The daily Astorian., December 21, 2016, Image 13

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WINTER 2016-17 | PUBLISHED BY THE DAILY ASTORIAN
6
COLD
WEATHER
CAR CARE
TIPS
Winter is approaching, bringing cold temperatures, salty
roads, wet conditions and other challenges for drivers. To
ensure your vehicle is at its best, follow these six simple tips
to get your vehicle winter-ready.
Add Antifreeze
Antifreeze can help protect
your engine from extreme
temperatures and help keep
fluids from freezing as cold
sets in.
Check Tires
When temperatures fall, air
inside tires contracts and
causes the pressure inside to
drop, which can make tires
susceptible to damage.
Change Oil
TIPS
FOR
AVOIDING
THE
Colder temperatures can
cause motor oil to thiscken,
which can cause starting
problems. Change your oil just
before winter to keep oil
flowing easily through your
engine, helping your car start
easier.
HOLIDAY TRAVEL
BREAKDOWN
Wash and Wax
Every year, as tens of millions of travelers take the road for their holiday trips and vacations, at
least one million people will be stranded. But many of them would be able to avoid these problems if
they started planning in the fall.
That figure is an estimation by the American Automobile Association, which is ready to deploy its
assistance specialists to help with lockouts, battery replacements, jump starts, extricating vehicles
from snow and towing cars for repair.
Washing and applying a fresh
coast of wax before
fluctuating temperatures set
in can be the first line of
defense against ice, salt, sand
and slush. Visiting a car wash
is also a great way to get the
underbelly of the car clean to
avoid rusting, which helps
maintain the overall value of
the vehicle.
Additionally, washing at a car
wash regularly in the winter
can help keep the windshield,
mirrors and lights clean, which
is important in ensuring the
best possible vision for the
driver.
BE PREPARED
Drivers can avoid some roadside breakdowns by keeping their vehicles properly maintained. The AAA advises
motorists to follow their recommended maintenance schedule and make sure their vehicle is ready for the holiday travel
season.
Have a certified technician check your vehicle’s fluid levels, lights, brakes, exhaust system and heater/defroster. you
should continue to schedule regular services, including oil and filter changes, throughout the winter driving season at
the intervals recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
COMMON ISSUES
Every year during the holiday season, this is how AAA service calls are broken down:
Replace Wipers
• Nearly 300,000 requests for help with a dead battery.
• More than 80,000 failed batteries repaired on the spot.
• Nearly 200,000 sets of keys retrieved from inside locked vehicles.
• More than 166,000 tire changes.
• About 21,000 vehicle extrications.
As thick snow starts falling, or
when rain and water turn to
ice, it’s important to have
properly fitted wiper blades to
keep your windshield.
Pack an
Emergency Kit
BEING STRANDED
To help ensure safe travel and
be prepared for emergency
situations, keep these
essential items in your vehicle:
gloves, ice scraper, shovel, salt
or sand, warm clothing and
blankets, jumper cables and a
first-aid kit.
The AAA projects its roadside technicians can fix the issues of more than three out of five stranded motorists and
send them on their way. The remaining two travelers will still need a tow.
Keeping you and your family safe while you’re stranded is important. This means pulling your car fully onto the
shoulder of the road and keeping your hazard lights flashing.
You could also benefit from having an emergency kit full of blankets, batteries, water, flashlights and other essential
items to keep you safe and warm during long delays.
R
Complete Automotive
Repair & Exhaust
92348 Lewis & Clark Rd
325-6486
(behind Landwehr’ s Country Grocer)
s
’
od
E L E C T R I C
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