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TRIDENT, NOVEMBER 1, 2004 23Tips on winterizing <strong>you</strong>r <strong>ca</strong>r for safe winter drivingBy Gary Wright, ManagerCFB Halifax Auto ClubWinter in Nova Scotia isinevitable, but <strong>the</strong>re are a fewsimple steps <strong>you</strong> <strong>ca</strong>n take before <strong>the</strong>snow flies to prepare <strong>you</strong>r <strong>ca</strong>r for <strong>the</strong>season. For <strong>the</strong> do-it-<strong>you</strong>rself person<strong>the</strong> Auto Club offers memberslow rates for bay rentals, (toolsincluded), advice on rep<strong>air</strong>s, partslo<strong>ca</strong>ting, and special club memberdiscounts from suppliers. The AutoClub is open all year and <strong>the</strong> hoursof operation are from Tuesday toThursday, 9 am to 8 p.m. and Fridayand Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Don’t let this winter season <strong>ca</strong>tch<strong>you</strong> unprepared.1. Check antifreeze strength tomake certain it is good for -30Fwind-chill. Replace antifreeze ifdiscolored; flush cooling systemif required.2. Use thinner motor oil (5w30)for faster cold starts, consult ownersmanual on recommended gradefor <strong>you</strong>r vehicle.3. Check engine tuning, (sparkplugs) for proper gap and condition.Properly tuned engines start easierin cold conditions.4. Check battery condition andtest for defects with proper batterytester. Replace if reading is <strong>we</strong>ak(below 12 volts).5. Check belts for excessive <strong>we</strong>ar,cracks and lubri<strong>ca</strong>te with belt dressingor replace if necessary.6. Install winter tires. Rotate frontto back on same side if rotation isrequired. Front wheel drive vehiclesshould have four matchingsnow tires. Rear wheel drive vehiclesrequire snow tires on rear.Check <strong>the</strong> tire pressures for vehiclemanufacturer’s recommendations.On most ne<strong>we</strong>r vehicles, pressures/sizesare listed on a driver’sdoor post label. Tire studding is permittedin Nova Scotia from Oct 14to May 1.7. Check <strong>the</strong> under<strong>ca</strong>rriage of<strong>you</strong>r vehicle for rust and bare metal,particularly fuel and brake lines.Due to <strong>the</strong> extreme road salt conditionsin Atlantic Canada undercoating/rustproofing will protect <strong>you</strong>rinvestment and save <strong>you</strong> vehiclefrom costly rep<strong>air</strong>s.8. Check <strong>the</strong> condition of allwiper blades and replace ifrequired. Also make certain <strong>you</strong>rwindshield washer fluid will withstand-30F. Various de-icer brandsof washer fluid are available on <strong>the</strong>market. Make sure wipers are in <strong>the</strong>full off position and <strong>the</strong> wiper leverturned off in ice/snow when parkingvehicle. If left on and bladesfreeze to glass, <strong>you</strong>r wiper motormay overheat and burn out.9. Check condition of exhaustChecking <strong>the</strong> under<strong>ca</strong>rriage of <strong>the</strong> vehicle is just one of <strong>the</strong> steps towinterize <strong>you</strong>r <strong>ca</strong>r suggested by CFB Halifax Auto Club.system. Any minor leaks must berep<strong>air</strong>ed. Road salt destroys <strong>you</strong>rexhaust system quickly due to heatingand cooling action, condensation.Remember, <strong>ca</strong>rbon monoxidefumes <strong>ca</strong>n be deadly if vehicle isleft running while in deep snow.10. If <strong>you</strong>r vehicle is equippedwith remote start, make certain <strong>you</strong>leave wipers off but defroster heateron at night.11. It is recommended that duringwinter months <strong>you</strong> keep <strong>you</strong>r gastank full and add gas line antifreeze(methyl hydrate) on each fill up.Low fuel <strong>ca</strong>n <strong>ca</strong>use excess condensationin <strong>you</strong>r tank resulting infrozen gas lines or poor performancefrom <strong>you</strong>r engine.12. It is recommend that <strong>you</strong> wax<strong>you</strong>r vehicle prior to winter. This willnot only protect <strong>again</strong>st <strong>the</strong> harshroad salt and winter driving conditions,but will also help in snowremoval. A properly waxed vehiclewill be much easier to clean off snow.13. It is also recommended thatduring winter months <strong>you</strong> <strong>ca</strong>rry a<strong>the</strong>rmal blanket, jumper <strong>ca</strong>bles,shovel, winter windshield washerfluid and a small one-gallon containerof extra fuel in <strong>you</strong>r trunk.Additional items could also be acigarette lighter, adapter for <strong>you</strong>rcell phone, or 12v coffee mug, 12vflashlight, crystal de-icer orsalt/sand mixture. If <strong>you</strong> do extensivewinter driving, emergency survivalkits are available at many autoparts suppliers and <strong>the</strong>y includeilluminated triangles as <strong>we</strong>ll foremergency purposes.14. If <strong>you</strong>r vehicle is equippedwith ABS brakes as many modelsnow are, <strong>you</strong>r brakes do not lock upand force <strong>you</strong>r vehicle into a slideon slush or ice. Similarly <strong>you</strong> <strong>ca</strong>nimitate this by pressing <strong>the</strong> brake,releasing, pressing, releasing andthis method will keep <strong>you</strong>r brakesfrom locking up and allow <strong>you</strong> bettercontrol and stopping on ice or<strong>we</strong>t conditions.15. Remember, above all else,reduce speed in winter. Ice and <strong>we</strong>trunoff from melting snow <strong>ca</strong>n bedifficult to see especially at dusk.Drive <strong>ca</strong>utiously, defensively, andearly to give <strong>you</strong>rself extra time.The life <strong>you</strong> save may be <strong>you</strong>r ownor those of <strong>you</strong>r loved ones.Buying or SellingHalifax/Dartmouth?

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