November is still autumn but offers Iowans a chilly reminder that winter is most certainly on the way — and it’s a good time to get your vehicle ready for the frigid season ahead.
Mechanic Mike Archer suggests you start with your radiator and the antifreeze. Archer says “People add water through the summer just to top things off, well then all of a sudden the solution of water and antifreeze isn’t good enough and things freeze up and it can cause a lot of damage and cost a lot of money to repair.”
He says you should add enough antifreeze to make the mixture good to 40-below zero. Archer says to scan the basics under the hood, like hoses and belts: He says “You don’t want to have something as simple as a drive belt break and fall off when you’re driving down the highway and next thing you know you’re out in the cold with a vehicle that can’t be moved.
Most shops these days charge 35 to 50-dollars to have a complete inspection done. In the end it’s going to be less than a tow bill.” Another easy step for winterizing your car is adding a lighter weight oil.