What you will need to perform a winter inspection

You will need the following parts and tools to perform this repair;

• Antifreeze Hydrometer
• Air compressor
• Tire gauge
• Inflation fitting
• Tread depth gauge
• Battery cleaner
• Battery protector

Here are links to the 3 main topics in this article.

Antifreeze

Anti-freeze is maintained by checking the strength and level. Understand knowledge of different types of anti-freeze and know how to check and top up the coolant level. Refer to the Antifreeze section to learn about coolant maintenance.

Tires

Planning ahead for a trip or winter driving? Here’s a section that will show you how to maintain proper inflation of you’re tires for better gas mileage and how to check for the best wear on the tread of your tires for winter driving. Refer to the tires section to learn more.

Battery

Helpful advice for maintaining a good battery along with what to expect with an old battery. Knowing the life expectancy and how to test a battery to determine replacement. Refer to the car batteries section to learn more.

More checks to prepare for winter

If your into a groove and want to learn more about your car, link to the getting started page for more maintenance items to check.

You will need the following new parts and tools to perform this repair;

Understand how to monitor temperature

Before checking the coolant make sure you understand how the system operates normally. Some vehicles have a temperature gauge and some have a warning light.

If there is a gauge, the best guideline to use is that 1/2 way between cold and hot on the gauge should be normal operating temperature.

Warning lights usually don’t come on until it’s hot, unfortunately you can’t monitor the engine temperature until it’s too late.

Where to check the level

Locate the area to check the coolant. Some vehicles have the fill at the radiator and some have a separate reservoir.

Caution!!

When checking coolant level, always make sure the engine temperature has cooled down or sat over night to prevent severe burns from opening a hot system.

Note:

Engines run at 220°F and have 18 psi of pressure when hot! These temperatures can scald you and create sever burns if opened while hot.

Find the level indicator somewhere on the tank or reservoir.

And determine where to fill it when cold making sure not to over fill. Leave a small amount of air in the top of the reservoir for the coolant to expand when it gets hot, this will keep the fluid from pushing out of the overflow.

Sample the coolant

Remove the cap to access the coolant and check it for proper protection from freezing or boiling. Put the tube of the hydrometer into the coolant, squeeze the ball to let the suction pull a sample into the clear measuring area.

You can obtain a hydrometer from your local parts store to check the protection level for as little as $5.00. A 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water will protect your engine to -30°F

If you need to top up the level make sure you purchase the correct type for your vehicle. Check the owners manual or ask your parts specialist at the parts store.

You can buy premixed or full strength antifreeze. You get more for your money to buy it full strength.

Recommendations:

Anti-freeze needs to be mixed before it protects against freezing or boiling. Mix 50% water to 50% anti-freeze then top up.