Are you road ready? CAA provides you tips to get ready for fall and winter
driving

THORNHILL, ON, Sept. 29 /CNW/ - As temperatures start to dip and our roadways get slicker with the change of season it's time to give your car its seasonal check-up.

Motorists spend a great deal of time on the road during the summer months giving their vehicles a good work out. The toll of Canada's changing seasons can easily turn minor car maintenance problems into automotive emergencies.

"Any weak or faulty component on your vehicle is vulnerable in extreme cold spells and could give out," says Edyta Zdancewicz of CAA South Central Ontario. "Poor tires, weak batteries and malfunctioning lights can all become a hazard in bad weather. Add poor road maintenance and you could be spending more money than expected on your car."

To ensure your vehicle is ready for another fall and winter CAA South Central Ontario suggests a complete vehicle check-up. In the month of October CAA is offering several FREE car care seminars for motorists to keep their families and others on the road safe. To register: visit www.caasco.com/worstroads or call 1-877-588-2088.

Seminar locations and dates:

Kingston, ON - October 3 , 10am-12pm, Car Medics Inc, 37 Rigney St.

Oakville, ON - October 17 , 10am-12pm, Mark's Auto Service, 318 Wyecroft Rd.

Markham, ON - October 24 , 1-3pm, Markham Auto Repair & Service, 16 Laidlaw Blvd.

How to get your car fall and winter ready? CAA suggests you check the following:

    
    -  Battery: Cold-weather starts require a fully charged battery.
       Typically batteries last 4-5 years, but their strength should be
       checked regularly. The connections should be cleaned and tightened
       with no corrosion. Consider purchasing a CAA Green battery to help
       the environment also.
    -  Engine: Is it time for a tune-up? Faulty wiring, worn spark plugs, a
       sticking choke or emission control devices that need attention can all
       lead to hard starting. A diagnostic checkup of your engine is a good
       seasonal investment. Visit any CAA Approved Automotive Repair Service
       facility or CAA Car Care Centre for details.
    -  Oil: Oil is your vehicle's lifeblood. If necessary, have your oil and
       filter changed with a multi-grade oil, such as 5W-30 or 10W-30, works
       well in almost all engines and has a flowing consistency that meets
       varying temperatures. Consider going eco-friendly with Safety-Kleen's
       Eco-Power oil available exclusively at CAA Car Care Centres.
    -  Tires: The traction between the tires and the road surface determines
       how well your vehicle starts, turns and stops. Ensure that your tires
       are properly inflated and in good condition. Winter tires are the best
       option for areas that receive heavy snowfall. All four tires must
       match for best performance. Check out CAA's big savings winter tire
       sale at www.caasco.com and get up to $500 off a new set of winter
       tires.
    -  Brakes: Brakes should be checked and, if needed, serviced to ensure
       even braking. Ensure your brakes are properly aligned and have good
       lining on their pads. Check brake and power-steering fluids.
    -  Windshield wipers: Replace all worn out blades and ensure you fill the
       reservoir bottle with a winter-grade fluid. Typically blades should be
       replaced annually.
    

CAA South Central Ontario is a not-for-profit auto club offering insurance, travel and roadside services. There are more than 1.8 million CAA members in Ontario and 5 million members in Canada .

For further information: Media Contact: Edyta Zdancewicz, Media and PR Specialist, 60 Commerce Valley Drive East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 7P9, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone]