Rock Salt, Sand and Snow - Oh, My!
By ARA-Fusion
Published: Fri, Sep 16, 2005

(ARA) - Anyone who lives in the North or Midwest knows that preparing your car for winter takes much more than just making sure it's parked in a covered garage.

Between November and March, the winter elements can be cruel and unforgiving.  As you're taking the necessary precautions to service your furnace, cut firewood, and buy warm coats and boots for your children, don't forget to include a hood-to-trunk inspection of your car to make sure it's as winter ready as you are.

Move up your tune-up.  The Canada Safety Council suggests you schedule your tune-up before winter begins, checking for faulty wiring, worn spark plugs, or a sticking choke or emission control devices that can result in hard starting.  It's the perfect time to change your oil and filter; inspect drivebelt(s); check fuel, air and transmission filters; and replace any blown lights and cracking or rotting radiator or heater hoses.

Be cool.  In addition to having your cooling system cleaned and flushed, make sure your mechanic performs a leak test to proactively identify any leaks that could cause trouble later on.  Add fresh antifreeze, and check all containers, belts, hoses, pressure caps and thethermostat.

Let it shine, let it shine.  Polishing your car or truck can certainly give it a welcomed gleam during drab, overcast winter months.  More importantly, a patented paint polishing formula such as 5 STAR SHINE www.5starshine.com can protect your finish not only from snow, sleet and ice, but also from industrial fallout, acid rain, insects, brake dust, bird droppings and hard water mineral deposits. In addition, it can help prevent rock salt-inflicted rust that can impair both the look and future resale or trade-in value of your vehicle.

You'll get a charge out of this. In bitter cold weather, it takes more power to start your engine, plus you'll be using your heater and defroster more - both of which can drain your battery.  Check cables, fluid levels, battery posts, voltage regulator, alternator or generator to avoid battery failure - one of the most common sources of trouble in winter.

Don't tread lightly.  Since snow and ice can reduce tire traction, check your tires for air, sidewall wear and tread depth before -- and during -- the harsh winter months.  Make sure your tires are properly inflated to the maximum pressure amount shown on the doorframe or in the owner's manual, keeping in mind that your tire pressure goes down by one pound for every ten-degree temperature drop. If you don't have a four-wheel drive vehicle, consider installing snow or all-season tires.

Maximize your visibility.  Particularly during heavy snow, sleet or ice storms, you'll appreciate having fully functional wipers and windshield washer system. Road and Travel magazine suggests replacing wipers at the end of every winter; with light use during the ensuing three seasons, they'll still stand up well to the cold conditions of the following winter.  Make sure the washer jets aren't blocked, and there is enough cold-weather windshield washer fluid in the reservoir.

Plan for the unplanned.  No one likes to think they'll ever be in an accident or emergency situation, but these things can -- and do -- happen.  Some of the items that the Canadian Automobile Association recommends you keep in your trunk include a shovel, sand/cat litter, jumper cables, ice scraper and brush, tow chains, warning light or road flares, extra clothing and footwear, emergency food pack, matches and fire extinguisher.

Learn more about 5 STAR SHINE's innovative paint polishing system by visiting www.5starshine.com.

Copyright © 2005, ARA Content