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Stay safe by preparing for fall and winter conditions - Oct. 6, 2007
Autumn is a great time to enjoy driving in Ontario. But before you hit the road this season, it's a good idea to ensure that your vehicle is in top condition for the type of driving you intend to do.
This is especially true if you plan on driving long distances or in remote areas. We've all heard stories about motorists whose vehicles have broken down far away from towns and garages.
A few simple steps can help prevent you becoming a stranded motorist.
One of the surest ways to prepare your vehicle for fall and winter driving is to visit your local service department. A qualified technician will provide a thorough examination of your car's mechanical and electrical systems, and will report any repairs or concerns.
Auto technicians are trained to identify problem areas, such as worn brake pads, cooling system malfunctions, excessive tire wear and drivetrain issues. If a service adviser alerts you to a potential problem, such as excessively worn belts or hoses, it might be worth making the repairs now, instead of waiting for a breakdown when you least expect it.
Check your owner's manual and follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedules. If your vehicle is due for regular scheduled maintenance, now is the time to get it done.
Motorists often wait for the first snowfall before winterizing their vehicles. In my opinion, that's a big mistake, as service departments are busiest during these periods. Don't procrastinate.
Another easy way to prepare is to include a few safety items in your trunk: an ice scraper, a blanket, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, a wheel wrench and jack, battery jumper cables and possibly some ballast (such as bags of sand) to help with traction on slippery road surfaces.
Make sure that you have the right type of tires for cold weather driving conditions. Contrary to popular belief, not all tires are alike. Many motorists are under the mistaken impression that all-season tires are adequate for all types of driving and weather conditions. Not so.
Tests have shown that designated winter tires outperform all-season tires in a number of key areas. For instance, a test car equipped with Michelin X-Ice tires, travelling at 23 km/h on a slippery track, stopped 1.5 metres shorter than an identical car with all-season tires.
Make sure your tires are properly inflated to the manufacturer's specifications. Maintaining proper tire pressure will result in more efficient gas mileage and better handling of the vehicle, and it could help avoid blowouts.
While you're at it, check the pressure on your spare tire. It takes only a few minutes to test and adjust tire pressure. Tire gauges are inexpensive and easy to use.
Windshield wiper blades should be checked and, if necessary, replaced or repaired. Sometimes motorists have to pull over in the rain on highways or in rural areas, all because a windshield wiper broke.
If your wipers are starting to cause smear marks, it's probably time to replace them. Don't wait until it's too late.
Your engine cooling system should also be checked. Cooling system failures are one of the most common sources of engine-related roadside breakdowns.
Consider using a moisture removal additive in your fuel. The benefit of a fuel additive is that it prevents the moisture in the tank from freezing up your fuel lines, which would leave you stranded and in need of assistance.
When your vehicle is in good running condition, it will run safer, more efficiently, and it will make cruising the highways of Ontario more enjoyable.
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