HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Lucknow Sentinel, 2016-10-26, Page 812 Lucknow Sentinel • Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Winter prepche�klist
Fall is a time to prepare homes, vehicles and even our psyches for the arrival of winter. To get your car cold -weather ready, check and repair these items now.
• Tire pressure can drop in cold weather. When tires are underinflated, you lose fuel efficiency, so monitor and maintain tire pressure throughout the winter.
• Those who live in particularly cold climates should switch from all -season to winter tires. Much as you wear winter boots to provide more traction and protection than sneakers, so should you equip
your vehicle with tires that will stand up to winter terrain.
• Check on the status of your battery and its starting power. Cold weather can put more strain on a car battery. A battery that is already weak may not turn over when you need it most.
• Replace worn wiper blades and upgrade to a windshield fluid that is rated for subzero temperatures. Each of these items will improve visibility when winter precipitation is making its presence felt.
• Schedule an oil change at the beginning of winter. Dirty oil can hinder cold -weather starts and, if coupled with low coolant levels, can make it difficult for the engine to turn over.
• Keep jumper cables, a battery booster pack and warning cones in your vehicle. These can come to the rescue if your battery dies and you're stranded on the side of the road.
• While you're stocking the trunk or cargo bed, include a shovel, sand or cat litter, a flashlight, an ice scraper, water, and a blanket. These are good emergency items to have in the event your car breaks
down in the winter. You can dig your tires out of a snow drift with the shovel and apply litter to increase traction. The blanket will come in handy if you have to sit in a cold car for a while awaiting
roadside service.
• Consider taking a winter driving course. Icy, snowy conditions completely change the defensive tactics needed to navigate the roads. A prepared driver is one who is more likely to avoid accidents
and make it home safely.
iTh'tOincIude inyour automotive emergency Kit4
Road trips can make for great weekend getaways or even more lengthy vacations for those who can't get enough of the open road. But before embarking on any road trips , motorists
should replenish their automotive emergency kits with the following items so they are fully prepared in the event of an accident or an injury.
• First-aid kit: A first-aid kit can treat cuts and abrasions suffered while you are out of the car and even some minor injuries that may result if you are in a car accident. Include essential items like
adhesive tape, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes, aspirin, bandages, a cold compress, gauze, and scissors. Visit www.redcross.org for a more extensive list of items to include in your first-aid
kit, which should be kept in your car at all times.
• Tools: It's important to include tools in your automotive emergency kit. While a full toolbox might be unnecessary, bring along an adjustable wrench , a flat head and Phillips screwdriver, a pair of
pliers, a tire jack and crow bar, an ice scraper, and a flashlight. Extra roadside flares and reflectors also should be packed should you need to pull over and address an automotive problem, such
as a flat tire. Keep a tire pressure gauge in your glove compartment or with your other tools so you can check tire pressure if you feel your car is not operating as smoothly as it normally does.
• Fluids: While it's best to check all of your vehicle's fluids before beginning a road trip, it does not hurt to bring along some extra fluids just in case you start to run low while out on the road . Fluids
to pack include motor oil, antifreeze, brake fluid , and windshield washer fluid . Include a funnel with these items so you can easily pour them in should you be running low. Pack an empty spray
bottle as well so you have something to spray washer fluid from if a problem arises with your wiper blades.
• Wiper blades: Include an extra set of wiper blades in your automotive emergency kit. Maintaining wiper blades is an oft -overlooked component of vehicle maintenance, so bring along an extra set
of blades should your existing blades succumb to wear and tear while you're on the road.
• Miscellaneous items: Some items that may not seem synonymous with road trips can come in handy should you find yourself in an emergency. Pack a blanket so you and your passengers can
stay warm should your car break down at night. In addition , pack some energy bars and bottled water so no one gets too hungry or thirsty while waiting for help to arrive. It's also good to keep a
pair of work gloves in your car so you can still use your tools or change a tire when the temperatures dip or your hands get sweaty on hot days.
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SNOW TIRES MOST MAKES • WINTER RIMS AVAILABLE
SOME USED TIRES AND RIMS
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BRUCE WILLITS BOX 118
456 ROSS STREET
President LUCKNOW, ONT. NOG 2H0
ASHFIELD SERVICE
CENTRE
TONY M. MILTLNBURG
Repairs to all Makes & Models
Air Conditioning Service
R.R.#7 LUCKNOW, ONT. NOG 2H0
519-529-77641 FAX: 519-529-7909
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