Reader has suggestion for steering problem

Here is a follow-up from one of our readers regarding the steering problem on an Astro van, which I wrote about several weeks back.

“In your Nov. 2 column, there was a person complaining about hard steering on her 2004 Chevy Astro. I suspect this vehicle may have all-wheel drive, although the complaint did not state the type of drive. We have a 2004 GMC Safari that is the same vehicle, just rebadged. It had very hard steering that was resolved by a transfer case fluid exchange with GM Auto Trak II Transfer Case Fluid. I had seen this on the Internet, and I requested it at the GMC dealer. No problems ever since.”

Thank you. I don't know if our owner's Astro van is AWD, but this is great information!

Watch out for deer!

I was driving home the other day and I was following behind this fairly new car on a road near my house. All of a sudden, a deer came out of nowhere and ran right into the side of the car right in front of me. It was the strangest thing to witness being that close. The deer spun and bounced off the car, never falling down, and ran back into the field.

There was quite a bit of damage done to the car as the deer dented every panel on the driver's side of the car. Ever since that day I have been trying to pay very close attention to sides of the road to hopefully avoid striking a deer. Although there is not much you can do when one runs into the side of you!

Maintenance time

It's not even Thanksgiving yet and it is quite chilly with snow coming down — yikes. If you haven't thought about getting your car ready for winter, now might be a good time. Here is my list of things to have your repair shop check for you:

• Tires. You will want to have good tread for optimal traction in the snow. If you have 4/32nds or less of tread, you should think about replacing your tires. If you drive a vehicle with performance tires on it you may want to consider getting a set of winter tires, you will be happy you did.

• HVAC system. Not only do you want the heater to work good but you will want the air conditioner to work as well. The A/C runs when the defroster is on in order to defrost the windshield properly.

• Engine Coolant. You will want the antifreeze to have the correct freeze protection. In addition, you want to make sure it's clean with the proper PH balance so it does not wear out important engine and heater components.

• Windshield wipers. Make sure the wiper system works well and that the blades are in good shape. Check the washer system and be sure you have winter washer fluid and not some summer blend that will freeze on you!

• Brakes. You will want to have the brakes checked for pad and shoe life but also for a nice even stop. Be sure the anti-lock system works well, as that can save you from losing control on a snowy or icy road.

• Lighting. Make sure all your lights work properly. We do a lot more driving in the dark during the winter months.

• Engine oil. If you are not current on your oil change, get one. Be sure to use the correct oil for your car as it will make for much easier starts when the temperature drops.

• Battery. If your battery is 5 years old or more you may want to just replace it. Most of the time a battery gives no warning; it just won't start one day, and most likely it will be at the worst time possible.

Be sure to use common sense when driving in bad weather conditions and don't forget to put your ice scraper back in the car.

• Douglas Automotive is at 417 W. Main St., Barrington, (847) 381-0454, and 123 Virginia Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-0440. For information, visit douglasautomotive.com. Send questions to underthehood@dailyherald.com.