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10 Car Maintenance Tips To Prepare For The Winter

September 29, 2020

The holidays are coming up in just a few short months. Winter brings a period of holiday and festive mood for everyone, but it can also wreak havoc on your car if it doesn’t get proper maintenance and services.

As the weather starts cooling down this Fall, you’ll need to start preparing yourself to stay warm in the cold. Similarly, your car also needs some particular auto service to prepare it for the winter months.

Let us look into the detail of the kind of services your car needs to perform better in winter. Here are ten essential maintenance tips for your vehicle:

1. Oil Change

If you want your car to be in the top-notch condition during winter months, then you need to check your car’s oil level. It would be best to make sure that the oil level is not too low, and the consistency is proper. You can also check the oil filter; if required, you can change it. Always use the oil that the company recommends for your car type so that the internal parts can work in good condition.

2. Check The Heaters

The only thing that will keep you warm during a drive on a chilly winter day is the heaters of your car. Before winter sets in, get your heaters checked and ready so that you are not stuck with a broken heater in the middle of a drive. You may also want to check the defrosting mechanism on your windshield so that your view of the road is always clear, especially during a snowfall.

3. Check The Radiator

Your car’s radiator needs to be full of the antifreeze at the right level; the liquid inside may freeze. It may also cause build-ups or fail in transmissions. You can get in touch with your auto service center so that they check the radiator and antifreeze before winter sets.

4. Check Your Windshield Wipers

Imagine you are driving with very little visibility, and you try to use the windshield wipers, but the liquid inside is frozen. This kind of situation can be risky while driving and may even lead to accidents. To avoid this, check your windshield wipers and make sure that they work correctly. They should also have ample windshield wiper fluid, which has the de-icing capacity and works well in freezing temperatures.

5. Check The Tires

Tires play a crucial role in the performance of your car. It is advisable to get your car tires checked regularly because inappropriate tire pressure can lead to worn-out tires. It is also very risky to drive with tires that have improper tire pressure.

One recommendation is to do regular tire rotation as the front tires have to take the maximum load and wear off quickly. In the case of underinflated tires or problems in wheel alignment, your car will use more fuel while driving. You should also check for nicks and cuts on the sidewall of the tires.

6. Battery Inspection

Whenever you cold-start your car, there are chances of battery damage. While servicing, you can advise your auto-mechanic to check the water level in the battery, whether it needs a refill or not. The rubber hose should be soft to touch; if they become stiff, they may crack due to the cold weather. When you start the engine, it should take around 5 seconds to start, but if it takes more than 15 seconds, you need to check how old your battery is. If the car battery is old, then you can either replace it or send it for repair.

7. Check The Seals

If you live in areas where the temperatures are low during winter, you may have to do something to protect the seals. Sometimes, due to ice formation between the car door and the rubber seal, your door may get jammed. You can apply Vaseline on the seals so that there is no ice build-up, and the material remains soft.

However, this tip is not limited to only winter months; you can use it all year round to keep the seals in good quality.

8. Inspect The Brakes

Brakes play an essential role in keeping you safe and protected. So, these also need to go through regular inspection whenever you take your car for auto service. The entire system that includes caliper, brake fluid, brake discs, and brake pads, needs to be looked at for damages. At times, you apply brakes and see that they don’t work well because they may have air bubbles in the brake fluid line, or the brake pads are not useful. The entire system needs a proper inspection to avoid any mishaps while driving.

9. Check The Coolant

The coolant protects your car engine from getting overheating. You need to make sure that it has a proper mix of water and coolant; it might lead to overheating the engine. You may also check the entire coolant system for any leaks.

10. Emergency Kit

Whether you travel in your car every day or once a week, you need to keep an emergency kit for any unexpected incidents. You can pack basic amenities like a blanket, flashlight, extra batteries, non-perishable food packets, water, tire chain, battery cables, and a first aid kit. Also, make sure your phone is fully charged before you set out on a long journey in the colder months.

Conclusion

Winter months can be harsh on our cars if we do not take the necessary steps before the cooler season. Keep your vehicle in a top-notch condition by doing regular inspections.

You can always opt for getting quality auto service from Crown City Tire Auto Care . Our Pasadena auto mechanic service has been in business since 1923, which means we are good at what we do.

Our quality work and fair price for these auto services make us the first choice with our regular customers. Rest assured, your car will be in good hands at our Pasadena auto service center, which means you won’t have to worry about its performance in these winter months.

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The Dirty Truth About Your Cabin Air Filter: When to Replace It

