Driving in winter wonderland takes preparation
Tip of the Week
It’s starting out as a banner year for snow sports such as skiing. With more and more people heading to the mountains, the Car Care Council suggests that motorists take a little extra time now to make sure their vehicles are prepared for winter weather.
“The last two winters brought record-setting snowfall. That may sound like a winter wonderland, but many motorists experienced breakdowns because they did not take preventative measures to make sure their vehicles were ready for the elements,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Taking the time now to have your vehicle checked will help you avoid getting stranded in sub-zero temperatures and facing a costly repair bill.”
The nonprofit Car Care Council recommends checking the following areas of your vehicle so it is road ready when severe winter weather strikes.
* Check the battery and charging system for optimum performance. Cold weather is hard on batteries.
* Check the antifreeze. As a general rule of thumb, clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system every two years.
* Check that heaters, defrosters and wipers work properly. Consider winter wiper blades and use cold weather washer fluid.
* Check the tire tread depth and tire pressure. If snow and ice are a problem in your area, consider special tires designed to grip slick roads. If you’re heading to an area where snow storms are common and don’t have all-season tires, carry chains that fit your tires. During winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly.
* Check the oil and filter and be diligent about changing them at recommended intervals. Dirty oil can spell trouble in winter. Consider changing to “winter weight” oil if you live in a cold climate. Check the fuel, air and transmission filters at the same time.
* Check engine performance. Winter magnifies existing problems such as hard starts, sluggish performance or rough idling.
* Check the brakes. The braking system is the vehicle’s most important safety item.
* Check the exhaust system for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are closed.
* Check to see that exterior and interior lights work and headlights are properly aimed.
During winter, drivers should keep their vehicle’s gas tank at least half-full to decrease the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing. Motorists should also check the tire pressure of the spare in the trunk and stock an emergency kit with an ice scraper and snowbrush, jumper cables, flashlight, blanket, extra clothes, bottled water, dry food snacks and needed medication.
To learn more about winterizing your vehicle, view the council’s Car Care Minute video and visit www.carcare.org to order a free copy of the 80-page Car Care Guide.
The List
According to BestRide contributors, the favorite cars reviewed in 2015 are (in no particular order): 2015 Dodge Charger Hellcat; 2015 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 AWD; 2016 Honda Accord V-6 EXLN SENS; 2016 Mazda Miata MX-5, Club trim; 2016 Nissan Maxima SR; and the 2016 Toyota Tacoma.
Did you know
In the last year, Alcohoot released an affordable, compact breathalyzer that measures your blood alcohol content with the help of your smartphone. For $99, the device attaches to your phone and you don’t have to do the inaccurate math on your weight and your alcohol consumption.
