Car-X Shares Tips and Recommendations for Winterizing Automobiles

CHICAGO, Oct. 23 -- Along with the freezing winds and subzero temperatures, the last thing a driver needs is to be stuck in an automobile that is unsafe and unprepared for the effects of winter. Just as car owners would not want to be left out in the cold, neither would their cars. Winterizing now will save time in the long days and nights ahead.

Car-X experts suggest these following steps to ensure a car's performance for the winter season:

     - Check the tire pressure.
       It is critical to have properly inflated tires as this ensures smooth
       contact between the tire and the road.  Also, tires should be rotated
       every 8,000 - 10,000 miles.
     - Check the battery.
       If your vehicle battery is older than three years, have it tested at a
       nearby Car-X facility.  Make sure the posts and the connections are
       free of corrosion.
     - Inspect the belts and hoses.
       Belts must be tight and free of glazing and hoses that are soft or have
       bulges should be replaced.
     - Check the cooling system.
       The ideal mixture of antifreeze (coolant) and water inside your
       vehicle's radiator is 50:50.
     - Check the exhaust system.
       A solid one will have no leaks and will be securely attached to the
       car.  Carbon monoxide poisoning is a killer among leaky systems.
     - Check the oil and windshield wiper fluid.
       Remember that these fluids need to be changed periodically, not just
       during the winter.
     - Check all exterior lights.
       Make sure they are all visible to other drivers.
     - Suspension/Shock
       Shock absorbers smooth out your ride and keep your tires on the road,
       so if you witness excessive bouncing, rocking, or drifting, have a
       Car-X representative look into it.

Winterizing does not stop with the checking of a few car parts. Car-X also recommends that a vehicle be equipped with extra emergency equipment. A flashlight, an ice/snow scraper, work gloves, jumper cables, blankets for every passenger and basic tools are a few essentials for this 'winter' kit.