Preparation key to winter car safety

By Tim Cherry, Belvoir EagleDecember 8, 2011

Practicing safe motor vehicle habits will go a long way in helping Families ensure their Christmas is spent experiencing the joy of the season and not the perils of car troubles.

The installation has several tips from various garrison offices to help prepare automobiles for the winter.

The Kawamura Arts and Crafts Center Auto Skills Shop recomends that motorist check car batteries for age and corrosion. A three-year-old battery should be replaced and battery posts and cables with corrosion should be cleaned with a brush or metal shaver to prevent the vehicle from dying.

The shop also suggests that oil be checked to ensure that it doesn't become thick, and plain water should not be used in your windshield washer reservoir because it will freeze.

Lights and brakes should be working properly, fluids should be at their appropriate levels and the wiper blades should be cleaned.

It is also important to check tire pressure which has a tendency to decrease when the temperature drops. Properly inflated tires provide better traction on roads.

People should also check for wear and tear on car belts and hoses, which could damage a vehicle and cause fluid leaks.

Bridget Smalls, Safety Office safety specialist said it's best to take these precautions before winter kicks into gear to avoid any potential problems.

"Listen to the weather forecast. Be smart, be prepared and plan your trips thoroughly," Smalls said.

She recommends to to be very alert for any ice that may be on the roads.

Smalls also suggests that people don't push their vehicles to extreme performance levels, regardless of the model.

According to the Virginia driving manual, motorist should reduce their speed and increase their distance between cars during severe weather, which will provide more reaction time to avoid a crash.

All of these tips should help people be prepared for the upcoming winter season, but Smalls and the auto shop recognize that accidents happen and it's best to be prepared beforehand.

A winter emergency kit, comprised of items such as blankets, an extra set of warm clothes, non-perishable water and food items, an ice scraper, flashlight, flares and jumper cables, would be very useful if you ever become stranded.

The shop advises against wandering too far away from your vehicle unless you know exactly where you are.

"When traveling, be sure someone knows when you are leaving, your final destination and your route," Smalls said.