Winterize Vehicles Now for Fun in the Snow

DES MOINES, Wash.--Dec. 2, 20051, 2005--Today's officially the first day of winter, and Jiffy Lube is reminding regional drivers that automobiles require special attention in cold weather. Last winter (November 2004 - February 2005), AAA Washington alone responded to more than 148,000 statewide emergency road assistance calls. This season, as Western Wash. winter-sports enthusiasts travel to the mountains for fun in the snow, making sure vehicles are reliable is an important part of safe and enjoyable outings. Some simple, preventive-maintenance steps will help prepare drivers for the region's snow, ice and cold.

Whether it's skiing, boarding, hunting, steelheading or snowmobiling in the Cascade or Olympic mountain ranges, safely traveling to and from winter destinations requires preparation. There are special precautions local drivers should take to ensure winter fun does not turn into frustration.

Jiffy Lube's expert automotive technicians recommend that winter drivers consider upgrading to semi-synthetic or full-synthetic motor oil for increased engine-oil flow and starting performance. Both synthetic-blend oil, consisting of conventional motor oil with synthetic additives, and full-synthetic oil, consisting of no conventional oil but time-released molecules with superior cooling, cleaning, sealing and continuous-lubrication properties, will provide added protection in the extreme temperatures of mountain climates. Synthetic and synthetic blend oils will also protect against engine strain when hauling heavy loads into snowy terrain.

Jiffy Lube's technicians also note that the practice of changing oil weights for the winter/summer seasons is no longer advisable since today high-performance cars are engineered for specific oil weights.

Other winterizing steps that all drivers should consider include:

-- Check both the temperature and PH levels of antifreeze. Time and the addition of water can make antifreeze acidic, which may eat away at rubber hoses, or alkaline, which can cause deposit buildup in water pumps.

-- Monitor battery power and terminal connections.

-- Travel with an emergency kit such as jumper cables, ice scraper, shovel, a flashlight, extra batteries, blankets, deicer, flares, water and a cell phone.

-- Carry chains and sand (or kitty litter works too) for extra traction.

-- Keep tires inflated to recommended levels.

-- Fill the windshield wiper fluid reservoir.

-- Check external lights.

-- Replace windshield wipers.

"Western Washington poses some very unusual weather issues for drivers, especially winter-sports enthusiasts who travel from the relatively warm and protected lowlands to our local mountains," states Richard Jennings, President of Thompson Family Jiffy Lube Western Washington. "Some simple preparation and preventative maintenance can make the difference between a day of fun in the snow and the cold, frustrating hours waiting for a tow truck, a jump or just trying to get home."

More than 80 Jiffy Lube service centers are conveniently located throughout Western Washington and can help drivers get their vehicles in shape for the winter months, as well as increase gas mileage. A Jiffy Lube Signature Service(R) Oil Change takes only a few minutes to perform and includes up to five quarts of fresh motor oil and a new oil filter. It also features a fuel-efficiency review that includes an assessment of air filters and tire pressure, among other preventative maintenance services. A convenient Jiffy Lube can be found by visiting www.jiffylube.com and utilizing the front-page store locater.

About Jiffy Lube Western Washington

The owners and operators of the Jiffy Lube Western Washington network have served the Puget Sound for 25 years. Jiffy Lube pioneered the fast oil change industry in 1979 by establishing the first drive-through service bay, providing customers with faster professional service for their vehicles. Visit www.jiffylube.com to learn more about Jiffy Lube and its complete selection of fluid change and preventive maintenance services.