LEARNING TO LIVE A LIFE

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AND SAFE DRIVING

Vehicle maintenance and safe driving are important year- round, but the cold temperatures, snow, and ice that come along with winter are especially hard on your vehicle. We’ve pulled together expert tips on maintaining your vehicle and driving safely throughout the winter months:

Don’t wait to make repairs! It’s important your vehicle is in proper working order before winter arrives. Now is the time to complete those repairs you’ve been putting off.

Double Check • Antifreeze Levels – Antifreeze is crucial to keeping your engine running, especially in extreme temperatures. It’s recommended you clean, flush, and replace anti-freeze every two years. your car handles on the road. Check your tire pressure • Battery – Low temperatures are especially hard on your weekly during the winter using a tire gauge and fill them as car’s battery. You can usually have your battery tested for needed to the level recommended in your owner’s manual. free or low cost at an automotive store. • Tire Tread Depth – One common test to check the depth • Light Bulbs – Light bulbs should be checked frequently and of the tread on your tires is to use a penny. Simply insert replaced as soon as they burn out. Winter weather often the penny into your tire’s tread. The top of Lincoln’s head reduces your visibility, so it’s important your exterior lights should point toward the tire. If you can see all of his head are working and properly aligned. you need to replace your tires. It’s a good idea to perform • Tire Pressure – Cold temperatures drastically impact the this check in multiple places on your tire(s). pressure of your tires. Low tire pressure can affect how • Windshield Washer Fluid – Did you know there is “winter” windshield washer fluid? This fluid won’t freeze and potentially damage your vehicle when the temperatures drop below freezing. Switch your windshield washer fluid 1600+ to one appropriate for the temperatures where you live. career opportunities available now! Continued on back…

“We come to college not alone to prepare to make a living, but to learn to live a life.” – M.J. RIGGS (CLASS OF 1883)

Visit WorkInAmes.com Keep your tank full Experts recommend keeping your gas tank at least half full throughout the winter months. Not only will this help prevent moisture from forming, which can damage your gas lines, you’ll also have plenty of gas to ensure you get through any traffic delays you may encounter.

Slow Down Keep distance when driving behind other vehicles. Winter weather impacts your ability to accelerate and stop, so it’s important to slow down, give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination, and be patient.

Be prepared Always have an ice scraper in your car and clear ice and snow completely from your windows, lights, and license plate before attempting to drive. In the event you are delayed or stranded, it’s important to have a winter supply box or to add winter-specific items to your car emergency kit. Recommended items include: • Hand warmers • A small shovel • A flashlight with extra batteries • Extra gloves • A blanket or sleeping bag • A car charger • A first aid kit • Food and water (nuts and jerky are good high-energy choices)

RESOURCES

US News (https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my- money/2015/11/03/5-steps-to-prepare-your-car-for-winter)

Car Care Council (http://www.carcare.org/car-care-resource/ winter-car-care/)

Vienna Patch (https://patch.com/virginia/vienna/dead-car- battery-cold-weather-electronics-may-be-to-blame-aaa-says)