How to avoid being left out in the cold

THORNHILL, ON, Nov. 11, 2013 /CNW/ - It won't be long before the bitter cold arrives and the first snowflakes fly. Before you reach for the parka and snow shovel, be sure to prep your vehicle for the winter driving months.

"Drivers can help avoid breakdowns by keeping their vehicle properly maintained throughout the year," said Silvana Aceto, Media & PR Consultant, CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO).

Make sure your vehicle is winter ready:

Battery: Have your battery tested by a trained technician. Replace weak batteries before they fail.

Belts and Hoses: Replace belts that are cracked or frayed and hoses that are worn or brittle.

Tires: Tire pressure can be reduced in cold weather, so check tire pressures frequently and maintain the manufacturer's recommended pressure found on the driver's door jamb. Also, install four matching winter tires. The best time to switch from all-season tires to winter tires is when the temperature reaches 7°C or below

Windshield wipers: Replace wiper blades if they do not clear the glass in a single swipe without streaking and top up your washer fluid.

While preventative measures can go a long way toward keeping you driving safely on the road, unexpected weather or vehicle problems may still happen when you least expect them.

Remember to also pack an emergency roadside kit. Include a mobile phone and car charger, blankets, flashlight with extra batteries, first-aid kit, bottled water, a small shovel, ice scraper, snow brush, booster cables and extra clothing.

CAA South Central Ontario is a not-for-profit auto club offering roadside services, automotive care, travel and insurance. There are more than 1.9 million CAA members in South Central Ontario and over 5.9 million members in Canada. We're more than Roadside Assistance. We're Life-side Assistance.

SOURCE: CAA South Central Ontario

Media contact: Silvana Aceto, Media and PR Consultant, CAA SCO, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone] or Jeff LeMoine, Communications Consultant, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone].