Car Care for heading into winter

Don't head into the holidays with a poorly-maintained vehicle. Regular, routine maintenance can help improve your gasoline mileage, reduce pollution, and most importantly catch minor problems before they become huge problems. Cutshaw offers classic service that you can trust - right in Scott's Addition of Richmond, Virginia. 
3105 Cutshaw Ave, Richmond, Virginia 23230
(804) 355-6666

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• ​We read your "owner's manual" more than you do!  Read your owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedules or trust us to do it, for you.
• Check engine performance and driveability — hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power will only be made worse, in colder temperatures.
• Replace old/dirty filters. This is a great time of year to change your air, cabin and fuel filter - a poorly running engine is less efficient and burns more gasoline.
• Keep a full tank of gas. Keeping the gas tank filled helps prevent moisture from forming.
• Change your oil and oil filter — more often for city drivers and stop-and-go or drivers. This frequently-neglected services is the most essential to protect your engine.
• The cooling system should be flushed (and refilled). And check the condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses.
• The heater and defroster must be in good working condition to pass inspection, for driver's visibility and for passenger comfort.
• Replace old blades. Rubber-clad (winter) blades fight ice build-up and make sure to fill windshield washer solvent — you’ll be surprised how much you use during the winter months. 
• Have your battery checked. The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment.
• Worn tires are dangerous in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressure once a month, letting the tires “cool down” before checking the pressure. Rotate as recommended. Don’t forget to check your spare, and be sure the jack is in good working condition. Under-inflated tires or poorly aligned wheels makes your engine work harder and thus use excess gasoline.
• Have your brakes checked periodically for safety and to prevent costly repairs that can be caused by neglect.
• The transmission is often neglected until a major failure. Routine checks and fluid changes at prescribed intervals can prevent very costly repairs down the line.
• Always carry an emergency kit with you: extra gloves, boots and blankets; flares; a small shovel and sand or kitty litter; tire chains; a flashlight and extra batteries; and a cell phone and extra car charger. Put a few “high-energy” snacks in your glove box.

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This information was gleamed from National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) - this nonprofit, independent organization is dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. 

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