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T-Bird Auto Q&A
Gotta question?
Need some advice about a car? Just ask, and I will try to help you out.
T-BirdsQA@hotmail.com
Hello! My name is Taylor. I am the
manager of CarQuest, an auto parts store in Richmond, Vermont. I have
been working in the auto industry for over 20 years, and I am here to
help. Gotta question about your car? Hear a noise, gotta buck or a grind?
Just ask and I will try to answer. No question is too silly and all questions
are welcomed. I understand that it is hard to talk to mechanics, trust
me; I have been doing it for 20 years.
So some simple things to think about now that winter is heading our way:
Make sure you put dry gas in your car every couple of tanks. The fluctuation
of temperature creates moisture in your tank. This can freeze your gas
line. Dry gas helps prevent it.
Good wiper blades are a must. Also use a good washer fluid with de-icer.
Mid- to late November is a good time to put snow tires on.
Anti-freeze: an inexpensive tester can be bought at any auto parts store
to make sure you have the right mixture of anti-freeze to water.
It is a good idea to have an extra hat, gloves and blanket in the car,
as you never know when you might get stuck somewhere.
Ice scrapers: think about getting a new one this year. They dull quickly
and scratch rather than scrape the ice off windows.
Jumper cables are a must. A good pair is cheaper than having a garage
come to start your car. Plus you might be able to help someone else out.
Keep more than a quarter of a tank of gas at all times.
Keep a cheap bag of sand in the car. Not only for the weight, but it is
great for traction if you get stuck on ice.
Have an old small shovel or purchase one. It comes in handy when you slide
off the road and need to shovel out.
Make sure your car is running the best before winter. Remember, the cold
works in mysterious ways and will either make it or break it.
Thinking about getting a cell phone? They come in handy if you break down.