Snow and Your Car

By: Matthew C. Keegan

Welcome to Winter! Snow, ice, and cold can be especially
challenging to the body and mind, as well as to important items
in your life, including your car. Is your vehicle ready for
winter? If not, there are some things you can do to help ensure
that your car will start on cold mornings and survive even the
nastiest winter weather.

Check under the hood. Make sure that your battery and all
of its connections are clean and fastened; hoses and belts
securely in place; your oil and oil filter changes up to date;
your air filter clean; the radiator flushed and refilled; and
your engine well tuned. One of the biggest contributors to a car
not starting is the battery. If it is old and needs to be
replaced, do it now before you take that long trip.

Look at the windshield. Besides obvious cracks in your
windshield which you can have replaced, make certain that the
wiper bay is free of debris. Ice and snow can freeze your wipers
in place making them completely ineffective. Never pour hot
water on a windshield to remove ice. You will remove ice all
right...and crack the glass in the process!

Observe the tires. Properly inflated all season tires are
usually all that you need for winter driving. In some areas,
however, chains may be required. Keep a set in your trunk for
emergency purposes.

Carry an emergency kit. It doesn't take much to get
stranded during winter. Even the best maintained vehicle can get
caught in a snow bank or stuck in a ditch. Carrying a fully
charged cell phone for emergency purposes is essential when
driving anywhere uninhabited. The following items should be a
part of an emergency kit you have stored in your vehicle at all
times:

*Flash light with spare batteries *Jumper cables *Tire chains
*Ice scraper/brush *Sand or kitty litter for traction *Auto
tools *Wire coat hanger *Flares *Candles, matches *Distress sign
*Medical kit *Gas line antifreeze; ice lock antifreeze spray

If you frequently travel back roads and find yourself in remote
areas, carrying an extra set of hats, gloves, and coats as well
as several blankets is wise. Some people carry chocolate with
them at all times which can be a great [and delicious!] energy
booster as well as fresh water [don't leave it in the car as it
will get frozen].

If you find yourself stuck in snow, make sure that the exhaust
pipe is free of all snow if you run your car while idled. Keep a
window cracked open to allow for air to circulate; turn the
engine off every ten minutes for a half hour or more to prevent
carbon monoxide build up inside of the car.

You can survive the hazards of winter by taking a little extra
care and caution. Properly equip your car today to ensure that
your next trip is a safe one regardless of the prevailing road
and weather conditions.

About the author:
Copyright 2006 -- Matt Keegan is a contributing writer
for the Auto Parts Warehouse where we encourage drivers to make
sure that their car's grille
free of snow and ice; ensuring that your car
fog lights are working, and your cargo
liner is clean.