Know AAA

Get ready for winter driving

AUTOMOTIVE-It's time to put the winter car emergency kit back in your trunk for another season of safe Colorado driving. AAA Colorado recommends the following items:

Ice scraper and snow brush
Extra jug of wiper fluid
Blanket and some warm clothing
Small shovel
Bag of sand or cat litter for traction
Flashlight with extra batteries
Cell phone
Jumper cables
Gallon of drinking water and a few items of non-perishable food such as candy bars
Rags or paper towels
Tire chains
Flares or a reflective triangle
Extra car fuses
General first aid kit

Attend to any upcoming vehicle maintenance or repairs before the first winter storm hits. Important items to check are the battery, tires, coolant system, windshield wipers and defroster.

Check that tires are inflated to their specified poundage and have enough tread to handle all road conditions. To check tire tread, look for the "wear bars" that periodically run across the hollow of each tread. If the tread has been worn down to the same height as the wear bar, it's time for new tires.

Make sure windshield wipers and the defroster are in good working order. Verify that washer fluid reservoirs are filled with no-freeze washer fluid.

When adding antifreeze to the engine coolant system, mix it with an equal portion of water for maximum protection. A repair facility can check the level of protection with a hydrometer.

If you're new to driving in icy conditions, or need a refresher, a good starting point is AAA's brochure "How to Go on Ice and Snow." Get the brochure at any AAA office or read winter driving tips online at www.AAA.com.