HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2011-10-27, Page 16PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2011.
Prepare for winter driving
MS –Thanks to global climate
change, many of the weather
patterns we’ve grown accustomed to
in the past are no longer the norm
today. It seems much of the country
experiences shorter than normal
days of moderate spring and fall
weather, with seasons simply
switching from scorching sun one
moment to chilly temperatures and
snow the next. That means it’s never
too early to take a refresher course
in preparing for safe winter driving.
Winter weather takes all of the
usual road hazards and steps them
up a notch. Slippery roadways,
congestion, road rage, pedestrian
traffic – all of these situations seem
magnified when the weather is poor
and daylight is waning. Although
winter driving may be frustrating,
there are ways to prepare for the
season and prevent accidents and
injuries.
Prepare
It’s important to check that a
vehicle is in top shape before the
cold weather sets in. Pay special
attention to the tires. If tires are bald
or their wear is significant, that
could prove hazardous on weather-
slicked roads. Have tires replaced
before the first snowfall. The same
can be said when switching from
regular performance tires to all-
weather or snow tires. Be sure to
change all of the tires on the car,
even if it is just a front-wheel drive
vehicle.
Now is the time to also get a tune-
up on the vehicle. Cold weather can
make it hard for a car to perform its
best and any problems should be
eliminated before they spiral out of
control.
Be sure to top off any fluids in the
car, especially windshield washer
fluid you might need to improve
visibility during a storm. Check the
function of wiper blades and change
them if they aren’t up to snuff.
Consult with a mechanic to find out
if it is adviseable to switch motor oil
viscosity during the winter to
improve flow through the engine
and help with cold start turnover.
It also helps to stock up on
supplies should you get stranded or
stuck:
• snow shovel
• scraper/brush
• tire chains
• flashlight (with extra batteries)
• abrasive material like cat litter,
sand, or salt
• jumper cables
• flares or reflective triangles
• brightly coloured cloth to signal
for help
• empty water-tight container with
candles, matches or lighter, bottled
water and a snack
• sleeping bags or blankets, ski
caps and mittens
• first-aid supplies
Skidding
How best to manoeuver a car
when it starts to skid depends on
how the vehicle handles. If the rear
wheels skid, turn the steering wheel
Don’t Give Up A Thing.
High Traction Tread
SNOW GROOVE M.G.M.
TOWNSEND TIRE
WE’LL KEEP YOU ROLLING
40356 LONDESBORO RD.,
LONDESBOROUGH
BUSINESS: 519-523-4742
TOLL FREE: 1-877-619-7877
EMAIL: ttyr@tcc.on.ca
2003 Pontiac Montana -brown, 4 dr.,V6, auto, loaded, 7 pass., TV/DVD, 140,000 km. . . . $4,995.
2003 Dodge Caravan -silver, 3.3 L, auto, 7 pass., 171,753 km . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,495.
1998 Chrysler Concorde -taupe, loaded, 3.2 L, V6, 202,141 kms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,495.
1984 Rampage -neon green, 4 cyl, auto, 169,950 kms.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,295.
2002 Chev Impala - blue, 3400, V6, 4 dr., loaded, 242,977 km . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,295.
2003 Chev Malibu - green, 3100,V6, 4 dr., loaded, 198,810 km. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,995.
1997 Ford Taurus GL - green 3 L, V6, loaded, 4 dr., 165,665 km . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,995.
2003 Ford Taurus LX - red, 3 L, V6, loaded, 4 dr., 201,714 km. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,995.
2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee - brown, 4 L, 6 cyl., loaded, 4x4, 227,947 km. . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,995.
2002 Ford F150 -burgundy, loaded, 4.6 L, V8, ext. cab, short box,
XTR pkg., 254,907 kms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,495.
2005 Ford F150 XLT - brown, 5.4 L, V8, 4x4, super cab, loaded, 238,953 km. . . . . . . . . . . $8,495.
1997 Ford Ranger - black, 4 cyl., 5 spd., reg. cab, short box, step side,
chrome wheels, 261,956 km . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,495.
2005 GMC Sierra SLT - black/silver, 4x4, Z71, quad cab, 5.3 L, V8,
loaded, 273,688 km. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,495.
2001 GMC 1500 Sierra - blue, 5.3 L, V8, loaded, ext. cab, short box,
4 WD, 273,633 km . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,995.
1997 Chev 1500 Silverado - blue/silver, 5.7 L, V8, loaded, ext. cab,
short box, 4WD, 191,459 km. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,995.
519-524-9878
37117 Blyth Road, Goderich, ON
Service all makes & models • Custom Exhaust Bending
Doug & Jodie Ruston
I t 's T h a t T i me A g a i n !
Repairs to all makes
& models of cars & trucks
Located 2 miles
south of Blyth
Corner of London Rd.
& Hullett-McKillop Rd.
Jack Van Dorp 519-523-9308
Get your car or truck ready
for the cold winter now —
book your
Fall & Winter tune-up
• General Repairs & Maintenance
• Oil Undercoating
• Brakes
• Tune-Ups
Car Oiling
at
Lee's Service Centre
Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 1 pm - 8 pm; Fri. 1 pm - 6 pm; Sat. 8 am - 12 noon
(Weather permitting) 348 Dinsley St. E., Blyth 519-523-9151
We use Hot, Acid Free, New Oil
CARS & LIGHT TRUCKS
Trunk Lid
Inner Fenders
Doors & Door Panels Dog LegsUnderside
Inner Fenders
Hood
...on the Road
On the road again
Preparation for winter driving can be crucial to your vehicle
surviving the colder months of the year. In addition to
keeping your vehicle safe, preparation can go a long way
to keeping you and your family safe as well. (MS photo)
Continued on page 17