With the holiday season in full gear, its time to make sure your car is ready for the road. Driving will account for most of the travel increase, with 33.2 million Americans expected to travel by car, up 2.1% from the 2008 season, according to AAA. Here are a few tips to keep you warm and safe, while you’re in the driver’s seat and traveling.
1.Time for Winter Service
It’s time to service your car for the winter, before you make your road trip. Follow the maintenance recommendations in your owner’s manual:
-Inspect the antifreeze, battery, belts, hoses, brakes, spare tire, tire jack and exterior lights. Replace the appropriate items as needed.
-Change your oil every 3,000 miles. Depending on the area of the country you live, you may need to change the weight of your oil to improve cold weather starting.
-Check the heater and defroster to determine if it is working properly.
-Examine and change your wiper blades if needed. Add some windshield washer deicer fluid in the reservoir of the engine compartment to help rid your car of light ice. Some vehicles may be equipped with heated windshield wipers. If this is the case, make sure they’re working properly.
-Visit the manufacturer, dealer or service repair shop Web site for winter discount specials. You may be able to save some money.
And if you need additional assistance in selecting a qualified repair shop or service technician, click here.
2. Tire Care
Based upon road conditions, you may need to adjust your tire pressure in order to gain traction. However, once you return to normal driving conditions readjust your tires. Check the placard on the inside driver’s door to determine the correct tire pressure for your vehicle.
-Make sure you have switched to an all-season or winter tires to navigate the roads. If you plan on traveling or reside in a snowy climate, make sure you have tires that can grip the snow. Some low profile tires may not be suitable for winter road conditions. To be on the safe side, check with the tire manufacturer.
-Rotate and balance your tires after every other oil change. (This recommendation applies to driver’s that service their vehicle every 3,000 miles.)
-Keep a tire gauge handy in the glove box unless your car is equipped with a standard electronic tire pressure system to monitor the tire pressure.
-Avoid driving on ice.
3. How to Use Safety Features
Your car may be equipped with such features as (ABS) anti-lock brakes, traction control, or an electronic stability control system. Make sure you know how to use these features. In case you need assistance, refer to the owner’s manual or consult a certified mechanic to help you understand the use and function of these features for winter driving.
-Does your car have anti-lock brakes? Unlike cars without anti-lock brakes, never pump the brakes to activate the system. A vehicle equipped will this safety feature helps the driver maintain more control with steering in case there is a sudden stop.
-Does your car have an all-speed traction control system or a restricted traction control system? By knowing this information, this may determine the speed you may be able to travel during extreme weather conditions.
-Does your vehicle have an (ECS) electronic stability control system? If you have a rear-wheel drive vehicle such as the Chrysler 300, Infiniti G37 or a SUV, this will help you maintain better control of your car when over-steering or under-steering and the ability to navigate the roads with ease.
-Does your car have an auto shift feature? Auto shift is similar to having a manual transmission vehicle except there is no clutch. This safety component allows the driver to have more control of the vehicle in cold slippery driving conditions and in many other situations by simply activating a button on the steering column or by maneuvering the gear shifter if your vehicle is equipped with this feature. Check your owner’s manual to determine if this option is available on your vehicle.
-Does your car offer such luxury accoutrements as heated seats and a heated steering wheel?
-Does you car have a keyless starter? This is great to have when you warming or de-icing your car during the winter. This component allows the driver to start the car without the use of a key. Check with your local dealer or automotive parts store if you’re interested in adding to your vehicle. A number of GM's newer vehicles offer this feature. Starter kits range from $50 to $300.
-Do you know how to use your navigational system? This is an electronic voice-activated mapping system available in many of today’s cars which assists the driver in reaching a predetermined destination. In case your car wasn’t equipped with this option, you can also purchase an aftermarket system through your local automotive parts store.
-Is it time to reactivate GM's OnStar, subscription-based personal concierge or reactivate your subscription-based satellite radio? Satellite radio will help travelers keep abreast of traffic situations in major cities.
4. Carry a 9-1-1 Safety Kit
You never know when you may be stuck in a traffic jam or an accident in cold weather. Just in case, you should always be prepared. For less than $30 you can purchase an emergency travel kit from Walmart, Target, your local automotive parts store or make your own emergency kit.
-Keep a cell phone and cell phone charger with you. Avoid texting while driving unless your vehicle is equipped with a voice activated system.
-Carry some bottle water and healthy snacks with you in case you become stranded.
-Make sure someone not traveling with you knows your travel plans.
-Keep a blanket, some comfortable travel gear and some old worn out walking shoes and/or winter boots in the cargo area. You never know when you will become stranded for an extended period of time or have to walk or repair your vehicle.
-Have an emergency roadside plan which includes towing, tire changing or lockout services. Check with your insurance carrier, AAA, AARP or GM Motor Club to purchase a plan. Most plans range from $36 to $100 a year. It’s worth the investment. In case you don’t want to invest in a plan, keep a pair of jumper cables or gloves handy.
-And don’t forget to keep an ice scraper, bandages, a working flash light, an emergency road sign, road flares and a gallon of windshield wiper de-icer fluid in the cargo area or near the second row of seats.
5. Deicing the Windshield
We’ve all experience the glaze of ice on our windshield when the temperature falls below freezing and your vehicle has been exposed to the elements.
-Purchase a deicer solution from your local Walmart, Target or automotive parts store.
-Whip up your own solution, to save money, by simply mixing half water and half vinegar in a container to apply to the windshield.
-Place a blanket over the windshield. Make sure it is secured so that it doesn’t blow away! Don’t use this remedy for a snow storm.
-Turn the front and rear defrosters on while, you let the light ice evaporate from your windshields. In case your car isn’t garaged and it’s chili outside, lock your door with a spare set of keys while the car is running in case you need to step back inside. This will minimize the possibility of your car being stolen.
By following the aforementioned tips, this should keep you and your passengers warm and safe as you navigate the roads this holiday season. And make sure you’re receiving the optimal performance for your vehicle by keeping a full tank of the gas recommended by some of the world’s top automakers. Until next time, buckle up and adjust your speed according to the driving conditions.
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