INDIANANPOLIS, Nov. 28, 2006 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Now is the perfect time to prepare for winter driving. Jiffy Lube of Indiana offers drivers the top five ways to get set for winter weather. From proper tire inflation to windshield wipers to essential engine fluids, vehicle maintenance is vital during the colder months in particular.
1. Test the battery: Extreme temperatures are harder on batteries,
leaving many drivers stranded in cars that won't start. Have your
battery checked by a reputable service center to ensure proper
functioning. Although some manufacturers guarantee batteries for
five or six years, many batteries will not last that long.
2. Check tire inflation and tread: When roads are covered in ice and
snow, it is important to have tires that are properly inflated and
have plenty of tread. This will provide the best possible traction
and handling. Also, keep cat litter or a bag of sand in your trunk
in case you get stuck in a slippery spot. Throwing a cup or two
of litter or sand under your tires may provide the traction you
need to get moving again.
3. Check vehicle fluids, including oil: Vehicles require a variety
of fluids, including antifreeze and transmission, brake,
windshield washer and power steering fluids, to run properly.
Take extra care as cold weather approaches to ensure these fluids
are performing at their peak. Otherwise, fluids may break down or
need replenishing during severe weather, leaving you stranded in
the cold or causing damage to your engine.
A trusted mechanic or preventive auto maintenance expert can help
you check these fluids.
The changing of the seasons also is a good time to consider
changing your oil. Few consumers realize that some vehicles
require different "weights" of oil (a measure of thickness) for
different seasons. As temperatures drop, oil begins to flow much
more slowly through the engine. Motor oils that are too thick will
take longer to reach vital engine parts, causing the engine to run
without sufficient lubrication. Long-term, this can cause engine
damage. And because the engine must work harder to circulate
thicker motor oil, it is less fuel efficient.
Again, consult your owner's manual or a trusted mechanic to
determine the proper weight of oil for your vehicle in winter
weather.
4. Ensure good visibility: Visibility is another issue when driving
during the winter -- not only because of snow, ice and fogged
windows, but also because of the de-icing sand and salt all over
the roads. To reduce problems, make sure windshield washer fluid
is full. In fact, some washer fluids go beyond cleaning and
include de-icing components. De-icing fluids can make a big
difference in visibility and safe driving.
In addition to de-icing fluids, your windshield wipers are your
most important defense in bad winter weather. But many drivers
damage their wipers by yanking them free from frozen windshields.
Often, this snaps the wipers or pulls them apart. Instead, clear
away the snow and ice around the wipers and then wait for the car
to defrost before driving. As the windshield warms from inside,
the wipers will be released undamaged.
5. Prepare an emergency kit: Taking a few extra minutes to pack
a vehicle with emergency essentials is worth it. When traveling,
consider stocking your vehicle with several winter essentials --
including blankets, flashlights, old boots, a shovel, food and
water.
Finally, ask a trusted mechanic to check your vehicle's belts,
hoses and spark plugs. Ensuring that these vehicle parts are in
good working order minimizes the likelihood of being stranded on
cold winter roads.
No one wants to be stranded in bad weather. Reduce the likelihood
of such a situation by preparing now for winter driving
conditions.
Jiffy Lube International, located on more than 2,200 of the busiest street corners in America, is synonymous with convenient car care. The company pioneered the fast oil change industry in 1979 and today serves in excess of 30 million customers each year. Jiffy Lube of Indiana has been locally owned and operated by Steve and Jennifer Sanner since 1985 and has 46 service centers throughout the state.