By Ashley Evanson
Last winter, BYU student Katie Finlayson was out at 1 a.m. on a late-night shopping spree when she and a friend lost control of the car. The dangerous, icy roads caused the tires to spin out, making the car swerve uncontrollably in the middle of a major road.
“I hope we don”t run into anything or anyone,” Finlayson recalled thinking as she watched the world outside the car spin.
Luckily, the roads were empty and she and her friend avoided what could have been a devastating accident.
Many car accidents and car problems during the winter are the results of improper car care and can actually be more easily avoided. Winterizing one”s car is a smart, proactive step toward driving safely during the treacherous winter months.
October is National Car Care Month, so students should take advantage of all the promotions out there and learn the steps on how to winterize a car.
Because Utah has snowy winters with icy roads, checking tires is first on the list. Filling tires with air can be done for free at most gas station air pumps.
Also, tires with good treading that isn”t worn away can help prevent sliding on icy roads. Ty Johnson, service manager for the Jerry Seiner Dealerships, suggested sliding a penny on its edge into the tread, and if most of Abraham Lincoln”s head shows, it”s time for new tires.
More than 70 percent of motorists reported that they did not have their cars winterized last year in preparation for inclement weather, according to a survey conducted by the Car Care Council.
Car specialists suggest that people winterize their cars now, before the cold weather hits. If the do-it-yourself method doesn”t sound appealing, most car service stations will winterize it for a small service fee.
Doing homework first on different auto shops is smart, said Johnny Meyer, service manager and owner of Clegg”s Auto Center.
“Compare apples to apples and see who will check it [the car] for free,” he said.
After her car trouble last year, Finlayson said she plans to winterize her car this year, especially because it”s easy enough to do herself.
| 5 Steps to Winterize: |
|---|
1. Check tire pressure and tread depth |
2. Check antifreeze levels |
3. Install winter washer fluid |
4. Check wiper blades (replace every six to 12 months) |
5. Check battery for swelling or leaking |
