Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Some Helpful Car Safety Tips for Winter!

Winter is almost here, so snowy weather, slick driving conditions, and foggy windshields can't be too far away! Help keep yourself safe on the road this winter by taking the following advice to heart:

Make sure you have an ice scraper in the car, and consider replacing your normal windshield wipers with winter blades that prevent ice from forming on them. Many brands of winter blades are better at removing snow and sleet than normal wipers.

Ask your mechanic to check your hoses for signs of wear and tighten your engine belts.

Test your battery to make sure it has the power to start the engine on cold days. To reduce power leaks, you can clean your battery terminals with a wire brush (disconnect them first!).

Check your cooling system. Have it flushed and refilled according to your owner's manual. A 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze is recommended for cold conditions.

Check the level of your windshield wiper fluid.

Check your tire treads and/or make the switch to winter or all-weather tires.

Keep a small emergency kit in the car: water, food, blankets, flashlight, road flares, a small shovel, etc.)

Stay safe!

Sensei J.
Emerald Necklace Martial Arts