ACDelco Provides Winter Survival Tips for Motorists

GRAND BLANC, MICH. - Frigid cold, freezing rain, poor road conditions and reduced visibility from heavy or blowing snow can all make winter driving extremely hazardous. ACDelco offers the following tips to help motorists avoid unpleasant or dangerous situations this winter:

• Keep your vehicle serviced regularly and the gas tank at least half-full at all times
• Make sure all other fluids are topped off, and check your windshield washer fluid frequently
• Make sure your windshield wipers work well; they may help you avoid an accident
• When driving through isolated areas, always let someone know where you are going, when you are leaving, and at what time you expect to arrive
• Drive more conservatively on snowy, icy or water-covered roads. Increase the usual distance between you and the car ahead of you. Begin slowing down earlier than normal

A number of winter deaths can be attributed to people being stranded and venturing too far from their vehicles. ACDelco urges stranded motorists to tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna and to stay with their vehicle. Emergency crews can find your car a lot easier than they can find you alone. You will more easily avoid frostbite and hypothermia by staying in the car and out of the elements. You should also try to avoid exposure to the cold and overexertion when attempting to push your vehicle or shovel heavy snowdrifts.

Having essential supplies can help provide some comfort and safety for you and your passengers should you become stranded. ACDelco recommends keeping a winter survival kit in your vehicle at all times, containing such items as:

• Cell phone (make sure it's charged)
• Ice scraper and brush
• Flashlight and spare batteries
• First aid kit
• Road maps
• Shovel, axe or hatchet (properly secured in the trunk at all times)
• Blanket
• Reflectors or a brightly colored cloth that can be tied to your antenna
• Emergency flares
• Sand, salt, or kitty litter to help provide traction for your tires
• Booster cables
• Gas can that can hold up to one gallon of gasoline
• Fire extinguisher
• Tool kit, including screwdrivers, pliers, hammer, utility knife, wrench, ratchet/socket set and rolls of electrical and duct tape

ACDelco makes parts for Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, GM, and practically every other vehicle on the road today. To find an ACDelco parts retailer or an ACDelco Independent Service Center near you, log on to acdelco.com or call 1-800-ACDelco. ACDelco is a global leader in automotive replacement parts and services offering products for virtually all vehicles. Headquartered in Grand Blanc, Mich., ACDelco markets automotive replacement parts worldwide under its brand name.