Winter Driving


by Roger Craigston - Date: 2007-01-12 - Word Count: 601 Share This!

With the onset of Christmas time, expect that not a few people are going to take on the streets. Whether you are in the habit of saying "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays," there is something really special about the season's festive air. Suddenly, the last few days of the year turns into a season of increased human activity. Add to that comes after the well-placed succession of summer and the holidays.

This early you may have planned both your destination and itinerary, and even primed up your Buick for the long drive ahead. But, as banal as of most human concerns are, weather is another factor that should make it to your holiday considerations. Weather is unpredictable and can strike at the most inauspicious of time. Not only human activity goes up a notch higher during this season, but the number of vehicles requiring assistance as well.

As frost rears its ugly head during this cold weather, antifreeze becomes all the more essential. Most common cause of car breakdowns in this climate is frost damage. It is important that, once you are set for the roads, your Buick is protected with the correct strength of antifreeze and water mix. Neat antifreeze can turn into sludge when very cold and can snarl up the Buick's radiator. A 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water is recommended.

As an added precautionary measure for safeguarding the Buick parts under its bonnet, it will be better if you keep the lubrication level in accordance with what is specified on the manufacturer's manual. On the road, be sure to stay on top of the situation through periodic monitoring of the Buick's oil and water levels.

If you have been skimping on car maintenance this year, but somehow still thinks it is indispensable, now is the time to roll your Buick into the shop. Have its brake system checked by a professional. The same goes for the tires. Examine all four rubbers for signs of uneven wearing and for any cuts or small nicks. You don't want to take a risk and use a bad set of rubbers on wet road.

Also, check that all lights are in good working condition. Remember to clean road grime from all lenses when washing the car. Conduct a safety inspection on the Buick's front and rear fog lights, too. They come in handy especially in cold weather driving. Keep in mind that fog lights should only be used when visibility is reduced to around 100 meters and switched off when visibility improves.

Make sure that both front and rear wiper blades are not worn out or damaged, as they can be of great use in winter drives. If they are leaving smears across the Buick's windshield, it is time for new blades. Also, keep a can of de-icer and a scraper in the car. De-icer can also be used to defrost doors and petrol filter locks. Carry a few things just in case. Gloves, a blanket, a small shovel, a torch and some cash are essential. Consider carrying a mobile phone with you. Do not forget to have your phone fully charged and with sufficient credit before you set off.

It is unthinkable that there is any one who will let car breakdown make his or her Christmas break come to a head. By following these helpful tips, you can help your Buick perform up to specs this winter. And, in turn, you can spare your holidays from getting spoiled. As they say, it is not so much the end of the journey that counts. But how you actually get there...

Related Tags: tires, brake, buick, fog lights, radiator, antifreeze, de-icer

Roger Craigston is employed as an auto detailer in Wellington, NZ.

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