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Preparing Your Car for Winter Driving

Fuel System

Verify that your fuel and air filters are in good condition, it's best to replace these items before cold weather begins

Add appropriate additives to your gas tank periodically to avoid water condensation in your fuel lines Keeping a full tank of gas also helps

Brakes

Make sure that brake wear and brake fluid levels are fine If brakes are excessively wore or

brake fluid too low, brakes can grab, which is a serious hazard on snow and ice

Tires

Make sure they are properly inflated and tread is good

You might want to invest in winter tread tires that give you added traction

If you are driving in a remote area, chains and studded tires may be authorized

Snow Tires

A “snow-tread tire" is a relatively deep aggressive tread pattern compared to a conventional passenger tread pattern

Tires can be identified by checking the sidewall of the tire where the letters MS, M/S, M+S or the word SNOW have been stamped into the sidewall

Exhaust System

Make sure pipes are not damaged since you often drive with your car completely closed in winter A malfunctioning exhaust system can

expose you and your passengers to carbon monoxide poisoning

Defroster, Heater, Lights

Make sure all are functional Drive with lights on to make

yourself visible to others Clear all windows and lights of

frost and snow

Wipers & Washer Fluid

Make sure wipers are working properly and the washer fluid reservoir is full

Use the car defroster and a clean cloth to keep windows free of fog

Proper Oil Grade In winter months your car needs different

oil If you are in an area where the temperature

falls below -20*F (-29*C), consider using either an SAE 5W-30synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil

Both will provide easier cold staring and better protection for your engine at extremely low temperatures. The numbers on the oil container show its viscosity, or thickness

Oil

If you change your own oil be sure you use oil that has the starburst symbol on the front of the oil container This symbol indicates that the oil has

been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API)

DON"T ADD TOO MUCH OIL!!

Battery

Make sure your battery terminals are clean and in good condition

Also, by changing your spark plugs before the cold weather, it will greatly ensure the staring of your vehicle in the winter months

Cooling System

Check the antifreeze level to ensure that your car is ready for colder temperatures Less Water = Less Freezing

Driving Tips Allow enough time Keep tank full Slow down Be more observant Stock your car with basic winter driving

equipment: Scraper and brush, shovel, jumper cables,

tow chains and bag of sand or cat litter for traction, blanket, boots, flashlight, road flares, radio or cell phone

Driving Tips In case you're stranded while driving in

winter: Stay in your vehicle Avoid overexertion Calm down and think Keep fresh air in your vehicle Don't run the engine Keep our blood circulating freely Don't expect to be comfortable Dial 911

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