Officials urge motorists to prepare for winter conditions

Doug Wheeler finishes scraping the windows of his vehicle late in the day Thursday, Nov. 30, 2006, in downtown Fort Scott. Approximately two inches had fallen as of 4 p.m. that day. -- Tribune File Photo

By Michael Pommier

The Fort Scott Tribune

As temperatures continue to fall and the threat of snow and ice grows so to do the dangers of winter weather effecting vehicles.

With AAA is anticipating 27,000 road side assistance calls in Kansas during the winter motorists are encouraged to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their vehicles.

"Cold temperatures and wintery weather take their toll on vehicles, especially if they have not been properly maintained and prepared for winter," said Marshall L. Doney, vice president, AAA Automotive. "Now is not the time to defer vehicle maintenance."

Steve Fortenberry of Shepherd Team Auto Plaza has given these simple steps to prepare for the winter weather.

* Inspect the coolant condition and how long it's protection is good for

* Test the battery's condition and its reserve capacity to start a vehicle on a cold morning

* Inspect all belts and hoses for hardness and fraying.

* Inspect the tires for pressure and antiquate tread to control the vehicle in winter conditions.

* Inspect windshield wipers for tearing or hardness.

* Inspect your brakes and braking system to be sure they are applying evenly for braking on poor road surface conditions.

* Check all lights so you can see and be seen.

In addition to Fortenberry's tips, the Car Care Council recommends motorists should check heaters and defrosters as well as to check the exhaust system for carbon monoxide leaks.

"The common things are tire pressures and coolant is the biggest on of all," Fortenberry said. "If any (belts or hoses) are brittle or hardened or showing cracks, you want to deal with them before the hard part of winter."

According to a survey conducted by the Car Care Council, more than 70 percent of motorists admit that they do not have their cars winterized in preparation for inclement weather.

AAA is also anticipating assisting more than 650,000 with tire trouble and more than 100,000 stuck in snow or ice across the country. To prepare for the chance of getting stuck on the side of the road, motorists are encouraged to have an emergency kit in the vehicle. These kits should include a mobile phone and car charger, flashlight with extra batteries, first-aid kit, blankets, extra clothes, ice scraper and snowbrush, jumper cables, flares, candles/matches, bottled water, dry food snacks and needed medication.

AAA also expects to assist 800,000 motorists who have been locked out of their vehicles so it my be a good idea to make a spare key.