Phone (606) 528-8473 Email sales@johnnywheels.com | | Problems always seem to happen at the most inconvenient times. Sufficient planning and preparation can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a potentially dangerous situation. The leading cause of death during winter storms is auto accidents. Johnny Wheels wants you to be safe and avoid dangerous situations. Below are preventative tips to keep you safe on the road this winter. You may not be able to control Mother Nature but using caution and common sense can prevent an accident. | | |
Always know the weather before you get on the road. Remember to be extra careful when driving on bridges and overpasses; they are the first to freeze over. Be aware of black ice. Black ice occurs when the road appears to be dry but is darker and shinier than usual. Slow down when driving through these areas. Slow Down (this includes turning, braking, stopping and accelerating). Stay Alert. Make sure you are aware of what the other drivers around you are doing. Stay in Control. If you do begin to fishtail, turn in the direction of the skid and make sure to keep your foot off of the brake and gas pedals. If you must brake on a slippery surface, be sure to pump the brakes gently unless you have ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). If you have ABS, press the brake firmly and hold. Do not pump the brakes if you have ABS-this will lessen the effect of your brakes. Avoid steep hills if possible. Use alternate routes even if they are a little longer-they may be safer. Keep enough distance between yourself and other cars. Slick conditions can triple the distance it takes to come to a complete stop. Keep your low beam headlights on. No matter what time of day it is. Preparing Your Car For Winter
Here are some Winter car care tips you can offer customers this season to help them be prepared for when bad weather hits:
1) You Are Wearing Your Snow Boots
But What About Your Car?
During the winter, your tires need extra traction to keep your car on the road. Its important to have adequate tire tread, and in particularly cold climates drivers should consider investing in specially designed winter tires. For most, however, new all season tires on the market today feature technological advancements that help handle any weather, like Goodyears TripleTred Technology. Also, a very important fact to remember as temperatures drop is that for every 10-degree decrease in outside temperature the air pressure in your tires drops by 1-2 pounds, raising the likelihood of driving on under inflated tires which can lead to lower fuel economy, poor performance and premature wear.
2) See Your Way Through the Storm.
Don't wait until it snows to find out your windshield wipers don't work. Change your wipers to winter blades; by having a jacket over the wiper, it won't fill up with salt and snow, thus keeping the blade on the windshield. Use de-icer windshield washer fluid to prevent freezing or hazing during cold days. Also, be certain the heater and defroster are working properly.
3) Dont Get Stuck Without Enough Juice.
Winters extreme cold can result in weakened car batteries. The chemical reactions inside your cars battery slow as the temperature drops, causing the engine to crank slower. Get your battery tested now by a qualified mechanic to help you avoid a dead battery on a cold day. 4) Blended is Better with Ice.
Conventional motor oils tend to thicken and become sluggish in cold weather. If you drive in a particularly cold climate, consider switching to a synthetic blend designed to keep your motor oil from getting thick in freezing temperatures. Synthetic blends have been shown to move through the engine three times faster than conventional oil and reduce the amount of torque required to turn the engine over, causing less strain on your already weakened battery.
5) Stay Half Full.
Keeping your gas tank at least half full during the winter will decrease the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing, which could hurt performance or cause your car to stall.
6) It May be Time to Flush.
Check your antifreeze before the temperature falls, and flush the entire system if necessary. The same antifreeze that keeps your engine from boiling over in the summer will protect your engine coolant from freezing. Antifreeze can lower the freezing point of the coolant to -34 degrees F.
7) Tighten Your Belt.
Making sure your car engine belts are tight and secure is an easy way to avoid a breakdown this winter season. You should also have a qualified mechanic examine the belts for signs of cracking and wear. 8) Be Prepared.
If you get stuck in the snow and ice, storing a few everyday items in your car could help free the vehicle and put you back on the road: a.) Ice scraper and a snow shovel to clear snow and ice away from your tires.
b.) Kitty litter to spread around the tires for better traction.
c.) Snow boots so you dont lose your footing.
d.) Extra clothes: hats, gloves, jackets to keep you warm while working.
Other items to consider: flashlight, blanket, bottled water, snacks, needed medication and dont forget your cell phone charger. | |
