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An Oft Neglected Chore

[By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd]

Hello ME-P Readers!

Doctors and Colleagues – You have probably noticed the weather is getting colder, and you’ve made some changes, right? Thanksgiving is past and X-mass day is nigh! Have you started wearing jackets, packed up the flip-flops, and replaced the A/C with heat?

If you have, that is great, but what have you done to prepare your car for the cold winter months?

Betchya didn’t know that, much like your patients, your car needs to be equally prepared for the colder seasons! It’s a fact—your car reacts to the colder weather in many of the same ways us humans do. Sure, we have blood and skin, where cars have oil and metal, but stay with me here.

There are a few simple things you can do to make sure your trusted car is ready to battle the elements.  So; let’s take a quick look at my classic 2000 Jaguar XJ-V8-XL touring sedan; and those pesky winter car tasks.

The List

First of all, your car’s electrical system can take a beating in the cold. The battery has a Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) rating, which should help you determine if it’s powerful enough for those snowy days. The higher the number, the better you’re protected from being stranded. An inspection of your electrical system is always a good idea, though.

Second, you should also consider inspecting the windshield wipers on your vehicle. It’s an easy thing to forget about until you really need them, and then of course they’re worn out. Winter weather, with frost, ice, snow, and dry air can really deteriorate the rubber in wipers.

Third, though it may seem backwards, your vehicle’s cooling system should be in good working condition as well. If the coolant mixture and levels aren’t correct, you could have some very, very expensive repairs waiting for you. Overheating is less of an issue, but your engine actually freezing when not running is a very real, and expensive, danger. And, did you know that your engine’s cooling system also controls your heat inside! A cooling system malfunction could also mean some very cold commutes for you.

Next, headlights are often ignored, too, until you get caught out one night with burnt-out bulbs. With the days getting shorter, and the nights getting much longer and darker, it’s not a bad idea to replace your headlights. Why not upgrade them while you’re at it? The price difference is minimal, and the difference in visibility will make night driving a true joy.

Finally, let’s talk about tires. Some tires are much more suited to winter weather than others! Some tires, especially on performance cars, are rated for summer use only, while others might be “three season” tires. Of course, many cars come standard with all-season tires as well. For those that encounter frequent winter conditions, though, a set of full-winter tires is the best option.

Assessment

Now, just like the patients in your waiting room …. NEXT!

Conclusion

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Speaker: If you need a moderator or speaker for an upcoming event, Dr. David E. Marcinko; MBA – Publisher-in-Chief of the Medical Executive-Post – is available for seminar or speaking engagements. Contact: MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com

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Filed under: LifeStyle, Risk Management, Touring with Marcinko | Tagged: jaguar XJ-V8-L, winter car care | 6 Comments »