Being Ready For That Holiday Car Ride

Mark Nelson of Howards Auto Repair talks about being prepared for winter driving.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – Holidays are for family and friends, and helping get you to all of the festivities is your car. Mark Nelson, of Howards Auto Repair, recently took some time out of his schedule to talk about keeping your car ready for that important journey.

Nelson said that before starting out on that winter time trip you should check things like your vehicle’s wipers, hoses, battery, alternator, belts, tires and tire pressure, brakes, exhaust system, lights, and fluid levels. Make sure your heater and defroster are in good working order. A breakdown is bad on a good day, but can be dangerous on a bad winter day.

Get your emergency survival kit and supplies prepared and in your vehicle. In addition to carrying a mobile phone, basic survival kits should be placed in each vehicle. In the event you are stranded during a winter storm, these items could mean the difference between life and death.

The kit should contain a blanket or sleeping bag; high energy, nonperishable food; water; flashlight and extra batteries; matches or a lighter; candles; warm gloves; small first aid kit; hat or stocking cap; insulated footwear; and winter coat. The kit should contain enough supplies for the number of passengers in the vehicle.

Other winter travel supplies should include a snow shovel; scraper and snow brush; sand or strips of carpet for traction; flares/reflectors; tool kit; jumper cables; and a good spare tire, lug wrench and jack.

A properly maintained vehicle can also help you save money by using less fuel.

You can reach Mark at Howards Auto Repair, 1603 S. Market St in Oskaloosa or by calling 641.673.3310.