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