| 712-755-2124 |
| Service, commitment, integrity |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
Winterize Your Car
Driving in the winter means snow, sleet and ice that can lead to slower traffic, hazardous road conditions,
hot tempers and unforeseen dangers. To help you make it safely through winter, here are some suggestions
from the National Safety Council to make sure that you and your vehicle are prepared.
Weather
At any temperature -- 20° Fahrenheit below zero or 90° Fahrenheit above -- weather affects road and driving
conditions and can pose serious problems. It is important to monitor forecasts on the Web, radio, TV, cable
weather channel, or in the daily papers.
Your Car
Prepare your car for winter. Start with a checkup that includes:
Checking the ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses and fan belts.
Changing and adjusting the spark plugs.
Checking the air, fuel and emission filters, and the PCV valve.
Inspecting the distributor.
Checking the battery.
Checking the tires for air, sidewall wear and tread depth.
Checking antifreeze levels and the freeze line.
Your car should have a tune-up (check the owner's manual for the recommended interval) to ensure better
gas mileage, quicker starts and faster response on pick-up and passing power.
Necessary Equipment
An emergency situation on the road can arise at any time and you must be prepared. In addition to making
sure you have the tune-up, a full tank of gas, and fresh anti-freeze, you should carry the following items in
your trunk:
Properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod-type jack
Shovel
Jumper cables
Tow and tire chains
Bag of salt or cat litter
Tool kit
Essential Supplies
Be prepared with a "survival kit" that should always remain in the car. Replenish after use. Essential
supplies include:
Working flashlight and extra batteries
Reflective triangles and brightly-colored cloth
Compass
First aid kit
Exterior windshield cleaner
Ice scraper and snow brush
Wooden stick matches in a waterproof container
Scissors and string/cord
Non-perishable, high-energy foods like unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits, and hard candy.
In addition, if you are driving long distances under cold, snowy, and icy conditions, you should also carry
supplies to keep you warm such as heavy woolen mittens, socks, a cap and blankets.
If You Become Stranded...
Do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to possible help, and are certain
you will improve your situation.
To attract attention, light two flares and place one at each end of the car a safe distance away. Hang a
brightly colored cloth from your antenna.
If you are sure the car's exhaust pipe is not blocked, run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every
hour or so depending upon the amount of gas in the tank.
To protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia use the woolen items and blankets to keep warm.
Keep at least one window open slightly. Heavy snow and ice can seal a car shut.
Eat a hard candy to keep your mouth moist.
Driving in the winter means snow, sleet and ice that can lead to slower traffic, hazardous road conditions,
hot tempers and unforeseen dangers. To help you make it safely through winter, here are some suggestions
from the National Safety Council to make sure that you and your vehicle are prepared.
Weather
At any temperature -- 20° Fahrenheit below zero or 90° Fahrenheit above -- weather affects road and driving
conditions and can pose serious problems. It is important to monitor forecasts on the Web, radio, TV, cable
weather channel, or in the daily papers.
Your Car
Prepare your car for winter. Start with a checkup that includes:
Checking the ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses and fan belts.
Changing and adjusting the spark plugs.
Checking the air, fuel and emission filters, and the PCV valve.
Inspecting the distributor.
Checking the battery.
Checking the tires for air, sidewall wear and tread depth.
Checking antifreeze levels and the freeze line.
Your car should have a tune-up (check the owner's manual for the recommended interval) to ensure better
gas mileage, quicker starts and faster response on pick-up and passing power.
Necessary Equipment
An emergency situation on the road can arise at any time and you must be prepared. In addition to making
sure you have the tune-up, a full tank of gas, and fresh anti-freeze, you should carry the following items in
your trunk:
Properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod-type jack
Shovel
Jumper cables
Tow and tire chains
Bag of salt or cat litter
Tool kit
Essential Supplies
Be prepared with a "survival kit" that should always remain in the car. Replenish after use. Essential
supplies include:
Working flashlight and extra batteries
Reflective triangles and brightly-colored cloth
Compass
First aid kit
Exterior windshield cleaner
Ice scraper and snow brush
Wooden stick matches in a waterproof container
Scissors and string/cord
Non-perishable, high-energy foods like unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits, and hard candy.
In addition, if you are driving long distances under cold, snowy, and icy conditions, you should also carry
supplies to keep you warm such as heavy woolen mittens, socks, a cap and blankets.
If You Become Stranded...
Do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to possible help, and are certain
you will improve your situation.
To attract attention, light two flares and place one at each end of the car a safe distance away. Hang a
brightly colored cloth from your antenna.
If you are sure the car's exhaust pipe is not blocked, run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every
hour or so depending upon the amount of gas in the tank.
To protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia use the woolen items and blankets to keep warm.
Keep at least one window open slightly. Heavy snow and ice can seal a car shut.
Eat a hard candy to keep your mouth moist.
