Ten winter tips

  

Ok Alaskans, it's that time of year again.  You folks in the northern latitudes are probably in the depths of it already, with snow on the ground and frost on the windshield.  For others, winter is right around the corner.

Make things a little easier on yourself this winter by following these ten tips:

1. Get that oil change you've been putting off.  An oilpan full of fresh, lighter weight (5 w/30) oil will make for a happier motor with fewer starting problems.
2. If you don't have an engine block heater, get one.  Really.  It's good for the environment and will help decrease the wear on the motor that cold starting causes.
3. Get out the extension cord and hang it close to where you park your car.  Hanging the cord will keep the snow and debris out of the receptacle and make it easier to plug in.
4. Buy a new ice scraper/brush.  They're relatively cheap and a new blade will make those early morning scrape jobs a whole lot easier.
5. Fill up the wiper fluid resevoir.  Don't get caught having to pull over on the Glenn Highway in morning traffic to throw snow on your windshield.  Use a quality washer fluid such as Rain-X .
6. Throw a couple of extra blankets in the trunk for emergencies.
7. For heavens sake, check your tires!  If the tread is low, don't wait until spring.  It's amazing how many cars end up at the wrecking yard because the driver lost control due to bad tires.  If you don't want to have studded tires, the Goodyear Blizzaks are awesome for winter driving.
8. Check your headlights.  It may be time for replacement bulbs.  Night vision is critical to being able to see any road-bound ungulates.  It's also important for other drivers to be able to see you in less than perfect driving conditions.
9. Listen to, and pay attention to the traffic reports on the radio.  Avoid the trouble spots by knowing alternate routes.
10. Most importantly, winter driving is different from summer driving.  Slow down!  give yourself a few extra minutes to get where you need to be. Excessive speed is the number one cause of accidents in the winter.

Following these ten winter tips should help you have a better driving experience.