Maine winters can be harsh on you and your vehicle. DON’T LET JACK FROST WIN! Make sure your vehicle is ready to take on Winter 2013!

Here is what every vehicle NEEDS to help it run efficiently and reliably all winter long according to Edmunds.com and Rockland Ford Lincoln’s Service Manager Mike Benner.

1. Check your tire pressure.
Tire pressure is especially important during the winter, because traction is often at a minimum due to wet or snowy conditions. It’s critical to have properly inflated tires, which guarantees the best possible contact between the tire and the road. A properly inflated tire will also help protect against wheel damage that might occur as the vehicle drives over potholes. Read your owner’s manual to find the correct tire pressure.

In winter’s lower temperatures, the air pressure in a cold tire will drop. Since air is a gas, it contracts when it cools. Keep this in mind if you are checking tire pressure. Generally, for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit change in ambient temperature, your tire’s inflation pressure will change by about 1 psi (up with higher temperatures and down with lower temperatures).

2. If you have a four-wheel-drive system, make sure it is working properly.
A big selling point for SUVs is that many offer four-wheel drive, which improves traction in slippery conditions. But most people don’t use their 4WD systems during the summer. And while a 4WD system requires minimal maintenance, it’s still a good idea to check that it works properly before winter arrives.

Make sure the system engages and disengages smoothly, and that there are no strange noises emanating from the drivetrain when the system is in use. Check to make sure that the transmission and gear oil levels are correct.

If there are multiple drivers for your vehicle, make sure each of them knows how to operate the 4WD system. The owner’s manual will state at what speeds and in what environments the 4WD can be activated.

3. Inspect the belts and hoses.
Belts and hoses in modern cars lead long lives. But that doesn’t mean they don’t die. Cold temperatures can accelerate the demise of a belt or hose, so have them inspected before winter starts.

4. Inspect the wipers and wiper fluid.
Visibility is particularly key in winter, as it is often compromised by precipitation, salt build-up on the windshield and reduced daylight. The life expectancy of a wiper blade is one year. If your car’s blades are older, replace them. There are a number of aftermarket wiper blades that are made for winter use.

Also check and fill your wiper fluid reservoir. You might consider adding wiper fluid that has been mixed with a de-icer. A harsh winter storm is the worst possible time for untreated wiper fluid to create ice on your windows or for you to discover your blades aren’t performing properly.

5. Check the battery.
Batteries give little notice before they die, and they absolutely love to expire at the worst possible moment. Very cold temperatures can reduce a vehicle’s battery power by up to 50 percent. If your vehicle battery is older than three years, have it tested at a certified automotive repair facility. Also, make sure the posts and connections are free of corrosion. If the posts are corroded, you can clean them with baking soda, water and a small wire brush.

6. Check antifreeze mixture.
The ideal mixture of antifreeze (coolant) and water inside your vehicle’s radiator is 50:50. If the mixture deviates from this norm, then hot- and cold-weather performance can suffer.

If you were to put pure water in your vehicle’s radiator, it would freeze at 32 degrees F. But if you combine the water with an equal amount of antifreeze, the new mixture won’t freeze until -34 degrees F. Most antifreeze you’ll find in stores already comes pre-mixed, which makes this process much easier.

You can check the composition of a radiator’s mixture by using an antifreeze tester, which is available at auto parts stores and is inexpensive and easy to use. If the mixture is off, adjust it by adding more antifreeze.

7. Check the heater and windshield defroster.
Winter will put your vehicle’s windshield defrosters to the test. It’s a good idea to check that they are in working order. While you’re at it, check the air-conditioner, too. An easy way to speed up the defrost process is to turn on the A/C. (You can leave the temperature dial on warm so you don’t have to suffer.) And now is also a good time to make sure your heating system works.

ROCKLAND FORD LINCOLN SERVICE DEPARTMENT WILL TAKE YOUR WORRY AWAY!