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THE TUNE UP |
Winter is almost here. Are you prepared?
You wouldn't head out into cold weather without bundling up. Your vehicle faces similar challenges as temperatures drop. Your vehicle needs a little extra care as the temperature drops. A little preparation before winter sets in may help prevent major headaches later.
You should always have a heavy-duty ice scraper and snow brush in your vehicle. Cold weather reduces tire pressure, so check tire pressure often. See your owner's manual for directions and details. The cold also affects battery efficiency. Most cold-weather breakdowns occur because batteries aren't delivering full cranking power. Also check to make sure battery cables are corrosion-free.
In severe winter temperatures, you may have to change the grade of your engine oil. Check your vehicle's Owner's Manual for the viscosity grade recommended for your vehicle's engine. You should always keep your fuel tank as full as possible in bad weather. This will also keep condensation out of your fuel tank which could cause water to enter your fuel system and freeze. Put on snow tires if you live in major snow belt areas. Four snow tires are better than two. (They do make a difference).
Unexpected cold weather brake downs do happen. Keeping a simple winter emergency kit in your trunk can keep you safe and warm until help arrives. This kit should include: flares, a flash light, a warm blanket, extra-warm clothing, a collapsible shovel, a bag of road salt, an extra bottle of windshield washer fluid and jumper cables.
Follow these pre-winter tips and you will be prepared for a cold weather break down.
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Diyautoparts.com is proud to announce the addition of Centric Premium Brake Rotors and Posi-Quiet Brake Pads to our online catalog.
Centric Premium rotors utilize an Electro coating finish that provides long lasting corrosion protection.
E-coating is a superior electro-statically applied finish designed to withstand severe weather elements without rusting. Phosphate finishes utilized by other manufacturers provide only minimal protection from the elements, these finishes are generally only effective for the shipping a storage portion of a rotor's life. The addition of heat and moisture eliminates the effectiveness of phosphate finishes resulting in immediate corrosion once installed on the vehicle. Centric Premium Brake Rotors are superior in quality at a discount rotor price. Shop our online catalog for a set for your vehicle today!
All Posi-Quiet Brake Pad compounds have been specifically formulated to match original equipment. All pads feature a positive molding process which eliminates any impurities in the friction compound. This process ensures consistent pedal feel and stopping performance. Posi-Quiet friction is available in three specialized formulas: Metallic, Ceramic and Extended Wear each suited for varied applications and vehicle uses.
If you have any questions about Centric products call one of our auto parts professionals at 1-800-593-1443 Monday thru Friday 8am-5pm EST. We will be happy to help.
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Wiper Blade Maintenance
Visibility is fundamental to safe driving. Although drivers depend on their vehicles’ wiper blades to clear away rain, sleet and snow, many wait to replace them until they need them the most. So remembering to maintain them regularly can maximize efficiency and reliability.
Wiper blades deteriorate due to many environmental factors including:
- Sun: Ultraviolet light and ozone deterioration
- Oil: Car waxes and exhaust hold rubber-deteriorating oil
- Airborne debris: Sand, mud and dust carried in the wind
- Moisture: Acid rain and salt water (in moist air both near the shore and inland)
Wiper blades should be checked every six months and changed at least once a year. Evaluate both the rubber squeegee and the metal frames to avoid common problems such as streaking, skipping, wearing and splitting - all offenders of reduced visibility.
Streaking occurs when the rubber squeegee dries, hardens or cracks. It can also be caused by tree sap, road tar, dirt and other foreign substances collected on either the glass or the blade.
Skipping can occur when the blade develops a curvature from lack of use.
Wearing occurs with extensive use and is when the rubber edges are rounded instead of squared.
Splitting is caused when the sun's ultraviolet rays penetrate the rubber squeegee, causing it to breakdown and separate from the frame.
Bent Frames cause inconsistent contact with the glass surface, creating streaking or skipping.
You could extend the life of your wiper blades by following these simple steps:
- Clean your windshield every time you fill your gas tank.
- Gently wipe the rubber squeegee with a damp paper towel to remove any loose dirt or oil.
- Never use your windshield wipers to de-ice your windshield. Instead, either use an ice scraper or use your defroster to melt snow and ice.
- Pull your wiper blades away from the windshield during winter months to prevent ice build up on the rubber squeegee and to prevent them from sticking to the windshield.
Efficient wiper blades are as important to a vehicle's safe operation as clean oil and good tires. So remember to change your wiper blades at least once a year and inspect them frequently for wear and tear. Follow these simple rules and you will enjoy a safer view!
We carry a full line of Anco & Bosch wiper blade products. You can find new wiper blades for your car in our online catalog, or give us a call. We will be happy to help.
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Copyright 2006 All Rights Reserved. DIYAutoParts.com, Inc. For Comments or Questions please send us an or call us
Toll Free: 800-593-1443 8am-5pm EST. Outside the U.S. 315-437-7696. Fax: 315-463-5990
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