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We've all felt Jack Frost taking a nip at our nose, and facingJack also means facing the harsh reality that a harsh winterpromises, including the toll it's like to take on our main modeof transportation. It's common knowledge that the tempestuous winter months put ourvehicles through greater stress and strain, and can often makeminor imperfections into major malfunctions. With that said,experts emphasize the importance of getting your car geared upfor winter well advance of the plummeting temperatures. Battery Operation: Since cold weather can be hard on batteries,checking your battery should be a top priority · Make sure connections are tight and corrosion-free and thatthe cables aren't lose. · Have a technician conduct a load test to further determineyour battery's condition. Check Your Liquid Assets: Professionals point out the need tocheck your vehicles vital fluids and filters, as well as itshoses, belts, and tires. · At minimum, get oil and filter change. · Check you coolant level and make sure the water/antifreezeration is correct. Set Your Sights On Safety: Remember, visibility is key forwinter driving. · Make sure you have ample windshield-washer fluid. And makesure to always keep it topped off with proper commercialanti-freeze. · Check and double-check wipers, their condition, and how theyare functioning. You can even choose to switch to winter bladesas an option. · Inspect headlights, taillights, brake lights and defrosters,and make sure they are in good, working order. Interior Design: How your car operates on the inside is just asimportant to how it functions on the outside. · Inspect floor for cracks or holes that may allow dangerous(and toxic) exhaust gases into your vehicle. · Ensure that your heater (and defroster) are working. Check Brakes, Belts And Hoses: Make sure all are in goodcondition and in working order before hitting the road. · Top-off brake, clutch and transmission fluids. · Check pressure on your belts. Also check for any cracking orfraying. · Look for loose connections on hoses, as well as for


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unusualbulges, cracks, tears, and holes. Treading On Thin Ice: Tire pressure and tread depth affecttraction in the snow and rain. · Check the inflation pressure of your tires and makeadjustments according to the season and the temperature. Thischeck, say experts, should be conducted several times a year(about twice a month). · Check your spare tire and make sure you have one. Getting Your Wheels In Motion: One of the best ways to safelyget around in winter is by switching to a climate-friendly tire. · Replace current tires with tires especially designed forcolder, icier conditions. · Check tread Depth. Keep in mind the shallower, the better. · Beware of studded tires. They may offer more traction inwintry weather, but can reduce traction of dry roads. Stay Attuned To Your Car's Needs: Taking care of your car meansknowing what it needs and when. · Check the owner's manual for instructions on how often you'llneed a general tune up, including spark plugs, ignition, coil,fuel injection, etc. and get one done just before the brunt ofthe winter season strikes. · Put a minimum of one coat of wax on the exterior to protectpaint against the winter making it easier for snow and ice tosimply slip off · Spay a lubricant (such as WD-40) in all door and trunk locksto prevent them from freezing. Winterize Your Vehicle Inside and Out: Be prepared in care ofemergency · Stock and emergency kit with flashlight, flares, first-aidkid, blanket, warm clothes, gloves, hast, paper towels, snowshovel, snow brush, ice scraper, washer fluid, high energy foodand water, and booster cables, and keep it in your car. · Keep some sand or other such coarse material in your car topour under tires to assist with traction if you get stuck on iceor hard-packed snow. · ALWAYS carry your cell phone with you and make sure it'scharged. Polishing Your Safety Skills: No matter what kind of vehicle youdrive or how well you maintain it, cautious driving is alwaysrecommended. · Invest in an advanced winter driving course. Long Island, New York -LIFamilies.com About the author: None

Written by: LIFamilies

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