Time to Prepare for Tricky Driving as Winter Approaches
22 November 2000
Time to Prepare for Tricky Driving as Winter Approaches PRINEVILLE, Ore., Nov. 21 The following is issued by
Brian Capp of Les Schwab Tire Centers:
With Thanksgiving behind us, we are at a traditional turning point in the
year, marking the beginning of the holiday season and the start of winter
itself -- a time to ponder one of the imponderables of life: will your car
get you through yet another winter?
For most drivers this is the time of year when you begin to think ahead
and winterize your car. For you, we bring the following suggestions:
Don't rely on Rudolph to guide your sleigh; check your vehicle now.
There are times when you can put things off until later and it won't hurt.
Winter is not one of them. Snow drifts, black ice, and plunging temperatures
care not a bit whether your mechanic is booked through New Years. Here are
some things to check before the snowflakes fall:
-- Tune up checklist: hoses, belts, spark plugs, distributor caps, oil
change -- the basics. Little things can make a big difference on those
snowy slopes and icy flats.
-- Battery and charging system. There's nothing like a car that dies in
the snow to leave you out in the cold. Remember that the starting power
of your battery drops to 40 percent at zero degrees Fahrenheit, so a
fresh, powerful and charged battery is the best defense against a
winter freeze.
-- Cooling system and antifreeze. Protect yourself and your engine block.
In most of the Northwest, a 50-50 antifreeze-water mix will get you
through. That covers freeze-up down to a cozy -34 degrees Fahrenheit.
Or
if you're heading to the far north you might want to go the distance
with a 70-30 mix, the maximum recommended, which will cover you down to
-84 degrees F. In any case, you can purchase an inexpensive testing
mechanism at your neighborhood auto parts or hardware store to make
sure you have the right mix.
-- Windshield wipers and washer fluid. What good is it if the car gets
through fine and you can't see where you're going? Check the blades and
consider the increasingly popular rubber coverings that keep the ice
from accumulating.
-- Lights and signals. After all, Rudolph might not ever show up and you
will need to see and be seen.
What's round, is not a wreath, and keeps you on the road?
Selecting the right tires and making sure they are in good shape will make
sure you get through those mountain passes -- and even your neighborhood
streets -- unscathed. Here are some suggestions:
-- The type of driving you do every day in the winter will most likely
determine what tires are best for you. If you live in a winter
wonderland, you may want to go for the best traction and stopping power
you can find. For this, there is no substitute for studded tires.
Studies show that studded tires have superior cornering and braking
capabilities in most winter driving conditions. Studs will also perform
fine on dry pavement as you navigate between snowfalls. As another
alternative, many consumers are moving to new winter traction or
studless tires for their winter driving.
-- For those just visiting or crossing the mountains, studded tires or
chains may be options in heavy snows. If you travel in the mountains
frequently, you know that it is sometimes difficult to find a place to
chain up. Whichever option you choose, the best advice is to go slow
but steady. Mountain curves are difficult under dry conditions and can
be highly treacherous when snowy or icy.
-- What if your winters are more likely to bring rain than snow? Those who
live west of the mountains and only see snow rarely need to make a more
considered choice. Of course, traction is still a premium. Those
unexpected black ice patches can be dangerous, especially on dark
nights. Ask your tire dealer what options are best for you.
-- Finally, you should be sure your tires are up to the job. Worn tires
can create unexpected hazards. Many dealers will check your tires free
of charge. In any case, you should check them carefully. If you have
any doubts consider having a professional examine them.
What if your dreams of a white yuletide come a little too true?
Sometimes even the best-laid plans fail to protect us. If the worst comes
to pass and you are stranded on the road, are you prepared? Here are some
thoughts on preparedness for a long (or short) winter's drive:
-- Keep your gas tank full, and not only for the obvious reason. If you
are stuck in a drift, your engine may be your only source of heat. If
stranded, run the engine about 10 minutes each hour to preserve fuel
and prevent fumes from accumulating. Run the heater when the engine is
on.
-- Pack blankets, sleeping bags, flashlights, extra batteries, extra
clothes, first aid kit, food and water. Being stranded will be no
picnic in any case, but it is survivable if you have the right gear.
-- Bring warning signals and a brightly colored cloth to hang on or near
the vehicle as a flag to indicate your presence. You can't be rescued
if you can't be seen.
Wherever you go this winter and whatever the driving conditions you
encounter, it is always best to remember that conditions can change in a
moment's notice. Keep tuned to the weather reports and check the state
Department of Transportation for updates on road conditions. If you don't feel
prepared for the weather ahead it is probably best to stay where you are and
wait it out.
Act now to prepare for winter. With a little care, all your holiday
driving can be safe and you can motor into a carefree new year.
