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Last Updated: Mar 26th, 2006 - 13:41:45 |
(NUI) - Each year, unprepared motorists find themselves stranded on roadsides thanks to the winter's unrelenting wrath. However, preparing your vehicle before the first flake of snow hits the ground can prevent many of those mishaps and accidents.
Here are a few tips to help your vehicle run better during the chilling winter months:
* Keep emergency items handy. Carrying basic emergency items in your vehicle could save your life. Always keep a set of jumper cables, an inflated spare tire, first aid kit and basic tools in the trunk of your vehicle. It's smart to include a shovel and a piece of carpet or sand to put under tires if they aren't gripping on the ice. Be sure to keep a sleeping bag and some blankets in the vehicle in case of breakdown. Transistor radios, flashlights and cell phones also are helpful items.
* Do a walkthrough of your vehicle. Before you head out on the road, check your vehicle's brakes, belts, locks, hoses and tire pressure. Also, be sure to check your charging system, battery, battery cables and alternator to ensure proper operation.
* Maintain proper fluid levels. Oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid and gas are the basic fluids your car will need to survive this winter.
Selecting the right oil for your vehicle is as important as selecting the proper clothing for the winter elements. Oil keeps the engine properly lubricated and should always be clean and plentiful.
Using a superior synthetic motor oil, such as Castrol Syntec, can help provide even further protection against the cold winter. A unique, low-temperature formulation such as Syntec SAE 5W-30 provides exceptional pumpability in cold weather and allows for unaided engine starts down to 30 degrees below zero.
Always keep a full tank of gas in your vehicle to prevent the fuel lines from freezing. Add a bottle of de-icer to the tank for further protection against the winter elements.
* Keep a clear view when you drive. Keeping an ice scraper and snowbrush in your vehicle is good practice. It is important that your wiper blades are in good condition and work well. Applying a water repellent such as Castrol AccuVision to the exterior of your windshield and windows will increase your wet weather driving visibility by up to 40 percent.
* Clean your car. Harsh winter elements such as salt and other de-icing chemicals can cause serious damage to the body and bottom of a vehicle. Wash your vehicle on dry, warmer days. For best results, vehicles should be washed with detergents made for cleaning cars' painted surfaces, such as Castrol Super Clean Car Wash.
While breakdowns and accidents do happen, following these simple tips can help prevent them from occurring this winter. For more information on driving safety and other car care tips, visit www.castrolusa.com/asktheex pert.
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