Myrtle Beach mechanic offers cold weather tips for your car

Tire Town manager Doug Powell says his team has already replaced a few engines since the most recent cold snap. He advises drivers to be proactive in preparing their vehicles for winter.

By: Erika Hayes | SCNOW
Published: November 02, 2011

MYRTLE BEACH -- Cooler temperatures are settling in on the Grand Strand, and before we know it winter will be here. According to Doug Powell with Tire Town, the cold weather can slow down your vehicle -- especially if it's already in need of maintenance.

"Just since the last cold snap, we've probably put 4 or 5 batteries in the last two days," Powell said.

The cooler it gets, the more wear and tear you'll see. If your battery is more than three years old, he suggests getting it checked.

But other basic maintenance tips will help to avoid major car trouble as well.

"First thing I would do is have the oil changed, and make sure you're using the right viscosity oil for your engine," Powell said. "You can find that out in the owner's manual."

Next, you'll want to check your belts and hoses for cracks. The cold weather can worsen already cracked and damaged parts.

Powell advises drivers to check their antifreeze. Choose a brand that is made specifically for cold weather.

"Antifreeze is important," he said. "It needs to be kept at a 50-50 mixture -- 50% water and 50% coolant."

Though we rarely see snow or harsh winter weather in our part of the country, we aren't free from all weather-related car troubles. Even mild winter weather can do some serious damage -- for example, for every ten degrees the temperature drops, your tires lose one pound of pressure.

"Tire pressure is important for traction and wet, slippery roads, and of course for fuel mileage also," he said.

He suggests getting your tires rotated every other oil change.

And when is the last time you changed your windshield wipers?

"They usually last about a year for most people -- of course, that depends on how much driving in the rain, and how much use they get," Powell said.

Last but not least: fill up on wiper fluid.

Powell says it's better to be proactive now, before your car ends up in the shop.

"We're seeing a lot of people come in, their tires are low, they're dropping in pressure, so it's already taking its effect."