| The winter is the worst time for inclement weather, | | | | help you from getting into an accident or sliding into a |
| especially in Northern areas of the United States, such | | | | ditch. Also, make sure to check your tire pressure |
| as Western Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh, PA is known for | | | | periodically. In the cold, the air in your tires compresses |
| its rough winters. Safe driving practices should always | | | | and can often make tires a bit flat. Many gas stations |
| be employed when driving, but especially so during the | | | | offer free air, so take the time to add some air to your |
| cold winter months where snow and ice make driving | | | | tires when necessary. |
| hazardous. Safe driving is a conscious decision that | | | | Check Your Windshield Wipers |
| every driver needs to make. Part of safe driving new | | | | Windshield wipers also get worn down over time as |
| or used cars and trucks includes keeping them | | | | they fight to keep your view free from rain, sleet, |
| properly maintained. If you're driving an older car, it is | | | | snow, and ice. Windshield wipers are vital for giving |
| more likely that you could end up broken down on the | | | | you clear vision despite the weather. If your windshield |
| side of the road in the freezing cold. However, if you | | | | wipers don't seem to be doing the job for you, you |
| keep up with the maintenance, you can make your old | | | | need to either slow down or check your windshield |
| car safer for driving. | | | | washer fluid. If the washer fluid is low or out, your |
| Over the winter, our natural inclination is to just stay | | | | windshield wipers will not be able to do an efficient job |
| inside out of the cold. We're less likely to take care of | | | | cleaning off your windshield. Unlike antifreeze, however, |
| routine things like checking antifreeze or oil. If we keep | | | | water does not mix with or substitute for washer fluid. |
| up with these basic service needs during the winter, | | | | Cold weather will cause the water to freeze on your |
| our cars will be more likely to run better and save us | | | | windshield rather than clean it. |
| from getting stranded in a snowstorm. Here are some | | | | Keep Your Gas Tank Full |
| good maintenance tips to keep in mind: | | | | Have you ever thought you still had a quarter tank of |
| Check Your Brakes | | | | gas left in your car, but after you come out of work, |
| A car's brakes need to be in good working order | | | | the gas light is on? If your car is low on gas, what is |
| during the winter to keep you safe. Sliding over the ice | | | | left in the tank can freeze. Then you'll really be stuck, |
| is quite common, especially with smaller cars, and can | | | | stranded somewhere. Save yourself some anxiety |
| be even more dangerous when your brakes are shot. | | | | and potential danger by making sure to keep your gas |
| When something unexpected happens on the highway, | | | | tank full. |
| you need to have the ability to stop suddenly. When | | | | Keep Track of Your Car's Maintenance |
| the road is slushy or icy, this can be difficult. If your | | | | Time often escapes us in our busy lives. We think we |
| brake pads are worn or your brakes aren't functioning | | | | may have just had an oil change, but really, that was |
| properly, you could end up careening into the car in | | | | 10 months ago. How do you keep all your car's |
| front of you. | | | | maintenance needs in order? Keep a log or journal to |
| Check Your Antifreeze | | | | track the dates, expenses, and maintenance history |
| Coolant is just as important in the winter months as it is | | | | for your car. This way, you can be sure about what |
| in the summer. Antifreeze prevents your engine from | | | | was done and estimate when you need to have more |
| overheating and is a vital part to keeping your car | | | | work done in the future. Always make sure your |
| running well. Antifreeze is actually combined with | | | | battery is working well, your spark plug wires are |
| water. If the proportions are not even and you have | | | | functioning, and you are not low on engine oil. These |
| more water than antifreeze, you could damage your | | | | are routinely checked when you have your oil |
| engine. | | | | changed. |
| Check Your Tires | | | | A snowy, icy day is the worst time for an accident. |
| The tread on your tires helps your car from sliding | | | | While accidents are never well-timed, in the winter, |
| across snowy and icy roads. Over time, the tread | | | | accidents are more likely to happen, can cause injury |
| becomes worn from use, so you must be conscious | | | | more easily, and more difficult for medical help to get |
| during the winter months of how much tread is left. | | | | to. Stay safe during the winter by driving slowly and |
| During the winter, 1/8" is a general standard of depth | | | | keeping your car properly maintained. |
| for your tread to ensure safe driving. This will greatly | | | | |