HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2007-10-25, Page 14(MS) - For those who experience a
winter season, this time of year can
be beautiful. But while a snow-
covered landscape makes for some
terrific photo opportunities, it can be
one of the most treacherous times of
year for drivers.
Ice, snow, sleet, and wind are just
some of the weather variables
present throughout the winter -
leaving many drivers unsure of how
to navigate wintery roads. To stay
safe, it’s important to heed some
winter-driving tips.
1. Slow down - This is one of the
most important pieces of advice you
can get. Keep in mind that the speed
limits posted are advisories for dry
road conditions, and you should
knock off a couple MPH when on
treacherous roads, or when visibility
is impaired.
2. Know road conditions – Keep
abreast of the weather by tuning into
weather reports. Also, some areas
post advisories on digital signs along
the roadway, often telling drivers to
tune into a specific AM radio station
for more information. Knowing
what you’re up against on the roads
can help you make safer decisions
when venturing out.
3. Leave room; look ahead –
Reaction time and stopping ability
can be inhibited by slippery
roadways. Therefore, always keep an
eye on what’s going on ahead of you,
being especially cautious for tow
trucks and snow plows.
Also maintain a greater space
cushion between your car and those
in front of you. Should someone lose
control or stop suddenly ahead, you
will have more time to adjust to the
situation. Remember that trucks
have an even longer reaction time, so
don’t cut off any.
4. Allow extra time – If you’re
feeling rushed to make it to an
appointment or work, you may
inadvertently speed up and risk an
accident. Leave plenty of time to go
to and from your destinations.
5. Maintain visibility – Clear snow
and ice from your windshield,
windows and from the head and
taillights. You want to ensure you
can see fairly well and can easily be
seen by other motorists. Be sure that
wipers are in good working
condition so they can clean snow
and melting precipitation from the
windshield.
Remember to shut the wipers off
before turning off the vehicle. If not,
your wipers could freeze to the
windshield and you’ll burn out the
wiper motor when the blades try to
return to the rest position the next
time you start your car.
6. Get an auto checkup – If
something minor is wrong before the
winter, you can be assured that
freezing temperatures may only
exacerbate the situation. Plus, you
don’t want to risk breaking down
when the weather is foul. Key areas
to check include: coolant levels;
washer and transmission fluids;
battery; keep a full gas tank; carry a
phone and emergency supplies.
PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2007.
Vehicles can sometimes be
dangerously uncommunicative
devices, often failing to make their
owners aware of potential problems.
Unless you know how to interpret
their often subtle clues they might
not let you know their tires are worn,
their shock absorbers lame, their
transmissions failing and their
engines losing efficiency.
But one system, the brakes,
always communicates its ills to the
driver.
Sometimes they employ sign
language. The simplest to read is a
red warning light on the dash,
although sometimes it can be as
subtle as a small puddle of brake
fluid.
But they also communicate by
feel through a soft, spongy or even
overly hard brake pedal, or through
rhythmic pulsations or vibrations
felt through the pedal. Or by
juddering or pulling to one side
when the brakes are applied.
Brakes can be vocal too, emitting
a range of highly audible squeals,
squeaks, chirps, groans, rattles and
grinding sounds. These can be dire
warnings or simply pleas for
maintenance, but either way prompt
response is required to prevent
potentially life-threatening
situations caused by poor braking
performance or outright failure.
A vehicle’s brakes work by
forcing a friction material against a
disc or drum that rotates with the
wheel. Hydraulic pressure applied
by the brake pedal works calipers
that clamp brake pads against brake
discs, or shoes against the interior
surface of a drum. Even normal
usage generates a lot of heat, and
obviously wear over time. Many of
the small mechanical components
involved can also wear, rust, seize or
otherwise malfunction. Brake fluid
can also degrade and must be
changed periodically.
A new vehicle’s brakes should last
60,000 to 80,000 km on average, but
a number of factors can shorten this
dramatically. A properly done brake
job should last at least as long.
Car Care Canada recommends
brakes be checked at least once a
year, or every 20,000 km, to monitor
wear and catch developing
problems. A number of service
providers offer free brake
inspections, others maintenance
packages that often include an oil
and filter change, along with an
inspection and minor adjustment of
various systems, including the
brakes.
Essential winter driving tipsOOnn tthhee RRooaadd
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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
Kris’s Car Care
INTERIOR & EXTERIOR
CARS * TRUCKS * BOATS *
MOTORCYCLES
519-524-4777 or Cell 519-525-9309
230 Huron Rd., Goderich
WAX * SHAMPOO
& BUFFING
Winterize your exterior paint finish and
interior fabric (as well as your engine)
CUSTOM EXHAUST SYSTEMS & GENERAL REPAIRS
• Auto, light truck & agricultural
maintenance & repairs
• Custom bent exhaust systems
made with precision & pride
• Aluminized & stainless tubing
• Bending up to 3"
• Expanding up to 4"
Bob Jamieson ~ Class A Mechanic
519-482-pipe (7473)
41477 Winthrop Rd.
Londesboro, ON
Award Winning
Vehicle Graphics
and Murals!
SIGNS OF ALL KINDS
Illuminated • Awnings
• Carved Wood • Truck Lettering • Labels
Check our online photo gallery! www.raynbowsigns.com
(in Teviotdale)
Phone 519-343-4125 1-888-729-6269
FALL/WINTER
CHECK-UP
BATTERY CHECK
Now is the time for a Fall/Winter Safety Check of your vehicle.
A complete check today can save a lot of hassles tomorrow,
so come see us for a complete inspection of these automotive systems:
✔ Battery ✔ Connections ✔ Cables
No
Charge
Hwy. 4 South, Clinton, Ont.
Huron Tire & Auto
519-482-3752 or 519-482-9796
When your brakes talk
be sure to pay attention