Winter car care for sisters

EVERY day during the cold-weather season, in every city across the country, Old Man Winter zaps the life out of another neglected automobile. And another otherwise independent Sister is transformed into the suddenly stranded motorist, frustrated and desperately waiting for help to arrive.

If you don't want to become a diva in distress this winter, get proactive when it comes to maintaining a safe vehicle by adhering to your automobile's recommended maintenance schedule (as indicated in the owner's manual) and by taking note of the following expert's checklist of winter car care tips:

* Pack a survival kit.

You should keep a winter survival kit in your car at all times. According to the Automobile Association of America (AAA), your winter survival kit should include:

* Fully charged cell phone

* Coffee can furnace (the candle generates heat)

* Carpet Strips (for traction under drive wheels)

* Boots (warm comfortable, functional boots)

* Ice scraper, brush, flares and reflectors

* Jumper cables, tools and flashlight

* Battery-powered radio with extra batteries

* Shovel and sand or kitty litter (for traction in slippery situations)

* First-Aid kit, non-perishable canned food, bottled water and blankets

If you have children, a diaper bag and any pertinent medication should also be kept on hand.

Your roadside survival kit should also have a backup plan, such as the in-vehicle safety security and information service such as On-Star, which provides access to roadside assistance, directions, emergency services and medical assistance.

* Check your battery, tires and brakes.

According to experts, batteries can lose up to 35 percent of their spark during the colder winter months.

Cold weather can also result in low tire pressure, which can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. You should check your tire pressure with a quality functional gauge. (Check your user's manual to determine how much pressure to obtain). Your tires should also be professionally aligned and rotated.

In addition to being properly pressurized and aligned, your tires should also have adequate tread in order to provide traction. Tires should be replaced when the tread is worn down to 1/16th of an inch.

Brakes are crucial to the safe operation of your vehicle, especially on the slick and icy winter roads. If there are any problems with your brakes, they should be serviced by a professional immediately.

* Keep your car hydrated.

Coolant is just one of the necessary fluids that your automobile needs to perform.

If there is too much water and not enough antifreeze in the coolant system, it can freeze, expand and subsequently crack important engine components.

Oil should be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles; you should also check the transmission and brake fluid levels during this checkup.

Your gas tank should never be allowed to dip below the halfway mark during the colder months; cruising on fumes could result in frozen gas lines.

* Inspect your wipers, lights, belts and hoses.

Your hoses are the arteries of your car's cooling system and are especially defenseless during the frigid winter months. You should examine your hoses carefully, paying special attention to any deformities or signs of wear and tear such as leaks, bulges, fraying or cracks.

AAA suggests that your wiper blades be replaced twice a year; however, you should also inspect them regularly to make certain that they are not worn. Also, put only no-freeze windshield washer fluid in the washer reservoirs. Keep an ice scraper and a can of de-icer in the trunk of your car at all times, and always, clear your windshield of snow and ice fully before driving.

It is also vital that your headlights and taillights are in excellent working condition so you can see and be seen.

* Don't ignore your engine.

Refer to your owner's manual for a complete schedule of tune-ups. AAA suggests a thorough inspection of your auto's ignition system that includes the distributor, emission system components, spark plugs and wires, and the fuel injection system.

* Get a great start.

The proper way to start a stalled engine, according to car specialists, is by turning off all accessories, including the heater, defroster, lights, wipers and radio.

Don't rev-up your engine, hard acceleration can cause damage if the engine is cold. (Never warm up a car in a garage or other enclosed area; exposure to the carbon monoxide fumes can be fatal).

If you have a carbureted system, press once on the accelerator pedal, turn off the car ignition and wait at least a minute. Hold the gas pedal to the floor and crank the engine for no more than 10 seconds. You can repeat this for up to three times, but do NOT pump the accelerator.

If you have a fuel-injected system, consult your owner's manual for the recommended starting procedures.

* Keep your car clean.

Snow, de-icing chemicals and road salt can really tarnish your car's paint job, so keeping it clean is an absolute must.

You don't have to ride around with a showroom finish, but a good wash every 10 days is ideal.