How to Prepare Your Car For Winter Driving

Most everyone takes the time to winterize their home. But when it comes to their car many of us either don't know how or never think that it also needs to be prepared for the winter season.

But for the safety of you and your family it's very important that you do some basic maintenance to prepare your car for winter driving.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Check the antifreeze.
   This is something that you should do at least twice a year. Because if the fluid level is to long the engine could overheat and possibly damage the engine block. To avoid the risk of injury to yourself always make sure that the engine is completely cooled before you check antifreeze levels.

2. Check your cars tires.
   Car tires that show excessive wear on the treds should be replaced. It's also important to regularly check the tire pressure. This is especially important during cold weather.

3. Check your windshield wiper blades.
   Visibility is very important during winter driving so you need to check and replace worn out wiper blades. This is also a good time to make sure that your washer fluid tank is filled with a washer fluid that contains a de-icer.

4. Inspect the engines hoses and belts.
   Any that show wear such as frays or cracks should be replaced. This can mean the difference between you possibly becoming stranded should a hose or belt break.

5. Put together an emergency kit.
   This should include a sack of sand or cat litter for traction in case that you get stuck,a flashlight and batteries, blankets,extra clothing,food bars,fresh water,jumper cables,flares,windshield scraper,water proof matches,pot for possibly melting snow,knife and a cell phone.

Tips & Warnings

• It never hurts to be prepared.

[motherNN]

on 10/26/2009 Very important to do this NOW before winter's worse is here. 5*