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Getting Your Vehicle Ready For WinterNov 16 '00 Write an essay on this topic.The winter chill is finally here, and that means you should be preparing your car for the arrival of snow, sleet, wind, ice, and Mother Nature's long list of other weather tricks. We can get some nasty winter weather, here in up state NY, so my husband always prepares me, so my car will be safe on these season's weather roads here in NY. Here's some tips he has taught me for winterizing my car, and tips on helping me to be safe on the roads in winter weather. Always check the head lights, brake lights, turn signals and the trunk lights. Make sure you have enough anti-freeze in your cooling system. Letting it get too low can be a costly mistake. Check your shocks and trusts by pushing down on the hood as hard as you can. If the car bounces like a yo-yo, you may have trouble. Check your trunk for moisture or rust, which will indicate a water leak. Always inspect, and if needed, fill brake fluid, power steering fluid, radiator fluid and also window washer fluid. In the winter here, I go through a lot of window washer fluid. My husband has shown me how to check all of these also. Change air, oil filters and wiper blades if necessary. Check battery terminals. If you see signs of corrosion, clean them or have them cleaned. Our city uses a lot of salt on the roads, during bad weather, so my husband always washes and waxes the car, before the cold weather sets in to protect it through the winter months. I always carry a bag of kitty litter in my trunk. One day last year I had to use it to get out of a parking space, after some freezing rain had set in while I was shopping. So I just used some Kitty litter, and it got me out of the parking space quite well. Always steer into a skid, and remember that winter driving requires extra attention, so brake gently, accelerate gently, and steer gently, and all should go well. To ensure comfort and safety, make sure that the heater and defroster is in good working condition. Your tire pressure should be checked once a month, and Let the tires cool down first before checking them. Our car requires 26 pounds of pressure, and I now even know how to check them with a pressure gauge now. Always check your tires for nicks, uneven wearing and cupping. And don't forget to check the spare tire too. Check the condition of your hoses and belts. Blowing a hose or breaking a belt is bad any time. In winter it can be disastrous. Brakes should be inspected, if you notice pulsations, grabbing, noises or longer stopping distances. Check your engine performance. Problems with rough idling, hard starts, or stalling, should be corrected before cold weather sets in. I also make sure that I carry emergency gear in my trunk. A shovel, blanket, high energy snacks, first aid kit, kitty litter, flashlight, and it's a good idea to have a cell phone also. Well I'm now well prepared for my winter driving. So if you live in a cold winter climate, like I do, I hope you all, especially all you gals are as well prepared as I am.  |
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