A Women’s Point of View: Turn Up The Heat

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

I am sure everyone has noticed that it’s cold out there! This is easily explained; it’s January in North America. Most of us are not ‘winter people’, so in our hearts and minds we are basking on a warm beach somewhere in the Caribbean. Take a moment to think about that and go “aahhh”. OK, back to reality.

Just like people, cars need a little extra TLC in cold weather. The phrase ‘cold start’ takes on a whole new meaning. Batteries that are old and weak give out a lot in cold weather. Temperature sensors become overworked and stop functioning as they should. Windshield wipers get frozen to the windshield and when forced to let go, have bits of rubber break off and you get streaks on your windshield. Car doors and door handles get frozen shut. Power windows freeze and won’t work. That is the one that makes me bang my head on the steering wheel.

Anyway, there are some things that could help these situations. A heated garage, an electric blanket for your car, a block heater that you plug into an electrical outlet are just a few suggestions. Robert’s blog covered some helpful preventive measures so I will not go over them again. Life happens to all of us and everyone here at Cars For Keeps is here to help you in the big and small things to keep your veheicle in good working order. We are at your service.

Washing Away the Salt: A Michigan Winter Car Maintenance Essential

by Marjorie, Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager

We've covered just about every aspect of effectively preparing your vehicle into reliable winter-weather transportation. But now that winter is here, what can we do to make sure our vehicles stay reliable and healthy?

For car owners, Michigan winter roads are not only infamous for black ice and snow drifts; they're also infamous for that special anti-ice additive: salt. It's the main reason that car owners living in "the car manufacturing state" have one of the poorest returns on their vehicles in the nation. The natural process of oxidation that happens over time to the steel components of your car are rapidly accelerated by salt, turning our beautiful, locally-manufactured vehicles into virtual rust buckets overnight.

You can read more about exactly why salt + the underside of your car = rust that would make Red Green proud, but understanding why this happens doesn't help us maintain healthy, rust-free cars. There's really only one solution to the problem of winter salt: go to the car wash frequently. Some of your car's most vulnerable metal parts and components are underneath your car, completely exposed to the road's salt spray, so be sure to include undercarriage washes each time you visit the car wash this winter.

Interior salt can erode from the inside as well - in addition to making car interiors dirty. Here's a brief YouTube clip with some tips on getting out those winter salt stains (I'll give you a hint: it involves vinegar, water and elbow grease!).

That's it for now. Thanks for stopping by, and safe driving!

3 Ways to Prevent Winter Driving Emergnecies

by Robert, Cars for Keeps Mechanic

Winter time is coming sooner than you may think. That means salty slushy roads, ice on the windshield and brrrrrr…freezing temps. What can you do to ensure a safe and reliable vehicle during these harsh wintry months?

Have your vehicle inspected by a licensed mechanic. Quick lube places do not count. Although they are able to check basic things like your fluids and battery, they are not able to check more important things such as your suspension components and reliability items. Also, those techs are NOT required to be state or ASE certified to work on vehicles. So you may not get an adequately qualified tech working on your vehicle.

Maintain your tires. The tires are the ONLY thing between you and the road. Are your tires worn to the wear bars? Not only is it unsafe for you but could also be unsafe for other drivers on the road. Maintaining air pressure also ensures that your tires are working as they were designed. Speaking of tires, do you have a set of dedicated winter tires? If not you should consider it. The difference between an all-season year round tire and a tire used only for the snowy season is like night and day. For those of you who may not have the extra funds to do this, you may want to consider saving extra cash so in the future this becomes available to you.

Carry emergency items in your trunk. A flashlight (with working batteries please), blanket, fresh water, snacks, a cell phone, road hazard beacons such as flares or the reflective triangles and also make sure your factory equipped spare tire and jack are in place. Kitty litter not only provides extra weight but can also help provide traction if your ever stuck in a snow bank. If you have a small snow shovel that will also help dig your way out of a sticky situation.

Hopefully this season will be safe and accident free, but with a little planning you can make sure that if it does turn sour you are prepared. Like a wise man once told me in boy scouts once: it’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Until next time!