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eTyres care about our customers. The
following article may be of interest.
Snow and Your Car
by Matthew C. Keegan
Welcome to Winter! Snow, ice, and cold can be especially
challenging to the body and mind, as well as to
important items in your life, including your car. Is
your vehicle ready for winter? If not, there are some
things you can do to help ensure that your car will
start on cold mornings and survive even the nastiest
winter weather.
Check under the hood. Make sure that your battery and
all of its connections are clean and fastened; hoses and
belts securely in place; your oil and oil filter changes
up to date; your air filter clean; the radiator flushed
and refilled; and your engine well tuned. One of the
biggest contributors to a car not starting is the
battery. If it is old and needs to be replaced, do it
now before you take that long trip.
Look at the windshield. Besides obvious cracks in your
windshield which you can have replaced, make certain
that the wiper bay is free of debris. Ice and snow can
freeze your wipers in place making them completely
ineffective. Never pour hot water on a windshield to
remove ice. You will remove ice all right...and crack
the glass in the process!
Observe the tires. Properly inflated all season tires
are usually all that you need for winter driving. In
some areas, however, chains may be required. Keep a set
in your trunk for emergency purposes.
Carry an emergency kit. It doesn't take much to get
stranded during winter. Even the best maintained vehicle
can get caught in a snow bank or stuck in a ditch.
Carrying a fully charged cell phone for emergency
purposes is essential when driving anywhere uninhabited.
The following items should be a part of an emergency kit
you have stored in your vehicle at all times:
*Flash light with spare batteries *Jumper cables *Tire
chains *Ice scraper/brush *Sand or kitty litter for
traction *Auto tools *Wire coat hanger *Flares *Candles,
matches *Distress sign *Medical kit *Gas line
antifreeze; ice lock antifreeze spray
If you frequently travel back roads and find yourself in
remote areas, carrying an extra set of hats, gloves, and
coats as well as several blankets is wise. Some people
carry chocolate with them at all times which can be a
great [and delicious!] energy booster as well as fresh
water [don't leave it in the car as it will get frozen].
If you find yourself stuck in snow, make sure that the
exhaust pipe is free of all snow if you run your car
while idled. Keep a window cracked open to allow for air
to circulate; turn the engine off every ten minutes for
a half hour or more to prevent carbon monoxide build up
inside of the car.
You can survive the hazards of winter by taking a little
extra care and caution. Properly equip your car today to
ensure that your next trip is a safe one regardless of
the prevailing road and weather conditions.
About the Author
Copyright 2006 -- Matt Keegan is a contributing writer
for the Auto Parts Warehouse where we encourage drivers
to make sure that their car's grille free of snow and
ice; ensuring that your car fog lights are working, and
your cargo liner is clean. |
