Winter car care

IF it's already there, preparing your car for wintertime driving should probably be at the top of your fall to-do list. That's because whether your family plans include Aunt Betty's house for Thanksgiving or grandma's for Christmas, a car that won't start is the last thing you want to worry about during the upcoming holidays.

The old adage, "It's better to be safe than sorry," definitely applies to ensuring that your car is functioning properly. So getting it tuned up by a reputable mechanic before the onset of bad weather is one of the most important things you can do. Also, it's wise to be prepared for roadside emergencies which seem to occur more frequently during winter months. The following suggestions can go a long way toward preventing many costly, potentially dangerous wintertime car problems.

* Make sure your automobile's owner's manual is always nearby. It contains crucial information on the correct care of your particular car.

* Become an attentive car owner. Is the engine stalling or difficult to start on cold winter mornings? Is the steering wheel unstable or the brake pedal unreliable on icy pavement? Are there unfamiliar grunts and groans coming from under the hood? Have your car serviced right away if any of these indicators of possible trouble crop up.

* Check your antifreeze and make sure the car's radiator is clear of gunk and other debris. The solution's effectiveness is reduced if you don't use the right mixture, so follow most manufacturers' recommendation of a 50/50 antifreeze-water ratio.

* Have your automobile's spark plugs and ignition system checked even though today's high-energy ignitions and the common use of unleaded fuel usually make frequent spark plug changes unnecessary. And while the mechanic is under your hood, have the hoses checked for signs of hardening and the heater examined for possible leaks.

* Check your tires. Are they the right type for your car, properly inflated and in good condition? All-season radials or snow tires can literally be lifesavers when roads are icy or covered with snow. But the best tires, if not properly inflated, will not improve your ability to stop and steer your car. Neither will worn treads and bald spots.

* Become an informed wintertime driver. Is there a snowstorm brewing? Is a sudden drop in temperature expected? Make sure you are aware of road conditions before setting out each day.

* Always keep windshield wiper fluid available and your front and back window defrosters in good working condition. It's an unwise driver who is not prepared for the possibility of a frozen, snow-covered windshield.

* Make sure your automobile's head-lights and taillights are bright enough, properly aligned, and that all of your car's lights, including brake and hazard lights, are working properly. Remember, driving through a snow storm is difficult under the best of circumstances.

* Should you find yourself stuck in the middle of nowhere on a cold winter's night, an adequately stocked survival kit and a cellular telephone could save your life. The survival kit should be stored in your trunk and include a couple of bright flashlights and extra batteries, lug wrenches, a shovel, traction mats and snow salt, an empty gasoline can and flares. Also hold onto that windshield sunblocker you used last summer that spells "Help!" on one side. It could be used to flag down motorists or signal a state trooper.

A cellular telephone would be invaluable during such emergencies and a roadmap could help you navigate rescuers to your location. And while you are waiting for help to arrive, several warm blankets, a snack and something to drink will also come in handy.