Over the River and Through the Woods

The holiday season is upon us and that means that many of us will be travelling by car to one place or another. It may be just a short trip to the mall or a thousand-mile, cross-sountry trak to visit relatives. Wherever you plan to travel this holiday season there are a few things that you should remember before you leave. Things that could help you to have a safer trip and make sure that you reach your destination woth as few problems as possible.

First of all have your car checked out by a mechanic to make sure that everything is in working order. Even if you are only going as far as the mall, you don't want to come out and find a flat tire or a dead battery. Make sure that your radiator is full of antifreeze and that it is the right mixture to provide maximum protection. Remember, pure antifreeze will freeze at about 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, if you are adding antifreeze yourself make sure that you are using the correct type. General Motors has in recent years started using a coolant called DEX-COOL, which if mixed with the standard green antifreeze will form a thick sludge in the radiator and cooling system. Dex-Cool is easily identified by its bright orange color. The vehicle should also have a warning sticker near the coolant resevoir if it uses this type of coolant. Regardless of what you may think make sure that you refer to your owner's manual to see what type of coolant your vehicle uses.

A car's battery is another frequent victim of cold weather. Have the battery tested to ensure that it has a proper charge and lacks corrosion. Also, have the alternator checked to ensure that it is charging the battery properly and that its voltage regulator and diodes are in working order.

Tires are another important component that need to be checked at this time. Make sure there are no punctures or cracks in the tread and sidewall. If the tread is worn the tires will not provide much traction in rain or snow. If you live in an area where you use studded snow tires you may want to make sure that any area you will be travelling to allows these tires. Also, make sure that the spare is properly inflated in case it has be used.

Another oft overlooked part is the car's fan belt. Most cars and trucks now use a serpentine belt that runs more than one component. If the belt is cracked or worn have it changed. In most cases if the serpentine belt breaks the car looses power steering, alternator function, water pump circulation and air conditioning/defrost capabilities.

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