Yesterday there was frost on my porch, and
today, my neighbor is out in shorts. As we all know, this is
typical Hampton Roads weather, and it can turn on us without a second's
notice. Now, this fickle weather might not only take a toll on
your sinuses, but on your car as well. Now is the perfect time
to start preparing for Jack Frost. And, trust me; you do not
want to put off your winterizing. Thanks to a
Checkered
Flag Hyundai customer for sending me a link to this following
fantastic winter check list for all of our
Checkered Flag
drivers.
Article courtesy of [
Rairdon.com]
We've
all heard the stories coming out from the nightmare commute
yesterday. I personally know several people who didn't make it
home for 14 hours! Driving in the winter means snow, sleet
and ice that can lead to slower traffic, hazardous road conditions, hot
tempers and unforeseen 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°
Fahrenheit below zero or 90° Fahrenheit above -- weather affects road
and driving conditions and can pose serious problems. It is important to
monitor forecasts on the Web, radio, TV, cable weather channel, or 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
levels and the freeze line.
*
Your car should have a tune-up from one of 6 Rairdon locations. (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. In
addition to making sure you have the tune-up, a full tank of gas, and
fresh anti-freeze, you should carry the following items in your
trunk:
* Properly inflated spare
tire, wheel wrench and tripod-type
jack
*
Shovel
* Jumper
cables
* Tow and tire
chains
* 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, a cap and 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.
End of
article.
Now, if you are like me, you don't have a
whole lot of time on your hands between family and friends and work and
holiday madness, so I suggest, do as I do and bring your car or truck in
to your nearest
Checkered Flag
Service location and ask for winterizing specials.
While you are there, you can swing over to the parts department and pick
up safety equipment, first aid kits, and even assorted holiday gifts
for the auto-lovers on your list.
If you
would like to schedule winterizing or any other service at
Checkered Flag
Service call (757)490-1111 or choose the following
link:
Virginia Beach
Service Center
