Winter Warns Us To Check Our Vehicle
By Jim Grey

As winter weather tightens its grip on much of North America, we may sometimes get a not-so-gentle reminder that we should have paid more attention to winterizing our service vehicles.

In order to ensure that everything works as it should and you are not left needing a tow, here are some key items that deserve special attention:

• Cooling System
  Engine coolant must be clean, with adequate antifreeze protection for your region. Remember to check the engine thermostat to assure that the heater and engine will work properly. Also, check all hoses and replace any that are over 3 years old, even if they look fine.
  
  
• Hydraulic Fluid
  Frozen hydraulic fluid is an all too common problem in extreme cold temperatures. It usually occurs because the fluid has become contaminated with moisture from the air, raising its freezing point. Change the fluid annually to prevent this from happening. To extend fluid life, consider switching to a synthetic fluid type. Remember to check the hydraulic hoses, too.
  
  
• Transmission Fluid
  Like hydraulic fluid and engine oil, this should be checked for proper viscosity to flow easily in colder temperatures. Drive line wear and tear occurs most often when the engine and transmission is cold, which occurs when fluids cannot flow quickly or properly when the engine stars.
  
  
• Electrical system
  Lighting on long, dark nights, combined with cold starts and heater operation all increase electrical demand. Check your starter, alternator and drive belts to ensure that your electrical system is up to the task.
  
  
• Brake System
  Check hydraulic brake fluid to make sure it is clean. Change it if it is more than two years or 50,000 miles old. Ensure that all system components and the parking brake operate freely and safely, whether air or hydraulic.
  
  
• Lights
  Short winter days mean you will surely be working more in the dark, so play it safe. Ensure that all of your lights are working correctly; inspect and clean them regularly.
  
  
• Emergency Kit
  Motorists need to make sure they have supplies for if they get stranded. Be sure to have a working flashlight, ice scraper, water, candy bar, kitty litter, shovel, blanket, fully charged cell phone, etc. 
  
  
• Tires
  Make sure tires are properly inflated, according to your owner’s manual and have sufficient tread. If you take a penny, insert it into the tire tread, and you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, consider replacing your tires.
  
  
• Windshield wipers
  Don’t use your wipers to clear your windshield of frost - use a plastic ice scraper or your vehicle’s defrost button.  In snowy or rainy situations, a good wiper is invaluable to good sight lines.  Replace brittle or torn wipers.

The effort you put into prevention is well worth the headaches and potential downtime it will avoid.