Originally published 5/7/21
Oh my gosh not again! Sensors have been my saving grace! When temperatures fluctuate, you have to check your tires! For a number of years, I was greatly concerned. Every year around Easter, my tires would be flat. I wondered did I associate with the wrong people? Did someone in the neighborhood get me back for an activity? (By the way, it is criminal mischief to take the air out of someone’s tires!) I began to follow apps like Wunderground or a notification that reminded me that the temperature had changed.
It turns out that there have been frost warnings for the last two weeks. This is normal for this time of year. Varying temperatures can make tire pressure fluctuate. According to Firestone, for every 10 degrees change in temperature, tire pressure can increase or decrease by 1-2 psi. If your tires do not have too much or too little air then there could certainly be a problem or even death!
There are other checks that you can do to prevent hazards: check oil, wash windows and lamps on cars, check your headlamps daily. All of these need a review.
Oil is a big check when you are going to run your car in a longer trip. Oil is a lubricant that keeps your engine parts running efficiently. Even if you have the best oil for your engine or if you have continually been proactive in maintenance concerns, the engine may run better with a different grade of oil at different times of the year. Overfilling or underfilling can also cause your engine to overheat. The lubricant helps to keep your engine cool and reduces friction on moving parts (Stevens, “What Happens if You Put Too Much Oil in Your Car?”) If you are having trouble with overheating, check the oil!
When there is a frost warning remember to watch out for your plants too!
Work in Progress 