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Safe and Sound Winter Travel
We've all felt Jack Frost taking a nip at our nose, and facing
Jack also means facing the harsh reality that a harsh winter
promises, including the toll it's like to take on our main mode
of transportation.
It's common knowledge that the tempestuous winter months put our
vehicles through greater stress and strain, and can often make
minor imperfections into major malfunctions. With that said,
experts emphasize the importance of getting your car geared up
for winter well advance of the plummeting temperatures.
Battery Operation: Since cold weather can be hard on batteries,
checking your battery should be a top priority
· Make sure connections are tight and corrosion-free and that
the cables aren't lose.
· Have a technician conduct a load test to further determine
your battery's condition.
Check Your Liquid Assets: Professionals point out the need to
check your vehicles vital fluids and filters, as well as its
hoses, belts, and tires.
· At minimum, get oil and filter change.
· Check you coolant level and make sure the water/antifreeze
ration is correct.
Set Your Sights On Safety: Remember, visibility is key for
winter driving.
· Make sure you have ample windshield-washer fluid. And make
sure to always keep it topped off with proper commercial
anti-freeze.
· Check and double-check wipers, their condition, and how they
are functioning. You can even choose to switch to winter blades
as an option.
· Inspect headlights, taillights, brake lights and defrosters,
and make sure they are in good, working order.
Interior Design: How your car operates on the inside is just as
important to how it functions on the outside.
· Inspect floor for cracks or holes that may allow dangerous
(and toxic) exhaust gases into your vehicle.
· Ensure that your heater (and defroster) are working.
Check Brakes, Belts And Hoses: Make sure all are in good
condition and in working order before hitting the road.
· Top-off brake, clutch and transmission fluids.
· Check pressure on your belts. Also check for any cracking or
fraying.
· Look for loose connections on hoses, as well as for unusual
bulges, cracks, tears, and
holes.
Treading On Thin Ice: Tire pressure and tread depth affect
traction in the snow and rain.
· Check the inflation pressure of your tires and make
adjustments according to the season and the temperature. This
check, say experts, should be conducted several times a year
(about twice a month).
· Check your spare tire and make sure you have one.
Getting Your Wheels In Motion: One of the best ways to safely
get around in winter is by switching to a climate-friendly tire.
· Replace current tires with tires especially designed for
colder, icier conditions.
· Check tread Depth. Keep in mind the shallower, the better.
· Beware of studded tires. They may offer more traction in
wintry weather, but can reduce traction of dry roads.
Stay Attuned To Your Car's Needs: Taking care of your car means
knowing what it needs and when.
· Check the owner's manual for instructions on how often you'll
need a general tune up, including spark plugs, ignition, coil,
fuel injection, etc. and get one done just before the brunt of
the winter season strikes.
· Put a minimum of one coat of wax on the exterior to protect
paint against the winter making it easier for snow and ice to
simply slip off
· Spay a lubricant (such as WD-40) in all door and trunk locks
to prevent them from freezing.
Winterize Your Vehicle Inside and Out: Be prepared in care of
emergency
· Stock and emergency kit with flashlight, flares, first-aid
kid, blanket, warm clothes, gloves, hast, paper towels, snow
shovel, snow brush, ice scraper, washer fluid, high energy food
and water, and booster cables, and keep it in your car.
· Keep some sand or other such coarse material in your car to
pour under tires to assist with traction if you get stuck on ice
or hard-packed snow.
· ALWAYS carry your cell phone with you and make sure it's
charged.
Polishing Your Safety Skills: No matter what kind of vehicle you
drive or how well you maintain it, cautious driving is always
recommended.
· Invest in an advanced winter driving course.
Long Island, New York -
LIFamilies.com
About the author:
None
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