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 the no tread
but also any sign of uneven wear. It may
me
an 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). Don’t forget to check your spare
tire too! For every 10ºF of outside
temperature change – you will 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 is too late!
• Oil Change - Every 3-5000 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 doors or car
squeaks, 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 less than it was and your car is
running rough - now is the time to have
a check up. We recommend using Platinum
tipped sparks 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 real bad days. It has a yellowish
color instead of the blue stuff.
• Snow tires - Even if you have a 4
wheel drive vehicle, winter tires are
your safest way to travel in bad
weather. They are designed for cold
weather driving. All season tires are
just that, all seasons in average
weather, when the snow is deep and the
roads are slippery, winter tires make a
real safe difference.
Carry:
Carry these items in your trunk in a box
or duffel bag.
• Jumper cables - (Jump it- self
contained battery and jumper cables) -
The safest choice!
• Tires Chains – A great item to carry
if the roads get icy or the weather gets
out of control.
• Flashlight with new batteries
• Tire inflator
• First aid kit
• Flare and safety triangle
• Protein bars - In case you are stuck
and waiting for help.
• Bottled water
• Snow brush with ice scraper - Get
the best one you can find.
• Blanket for 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 your vehicle and undercarriage
to protect your investment.
• Clean and wax your vehicle at least
once a week!
• Windshields, back window and side
windows, headlights and taillights.
• Wiper blades and snow from the top
and hood of your car.
The SECRET To A Safe Winter - See and be seen!
Reprinted from CarCare.org
