Before heading out to visit family and friends this holiday season, AAA suggests taking time to prepare for winter driving conditions, especially if you''ll be driving through the mountains.
AAA recommends checking the following items on your vehicle:
- Batteries & Charging Systems: Recharge or replace weak batteries. Make sure the battery posts are clean of corrosion. Inspect ignition wires, distributor cap and spark plugs for problems.
- Engine Oil: Change oil between 3,000 and 7,500 miles depending on the manufacturer''s recommendations and driving conditions. Transmission fluid should also be checked.
- Lights: Check all exterior lights for proper operation.
- Tires: Make sure tires are properly inflated, have adequate tread depth and are in good condition.
- Windshield Wipers and Washer: Wipers should be checked for proper functioning. Replace blades if over six months old. Fill you washer reservoir bottle with a nonfreezing washer solvent.
- Winter Driving Kit: Tire chains, small bag of abrasive material, small snow shovel, snow brush, traction mats, flashlight, ice scraper, cloth or roll of paper towels, booster cables, blanket, hat, gloves, warm clothing, rain coat, first aid kit, food, water, tire gauge and warning devices.
by Virginia Sutcliffe