Features
Lady Driven
by Debbie MayerThis term used to mean a vehicle which is well kept, clean, not driven hard, in excellent mechanical condition and hence more valuable than “man driven.” This was way back in grandma’s generation when grandpa took care of the car every weekend. Times have changed; to most men these days, the term “lady driven” probably means… “never had an oil change.”
My daughter recently started driving and I (the good parent that I am) provided her with a vehicle, but she was responsible for the maintenance. To her, this meant all she had to do was keep it full of gas and wash it. So last month I sent her shopping, with a Short List of maintenance to have done:
1) Change the oil,
2) Check the air filter
3) Have the tire pressure and wear checked
She looked at me like I’d lost my mind, but off she went. I only got three calls for guidance and one to tell me she got the cute guy’s phone number!
My daughter’s response to the idea of maintaining her car made me realize that there must be more women out there who have never been shown how to properly maintain their vehicles. So, here’s my basic check list for all of you – and your daughters – to help keep your car running smoothly. It’s not really as intimidating as it first seems, and knowing the basics can save you money and hassles down the road.
Working Through the Short List
Incorporating basic car maintenance into your regular routine doesn’t have to be a big adjustment. If you want to get everything done all at once, including the air filter and the tire check, many big box stores also have a service shop, so you could get all the work done at once while you take care of your other errands. Look into the maintenance packages service shops like this offer – it might be a one-stop job.
Oil change
The oil in your car needs to be replaced so that it can continue to lubricate the engine parts properly; it gets dirty over time, and becomes less effective. The oil also has to be an appropriate weight (thickness) for the time of year and the size of engine in the car. Your owner’s manual will list the right type of oil to use in your car, and the service centre you take it to will know as well. the process doesn’t take long; most drive-thru lube shops give you a coffee and a paper to read while you sit in your car and they service it.
Air Filter
Just like the oil, the air filter in your car gets dirty over time, and stops functioning properly. It is usually a simple, fast job to have your air filter replaced, and it’s even a job you can do yourself, with the help of your owner’s manual!
Tires
Tire pressure is important for tire wear, fuel economy and handling of your car. On the inside of your driver’s door there is a white sticker on the pillar, which lists the recommended air pressure (measured in psi – pounds per square inch) both front and rear tires. Again, this is something you can check yourself with a tire pressure gauge, or you can get it done when you have the car in for other servicing.
While checking the tire pressure, you should also check your tread wear. Run your fingers along the tread of your tire, between the grooves; eventually you will find a lump of rubber. When you can see this wear bar, it’s time to replace the tires; when it’s level with the tread on the tire, you have less than 1.6 mm (2/32 inch) of tread depth remaining, so there’s not much gripping the road! Also, look at your tires and see if there is more tread wear on one side of the tires. Uneven wear shows that your car needs a wheel alignment; getting the wheels aligned regularly improve handling and traction, reduces tread wear, and saves on gas.
In terms of when to get this work done, here’s a good gauge: I know many women wear mascara, and for those of you who do, you’ll likely replace it every three to four months because it gets thick and clumpy and doesn’t go on smoothly. This is exactly what happens to the oil in your car, and amazingly enough in about the same time frame.
Seasonal Additions to The List
Winter is coming! And we must winterize! “OK,” my daughter says – “what does that mean?” The maintenance list gets a bit longer here, to prepare the car for the days of snow and cold – and to keep you safe when you need to rely on your vehicle more. Start with the Short List, and add:
4) Change out the washer fluid to a non-freezing type
This is self-explanatory; winter windshield washer fluid is designed so that it won’t freeze in very cold weather. Also, try and get the “ice buster” so you don’t have to scrape your windows!
5) Have your battery amperage and block heater checked
Your battery needs to be in good shape and operating properly in order to start your car this winter; if it doesn’t have enough power, or it can’t hold a charge, you won’t be going anywhere! The same thing applies with the block heater; it warms the engine block in very cold weather, so if it’s not functioning, you might have a non-starter in minus 30. If either of these need work or need replacing, it’s worth the money before the snow flies.
6) Check and top up radiator antifreeze levels
Your car heater will give you more heat if you have sufficient coolant flowing through the radiator; that liquid also has to have antifreeze in it to keep circulating properly.
7) Snow tires or not?
There are many options for tires on the market, and it can seem both confusing and expensive to change your tires seasonally.
Make your decision based on this: Summer tires are made of really hard rubber and are usually found on sports cars with a lot of horsepower. They are meant to handle well on hot pavement, but in cold weather are similar to a crazy carpet on the snow hill. All-season tires are made of a softer rubber so they can adapt to both hot and cold; they will wear faster in the heat and will provide much better traction than summer tires in the cold. Snow/Winter tires are made of soft sticky rubber so they can grab well and have maximum traction in cold, ice and snow. But because they are so soft, they don’t hold up well in the heat – much like butter on the counter. My daughter is getting snow tires this year and I will have them installed mid-end October and changed out again at the end of March or early April (weather permitting). Although the initial investment is greater, in the long run it means she will be safer and will be buying tires less often.
The bottom line in car maintenance is this: it’s a way to protect your investment, and keep yourself safe. It isn’t a huge task to keep your car in good shape, and there are even things you can do yourself ... and change a stereotype while you’re at it! In case any of you have been wondering, I am a woman and my ride is “lady driven”! Join me in changing the way men think about this title. Keep your car in top shape and save money, gas, and time ... and above all ...
Enjoy your new ride!
Winter is coming! And we must winterize!
The bottom line in car maintenance is this: it’s a way to protect your investment, and keep yourself safe.