Six More Weeks of Winter: Is Your Vehicle Ready for the Unexpected?

BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With six more weeks of winter on the way, according to Punxsutawney Phil, you can't predict if you'll find yourself stranded like motorists recently were in Atlanta. It's best to be ready for the unexpected and make sure your vehicle is performing reliably and properly equipped with an emergency kit, says the Car Care Council.  

"When unforeseen events occur, like severe weather or a major accident, your car could become your home for hours," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. "By reviewing a quick checklist, you'll be better prepared to handle unpredictable winter weather conditions that can leave you stranded."

Before leaving the driveway this winter, the Car Care Council recommends you do the following:

• Be sure the heater and defroster are working properly.
• Stock an emergency kit with an ice scraper and snowbrush, jumper cables, flashlight, flares, candles and matches.
• Bring along blankets and extra clothes, bottled water, dry food snacks and essential medication.
• Check the tire tread depth and tire pressure, including the spare in the trunk.
• Fill washer fluid and change wiper blades that are cracked or torn, or that chatter, streak and don't properly clean your windshield.
• Check to see that the headlights and taillights work and are properly aimed.
• Clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system.
• Make sure the gas tank is at least half full and preferably full.

"It's never good to gamble with safety when it comes to your vehicle, so if you haven't had your vehicle checked recently, now is the time to 'be car care aware' and get a thorough vehicle inspection including a brake inspection, battery check and tune up," said White.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the "Be Car Care Aware" consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a copy of the council's Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.

SOURCE Car Care Council