It Pays to Be Nice to Your Car When the Weather Gets Nasty

November 22, 2004 at 9:03 AM EST

FAIRFAX, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 22, 2004--Nasty weather, fluctuating temperatures and winter storms aren't nice to cars and can make winter driving dangerous.

"Cars function differently in cold weather," says Tom Olszewski, automotive technical advisor, ExxonMobil Lubricants & Specialties. "In the winter months, all sorts of vehicle ailments crop up. It is important to keep your car properly tuned and change your engine oil and fluids regularly, and checking your tire pressure will help you to avoid costly repairs and vehicle breakdowns in the cold of winter."

Vehicle maintenance is extremely important during the winter months. In addition to performing routine maintenance, using quality products and making precautionary efforts will help drivers through even the nastiest of conditions.

    --  Vehicle warm-up - To ensure proper engine oil flow and
        lubrication, allow your engine to idle for a few seconds
        before driving in cold weather, and drive slowly for the first
        few miles until the oil is fully warmed up. This reduces
        emissions and saves fuel.

    --  Tune-ups - Get a full engine tune-up according to your owner's
        manual.

    --  Check the battery - If a battery is older than four years, it
        may only work well in warm weather.

    --  Check filters, coolants and hoses - Make sure all filters -
        oil, gas and air - are in good condition. Check the coolant
        and thermostat to ensure proper engine warm-up, as well as the
        heater and defroster operation. Coolant should be changed
        every two years; however, extended-life coolants used in many
        newer vehicles last about five years. Check for leaking or
        soft hoses and replace.

    --  Switch to synthetic oil - To ease engine start-up during cold
        weather, switching to a multi-viscosity oil such as Mobil 1
        10W-30 or Mobil 1 5W-30 will help your car operate more
        efficiently, making it easier for your car to start in
        extremely cold temperatures.

    --  Fix the brakes - Don't postpone needed brake work during
        winter months. Avoiding brake repair can be extremely
        dangerous, and it will cost more to overhaul the entire brake
        system.

    --  Tire pressure - Check tires for excessive wear and proper
        inflation. Do not under inflate or over inflate tires. Low
        pressure increases wear and fuel consumption while too much
        pressure can reduce traction, especially in icy conditions. As
        the weather gets cooler, your air pressure decreases. Check
        tires and inflate to the proper pressure.

    --  Icy windows and locks - Make sure to have window ice scrapers
        and de-icers available. Also make sure your windshield wipers
        and front and rear defrosters are working properly. A de-icer
        for door locks is also useful, but a heated key can help when
        locks are frozen.

    --  Personal protection - Don't forget personal protection such as
        a warm coat, hat and gloves, blanket and cell phone in case
        you are stuck in a storm.

    --  Slow down - Do not exceed speed limits and keep safe driving
        distances. Unnecessary speedups, slowdowns and stops can
        decrease fuel economy by up to two miles per gallon. Avoid
        gas-wasting jackrabbit starts and pace your driving to help
        avoid the need for sudden stops, which is especially critical
        during wet and icy road conditions.

"Your car will be a more dependable means of transportation throughout the winter if properly cared for," says Olszewski. "If you take care of it, it will more likely take care of you. And it will do it for a lot less money."

For more information on vehicle maintenance, visit www.mobil1.com.


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    CONTACT: Weber Shandwick
             Raymee Holshouser, 314-552-6721
             or
             ExxonMobil
             Media Line, 703-846-4467

    SOURCE: Exxon Mobil Corporation
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