April 2, 2025

We all love that fresh, clean feeling when we step into our cars, especially after a long day navigating the bustling streets of Pasadena. But have you ever stopped to think about the air you're actually breathing inside your vehicle? Often overlooked, the cabin air filter plays a crucial role in the quality of your in-car environment. At Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena, we believe in empowering our customers with the knowledge to keep their vehicles running smoothly and their occupants healthy. So, let's dive into the often-neglected world of the cabin air filter and uncover the dirty truth about when it's time for a replacement. For many drivers in Pasadena and beyond, the engine air filter gets all the attention. It makes sense – it's directly linked to engine performance and fuel efficiency. However, the cabin air filter, while not impacting how your car runs, significantly affects the air you and your passengers breathe. Think of it as the air purifier for your vehicle's interior. It's designed to trap dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and even airborne pollutants that can enter your car's ventilation system from the outside. Why Should Pasadena Drivers Care About Their Cabin Air Filter? Living in a vibrant city like Pasadena, CA, exposes our vehicles to a variety of environmental factors. From the seasonal blooms releasing pollen into the air to the everyday dust and smog of urban driving, our car interiors can become surprisingly contaminated. A clogged or dirty cabin air filter can lead to a host of issues, some you might not even realize are connected: Reduced Airflow: A blocked filter restricts the amount of air that can pass through your car's heating and cooling system. This can lead to weak airflow from your vents, making it harder to heat or cool your cabin effectively, especially during those hot Pasadena summers or cooler winter evenings. We've seen many customers at Crown City Tire Auto Care surprised at the improvement in their AC performance after a simple cabin air filter replacement. Unpleasant Odors: Over time, trapped particles and moisture in the filter can become breeding grounds for bacteria and mold, leading to musty or unpleasant odors circulating in your car. If you've noticed a persistent stale smell, even after cleaning your interior, your cabin air filter could be the culprit. Allergic Reactions and Respiratory Issues: For allergy sufferers or individuals with respiratory sensitivities living in Pasadena, a clean cabin air filter is paramount. A dirty filter recirculates allergens and irritants, potentially exacerbating symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes. Replacing your filter regularly can significantly improve the air quality and comfort for everyone in the vehicle. Strain on Your HVAC System: When the cabin air filter is clogged, your car's blower motor has to work harder to push air through. This increased strain can potentially shorten the lifespan of components in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, leading to more costly repairs down the line. At Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena, we always recommend preventative maintenance to avoid such issues. So, When Exactly Should Pasadena Drivers Replace Their Cabin Air Filter? While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, several factors can help you determine when it's time for a new cabin air filter in your vehicle: Manufacturer Recommendations: Your vehicle's owner's manual will typically provide a recommended replacement interval for the cabin air filter. This is a good starting point, often suggesting replacement every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year. We at Crown City Tire Auto Care generally advise following these guidelines as a minimum. Visual Inspection: One of the easiest ways to check your cabin air filter is to visually inspect it. The location of the filter varies depending on your vehicle's make and model, but it's often located behind the glove compartment or under the dashboard. Consult your owner's manual for the exact location. Once you've accessed it, take a look. A clean filter will be relatively white or light gray. If it's visibly dirty, clogged with debris, or dark in color, it's definitely time for a replacement. We often show our customers in Pasadena their old filter versus a new one – the difference can be quite striking! Reduced Airflow: As mentioned earlier, a noticeable decrease in the airflow from your vents is a strong indicator of a clogged cabin air filter. If you find yourself turning the fan up higher than usual to achieve the same level of cooling or heating, have your filter checked. Unpleasant Odors: If you consistently notice musty or other unpleasant smells when your ventilation system is running, your cabin air filter is likely trapping odor-causing particles and needs to be replaced. Allergy Season and Driving Conditions in Pasadena: If you frequently drive in dusty conditions, heavy traffic with exhaust fumes, or during peak allergy seasons in Pasadena, your cabin air filter will likely need more frequent replacement. These conditions expose your filter to a higher volume of contaminants. Time Since Last Replacement: Even if you haven't driven many miles, the filter material can degrade over time and lose its effectiveness. If it's been over a year since your last cabin air filter replacement, it's a good idea to have it checked, especially considering the air quality in and around Pasadena. What Happens During a Cabin Air Filter Replacement at Crown City Tire Auto Care? When you bring your vehicle to Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena for a cabin air filter replacement, our experienced technicians will: Locate the Cabin Air Filter: We'll identify the precise location of your vehicle's cabin air filter based on its make and model. Remove the Old Filter: We'll carefully remove the old, dirty filter. You'll likely be surprised at the amount of debris it has collected! Inspect the Housing: We'll check the filter housing for any signs of damage or excessive buildup. Install a New, High-Quality Filter: We use high-quality cabin air filters that meet or exceed manufacturer specifications, ensuring optimal filtration and airflow. Verify Proper Airflow: After installing the new filter, we'll test your vehicle's ventilation system to ensure proper airflow and functionality. Investing in Your In-Car Air Quality with Crown City Tire Auto Care Replacing your cabin air filter is a relatively inexpensive yet highly impactful maintenance task. It's a simple way to improve the air quality inside your vehicle, enhance the performance of your HVAC system, and contribute to a more comfortable and healthier driving experience, especially here in Pasadena. At Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena, we're committed to providing comprehensive auto care services, and that includes ensuring the air you breathe in your car is clean and fresh. Don't wait until you notice strong odors or drastically reduced airflow. Make it a habit to have your cabin air filter checked regularly as part of your routine maintenance. We understand that life in Pasadena can be busy, and it's easy to overlook these smaller maintenance items. That's why we're here to help. Our friendly team at Crown City Tire Auto Care is always ready to answer your questions and provide expert advice on all your automotive needs. We believe that informed drivers make better decisions about their vehicle care, and we're here to be your trusted partner on the road. So, the next time you're thinking about your car's maintenance, remember the "dirty truth" about your cabin air filter. It's a small investment that can make a big difference in your driving comfort and well-being. Let the professionals at Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena help you breathe easier on every journey.