Wintertime driving tips: cold weather can be hassle-free for the smart and attentive motorist - 45th Anniversary Edition

Ebony, Nov, 1990

Wintertime Driving Tips: Cold Weather Can Be Hassle-Free for the Smart and Attentive Motorist

ON a blustery cold winter day, the gasping "wrhrr-wrhrr" of an automobile that just won't start can be one of the worst sounds imaginable.

Cold weather can turn easy auto repair problems into emergencies. Although dead batteries make up the bulk of an estimated 8.5 million "won't start" calls received each year by the American Automobile Association, these seemingly simple problems can become most irritating and even hazardous when cold weather occurs.

But wintertime doesn't have to be a hassle. Most auto worries can be prevented, experts say, with basic car maintenance.

Now is the time, car repair experts warn, to check your automobile to ensure safe winter driving. By adhering to the following steps, motorists can look forward to safe and enjoyable times behind the wheel.

* Check the engine oil and change it before winter begins, using a thinner grade of oil, such as SAE 5W-30 or SAE 10W-30, in extremely cold weather. Thinner oil allows the starter to rotate the engine faster, while consuming less battery power.

* Test your battery for power because most batteries don't recharge as quickly in cold temperatures. Check and, if necessary, clean corrosion from connections and restore water levels.

* Check the car's ignition system thoroughly, and if necessary, add new spark plugs. Also, clean spark plug wires to restore peak starts.

* Proper anti-freeze solution--usually 50-50 antifreeze and water--is crucial. When checking the antifreeze, inspect the cooling system and hoses for any leaks or brittle parts.

* Don't overlook the lights. Check headlights and tail lights for alignment and brightness. Make sure the brake and hazard lights work properly.

* To ensure better vision, replace worn windshield wipers and make sure the car's windshield wiper fluid system is full and in proper working order.

* Keep emergency tools and materials for unexpected trouble in the trunk. These include a flashlight, flares, a tire gauge, a jack, battery cables, a lug wrench, a shovel, an empty gas can and blankets.

* Don't overlook the owner's manual for car maintenance suggestions. All manuals provide sections for proper car care and most contain "troubleshooter" charts to give owners tips on handling common mishaps.

* Check your tire pressure regularly, at least once every two weeks. Incorrect tire pressure can lead to unsafe road-handling. Also, check tires for foreign objects and unusual wear that could indicate alignment problems. Check alignment at least once a year.

* Try to keep you car clean. Wash the car once a week to protect it from salt and dirt buildup which causes rust, corrosion and paint damage.

* Remove ice and snow from shoes before entering your car to avoid the risk of slippery pedals. Avoid driving in ski boots. They can prevent you from operating the foot pedals safely.

By following these steps, motorists can avoid a host of problems resulting from cold weather stalls.

PHOTO : Today's auto technology, found in such popular cars like the Dodge Stealth, calls for

PHOTO : motorists to pay attention to simple car maintenance, like an oil check. An owner's manual

PHOTO : and a trusted mechanic are the best guarantees in keeping a new car in peak operating

PHOTO : condition.