The cold weather
affects your car too. Along with making driving
more hazardous due to ice and snow, extreme winter weather can
be stressful, especially on older cars.
As winter approaches take you car to your trusty mechanic and
have him check the following items: battery, wipers, antifreeze
levels, heating system, brakes, defroster.
You'll want to make sure your battery is fully charged as cold
weather starting is a heavy drain on your battery. You'll want
to make sure that your windshield wipers are in good condition
as they'll get a lot of use brushing snow off, and, make sure
you have plenty of windshield washer fluid in the reservoir and
carry an extra gallon in your car. Your windshield washer fluid
will get used up quickly keeping salt off the windshield. You
will want to make sure that your antifreeze is at proper levels.
Antifreeze can prevent freezing of your engine to about 30
degrees below zero. It should be replaced every two years. Have
your heating system checked, this will include your defroster,
which you'll really need during the winter.
Make sure you have good winter tires on your car. If you live in
an area where you get a good amount of snowfall you may want to
make a seasonal change from all season to snow tires. All season
radials just don't give you the same performance in snow and ice
that dedicated snow tires do.
There are things that you should keep in your car during the
winter. Snow scraper, deicer, blankets, extra hat and mittens,
small snow shovel, sand (to help with traction), boots. At all
times you should have a small first aid kit, booster cables,
small tools such as screwdriver, wrench and pliers a flashlight
with extra batteries, extra water. Keep a can of deicer in your
home so you'll be able to get into your car.
Remember before leaving home to make sure your car is completely
cleaned off. Clear all snow and ice from your hood, roof, trunk
and side. Make sure your headlights and tail lights are clearly
visible. Drive slowly. The posted speed limits are for ideal
driving conditions. When driving leave plenty of stopping
distance between you and the car in front of you. You may need
to leave more distance in icy conditions. Make any turns slowly.
Brake slowly.
By following these tips above you can have a safe winter driving
season.
