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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2017-10-19, Page 17Getting into good winter habits Driving a point home Keeping windshields clean, along with the rest of a vehicle, isn't just a good habit in the winter, it's the law in many provinces. Having snow or ice that can fall on a windshield, or worse, a following car, can cause significant hazards for winter drivers. Scraping the snow and ice off a windshield not only provides a clear view of the road, but also prevents potential damage to wiper blades. (NC photo) Continued from page 16 your view. It can also blow onto other cars, temporarily blocking their view or damaging their vehicle. Still not convinced? In some provinces, you can receive a hefty fine if your vehicle is not cleared properly. • Taking a late brake: While braking late is never a good idea, adding wet conditions and icy roads can spell disaster. Slamming the brakes often can increase wear to the braking system and affect your steering components and bearings. Ready for NC — There is never a convenient time to be stuck on the side of the road, but breaking down or getting stranded in the winter can be both frustrating and dangerous. Proper vehicle maintenance should be practiced all year long, and is particularly important this season as visibility is limited and temperatures drop. "Cold weather can put punishing demands on the electronic and mechanical components of your vehicle," says Michael Bettencourt, managing editor at autoTRADER.ca. "Taking a few minutes to prepare your vehicle for winter can save a lot of time and stress if you ever run into trouble." Weather can be unpredictable and road conditions can change in an instant. You'll be glad you spent the time to prepare yourself and your vehicle for the winter months should the unexpected happen. Below are a few tips from the experts: • Healthy habits: As a general rule, it is a good idea to ensure you have enough fuel to reach your destination safely, but particularly during the winter months when fuel economy can be made worse by snowy conditions. Keeping a fully charged cell phone is also good practice in the event you need to call for assistance. It's also a good idea to always have jumper cables on hand. • Vehicle inspection: There are certain features that you likely won't know aren't working properly until you need them, so it is important to Driving cautiously and keeping further distance between cars will prevent the need to slam on the brakes, avoiding a spinout or potential fender bender. • Forgetting to switch tires: Failing to switch to winter or all- weather tires once the temperature falls below 7°C is one of the riskiest moves you can make when it comes to winter driving. All-weather tires are becoming increasingly popular as their flexibility and design benefit a variety of drivers and driving preferences. Drivers who choose to go with an all-weather over a traditional winter tire experience the benefits of increased traction and control in cold conditions with or without ice and snow, and do not have to worry about storing the second set or seasonal changeovers. Winter tires, by comparison, will offer two to three times the number of sipes (slits in the rubber) than conventional all-weather tires, providing hundreds of extra biting edges for better traction. winter's challenges • test them occasionally to ensure they are functioning prior to an emergency. Visibility is very important, so ensure your defrost function and headlights are working, you have a decent snow brush, your windshield wipers are in good shape and the windshield washer fluid is topped up. Having a spare jug in the trunk is never a bad idea either. The onset of winter is also a good time to inspect your battery, oil and transmission fluid, tire inflation and Continued on page 18 Neil's Repair Service General repairs to all makes of cars, trucks, farm equipment and ATVs • Tune-ups • Tires • Exhaust • Air Conditioning • Transmissions • Brakes • Licensed MTO Motor Vehicle Inspection Station MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTION STATION Neil Warwick, Owner 519-357-9508 183 Clyde Street, Bluevale THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2017. PAGE 17. Plan your next roadtrip at northhuron.on.ca 140 • XR IP rei �Q vi (. NAPA AUTO PARTS ;1w SEAFORTH ii , AUTOMOTIVE 58 Main St., Seaforth 519-527-0880 Carter's�. AUf OB©DY ollision. Restoration. Detailing Carter Cloakey Licensed Technician Owner & Operator 84561 Clegg Line, Brussels, ON 519-440-2252 = ..V....=:',..- - g..,� -=--= \ 'cif i ji o to, �0 /: Don't wait until it Snows! Inventory is moving fast Booking now for snow tire installations Light truck and passenger • Sailun •Hercules Let us give you a quote on special orders frompe • Michelin • Bridgestone • Firestone Prices include: installation, clean and buff rims, ,t balancing, new valves, torqued to spec and OTS (disposal fee). HST extra 1' r 'f' (,-- 4A � >'1ot r,�� �' Ehee600Mn We can store your off-season tires 1 !I'h N% h 11,1 /...... Bro 4. -4,0. ; o o!A ,t,,t 104 Pine �., 519-357-3712 WEYE BEEN MARJO A La461' \ h T■ re%l St., Wingham `A 4 ,moi- Extend the Life of Your Vehicle Dripless Oil Undercoating • Can extend the life of your vehicle with preventative rust protection for vehicle body and underbody • VOC compliant products ensure less - pollutants are released into the atmosphere providing cleaner air and a healthier environment. All products applied meet new and lower VOC regulations 2010. Jack Van Dorp is a red seal certified technician with more than 20 years experience Winter Maintenance Checklist Snow Tire Installation Brakes Checked Oil, Lube & Filter Service Winter Service 523-9308 E� rpm Ie 1 ill ill �A, -geherra/Repair, J 2 miles south of Blyth corner of London Rd. & Hullett McKillop Rd., Central Huron Book your service today 519-523-9308