Check:
√ Lights – Check headlights, taillights, turn signals, reverse lights, and horn.
√ Antifreeze/Coolant – Check the level with simple test strips.
√ Tire Wear – Check not just if the tread has worn down, but also for any sign of uneven wear. It may mean a suspension or alignment problem.
√ Tire Pressure – Check for the proper pressures in your owner’s 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 1-2 pounds of air 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, the problem may be the battery—have it checked.
√ Brakes – Does your brake pedal seem a little soft? Is stopping your vehicle taking longer than it should? Have your brake fluid and brake system checked by a professional. Now is the time—not when it is too late!
√ Oil Change – Make sure you change your oil every 3000-5000 miles. Check the 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 six 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.
√ Tune-up – If your gas mileage seems like less than it was and your car is running rough, now is the time to have a check-up. We recommend using platinum-tipped spark 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. It has a yellowish color, different from the usual blue stuff.
√ Snow Tires – Even if you have a four-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, for all seasons—in average weather, or when the snow is deep and the roads are slippery.
Carry:
Carry these items in your trunk in a box or duffel bag.
√ Jumper cables and a self-contained battery—the safest choice!
√ Flashlight with new batteries
√ Tire-inflation product
√ First-aid kit
√ LED light source 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 charging cable
√ Paper towels
√ Glass cleaner
√ Extra washer fluid
√ Work gloves
√ Basic tools
Clean:
√ Clean and wax your vehicle at least once a week!
√ Include windshields, back window, side windows, headlights, and taillights.
√ Make sure to clean wiper blades and snow from the top and hood of your car.
The secret to a safe winter: See and be seen!
Source: http://parade.com/234897/laurenfix/your-winter-driving-safety-checklist/
No comments:
Post a Comment