HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1981-10-28, Page 36Pagel
Follow simple precautions for winter driving
Rough Canadian winters
mean rough driving condi-
tions. For many drivers, that
is enough reason to stay off
the road. But for those whose
car travel is an essential
part of their job or relaxa-
tion; winter driving means ,
following several simple
precautions.
When you're starting out
on a cold winter's morning,
clear away the snow from all
windows, external lights,
hood and the roof. Also,
brush away any snow from
the front of the car, because
it can spray through the
front grill and cause ignition
problems. .
After stepping into the car,
don't turn on the defroster
until you're sure the heater
is blowing heat. It may mean
waiting a few minutes before
driving off, but if you turn on
the defroster first and there
is snow on the hood, it can
rush up through the vent
below the wipers and freeze
on your windshield.
With car warm and
visibility clear, you're ready
to set out. For maximum
visibility, leave your
headlights on, even during
the day. When snow is falling
use only the low beam, to cut
down on glare.
On slippery roads, all driv-
ing manoeuvers must be
done gently or you may end
up skidding across the
highway. If you have to slow
down, move the selector to
neutral, regardless of what
speed you're travelling. This
will assist in slowing down
the car and helps debrease
the stopping distance. Brak-
ing is best done by gradually
and firmly pressing the
brake pedal.
If your car starts to skid,
don't panic. Don't hit the
brakes. You can come out of
a skid if you just keep the
front wheels pointed in the
direction the car is supposed
to go.
Now that you know the
road is dangerous, you'll
want to slow down or stop.
Take your foot off the gas
pedal smoothly and not too
suddenly, or the car may.
start skidding again. Apply
the brakes, maintaining a
steady pressure and always
in a straight line. If you
brake while turning, you will
lock the front wheels, caus-
ing you to slide.
Your best prepatation for
winter driving may be to
take an advanced course in
emergency avoidance. (Con-
sult your local motor
league). Knowing how your
car reacts in a skid can save
lives.
While safe winter driving
depends m large part on
your ability to manoeuver
your car on icy surfaces, it
also depends on the
mechanical condition of your
car. The best braking techni-
ques mean nothing if your
car can't accelerate or brake
properly.
To make sure that your
car is completely winterized,
check to see that your snow
tires have been correctly in-
stalled, your tire pressure is
at the correct level, and that
your engine oil has been
changed to one of thinner
viscosity. (Engine oil tends
to become thick in cold
temperatures and can pre-
vent your engine from turn-
ing over.)
And, of course, you should
make sure that your radiator
The morning after the first sub -zero night of winter can be a
disaster for the forgetful car owner.
Industry grows
despite economy
Canada's automotive
aftermarket industry con-
tinues to grow despite the
poor economy. According to
the Automotive Industries
Association of Canada,
which represents more than
900 companies engaged in
the manufacture and
distribution of automotive
replacement products
(parts, tools, body shop sup -
ARE YOU READY
FOR WINTER?
plies and equipment), the
first four months of 1981
showed an increase of 13.8
per cent over the same
period in 1980.
According to Thomas H.
Wellams, President of
A.I.A., the Provinces of On-
tario and British Columbia
show the greatest increases,
with Alberta running close -
behind.
has been thoroughly back -
flushed and refilled with a
reliable brand of coolant,
like Prestone II, for exam-
ple, so engine freeze up does
not occur.
If you're dollar conscious
and want to save on
maintenance costs, you may
want to use Preston's
"Flush and Fill Kit",
available in sizes to fit most
cars. If you do it now you can
save your engine's life and
your own dollars. The kit is
easily installed and stays in
position on your heater inlet
hose to be used as often as
you like. •
Maintaining your anti-
freeze -coolant is an essential
part of winterizing your car
because it prevents engine
freezing in cold
temperatures.
Maximum protection from
freezing can be obtained by
mixing 70 percent Prestone
anti -freeze- coolant and 30
percent water.
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