Tech Tips

Winter time is closing in on us here in the north east. For many of us it is a time to get our toys to our favorite shop like Bubbas East Coast Rods & Customs to have new and fun things done in time to roll her out for all to see next spring.
For others it is a time to cover her up and put her away until next spring when the warmth of the upcoming summer months thrills us with excitement.

This is also an excellent opportunity to do an often over looked coolant flush, transmission flush and an oil change as well. We often tend to neglect these areas as we rationalize to ourselves that we don't drive them as much as our daily drivers. Therefore, I submit that even more attention must be paid to the general maintenance items. Experience has proved that this will result in many worry free miles. At Bubbas we have invested in all the equipment to perform these procedures and will gladly take care of them for you.

Here are a few tips if you are getting ready to store her for the winter.

1) Ensure tire pressures are set to the proper inflation as specified on the side of the tire. If, for example, the sidewall reads 44 psi max run a few pounds less to allow for heating up and cooling down of the air inside the tire. In this case I would suggest setting the pressures at 40 psi. Move her every couple of weeks a couple of inches back or forth to prevent "flat spots" on the tire. Flat spots occur when a tire sits in any one position for an extended period of time. When you drive her the next time you may hear a thumping sound or feel like a tire is out of balance if this has occurred.

2) Wipe the interior down with a quality interior protector and a microfiber cloth. There are many advantages to using a microfiber cloth. They can be washed and re used many, many times. They also do not leave lint behind as do terry cloth towels. At Bubbas we prefer to use Meguiars brand of cleaners and conditioners. We believe in the results achieved and the research they have put into their products.

3) Ensure all the engines vital fluids such as the coolant (check only when cold), power steering ( if equipped), brake fluid ( DO NOT get this on the paint), and transmission transmission fluid are at their proper levels.

4) Add Sta Bil to the gas according to the directions and ensure the tank is full when she is stored. Sta Bil extends the life of the gas and helps prevent octane drop off which averages a one point loss per month. Sta Bil can be purchased at any local automotive parts house such as Advance Auto Parts and is not expensive.

5) Wipe the exterior down with a high quality detailer. Again, Meguiars is the preferred product of use here at Bubbas. Use a clean microfiber after misting the paint with the detailer and wipe in one direction ONLY. Do not wipe in circles like you are applying wax. This will leave small scratches in the paint. Start from the front and wipe with VERY little pressure downward for a beautiful luster.

6) Disconnect the battery.

7) Finally, cover your prized investment with a quality car cover such as those made by California Car Covers. Why substitute quality here? They are very soft and gentle on the paint.

Following these few small pointers will assist in having her ready for the cruising to begin in 2009.
Please feel free to call and speak to any of our friendly and knowledgeable staff if you have any winterizing questions or if you would like us to winterize your baby for you before she is put away for the season.