Think it's cold? Ask your car

Winter can be a rough time for all sorts of things, and vehicles are no exception.

The list of bad things that can happen due to lack of maintenance as the thermometer plummets is long, but by taking a few simple precautions, motorists can avoid serious mechanical failures.

Any mechanic worth his salt will tell you that fluids are first on the list.

As winter settles in across northwest Missouri, vehicle owners need to be aware of the status of their coolant system.

Dalles Beery, service manager at Tri-State Ford-Mercury in Maryville, said that this is one of the most common mishaps people encounter during the winter, and perhaps one of the most costly.

"The biggest thing is checking the condition of your coolant system," Beery said. "If it's not right, and you keep going on, it can cost you thousands. It can cause some serious engine damage."

Beery and his crew have what they call a "99-point checklist" that they go through on every vehicle they service, regardless of temperature or season.

They relate that information to the customer to make them aware of the possible troubles to come.

"We make recommendations about things that make the vehicle as safe as possible," Beery said.

"That is our biggest concern with every vehicle we service."

As far as the winter checklist goes, which is very similar to the summer list, here are the key points to remember.

•Check all fluids: Engine oil, brake and transmission fluid, windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant all need to be checked and refilled if necessary.

•Check hoses and belts: While checking fluids, be sure to check hoses and belts to make sure they're not cracked, brittle, loose, frayed or excessively worn. Replace if necessary.

•Check the battery: Batteries may need replacing and connections may have corroded. Check that connections are tight and clean.

•Don't forget the brakes: Braking systems should be checked annually, and at every oil change the brake lining, rotors and drums should be inspected.

•Have an exhaust system check: Any leaks from a car's exhaust system can be dangerous and require immediate repair.

•Check the tires: Be sure to check the tire pressure and the tread along with any bulges or bald spots. Uneven wear signals that you may need for an alignment. Don't forget the spare tire.

•Check wipers and lighting: Seeing clearly through windows and at night is important. Replace wiper blades and clean any grime that builds up on headlights and taillights. If a light is dim or broken, replace it.

•Check the heating and cooling system: Prevent problems by having the heating, ventilating and cooling system checked.

•Check steering and suspension: Recommended annually, this ensures that the shock absorbers, struts and chassis, ball joints and other related parts are in good shape.

Beery said that many of these steps are things that vehicle owners typically forget, and that's why they do the full checklist.

"Taking care of your car is like taking care of your teeth," Beery said. "You brush the ones that you want to keep."

Service advisor Steven Marriott said that attitude is part of the reason why Tri-State sees upwards of 500 cars a month this time of year.

"It's really more preventative maintenance," Marriott said. "But it's easier to sprinkle those repairs throughout the year than to say 'it's winter, we need to do all this.'"