The Four C's of Winter Driving

Check:

• Lights - Headlights, taillights, turn signals, reverse lights and horn.
• Antifreeze/ Coolant - Check level and if it’s still good with simple test strips.
• Tire Wear - Not just if there is no tread but also any sign of uneven wear. It may mean a suspension or alignment problem.
• Tire Pressure - Check for the proper pressures in your owners manual or door placard (not the numbers on the side wall). Don’t forget to check your spare tire too! For every 10ºF of outside temperature change – you will lose 1 pound of pressure!
• Leaks - Check under the hood and where you park your car for any signs of leaks. These should be repaired as soon as you notice them.
• Battery - If you are having trouble starting your car - it may be the battery - have it checked.
• Brakes - Does your brake pedal seem a little soft? Is it taking longer to stop your vehicle? Have your brake fluid and brake system checked by a professional. Now is the time - not when it is too late!
• Oil Change - Every 3-5000 miles. Check your maintenance section of the owner’s manual. Be sure to get a good quality, name brand oil and oil filter. Check your oil once per month. If it looks dark brown - change it.
• Air Filter - Change air filters every 12,000 miles or every 6 months. It’s easy to do it yourself! Be sure to get a quality name brand filter. This will give you better fuel economy and performance.
• Squeaks - If your doors or car squeaks, have a professional check it out. It may be something simple like a door hinge and a little needed lubricant.
• Tune-up - If your gas mileage seems like its less than it was and your car is running rough - now is the time to have a check up. We recommend using OEM sparks plugs.

Change:

• Winter Wiper Blades - The protective sleeve will help keep the blade on your windshield.
• Winter Washer Fluid – De-Icer washer fluid will make your life easier on those real bad days. Some major brands are a yellowish color instead of the blue stuff.
• Snow tires - Even if you have a 4 wheel drive vehicle, winter tires are your safest way to travel in bad weather. They are designed for cold weather driving. All season tires are just that, all seasons in average weather, when the snow is deep and the roads are slippery, winter tires make a real safe difference.

Carry:
Carry these items in your trunk in a box or duffel bag.

• Jumper cables - (Jump it- self contained battery and jumper cables) - The safest choice!
• Tire Chains – A great item to carry if the roads get icy or the weather gets out of control.
• Flashlight with new batteries
• Tire inflator
• First aid kit
• Flare and safety triangle
• Protein bars - In case you are stuck and waiting for help.
• Bottled water
• Snow brush with ice scraper - Get the best one you can find.
• Blanket for every passenger
• Cell phone - Inexpensive emergency plans are available.
• Road service card - Especially good if you travel out of town.
• Maps
• Paper towels
• Glass cleaner
• Extra washer fluid
• Work Gloves
• Basic tools

Clean:

• Clean your vehicle and undercarriage to protect your investment.
• Clean and wax your vehicle at least once a week!
• Windshields, back window and side windows, headlights and taillights.
• Wiper blades and snow from the top and hood of your car.

This article was copied from http://www.carcarenewsservice.org/

Midwest Automotive & Diesel is a full service automotive repair facility serving the Champagin and Urbana Illinois area . We specialize in everything automotive. From tune-ups to complete engine overhauls, from fluid flushes to transmission diagnostics and rebuilds. Bumper to bumper, we are the experts. Don't forget to check us out on Facebook.  or give us a call at 217-352-7343

 
The SECRET To A Safe Winter - See and be seen!