Winter Car Care Published Oct. 13, 2016 By Airman 1st Class Jessica Weissman Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The first thing most Airmen hear when they receive orders to Minot Air Force Base is how rough the winter months can be, but what is often overlooked is the importance of vehicle maintenance for winter conditions.Marvin Sanders, manager the base of Auto Hobby, held a winter car care class for base personnel Sept. 29, 2016.“It is important to check filters and fluids before winter,” he said. “For oil changes, read your owner’s manual. It will tell you the recommended number of miles for you to change your oil. Your fuel filter should be changed twice a year.”Sanders also reminded attendees about the importance of changing a car’s air filter. He stated, if you can’t see through it, it is time to change it.“Your car runs on gasoline and air. If your car can’t breathe, it’ll use more gasoline than normal,” he added.Most Airmen stationed at bases that reach subzero temperatures know that having a block heater can benefit their vehicle. According to online sources, an engine block heater is a device that eases the start-up process and prevents future wear of engine parts.“I recommend every vehicle has a block heater,” Sanders said. “If it’s old or brand new, the block heater helps keep the antifreeze warm and will make start up much better for your car.”For wiper blades and windshield wiper fluid, winter grade is recommended.“If your fluid has a plus on it, for warmer weather, it will freeze throughout the winter,” he said. “You won’t be able to use it again until it thaws out, and you might have to replace the reservoir due to damage from the pipe busting.”At a remote installation like Minot AFB, Airmen drive 25-30 minutes into the city to get food, groceries or shopping. When traveling this distance or more, an emergency car care kit is necessary.Master Sgt. Philip McAlpin, 5th Civil Engineer Pavements and Heavy Equipment Section Chief, found this class very helpful since he and his family have been primarily stationed at bases with warmer climates.“I think this class is absolutely necessary to new members of the community,” McAlpin said. “In a worst case scenario, the information put out during the class could be lifesaving. When it comes to family, you need to be proactive. It’s simply not worth second guessing.”Sanders recommended the kit include:• A mobile phone pre-programmed with emergency applications, important phone numbers and a car charger.• Drinking water and snacks for humans and pet passengers• Sand, salt or cat litter, which is great for additional weight, or traction mats• A snow shovel to dig yourself out if you barely go into a ditch• Extra warm clothing and blankets• A flashlight with extra batteries• Window washer solvent and an ice scraper with a brush• Cloth or a roll of paper towels• Jumper cables• Warning devices, such as flares or triangles• A few items you can include in a basic toolkit are a screwdriver, pliers and an adjustable wrench“I’ve heard of people being stuck in their car for up to six or eight hours,” Sanders said. “Emergency services vehicles might get to you in 30 minutes, but what if they don’t?”The Auto Hobby on base can assist Team Minot with most frequently asked car care questions.“We can’t do the service for you, but we can advise you how to do it yourself.”For more information call the Auto Hobby at 701-723-2127.