Malfunctioning block heaters. Dead batteries. Freezing windshield wiper fluid. Frozen lines.
Sound familiar?
Then perhaps you have been guilty of forgetting or simply avoiding the initial costs of winterizing your car, truck or RV.
According to David Hill, owner/operator of Springbank Truck Repair, and Kevin Mollenhauer, journeyman mechanic at Fountain Tire in Cochrane, a few simple steps to ensure your auto is warm and cozy for winter will ensure you don’t wind up with an unnecessary repair bill for damages to your vehicle from failing to do so.
“One of the most common problems I see when it gets cold are windshield wipers freezing up,” said Mollenhauer, adding that ensuring your block heater is in working order should be at the top of every car owner’s to-do list for winter.
“You want to check your engine coolant and have your battery and charging system (starter and alternator) checked before winter.”
He also said changing your spark plugs before winter hits is another essential — as are checking your wiper blades.
“If you bring your vehicle in to us, you guarantee that a certified red seal, journeyman mechanic will be servicing your vehicle.”
Hill has been the owner/operator of Springbank Truck Repair for three years. The service shop offers full repair and maintenance services for heavy trucks, buses, motorhomes and cargo trailers.
“The biggest mistake I see people make is putting antifreeze (directly) into their hot water tanks,” said Hill, explaining that people forget to look for the bypass valve and wind up stinking their RVs up with antifreeze fumes every time they turn on their hot water system.
On the list of musts for RV winterization include draining all the water and holding tanks, as well as putting antifreeze in hot and cold water lines and in traps so nothing freezes up. Both service shops offer winterizing packages.
