For Seniors, The Age of Your Car is as Important as the Mileage

 

Many seniors may only put a few thousand miles per year on their cars, some even less.  Low mileage on your car can give you a false sense of security, when it comes to preventive vehicle maintenance. The fact is that time is equally important as the mileage is when determining needed maintenance.

Good mechanics will factor in both time and mileage and will recommend services based more on time than mileage in some circumstances.  For instance, under normal conditions the antifreeze may have a factory recommended interval service of 50,000 miles.  However, if you are driving a 2002 Toyota with 20,000 miles on the odometer, your mechanic may recommend flushing and replacing the antifreeze, more because of time than mileage.

Other items of concern due to time are tires, belts, hoses, filters, and other fluids.  Other components, such as the brake system can also be affected when a vehicle is not used often.  To insure your safety and the safety of others on the road, speak to you service professional about preventive maintenance. Remember, it’s not always the mileage, time is also a factor.

Seniors Heading South for Winter

Tips on storing your car for the winter months

Many people head down south for warmer weather this time of the year and leave their cars behind. Storing your car properly for the winter is important to avoid issues when you return in the spring. Here are a few simple tips to help prepare your car for the duration.  

• Change the oil just prior to storage.
• Oil absorbs moisture and if old oil is left in the engine, moisture may evaporate out of the oil and condense on the engine internals causing corrosion. Also, oil becomes acidic with use and should be changed for this reason also. 
• Ideally you will want to keep your car in a garage, or at least in an enclosed area, protected from the elements.  Never park your car for extended periods over dirt, grass or gravel.
• Make sure your tire pressure is at least at the correct pressure. Some people add a few pounds extra due to possible loss of tire pressure over time.
• You should purchase a devise know has a Battery Tender. This will maintain the proper charge in the battery. Batteries will go dead within a month’s time without a charge. 
• Wash the car thoroughly, inside and out.  Dirt, tree sap, salt, etc can be damaging to the car’s exterior and paint. Wash the car thoroughly, inside and out.  Dirt, tree sap, salt, etc can be damaging to the exterior and paint.
• Fill the Gas Tank and add fuel stabilizer to the fuel.
• Check all the fluids, especially the antifreeze.
• Do not engage the parking brake. Having the parking brake engaged all winter may result in seized brake cables and other brake components.
• Check your State Inspection date, if it is due to expire when you are gone, you should probably have it taken care of before you leave.

A little preparation before you leave will save you a lot of grief when you return.