GAINESVILLE - The weather is getting colder, and that can create problems for cars, especially if you're not careful.<br />
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Bud Hughes, host of Bud's Garage of WDUN, says it's important -- especially now when a lot of people have a few days off of work -- to get your car checked by a mechanic.<br />
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"Get the electrical system checked, and the cooling system," said Hughes. "The electrical system is more than just the battery. You need to get the alternator and starter checked (as well), and connections are critical."<br />
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As the temperature drops, those connections can shrink, causing a loss of contact in the electronics.<br />
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Hughes says there are a few things you can watch when it comes to day-to-day functions.<br />
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"Especially when it gets cold, you can have fluid leaks because the hoses can shrink and come loose," said Hughes, who says it's smart to check underneath your car every now and then for leaks.<br />
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Another thing to watch is your tire pressure, which can drop with the temperature.<br />
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"Low tires are going to make the car pull one direction or the other when you're braking. It's going to be hard on the tires because you're building up heat (in them), and you could have problems on the highway with that," said Hughes.<br />
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Speaking of heat, Hughes says it's always a good idea to let your car run for a few minutes to get the engine warm before you put it in gear and drive off.<br />
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"You want to let it warm up not only for your comfort, but to get the fluids up to temperature, to get everything to mesh the way it's supposed to," said Hughes. "That way, when you put it in gear, the engine will be happy."<br />
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Hughes added that it's easier nowadays to start your car before heading to work or traveling because many cars feature remote starters that allow drivers to start their vehicles with a push of a button on their key fob, just as easily as they can unlock their doors.<br />
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Bud's Garage is typically heard on Saturdays on WDUN.<br />
