Make sure you’re a prepared driver by evaluating yourself and your vehicle with our winter safety checklist.
Battery and Charging System – How old is your battery? Starting an engine in cold weather will overwhelm a weak battery. Ask a trained technician to test yours and replace it if necessary.
Battery Cables and Terminals – Make sure the battery terminals and cable ends are free from corrosion and the connections are tight.
Drive Belts – Inspect accessory drive belts for cracks or fraying. Many newer multi-rib “serpentine” belts do not show obvious signs of wear; replace these belts at 60,000-mile intervals or as directed by your vehicles manufacturer.
Engine Hoses – Inspect cooling system hoses for leaks, cracks or loose clamps. Also, replace hoses that feel brittle or excessively spongy.
Tire Type and Tread – Uneven tire wear can indicate misalignment, wheel imbalance or suspension problems.
Tire Pressure – Check tire inflation pressure frequently in fall and winter. As the average temperature drops, so will tire pressures – typically by one PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit. If the vehicle is equipped with original equipment tires look for proper tire pressure levels in the owner’s manual or on a sticker typically located on the driver’s side door jamb. Correct tire pressure can also be found on the sidewall of the tire. Don’t forget to check the spare tire!
Air Filter – Check the engine air filter by holding it up to a 60-watt light bulb. If you see light can be seen through much of the filter, it is still clean enough to work effectively. However, if light is blocked by most of the filter, replace it.
Coolant Levels – Check the coolant level in the overflow tank when the engine is cold. If the level is low, add a 50/50 solution of coolant and water to maintain the necessary antifreeze capability. Test the antifreeze protection level annually with an inexpensive tester available at any auto parts store. Consult vehicle owner’s manual for the correct type of coolant.
Lights – Check the operation of all headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers and back-up lights. Replace burnt bulbs.
Wiper Blades – The blades should completely clear the glass with each swipe. Replace any blade that leaves streaks or misses spots. In areas with snowfall, consider installing winter wiper blades that wrap the blade frame in a rubber boot to reduce ice and snow buildup that can prevent good contact between the blade and the glass.
Washer Fluid – Fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir with a winter cleaning solution that has antifreeze components to prevent it from freezing.
Brakes – If you suspect a brake problem, ask a certified technician to inspect all components. Squeaking, grinding or vibrations felt when applying the brakes are all indicators of brake problems.
Transmission, Brake and Power Steering Fluids – Check all fluids to ensure they are at or above the minimum safe levels.
Copyright Bailey Towing 2015 Semper Fidelis
