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Details to know

• Prepare your car for winter driving
• Before winter arrives
• During winter
• Items to keep in your vehicle

Prepare your car for winter driving

We've seen it many times - disabled cars and their frustrated drivers waiting for a tow truck at the side of a snow-covered highway.

As the mercury drops to below freezing, motorists should prepare their cars for winter driving and protect themselves from car troubles. In cold temperatures, a minor car maintenance problem can turn into a real emergency.

For many people, car care is a once-a-year concern. Yet, regular preventative maintenance by a competent mechanic is the best year-round insurance against unexpected breakdowns. For many late model automobiles, the service schedules have changed considerably, so it is very important to consult the owner's handbook before any maintenance is performed. If you've neglected to care for your car, the fall months are the best time to winterize your car. Otherwise, you may find yourself freezing at the side of the road.

Before winter arrives

Here are some checks you should have your trusted technician or a CAA Vehicle Inspection Service garage (VIS) perform prior to the onset of winter:

• Check coolant level, strength and condition. A 50/50 mixture of anti-freeze and water in the cooling system gives -35° Celsius (-34° Fahrenheit) freezing protection in winter, which is adequate for most Canadian climates. In addition to winter protection, the antifreeze mixture protects the car's cooling system from corrosion and boiling-over all year round.
• Make sure the gas tank is at least half-full at all times. Condensation can build up in the system in extremely cold temperatures, which can cause fuel line freeze-up and no-start conditions. Adding a can of fuel injection gasoline antifreeze every 3-4 tank fill-ups will also keep condensation under control.
• At 0° Celsius a fully charged battery loses 35% of its power. A weak battery simply won't make it through the winter. Even though most cars today are equipped with maintenance- free batteries, they still require periodical attention - checking the state of charge and keeping terminal connectors secure and free of corrosion will ensure quick winter starts. The cause of inadequate battery charge may be as simple as a loose or worn alternator drive belt. A charging system check will confirm that the battery is receiving a charge.
• A battery that is four or more years old must be considered near the end of its life. A test under load will confirm its fitness for winter.
• A visual under-the-hood inspection along with electronic diagnostic equipment can determine overall engine performance. On newer cars (without platinum tipped spark plugs) replacing spark plugs every 25,000 to 30,000 km is a good investment to insure prompt winter starts and improved fuel economy. Check all fluid levels during the visual inspection and replenish as necessary.
• Lubrication systems need the proper viscosity of oil to prevent excessive drag and wear during starting, especially when the engine is cold. Most car manufacturers recommend 5W-30 oil for year-round operating conditions because it improves cold-weather starting and provides better fuel economy and performance. Oil marked "SAE or API-SJ" or higher provides the best protection. Owners of diesel-engine cars should check their owner's manual to determine the best cold-weather motor oil.
• A good set of tires plays an extremely important role in winter driving but it is often overlooked when preparing for winter. On front-wheel-drive cars, it is very important to have four identical tires at all four corners because these cars are more prone to rear-wheel skidding. However, even if your car is 4-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive, it will perform better with four identical tires, particularly on slippery roads. Check all tires for proper inflation pressure including the spare tire on a monthly basis.
• For better stopping and handling control, have all brakes and suspension components inspected at least once a year or every 20,000 km. Have any defective or worn out components replaced promptly.

During winter

Check these items several times throughout the winter season:

• Check to see that all lights, turn signals and emergency flashers are operating properly
• Keep headlamps clean for greater visibility
• Check windshield wiper blades and replace if worn, torn or they begin leaving streaks and skipping spots on the windshield
• In severe winter conditions, switching to winter wiper blades will improve visibility. Periodic cleaning with a clean cloth dampened with windshield washer fluid can often renew the wiping power of dirty blades and extend their life.
• Fill windshield washer-fluid reservoir with a solution that contains antifreeze for winter use
• Check heater, front and rear defroster for proper operation

Items to keep in your vehicle

Motorists should carry these items in their cars during the winter, as they will be invaluable in the event of an emergency:

• Sand or kitty litter
• Traction mats
• Small shovel
• Windshield washer fluid, ice scraper and snowbrush
• Flashlight and flares
• Jumper cables
• Dry cloth, blanket and extra clothes
• Candy or chocolate bar for energy

Finally, any one who depends on their car for winter driving has two choices: maintain it at your own convenience, or repair it at your inconvenience.