Winter Car Care

Want to save money on car repairs and costly emergencies?

Make it a point to schedule into your calendar a winter booster check for your
car.

Keep these tips in mind for your winter travel, and you'll have a safer winter
travel season all around!

A gas tank which is kept filled helps keep moisture from forming. Make it a
habit to go ahead and fill up when your tank is half empty.

Change your oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles or so if your driving is
mostly stop-and-go or consists of frequent short trips. Personally, I'd change
my oil every 2000 miles, regardless. It will save you loads of trouble in the
long run. Go ahead. Schedule it into the planner.

Wiper blades are one of those things we usually never think about until we need
them, and they're not working! Have you ever tried driving in sleet and snow
with impaired visibility, thanks to dud wipers?

Talk about nerve-wracking! Go ahead and replace old wiper blades. If your
climate is harsh, purchase rubber-clad (winter) blades to fight ice build-up.
Stock up on windshield washer solvent. You'll be surprised how much you use.
And, of course, carry an ice-scraper. I keep one in the car, and one in the
house - just in case my doors freeze and I can't open them immediately.

Make sure your heater and defroster are in good working condition.

Worn tires don't help any time of year, least of all in winter weather. Examine
tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the
sidewalls for cuts and nicks. It's a good idea to check tire pressures once a
month. Let the tires "cool down" before checking the pressure. Don't forget to
rotate your tires, too!

Make sure you have a spare and that the jack is in good condition.

Be prepared for emergencies, even if you live in a warmer climate. A winter
emergency list should include gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small shovel,
sand or kitty litter, tire chains, a flash light, and a cell phone.

Put a few "high-energy" snacks in your glove box. You can buy survival aids in
the camping section of your sporting goods store.

It may take you less than an hour to get your car checked for winter and
prepare for any emergency. That's time well spent and it can save you a giant
headache this winter season!

Indeed, it could even save your life and the lives of those you love.