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eTyres care about our customers. The
following article may be of interest.
Safe and Sound Winter Travel
by LIFamilies
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.
About the Author
Long Island, New York - LIFamilies.com |
