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Last Updated: Mar 26th, 2006 - 13:41:45 |
(NAPSI)-Getting ready for colder weather can put car owners on the road to safer driving.
"Prepare your vehicle for the inclement weather that you know is coming soon," said Andy Cella, technical education manager for the Northeast zone of BFS Retail and Commercial Operations, LLC (BFRC). Your best bet is to have the whole vehicle checked by a professional and serviced according to the recommendations in your owner's manual. Doing it now sure beats needing a road service on a cold night."
Wet fall weather can create hazardous driving conditions. Your tires often determine how well you will be able to stop, go or turn and it's important to remember these precautions when driving in wet or snowy conditions:
• If you want a tire that will perform better in rain, select tires enhanced for wet weather driving and traction.
• Maintain your tires for better traction when the roads are slick. This includes proper rotation, inflation, alignment and replacement. Have your tires inspected twice a year by a professional.
• Be prepared for longer stopping distances on wet pavement. Slow down in wet weather to improve traction.
• Try to avoid abrupt movements when braking, accelerating or turning.
• Be cautious of wet leaves: they can be extremely slippery.
Safety Tip: If you feel your vehicle start to hydroplane, gently take your foot off the accelerator and try to regain road feel. Do not abruptly press on the brake pedal or you could lose control of your automobile.
While winter tires reduce the danger of driving through rough conditions, the following tips may increase your safety.
• All four tires should be season mud & snow tires.
• Reduce your speed during adverse driving conditions.
• Under-inflation in winter lessens a tire's gripping action because the tread will not meet the road surface as it is designed to do. This also occurs with over-inflation. Check tires once a month with an accurate pressure gauge when the car has been sitting for at least three hours or driven for less than a mile at moderate speed.
Safety Tip: Stock your car with a traction mat, a shovel, a bag of sand or kitty litter, flares, blankets, water, flashlight, canned food, a cell phone and reflective Help sign. Keep your gas tank at least half full during the winter.
To learn more about seasonal driving tips and maintenance, visit www.MasterCareUSA.com.
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