1. Preparing Your Car for Winter Driving
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Preparing Your Car for Winter Driving

2. Fuel System
Verify that your fuel and air filters are in good condition, it's best to replace these items before cold weather begins
Add appropriate additives to your gas tank periodically to avoid water condensation in your fuel lines
Keeping a full tank of gas also helps

3. Brakes Make sure that brake wear and brake fluid levels are fine
If brakes are excessively wore or brake fluid too low, brakes can grab, which is a serious hazard on snow and ice

4. Tires Make sure they are properly inflated and tread is good
You might want to invest in winter tread tires that give you added traction
If you are driving in a remote area, chains and studded tires may be authorized

5. Snow Tires
A “snow-tread tire" is a relatively deep aggressive tread pattern compared to a conventional passenger tread pattern
Tires can be identified by checking the sidewall of the tire where the letters MS, M/S, M+S or the word SNOW have been stamped into the sidewall

6. Exhaust System
Make sure pipes are not damaged since you often drive with your car completely closed in winter
A malfunctioning exhaust system can expose you and your passengers to carbon monoxide poisoning

7. Defroster, Heater, Lights
Make sure all are functional
Drive with lights on to make yourself visible to others
Clear all windows and lights of frost and snow

8. Wipers & Washer Fluid
Make sure wipers are working properly and the washer fluid reservoir is full
Use the car defroster and a clean cloth to keep windows free of fog

9. Proper Oil Grade In winter months your car needs different oil
If you are in an area where the temperature falls below -20*F (-29*C), consider using either an SAE 5W-30synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil
Both will provide easier cold staring and better protection for your engine at extremely low temperatures. The numbers on the oil container show its viscosity, or thickness

10. Oil
If you change your own oil be sure you use oil that has the starburst symbol on the front of the oil container
This symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API)
DON"T ADD TOO MUCH OIL!!

11. Battery
Make sure your battery terminals are clean and in good condition
Also, by changing your spark plugs before the cold weather, it will greatly ensure the staring of your vehicle in the winter months

12. Cooling System
Check the antifreeze level to ensure that your car is ready for colder temperatures
Less Water = Less Freezing

13. Driving Tips Allow enough time Keep tank full Slow down
Be more observant
Stock your car with basic winter driving equipment:
Scraper and brush, shovel, jumper cables, tow chains and bag of sand or cat litter for traction, blanket, boots, flashlight, road flares, radio or cell phone

14. Driving Tips In case you're stranded while driving in winter:
Stay in your vehicle
Avoid overexertion
Calm down and think
Keep fresh air in your vehicle
Don't run the engine
Keep our blood circulating freely
Don't expect to be comfortable
Dial 911

15. QUESTIONS?