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Winter tires and your winter driving checklist. Are you ready for winter driving?Winter tires like the Hankook I*Pike are ideal for winter roads - offering maximum steering response and stability.(NC)—With summer in the rear-view mirror and Jack Frost knocking at the door, it is time to think about winterizing your car.
“With unpredictable weather conditions, Canadian winters are challenging for even the most seasoned motorists, placing extra demands on your vehicle and driving skills,” says Bill Hume, Vice President of Hankook Tire Canada. “Every driver should create a complete seasonal checklist to ensure they and their families are prepared to face the elements head on.”
In other words, start thinking about mechanical maintenance and winter tires long before you see snowflakes falling. Here are a few things you can do to help your car get through the winter and keep from getting caught in the cold:
• Change Your Oil:
The change in seasonal temperatures may also dictate changing to a thinner viscosity engine oil to more efficiently lubricate moving parts in colder conditions. Check your cars owner's manual for fluid recommendations.
• Consider Winter Tires:
Winter tires have added groove capacity, which helps dispel excess snow from your tires. Winter tires are also made of a softer compound, providing additional traction in colder temperatures. Hankook's winter I*Pike tire, equipped with v-shaped tread, is an ideal solution for winter roads - offering maximum steering response and stability.
• Check Your Battery:
With cold weather comes increased power demand: defrosters, windshield wipers and heating systems can really take a toll on your car battery. For a simple battery test, run your vehicle's headlights before starting the engine. If you notice that your vehicle's headlights get brighter once you start the engine, more extensive battery tests may be needed.
• Prepare An Emergency Kit:
The Ministry of Transportation recommends keeping a winter survival kit in your vehicle. Having essential supplies can provide comfort and safety for you and your passengers in the event of an emergency. Some of the essential items include: ice scraper/snowbrush, shovel, sand or other traction aid, booster cables, flashlight, first aid kit, a blanket and a spare winter tire.
It is also important to stay alert, slow down, and stay in control — the three key elements of safe winter driving. Drive according to highway and weather conditions, and keep an eye on your car's maintenance throughout the season. Be prepared and don't let winter ruin your road trips.
For more information visit www.hankooktire.ca.
These car winterizing and safety tips can make your winter travel safer. Winter tires and a few simple car maintenance tips to help ensure the safety of your vehicle and your passengers is certainly worth it.