Get Ready for Winter Driving
One of the most important things you can do to help your car survive winter's icy blast is to change the oil and fluids at regular intervals. Changing the oil and fluids help avoid costly breakdowns and may ultimately prolong your car's life.
Consult your owner's manual to see the manufacturer's suggested intervals for oil and fluid changes.
Most manuals will give you a range of mileages for changing your oil. If you use your car for vigorous commutes through cold weather, play it safe and stick to the lower end of the range.
Oil and fluid changes are a fairly easy procedure for the mechanically-gifted. If you do decide to do it yourself, make sure you always change the filters. When you are finished, bring your used oil and fluids to a waste recycling center (Pep Boys accepts non-contaminated, used motor oil and fluids.)
It's best to perform the oil and fluid changes when the car's engine is warm. This way the fluids tend to flow more freely. But, be careful! Make sure that the engine is not so hot that you could burn yourself.
Also, don't forget to check your owner's manual to see what grade and type of oil and fluids the manufacturer suggests for your car. You can reduce engine wear by using the lowest viscosity oil recommended. A 5W-30 grade oil is often the best winter driving. Be sure to check your oil and fluid levels regularly as well.
Special transmission and power steering fluids are specified for your vehicle. Make certain you have selected the proper type and amount. If you prefer to have a Pep Boys technician change your oil and fluids while your vehicle's in for service, ask the service adviser for recommendations of other things you can do to help your car survive the winter's cold.
Pep Boys offers various maintenance packages that will save you money, time, and satisfy your manufacturer's maintenance requirements.
