Setting up shop for winter season
By Chris Simon

South Simcoe Mechanic employee Tom Aguiar inspects a truck in preparation for the winter driving season. With snow and ice potentially on their way in the next few weeks, vehicles should be inspected for safety by a mechanic.

As winter fast approaches, there's a lot local residents should do to make sure their vehicles are prepared for the next few months of poor driving conditions, say local mechanics.

Drivers should carry an emergency kit and cellular phone in their vehicles at all times over the next few months, purchase new windshield wipers and clean off their cars and trucks before heading onto the road, said Christian Panza, owner of South Simcoe Mechanical.

An emergency kit should include a blanket, flare, nonperishable food, matches and a flashlight among other items.

Other simple procedures, like replacing wiper blades and clearing snow and ice from a vehicle, can have dramatic implications, he said.

"There's nothing like a sheet of ice flying up from your hood onto your windshield to cause you to swerve in an unruly situation," said Panza. "People will see their windshield clean, but when it gets cold, wipers freeze up. For the $13.99 a wiper, it doesn't hurt to replace them.

"Visibility is everything in the winter."

Vehicles should also be brought in for servicing at a local mechanic. That way, an expert can look at the vehicle, and determine if anything may be creating a winter safety hazard. Mechanics should be checking tires, braking systems, fluid levels, lights and batteries upon inspection, said Panza.

"We basically go through everything making sure your vehicle is safe and sound for the winter," he said. "Knowing what is going on with your vehicle is a big thing. Until you've actually had an expert look at your vehicle, you might think everything is fine and dandy until something goes wrong. It happens all the time; we get a vehicle in for a brake inspection and there are components in the front end that are so loose and worn out, it becomes a safety issue."

Others agree, noting a vehicle breakdown could be dangerous.

"You don't want to be stuck on the side of the road in -20 (C). With cars zooming by you, you're basically a target until a tow truck shows up," said mechanic Tom Aguiar. "The biggest thing is peace of mind. Come in, get inspected, we'll tell you what you need to get done.

"Ninety-nine per cent of the time, your car will not give you issues in the winter. But your a lot more comfortable knowing that every thing's good and tight."

Drivers also need to slow down and be aware of the road conditions in poor weather, said Panza. "Just because you drive 4x4 doesn't mean you can function better in the snow or on the ice," he said, specifically targetign Sport Utility Vehicle drivers. "(SUVs) are double the size (of a regular vehicle), it takes double the force to slow them down and stop them. Speed is everything. You could be driving $150,000 SUV, but if you're driving 150 kilometres an hour down the 400 in 20 centimetres of snow, it's not safe."
It's a good idea to keep a winter survival kit in your
vehicle. Recommended items include: