Winter maintenance

[TdotAlero]

Planning to do some before winter maintenance tomorrow on my Alero, have few questions. First of to change my fuel filter is there any special tool required to remove the filter (like in the Fords) or is it just pop the clips. I'm also going to change my air filter, spark plugs, wires and maybe o2 sensor. Also planning to change my pads. Anything else I should look into changing before winter, to get good performance ? I'm at 229,000km in a 3.4 V6 btw.

[DansGen1Alero]

plugs...coolant flush....tire pressure.....washer fluid (and other fluids)

just minor things and contigent you havent already. the coolant is required at 150,000 miles

[comanche]

Once the temps change for good, recheck your tire pressure.

Washer fluid-- make sure it's the non-freeze type is what he's saying

Coolant-- may not need to be flushed, check it/have someone check it with a tester. Or just flush it out, and make sure you have the right mix so it won't freeze.

Oil -- lighter weight is better for winter if you are using a higher weight oil right now.

Fuel filter (if it never has been changed, ever) is held on iirc by a plastic clip and a threaded end. (you should use/may need flarenut wrenches for the threaded end, the plastic clip just disconnects, either by hand or with needle nose pliers)

Umm, don't just throw money at a car to try to fix it.
If the air filter is clean, don't replace it.
If plugs are platinum and this is the first time replacing, maybe.
Oxygen sensor... if it's not throwing a code, it should be fine.

[DansGen1Alero]

^^ with the O2 sensor, if it has never been replaced it will prob be on the verge of going up soon (there are 2 for the 3.4)

[TdotAlero]

Alright so the coolant part is where I'm gonna have to get a specialist to check it for me. Winter washer already in, last time I changed oil I put in 5W-30. The fuel filter I think has never been changed so might have some hard time with it. The air filter is disgusting :P and the o2 is now throwing a code, but that I will do later. As for tire pressure, I work at a tire shop, so I check that regularly :P Winter tires are on already ;)
Thanks for help guys.

[Nate's Alero]

just change the coolant, go under the car, and you'll see a green or white plug on the driver side of the radiator, pull it out, with a bucket under it, and then when all the coolant is out, replace it, and then refill... if you had dexcool, use dexcool, if you had green, use green

[[ion] C2]

"Pull it out" isn't descriptive enough for the radiator draincock.

You insert an allen (hex key) wrench into the hole, turn it either 1/4 or 1/2 turn counterclockwise, and then you should be able to pull it outward a short distance. This opens the valve and lets the fluid come out a hole in the bottom of the radiator. DO NOT force it to turn, DO NOT force it to pull out. You break it, have fun with the coolant leak.

[El Pablo]

Just for the sake of stating the olvious, make sure the battery is good.

[cherrington17]

My redtop is giving me issues. :glare:

the first one died, i bought another that friend, and this one seems to not be holding a charge. It doesn't lose charge, but its NEVER at 12V. always at like... 11.2. it starts, and my volt gauge sits permanently at 14.5-14.8V while idling (thanks to my overdrive pulley) and i have a high output alt.

i should get the alt output tested... :glare: stupid f'n battery. pissing me off. I know the volts drop some due to the cold.. but it shouldn't be THAT low.

[DansGen1Alero]

^^^ Try a yellow, I had problems with the red myself, it sucked a**

[jayson_waltz]

well, the winterizing package at the dealer where i worked in h.s. was just to obviously change oil with 5w-30, and then just check coolant with the tool, test battery, check/fill all fluids, tire pressure like every oil change, inspect belt. if thats all done you'll be fine.

[TdotAlero]

Lol my battery is effed but I wasn't sure as to which brand to choose as a replacement. Heard a lot of good about yellow so I'll give it a try. Waiting to replace the fuel filter tomorrow at work, gotta put the car on a lift to do it, maybe will be less of a pain in the a$$ to do.

[Kilroy]

plugs...coolant flush....tire pressure.....washer fluid (and other fluids)

just minor things and contigent you havent already. the coolant is required at 150,000 miles

Such as the headlight fluid, correct? :haha:

[DansGen1Alero]

oh yea thats the most important fluid to check, and thanks for the reminder, I will need to check mine soon.

[El Pablo]

Oh yeah I gotta check my headlight fluid thanks for reminding me

[a4d2a0m]

Lubricating your door locks to stop them from freezing is a good idea... get some graphite lube at your hardware store(no wd-40 use dry lube), while your there lock de-icer is really cheap.

Also condition your door weathersripping to stop the door from freezing shut. Never good to yank on the handles!! lol. there are alot of products to choose from, I have heard GM recommends dielectric grease it lasts long and keeps the rubber very soft.. just remember to wipe off all the excess.

[alero_bmxer]

DO NOT forget to check your muffler bearing grease either.

[99alerogirl]

DO NOT forget to check your muffler bearing grease either.

oh snap... i almost forgot... running out to check that now.