Exxon MobilCorp: Winter Car Care and Driving Tips; Save Money, Energy and Help the Environment

FAIRFAX, Va.--

Winter cold and snow create difficult operating conditions for you and
your automobile. In addition to performing routine maintenance and
using quality products, this is the season for extra preparation and
care. What can you do to get through the nastiest of conditions?

"Cars don't like cold," says Tom Olszewski, automotive technical
advisor, ExxonMobil Lubricants & Specialties. "It's the time of year
when all sorts of vehicle ailments crop up. Keeping your car properly
maintained and tuned, and modifying your driving habits can save you
money, reduce fuel consumption and help the environment."

Routine Maintenance

Make sure your battery and charging system are in good operating
condition. A battery's cranking power is reduced significantly in
freezing weather. Be especially alert if your battery is four years
old or more. It may work well only when the weather is warm. A good
practice would be to carry a set of quality jumper cables at all times
in the vehicle. There are also portable power packs available for use
in emergency starts.

Filters, Coolant and Hoses

Be sure all filters -- oil, gas and air -- are in good condition.
Check coolant and thermostat to ensure proper engine warm-up, as well
as heater and defroster operation. Coolant should be changed every two
years; extended-life coolants last about five years. Check for leaking
or soft hoses and replace.

Tire Pressure

Check tires for excessive wear and proper inflation. Do not
under-inflate or over-inflate your tires. Low-pressure increases wear
and increases fuel consumption while over-pressure can reduce
traction, especially in icy conditions.

Lubrication

To ease engine startup load during cold weather, use a multi-viscosity
oil such as Mobil 1 0W-30 or Mobil 1 5W-30, which helps provide car
starts at temperatures down to 25 to 30 degrees below zero Fahrenheit
or lower. The use of these low-viscosity oils not only speeds startup,
but helps reduce wear by flowing quickly to critical engine parts. The
use of lower viscosity oils also helps improve fuel economy. Motor oil
should be changed routinely to help prevent excessive moisture and
fuel buildup in winter conditions. Consumers can have their motor
oil-related questions answered by calling ExxonMobil's toll-free
information line at 1/800/ASK-MOBIL.

Vehicle Warm-up

When starting a vehicle in cold weather allow the engine to idle for a
few seconds before driving off to insure proper oil flow and
lubrication. Do not allow engine to idle for a prolonged period after
start up in cold weather. This practice wastes fuel and does not warm
up drive train components. After starts, drive easily for several
miles to ensure proper vehicle warm-up.

Slow Down

Do not exceed speed limits and keep safe driving distances.
Unnecessary speed up, slow downs and stops can decrease fuel economy
by up to two miles per gallon. Avoid gas-wasting jackrabbit starts and
pace your driving to help avoid the need for sudden stops, which is
especially critical during wet and icy road conditions.

Icy Windows and Locks

Make sure you have window ice scrapers and de-icers available. Also,
make sure your windshield wipers and front and rear defrosters are
working properly. A de-icer for door locks is also useful, but a
heated key can help when locks are frozen. There are spray-type
traction aids for use in icy conditions that help when a vehicle is
stuck. Having a small shovel is also useful to dig out of the snow. A
bag of sand in the trunk will give added traction, but can be used to
sprinkle on the snow and ice to get better traction. And don't forget
personal protection such as a warm coat, hat and gloves, and a blanket
in case you get stuck in a storm.   

"Your car will be a more dependable means of transportation throughout
the winter if properly cared for," says Olszewski. "If you take care
of it, it will more likely take care of you. And it will do it for a
lot less money."

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