With a winter that has brought everything from subzero temperatures to mid 60s, it's not just people at risk for catching colds - automobiles do, too.

Local auto repair experts said the need for winterizing vehicles is at its peak.

"The principle thing we make sure to do is check the anti-freeze and measure the temperature it will freeze at," said Don Ennis, service manager of Fox Honda on Grant Avenue.

'When you're driving down the road at 60 mph and it's windy, the anti-freeze can turn to slush and the engine will overheat."

Like Ennis, other Auburn service mechanics said they make sure the customer's anti-freeze is up to par for the winter weather.

"We make sure the coolants are set up for the right temperature," said Steve Cady, assistant manager at NAPA Auto Parts on Washington Street. "Engine coolant can be a major winter weather factor. We also do a battery test to make sure the battery is up to par," he added. "The colder it is, the harder it is on the battery, and the harder it is to start the car."

Harry Hanson, service manager at Harry's Tires on Genesee Street, said having an even balance of water in your anti-freeze is a must.

"You need water in your anti-freeze system, and every manufacturer recommends a fifty-fifty mix," Hanson said.

Hanson said when he is winterizing a customer's car, he makes sure to strictly follow the manufacturer's orders.

"For the cooling system, I always follow the manufacturer's recommended way of doing it," he said. "Some books tell you to use a coolant machine, some don't; it's really a customized decision, and it's important to consult the manufacturer to get it done right."

As far as letting your car heat up a few extra minutes to beat out those ice-cold engine starts, numerous mechanics agreed it was a great idea.

"You have to let it heat up for a couple of minutes," Hanson said.

Ennis echoed Hanson's thoughts.

"Two to three minutes is a good idea, and it does help the engine," he said. "It's not good to have an ice-cold take off, and it's also a safety issue. If you get into a cold car right away, the heat won't work as well, and the windows won't defrost quickly."

Ennis added that monitoring oil thickness is a major component of keeping your vehicle prepped for the winter months.

"Honda is using an all-year oil," he said. "For older cars, 10 years old or more, you run a different thickness oil in the winter than you would in the summer."

Hanson said at Harry's he prefers the new Quaker State winter synthetic blend oil.

"It's 80 percent oil and 20 percent additives," he said. "We recommend winter oil because it's a blend of conventional and synthetic motor oil.

"It has additives to make it flow better in cold weather, and when the oil flows better, it gives the engine protection to start quicker. It prevents a dry start."

Auburn Auto Mall's service manager, Ron Hardter, said his shop uses the "27-point inspection," to make sure customers' vehicles are properly equipped for any kind of weather.

"It's an actual inspection GM (General Motors) recommends," Hardter said. "We offer it year-round, but it's most popular in the winter."

Hardter said the inspection is complimentary with any oil change and covers checking out the breaks, tires, charging system, battery, checks and fills washer solvent, and brake pads.

Snow tires, which are often used by automobiles in upstate New York, are another popular item with Auburn car

shops these days.

"Tires are the biggest thing in winter; you've got to have the snow tires," Hanson said. "It all depends where you're going to drive, how far, and when. Based upon that information, I can recommend a tire."

Hanson added that the term "all season" for tires is deceiving. All season tires was a term coined back in the 1950s, and such a tire doesn't hold true today, he said.

Although some people prefer studded snow tires, Fox Honda's Ennis said they aren't necessary in all cases, such as on front-wheel drive vehicles.

After getting your car winterized, Hanson added, there are a quite few things that can really help in a situation where your car has indeed broken down out in cold weather.

"Put blankets in the car, so if you get stranded you can stay warm," he said. "Make sure you have a flashlight and a cell phone, and make sure your lights work. Get your belts and hoses changed now - don't put it off. All the little problems you neglect in the summer, could be a big deal in the winter."