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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Friday, October 4, 2013
WINTER SURVIVAL GUIDE
Be prepared for winter driving Advice from Alaska State Troopers Reprinted in part from the archive of the Trooper Times, a publication of the Alaska State Troopers
W
hen the snow season comes to Alaska, it’s like driving in another world. Suddenly, your car is different. It will not start, steer or stop the way it does in warm weather. The roads often become treacherous when covered with snow. Slush is often as slippery as ice and both are a potential danger to motorists. Visibility is even affected by winter conditions. Daylight hours are short and the glare from the snow can blind you. In addition, windshields often ice or fog over. The biggest problems with winter driving are often the drivers themselves. Too often drivers are in a hurry. They either don’t worry about road conditions, or become tense and nervous when at the wheel.
ERIC ENGMAN/NEWS-MINER FILE PHOTO
Below are tips on how to prepare for winter and how to react to dangerous driving conditions.
Planning & preparation Since all winter driving problems cannot be anticipated, the best rule is to plan for
potential situations and be prepared. Don’t wait until the cold weather arrives to do so. Prepare for winter beforehand by having your car tuned so it will run efficiently. This will reduce the chances of roadside breakdowns. The following systems should be checked by a skilled mechanic.
• The battery: Cold weather makes vehicles harder to start. Always keep the battery and terminals clean in order to insure good connections, and keep the battery fully charged. Be sure to check the battery’s fluid level as well as the voltage regulator. If there is a question regarding your battery’s integrity, get a new one. • The ignition system: Check the condition of ignition wires, and check the distributor cap for cracks. Faulty wires or a cracked cap can result in engine drown out when it snows, or when slush is thrown onto the car and into the engine compartment. It is also a good idea to have a tune-up done before cold weather sets in. A tuneup should reveal ignition problems, if they exist. • The heating and cooling systems: Have the antifreeze in the radiator checked. If there is a leak in the radiator or hoses, have them repaired or replaced before you add antifreeze. Test the heater and defroster to make sure they are functioning properly. If they are not putting out enough heat, have the thermostat and heater checked. Also, check the intake vents for any debris DRIVING » 7
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Annual Income Guidelines
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
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A household is automatically eligible if any household resident documents receipt of SSI, Energy Assistance (LIHEAP), ATAP, TANF, Senior Care Benefits, APA/IA or Food Stamps. Homes weatherized before April 2008, are eligible to be re-weatherized.
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Call
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