Here are a few Tips for you all... Just to make your ride a little safer in the winter months to come.


Windshield Safety

Thermal shock is the term engineers use to describe the stress caused by drastic differences in outdoor and indoor temperatures. If you have a small ding in your windshield, thermal shock can cause your minor ding to turn into a major crack. Repairing a small ding costs as little as $50 to $60. Replacing a cracked windshield can cost hundreds of dollars; on some cars, the cost may be even higher.

As any mechanic will tell you, checking fluids is the least expensive and easiest preventive maintenance you can do. Change your oil frequently (consult your owner’s manual for recommended frequency), and don't forget to change your engine coolant (diluted with 50 percent water) and transmission fluid, about every two years. Pure engine coolants can freeze at zero degrees, but mixing with water prevents freezing and provides great protection for the cold weather. Though fluids like oil and transmission are commonly checked, other fluids integral to your vehicle's performance, may go unnoticed. Power steering, brake, differential(front & back), transfercase, radiator and battery fluids also should be filled to recommended levels. Don't forget to top off windshield washer fluid. If you've ever driven after salt trucks have come through to melt snow and ice, you know the importance of windshield washer fluid. Do not dilute washer fluid with water since it can freeze during winter's harsh temperatures. While you're at it, you might want to change the wiper blades to prevent poor vision in already poor driving conditions.

Winter mornings can wreak havoc on an older battery. The average life of a battery is 3 1/2 years. If your battery is older than that, it's probably time to replace. Have a mechanic check the battery and cables to ensure your car starts quickly and reliably, a battery load test will do the trick to see if your batter can handle the cranking force that will be needed for a cold engine.

Worn, bald or badly aligned or balanced tires can mean accidents on ice, rain or snow. Have your tires checked for proper inflation and alignment, and rotate them about every 6,000 miles. If you live in unusually snowy areas, you may want to consider snow tires for added traction, or keep chains in your trunk or garage to help you through heavy snowfall. Rubber parts under your hood need maintenance, too. Radiator, heater and vacuum hoses, among others, should be checked for cracks and bulges. Also, inspect all belts for damages and splits.

Road salt can turn a slight scratch or nick to an ugly rust spot that's impossible to avoid. And it can spread. Avoid costly body work by restoring spots before they turn into larger problems.

Front-wheel drive and 4x4 vehicles equipped with either CV (constant velocity) joints or UJ(universal Joints) should have the boots checked for rips and cracks. Boots protect the joints, but when the joints are exposed to salt, ice and snow, they can damage the joint. Replacing a joint can costs hundreds of dollars, but replacing a boot costs a small fraction of that.

Worn or misfiring spark plugs can affect how efficiently a vehicle burns the fuel/air mixture, ultimately affecting engine performance. Worn spark plugs waste gas and increase exhaust emissions, so have them checked and replaced often.

Don't postpone needed brake work. It's dangerous to drive with poorly performing brakes, especially in snowy weather. Postponing brake service also can cause the cost of overhauling your brake system to skyrocket.

Last, but not least, check your lights. Accidents can occur if you can't see where you're driving, or if other drivers can't see you, especially as we approach winter's short days and long nights.

1. Tow Strap
2. Flash Light (keep batteries seperate)
3. Small First Aid kit
4. Matches or lighter
5. Candle
6. Jumper Cables
7. Spare Tire (always a must)
8. Can of "Inflate a Tire" (available at Canadian Tire)
9. 5 gallons of gas (for long road trips)
10. Cell Phone comes in handy
11. Bag of Sand (just in case)
12. lock de-icer (cause we all hate frozen locks, right)
13. Snow brush and scraper
14. Small snow shovel
15. Spare jug of windshield fluid