Experts say to winterize vehicles in Oklahoma
Now is the time to check for potential problems

BY JOHN A. WILLIAMS Comments 0
Published: November 20, 2008

Jeff Jones, owner of Edmond Auto Service, checks under the hood of a car. PHOTO BY JOHN A. WILLIAMS, THE OKLAHOMAN

As temperatures drop, drivers in Edmond and the surrounding area should consider having additional maintenance and preparations made on their cars to avoid problems during the winter months.

Multimedia

Photoview all photos

More Info

TIPS

These measures can help protect you while driving in frigid weather:

• Keep emergency supplies on hand. Have a blanket, extra gloves, some dehydrated food, flashlight and some kitty litter. Kitty litter helps with traction.

• Carry a can of instant tire in your trunk.

• Carry some sturdy booster cables in your trunk.

• Be certain you have good tread on your tires.

• Keep an ice scraper and brush in your car.

• Clean any battery corrosion from your battery cables’ terminal ends.

Source: weather.com

Jeff Jones of Edmond Auto Service, 301 S Broadway, said while checking a vehicle’s fluid levels is important year-round, during the winter months car owners will want to put in some additives.

"Windshield wiper fluid is usually topped off with just water. But that can freeze up,” he said.

"A de-icing fluid to keep your windshields clear should be added.”

Jones said antifreeze should be checked in the radiator before winter weather arrives to prevent freezing.

"Even your gas lines can freeze up,” he said.

In addition to fluids, he said drivers should make sure other parts of the car are in good condition.

He recommends replacing wiper blades that are cracked and checking the tires to see if they have proper air pressure and the treads are good.

Jones said he offers a winter check on cars free of charge.

"It takes a few minutes of labor but it can mean safety for some driver,” he said.

At the same time Chuck Mai with AAA Oklahoma said one of the most important things to have in a car during winter weather is a cell phone with a charger cord.

He said drivers also should keep an ice scraper in their vehicle.

"That’s the most used implement you’ll need this winter,” he said. "Right behind that would be a snowbrush.”

Mai said winter is the Rodney Dangerfield of seasons Oklahoma.

"We don’t give it enough respect,” he said. "Some winters we get through scot-free but when it hits us, it hits us hard.”