WWW.carcare.org Avoid Surprise, Winterize (NAPS)—Asthe weathergets colder, winterizing your vehicle should be a top priority. The nonprofit Car Care Council recommends that motorists perform a six-point winter maintenance check of areas that are particularly affected by driving in rough weather. “Harsh weathercanstress out a vehicle, as well as its driver? explained Rich White, executive director of the non- profit Car Care Council. “A vehicle that’s properly prepared for the elements can help you avoid an unplanned road emergency when the weather takes a sudden turn for the worse.” Six-Point Vehicle Check 1. Battery—Cold weather is hard on batteries, so it’s wise to check the battery and charging system for optimum performance. Because batteries don't always give warning signs before they fail, it’s advisable to replace bat- teries that are more than three years old. 2. Antifreeze—Antifreeze (coolant) should be flushed and refilled at least every two years in most vehicles. Don't add 100 percent antifreeze, however. Surprisingly, full-strength antifreeze actually has a lower freeze point than when mixed with water. 3. Brakes—Have the brake system checked. Brakes are critical to vehicle safety and particularly important on icy or snow-coveredroads. 4. Tires—Checkthetire tread depth and tire pressure, including the spare. If you'll be driving where snow andice are a problem, consider special tires designed to grip slick roads. Check tire pressure weekly, as tires lose pressure when temperatures drop. 5.Oil—Be diligent about changing the oil at recommendedintervals and A six-point vehicle check now can help prevent unexpected car trouble when the weather turns rough. 5W-30 as thickened oil can make it hard to start the car. 6. Lights and Wipers—Make sure all exterior and interior lights are working so you can see and be seen. Check the fluid level in the windshield washer reservoir and replace wiper blades that are torn, cracked or don't properly clean your windshield. In addition, the council recom- mendsa thorough vehicle inspection by a trusted professional service technician as winter magnifies existing problems such as pings, hard starts, sluggish performanceor roughidling. Drivers should keep their vehicle's gas tankatleast half-full to decrease the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing and stock an emergency kit with an ice scraper and snow brush, jumper cables, flashlight, blanket, extra clothes, bottled water, dry to low-viscosity oil in winter, as it will food snacks and needed medication. ‘The Car Care Councilis the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance andrepair to consumers. Free Guide To order a free copy of the popular tures, drop oil weight from 10W-30 to consumer education website at www. carcare.org. check the fuel, air and transmission fil- ters at the same time. Consider changing flow more easily between moving parts whencold. In subzero driving tempera- “Car Care Guide? visit the council’s
