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Check:
- Lights - Headlights, taillights, turn signals, reverse lights and horn.
- Antifreeze/Coolant - check level and if it's still good with simple test strips.
- Tire Wear - not just if there is no tread but also any sign of uneven wear. That may mean a suspension or alignment problem.
- Tire Pressure - check for the proper pressures in your owners' manual or door placard (not the numbers on the side wall), and use an accurate tire gauge. Don't forget to check your spare tire too! For every 10ºF of outside temperature change, you lose 1 pound of pressure!
- Leaks - Check under the hood and where you park your car for any signs of leaks. These should be repaired as soon as you notice them.
- Battery - If you are having trouble starting your car, it may be the battery. Have it checked.
- Brakes - Does your brake pedal seem a little soft? Is it taking longer to stop your vehicle? Have your brake fluid and brake system checked by a professional. Now is the time - not when it's too late!
- Oil Change - every 3000-5000 miles. Check your maintenance section of the owner's manual. Be sure to get a good quality, name-brand oil and oil filter. Check your oil once per month. If it looks dark brown, change it.
- Air Filter - Change air filters every 12,000 miles or every 6 months. It's easy to do it yourself! Be sure to get a quality name-brand filter. This will give you better fuel economy and performance.
- Squeaks - If your car or doors squeak, have a professional check it out. It may be something simple like a door hinge and a little needed lubricant.
- Tune-up - if your gas mileage seems like it's less than it was and your car is running rough, now is the time to have a check-up. We recommend using platinum-tipped spark plugs.
Change:
- Winter Wiper Blades - the protective sleeve will help keep the blade on your windshield.
- Winter Washer Fluid - de-icer washer fluid will make your life easier on those really bad days. It has a yellowish color instead of the blue stuff.
- Snow Tires - even if you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle, snow tires are your safest way to travel in bad weather. They are designed for cold weather driving. All-season tires are for just that, all seasons in average weather. When the snow is deep and the roads are slippery, winter tires make a real difference.
Carry:
Carry these items in your trunk in a box or duffel bag.
- Jumper cables or Jump Starter (a combined battery and jumper cables) to get you going if in case of a dead battery.
- Traction Devices - The newer version of "tire chains"-they're great to have if the roads get icy or the weather gets out of control.
- Flashlight with new batteries
- First aid kit
- Flares or Safety Triangles
- Protein bars - in case you are stuck and waiting for help.
- Bottled water
- Blanket to cover every passenger
- Cell phone - inexpensive emergency plans are available.
- Road service card - especially good if you travel out of town.
- Maps
- Paper towels
- Glass cleaner
- Extra washer fluid
- Work Gloves
- Basic tools
Clean:- Clean and wax your vehicle and undercarriage regularly - to protect your investment.
- Clean - windshields, back window and side windows, headlights and tail lights.
- Clean wiper blades and brush snow from the top and hood of your car.
The SECRET To A Safe Winter: To See & To Be Seen!
~Lauren Fix~
Nationally recognized automotive expert Lauren J. Fix, is an authority on consumer automotive and safety issues as well as car care and repair.
She has been a guest numerous times on Oprah, and has multiple appearances on the TODAY show, Inside Edition, CNN, The Early Show, The Weather Channel, ESPN, MSNBC, CNNfn, FOX News, NBC, ABC, CBS, Speedvision, the Empire Sports Network and National Public Radio. Lauren is the author of Driving Ambitions: A Complete Guide to Amateur Auto Racing and The Performance Tire and Wheel Handbook, and has written articles for Motor Trend, Truck Trend, Hot Rod, Car Craft, Good Housekeeping and Self Magazine. As a professional race car driver and Director of Driving Ambitions Performance Driving School at Watkins Glen, Lauren knows how to get the most out of any car.
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