Winterize Your Car

Driving in the winter means snow, sleet and ice that can lead to slower traffic, hazardous road conditions, hot tempers and unforeseen dangers. To help you make it safely through winter, here are some suggestions from the National Safety Council to make sure that you and your vehicle are prepared.

Weather

At any temperature -- 20° Fahrenheit below zero or 90° Fahrenheit above -- weather affects road and driving conditions and can pose serious problems. It is important to monitor forecasts on the Web, radio, TV, cable weather channel, or in the daily papers.

Your Car

Prepare your car for winter. Start with a checkup that includes:

•      Checking the ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses and fan belts.
•          Changing and adjusting the spark plugs.
•          Checking the air, fuel and emission filters, and the PCV valve.
•          Inspecting the distributor.
•          Checking the battery.
•          Checking the tires for air, sidewall wears and treads depth.
•          Checking antifreeze levels and the freeze line.
•      Your car should have a tune-up (check the owner's manual for the recommended interval) to    ensure better gas mileage, quicker starts and faster response on pick-up and passing power.

Necessary Equipment

An emergency situation on the road can arise at any time and you must be prepared. In addition to making sure you have the tune-up, a full tank of gas, and fresh anti-freeze, you should carry the following items in your trunk:

•          Properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod-type jack
•          Shovel
•          Jumper cables
•          Tow and tire chains
•          Bag of salt or cat litter
•          Tool kit 

    Essential Supplies

    Be prepared with a "survival kit" that should always remain in the car. Replenish after use. Essential  supplies include:

• Working flashlight and extra batteries
• Reflective triangles and brightly-colored cloth
• Compass
• First aid kit
• Exterior windshield cleaner
• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Wooden stick matches in a waterproof container
• Scissors and string/cord
• Non-perishable, high-energy foods like unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits, and hard candy.

In addition, if you are driving long distances under cold, snowy, and icy conditions, you should also carry supplies to keep you warm such as heavy woolen mittens, socks, a cap and blankets.

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