The following is a checklist for your automobile to prepare for motoring safety in the winter season. Please post for those without access to a computer.

  1. Check battery - make sure connections are tight and corrosion-free; have a mechanic perform a load test on the battery. Mechanics generally recommend replacing a battery with less than a year remaining on the warranty.
  2. Check fluids: check coolant level and if the mixture of water/antifreeze is correct (usually 50/50); windshield wiper fluid (winter type); check brake fluid; and check clutch or transmission fluid.
  3. Check filters: check oil and filter for replacement; check air filter for replacement; check service records to see if other filter replacements are due.
  4. Check belts and hoses: push and pull on belts and squeeze hoses (a rule of thumb is belts that give more than one inch of movement with push and pull might need adjustment); hoses should return to original shape and not be extremely soft; replace cracked or fraying belts or weak hoses.
  5. Check tires: inspect tread depth - use the penny test (insert a penny into the tread groove and if you can see the top of Lincoln's head, the tire needs to be replaced); monitor tire pressure twice per month during the winter. A tire inflated to 32 psi on a 70 degree day will register as (under-inflated) 26 psi in freezing weather.
  6. Check wiper blades: inspect for cracks and wear.
  7. Check all light bulbs: inspect bulb operation including brake lights and high beams; also test emergency flashers.
  8. Lubricate all door and trunk locks with WD-40 or graphite to keep them from freezing; never use hot water to thaw locks or to de-ice windshields. If you are alerted to an ice storm or snow, try covering your windshield with an old doormat or carpet sample - I learned this trick from a volunteer fire fighter.
  9. Check repair records to see if general tune-up is due - spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel injection, emission controls, brakes, etc.
  10. Prepare an EMERGENCY KIT - flashlight, flares, first-aid blanket, warm clothes, gloves, hat, paper towels, snow shovel, snow brush, ice scraper, washer fluid, packaged food, and water. Kitty litter can be poured under tires to improve traction if the vehicle gets stuck in the snow. Put all these in an inexpensive nylon duffle bag and keep it in your trunk. The bag can be easily moved around, when necessary.
  11. Cell Phone: Program an in case of emergency (ICE) contact into your cell phone so that emergency responders can alter someone in case you are unable to communicate during an accident.

THINK SAFETY