| If your car has ever spun out of control on | | | | heater. |
| an icy road, or skidded on snow-laden | | | | |
| streets, you know the importance of winter | | | | Thermostat - If your car's dial is measuring |
| car safety. Winter driving requires extra | | | | near the H for hot, get it checked out. In |
| attention. For your car to function properly | | | | some instances, your engine can fail due to a |
| in cold temperatures, you need to pay | | | | faulty thermostat. It's better to get it |
| attention to a few key items: | | | | fixed rather than wait for a possible |
| | | | disaster. |
| Hazard Lights - Are they functioning | | | | |
| properly? Check the front and rear lights, | | | | Heater - This is vital. What if you get |
| and don't forget the driver's side and | | | | stranded during the winter? Your car's heater |
| passenger side lights as well. While you're | | | | could virtually save your life. Don't leave |
| at it, check the other lights as well (ex. | | | | this until the last minute-get it checked out |
| brake lights). Properly functioning lights | | | | if there's a problem. |
| are crucial in winter weather. | | | | |
| | | | Exhaust System - If you smell fumes in your |
| Antifreeze - You don't want to get stuck | | | | car, have it checked out immediately. Exhaust |
| (literally) without this during winter. | | | | fumes are poisonous. |
| Antifreeze keeps the liquids in your car from | | | | |
| freezing solid. | | | | Oil - It's always important to have your |
| | | | car's oil level checked prior to driving. |
| Ignition System - If your car is taking | | | | Like a thirsty traveler, cars need fuel to |
| forever to turn over, have it checked out. It | | | | keep going, and oil is one of those fuels. |
| should start and run easily. | | | | |
| | | | It's also a good idea to have certain items |
| Snow Tires and/or Chains - Some people buy | | | | on hand in case you do get stranded during |
| snow tires or special tires for winter | | | | the winter months. A set of warm clothes or |
| months. Other people prefer to use snow | | | | blankets, non-perishable food items, water, |
| chains. Knowing how to put them on and use | | | | flashlights and matches, are all good |
| them is important. BEFORE the winter weather | | | | examples of things to keep in your car. Also, |
| strikes, practice a few times. And think | | | | make sure your windshield wipers are |
| about buying the new types of snow chains | | | | functioning properly. This is vital if you |
| that require less effort to put on and take | | | | get caught in a storm. |
| off. | | | | |
| | | | Used cars especially need to be checked out |
| Battery - Check your vehicle's battery for | | | | prior to the winter months. Winter car safety |
| the installation date. Ask a dealer how long | | | | is important for every car on the road. |
| your particular brand stays effective. If | | | | Traveling in winter can be safe if simple but |
| it's getting close to conking out, it's best | | | | thorough precautions are taken. In doing so, |
| to replace it prior to winter. You don't want | | | | you're helping to save your life, and |
| to be stuck in bad weather with no lights or | | | | potentially, the lives of others. |