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                         February 8, 2002

Maintenance, safe driving can get anyone through the toughest winters

Compiled by Irene Brown
Editor

Editor’s note: The following contains some information from the American Automobile Association.

With all the warm weather in the Northeast this winter, many people are not even thinking about Old Man Winter descending on the Hudson Valley. But since chances are he will make an appearance before the spring flowers bloom, the following are some tips to keep your car -- and yourself -- prepared for winter driving.

Rain, snow and ice reduce tire traction and compromise your control. What’s the solution? Get winter tires.

Winter tires dig into loose snow and compress it into their large tread grooves (like packing a snowball), resulting in snow-to-snow traction. You can choose from three types:

- High performance winter tires were designed to meet strict government regulations for European highway driving. They have large directional and/or asymmetric treads to enhance handling and steering, resist hydroplaning and navigate slush.

- Studless winter tires increase traction on ice through the use of advanced tread rubber compounds. They are an alternative to studded tires, which are forbidden in many states.

- Studdable winter tires are popular for light truck owners and drivers who spend a lot of time on snow and ice-covered roads. Small carbide "studs" that chip into ice can be inserted by your tire specialist.

Fall and early winter are critical times to check tire inflation pressures.

- For every 10-degree Fahrenheit change in temperature, your tire’s inflation changes about one pound per square inch (psi) (up with higher temperatures and down with lower).

- Check your tire pressure in the morning before you drive a few miles. If you park in an attached or heated garage, you will "lose" pressure when you leave its warmth.

Look for thin or uneven tread wear by taking a Lincoln-head penny and inserting it -- Lincoln-head first -- into your tire tread at the most worn part of the tire. If you see the top of Lincoln’s head, you may need new tires. Cut or damaged sidewalls can collapse under severe conditions.

Check the battery. It takes more power to start a car in the cold. Ensure clean, tight connections and proper fluid levels. Clean corrosion (a whitish powder) from battery terminals.

Check the cooling system. The coolant system keeps a car warm. Check the level, acidity and concentration of radiator fluids every 3,000 miles. A mixture of 50 percent anti-freeze and 50 percent water will protect

down to minus 40 degrees

Fahrenheit.

Add a de-icer to the fuel to

keep moisture in the fuel system

from freezing.

Change the oil, oil filter

Check the owner’s manual for

the grade of oil recommended for

winter. Often, 10w30 oil works

year-round.

Inspect the air filter, rubber hoses and drive belts and replace as necessary. Also check the fluid levels (transmission, brake, differential, power steering and window washer fluid).

Prepare a winter safety kit to keep in the car at all times. Include:

- Winter necessities, like an ice scraper, tire chains, washer fluid, boots and gloves, and sand, kitty litter or old house shingles for traction.

- Emergency supplies such as extra clothing and blankets, flashlight with spare batteries, energy bars or dried snacks, drinking water, a battery-powered radio with spare batteries, a first aid kit, booster cables, safety flares, a small shovel, and a jug of water and funnel for radiator refills.

- "Fix-it" supplies like a screwdriver, pliers, rubber hammer, wrench, a can of penetrating oil, an old scarf and belt for emergency hose repairs, and a small throw rug and old shower curtain (for kneeling next to the car or getting under it).

No matter how safe the car is, winter driving requires extra attention. Brake, accelerate and steer gently. Remember these tips, too:

- As every driver’s education teacher repeats, steer into a skid.

- Never follow too close behind.

- If you get stuck in the snow, throw kitty litter, old newspapers or dirt in front of and behind the drive wheels.

- In snowy conditions, drive in lower gears. Avoid using overdrive.

- Always keep the gas tank full.