 1/2 times the power to start. Faulty batteries cause more car starting problems than any other factor. Turn off all unnecessary lights and accessories if vehicle-starts are sluggish. Dim headlamps or sluggish engine starts may be signs a new battery is needed. When buying a battery, rely on advice given by auto parts and/or service personnel, who will cross-reference your vehicle to the industry standard for the proper replacement battery. Today's batteries are maintenance-free! They do not require regular fluid checks, but it is wise to inspect the battery case and cables for loose fits and/or damage. Check for CORROSION! Corrosion in the form of white or yellowish powder, can and will affect battery performance. Clean teh connections with a stiff brush, using a solution of baking soda water!!

Thats enough for today - tomorrow we will be discussing winter survival gear for your vehicle - make sure you watch out for it!

Until we collide again.
Tony "the car guy" Morice
General Manager
West Loop Auto Body