Winter Motoring Tips From MotorWeak

BALTIMORE, Oct. 22 -- Winter weather causes everything from stalled engines to hazardous highways. Whether commuting to work or holiday shopping, winterizing your vehicle is like a warm blanket of protection for your family on the road. Pat Goss, master technician on PBS' weekly automotive magazine, MotorWeek, says now is the time to prepare for winter.

``Don't be ambushed by winter,'' said Goss. ``Avoid the hazards of bad weather by preparing your car now.''

                   Pat Goss' MotorWeek Winter Car Care Tips

      -- Car Battery: Take your vehicle to a qualified technician, who will
         perform a heavy-load test procedure.  This is especially important if
         your car still has its original battery and has been in service for
         three or more years.

      -- Electrical System: Have your car's electrical system tested by a
         qualified technician.

      -- Radiator: Check for adequate anti-freeze/coolant.  The first really
         cold day could be too late and too late can cost you a new engine.

      -- Tires: Tire pressure and tread depth mean good traction.  The more
         your tires are worn, the less traction you'll have when it snows.  As
         the temperature drops, so does tire pressure, so check tires
         regularly.

      -- Lights: Winter days are shorter and darker.  If other drivers can't
         see you because of a blown bulb, you could put yourself and others at
         risk.

      -- Brakes: Have your brakes checked by a qualified technician.  You
         don't want to discover bad brakes in the middle of a panic stop on a
         cold, slippery day.

      -- Winter Wiper Blades: Yes, WINTER wiper blades.  Purchase these
         ingenious devices with a thin, rubber membrane - they shed snow and
         ice to prevent clogging.  Used only during the winter, they can last
         several years.

      -- Windshield Washer Fluid: Fill windshield washer reservoir with proper
         windshield washer anti-freeze.

      -- Rubber Weather Stripping: Spray silicone lubricant on the rubber
         weather stripping around doors and windows to help them from freezing
         shut.

      -- Door Locks: Spray graphite lubricant in car door locks.

Remember, breakdowns that create an inconvenience in the summer, can be life-threatening in the winter. Watch MotorWeek on PBS and peeVision for consumer safety information.

Produced by Maryland Public Television, MotorWeek is nationally underwritten by Pep Boys and eBay Motors.