Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska -- The Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Automotive Skills Center provides anyone with base access the tools and space to work on their vehicle, with skilled mechanics on standby from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Winterizing a vehicle is usually done before winter, but it’s better late than never. Some of the main things to look out for with a vehicle during winter are tires, batteries and liquids. All these things can be checked and changed at the center.
“It’s not terribly expensive to do any of this stuff and if you do it yourself, you know it [will] be done right, rather than taking a leap of faith,” said Levi Allen, Automotive Skills Center tools and parts attendant. “We always have mechanics here to assist someone and even [demonstrate] equipment – to show them how to use it.”
To acclimate a vehicle for snow and ice on the roads, many people install winter or studded tires for stronger grip. If someone needs to change their tires, the center has three tire machines and balancers to remove and install tires up to 38 inches.
Another issue some people may run into during the winter is a dying car battery. Check the charge of the battery; if it is too weak, it won’t be able to start a vehicle. Car batteries more than four years old have a high risk of failing in extreme temperatures. People can replace their battery at the center. In case of emergencies, always keep jumper cables in a vehicle.
Cold weather can make many things frigid and stiff, so check the belts and hoses in the engine often for cracks, tears, or any signs of being worn; replace them when needed because if a belt snaps while driving, the driver may get in an accident, have to pay for a tow truck or wait in below freezing temperatures.
According to DMV.org, it is important to have the correct antifreeze/water mixture in a radiator to prevent the vehicle’s coolant freezing – the proper balance can be found in the owner’s manual. Sometimes overlooked, refilling window washer fluid with a freeze-resistant fluid is recommended over adding antifreeze to the solution because it can damage a vehicle’s surface.
Changing a car’s oil is a common routine for drivers, but in lower temperatures oils become thicker and less effective, not providing enough lubrication to start a car, according to DMV.org. To prevent those problems replace a vehicle’s oil with a thinner one; for additional details refer to the owner’s manual. Another problem liquids have during the winter is freezing, to prevent this, always keep the window washer fluid and coolant reservoirs and gas tank more than half full.
For more information, call the Automotive Skills Center at 384-3718.