This winter you can continue to be a safe driver even if you’re faced with the challenges of traveling into unfamiliar winter conditions. As you finalize you plans for the family’s ski trip or far-off adventure with relatives, prepare yourself and your car for the cold facts of winter travel.
Equipment Check
Before you leave your neighborhood:
- Check your battery and charging system for damaged wires or distributor cap problems.
- Be sure all lights are functioning properly – from headlights to taillights and from emergency flashers to directional signals.
- Check that your brakes work evenly and don’t pull to one side.
- Check tire balance, air pressure and wheel alignment.
- Check your heating/cooling system for radiator and hose leaks and be sure your front and rear defrosters are working well.
- Replace old/worn windshield wiper blades; fill washer fluid dispenser.
- Assemble a winter road emergency kit containing:
A bag of sand, salt or kitty litter
Small utility shovel
Snow brush/scraper
Booster cables
Emergency flares/lights
Fuel line de-icer fluid
Paper towers or rags
Flashlight and extra batteries
Blanket and gloves
First aid kit
Emergency snacks and water
Matches and emergency candles
“Call Police” or “Help” banners
Germania Today Winter 2011