Expert Tips for Cold Weather Car Care

Sure, you're crazy enough this season finding the kids winter boots and figuring out exactly what cards to send this year without stacking more stress onto your full plate.

But you know not taking care of your car is going to catch up with you at the worst possible time. Who needs a break down in the middle of holiday shopping or when you're running late to get the kids?

Although cold weather's tough on cars, there are only a few things you really need to do to get a start on safe cold weather driving. And really, wouldn't you rather head to the garage now for some preventative steps rather than later when you're riding in a tow truck because the car died on the highway?

The best first step is something you can do yourself. That's take your time when you get in the car and let the engine warm up before you hit the gas, said Ed Kriston and Jeffrey Boone, automotive repair specialists, based in the Towson office of AAA Mid-Atlantic, headquartered in Wilmington, Del. That will ensure your car, especially if it's turbo charged, isn't damaged when you drive. Cars' engines are basically computers. Sure they're tough but cold weather causes havoc. So let the engine warm up.

Consider these other ideas from Kriston and Boone to ensure you get the most out of your car:

• All oils are not created equal. In the winter, you want to put low-viscosity oil in your car and ensure it's fresh. The reason is that it will flow through the engine better than thicker, summer-weight oil. That means the battery and starter will have an easier time operating in cold weather. Aren't sure what to get? Pull out the car's owner manual for guidance.
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• Not to keep repeating, but take a few minutes and let the car warm up before you drive. And forget the old wives' tale that you can't leave it running without anyone in it. Both Boone and Kriston said there's virtually no chance that the car would shift into gear. So go inside, have a few more sips of coffee, and let it run. The extra few minutes will pay off on extra life for the engine's piston and rings. How long should you let it run? Long enough to see some movement in the car's temperature gauge, said Boone and Kriston. One caveat though - make sure you don't lock yourself out of the running car.
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• Don't automatically buy more expensive gasoline. There are only two types of gas at each station: regular and super. A mid-octane gasoline is a mixture of the two. The rating given on gasoline - such as 93 or 91 - tells how easily the gas will ignite. Lower grades are normally for "performance" vehicles such as finely tuned sports and import cars. Running a car on premium or super when the engine is built for regular can damage the engine. Again, read your owner's manual.

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