News

‘Winterize’ your vehicle

October 21, 2005
2nd Lt. Martha L. Petersante-Gioia
66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

With frigid temperatures and harsh driving conditions looming in the
future, now is the time to prepare vehicles for the winter months.

Frigid temperatures can have different effects on various parts of a vehicle.
In order to ensure winter safety, a checklist to follow has been
developed for road trips and day-to-day driving in the colder months.
Have a mechanic check the following items on your car.

Battery, antifreeze, wipers and windshield washer fluid, ignition
system thermostat, lights, flashing hazard lights, exhaust system,
heater, brakes, defroster, oil level (if necessary, replace existing
oil with a winter grade oil or the SAE 10w/30 weight variety)

Winter Car Kit

– Flashlights w/ batteries
– First aid kit
– Pocket knife
– Necessary medications
– Several blankets
– Sleeping bags
– Extra newspapers for insulation
– Plastic bags
– Matches
– Extra mittens and socks
– Wool cap
– Rain gear and extra clothes
– Small sack of sand
– Small shovel
– Small tools
– Booster cables
– Tire chains
– Traction mats
– Cards and games
– Canned fruit and nuts
– Can opener
– Bottled water

  

Don’t forget to:
Outfit your vehicle with good winter tires and make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions.

Keep a windshield scraper and small broom in the car for ice and snow removal.

Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.
Plan long trips carefully by listening to the radio for the latest road conditions, traveling during daylight and, if possible, taking at least one other person along. If you must go out during a winter storm, public transportation is the best option.

Have a supply of snack foods and bottled water available.
For more information, call the Ramstein Auto Skills Center at 480-2956.

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