Save money winterize your car

This is a picture of one of our good friends and long time customers beautifully  restored Chevy truck. Donna has spent a lot of money and time restoring this fine vehicle and takes good care of it.
 Whether your car is a classic or every day driver when the leaves begin to turn colors and a chill is in the air it's time to winterize your ride. This can save you money in the long run and keep you from being stuck out in the cold.

A short list of things to consider checking:

• Wipers
• Tires and tire pressure
• Tire chains if needed
• Battery
• Right oil for cold climates
• Engine heater (for colder country)
• All of your lights working
• Engine coolant (most important)

Out of all the things on the list I believe coolant is right at the top. Have your cooling system checked once a year and drain and fill as needed. The new style coolants on the market claim to have the ability to last 100K. Well, don't belive it.  Check and change your green coolant once a year and back flush it every other year or 30K.  Extended life coolant should be changed every 30-40K and back flushed every 50K at least.
Your coolant is the life blood of your engine - proper maintenance will save you money and headaches in the long run.

 Most people don't replace radiator caps.
I have a video on youtube that explains the different types of coolant, how to identify them. Check it out at http://www.youtube.com/user/intermountain6?feature=mhum#p/u/9/QnkXt1dOgOo
Also it doesn't hurt to change your radiator cap when you change your coolant.  Remember don't mix the different types of engine coolant - this can be bad!  If you do mix them you will need to get your cooling system flushed and the proper coolant installed.  There is one kind of coolant that you can mix with everything and get away with it.  It reads "mixes with all coolants" on the label.
Keep and eye on your cars fluids and you will have a happy car and spend less on fixing it and more time out having fun driving her.
Until next time.  Remember, life is a journey not a destination; how will you ride?
David
http://www.intermountainradiator.com