SAFETY &
EDUCATION
Winter, Your Car, and You
Driving in the winter means snow, sleet,
and ice that can lead to slower traffic,
hazardous road conditions, hot tempers and
unforseen dangers. To help you make it
safely through winter, here are some
suggestions from the National Safety
Council to make sure that you and your
vehicle are prepared.
Weather
At any temperature -- 20 degrees
Fahrenheit below zero or 90 degrees
Fahrenheit above -- weather affects road
and driving conditions and can pose serious
problems.
It is important to listen to forecasts on
radio, TV, cable weather channel, or
forecasts in the daily papers.
Your Car
Prepare your car for winter. Start with
a checkup that includes:
- Checking the ignition, brakes,
wiring, hoses and fan belts.
- Changing and adjusting the spark
plugs.
- Checking the air, fuel and emission
filters, and the PCV valve.
- Inspecting the distributor.
- Checking the battery.
- Checking the tires for air, sidewall
wear and tread depth.
- Checking antifreeze leve and the
freeze line.
Your car should have a tune-up (check
the owner’s manual for the recommended
interval) to ensure better gas mileage,
quicker starts and faster response on
pick-up and passing power.
Necessary Equipment
An emergency situation on the road can
arise at any time and you must be prepared.
Following the tuneup, a full tank of gas,
and fresh anti-freeze, your trunk should
carry:
- A properly inflated spare tire, wheel
wrench and tripod-type jack
- A shovel
- Jumper cables
- Tow and tire chains
- A bag of salt or cat litter
- Tool kit
Essential Supplies
Be prepared with a "survival
kit" that should always remain in the
car. Replenish after use. Essential
supplies include:
- Working flashlight and extra
batteries
- Reflective triangles and
brightly-colored cloth
- Compass
- First aid kit
- Exterior windshield cleaner
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Wooden stick matches in a waterproof
container
- Scissors and string/cord
- Non-perishable, high energy foods
like unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits,
and hard candy.
In addition, if you are driving long
distances under cold, snowy, and icy
conditions, you should also carry supplies
to keep you warm such as:
- Heavy woolen mittens, socks, cap,
blankets
If You Become Stranded:
- Do not leave your car unless you know
exactly where you are, how far it is to
possible help, and are certain you will
improve your situation.
- To attract attention, light two
flares and place one at each end of the
car a safe distance away. Hang a brightly
colored cloth from your antenna.
- If you are sure the car’s exhaust
pipe is not blocked, run the engine and
heater for about 10 minutes every hour or
so depending upon the amount of gas in
the tank.
- To protect yourself from frostbite
and hypothermia use the woolen items and
blankets to keep warm.
- Keep at least one window open
slightly. Heavy snow and ice can seal a
car shut.
- Eat a hard candy to keep your mouth
moist.
Provided by the National Safety
Council
