"It's beginning to look a lot like...WINTER!"

“Your local weather forecast—snow today accompanied by cold temperatures, same tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day….”

Let’s face it, winter is upon us and it isn’t going to get much better for quite a while.

Winter isn’t always so bad, images of children building snowmen, skiers gliding over fresh powder, and romantic evenings snuggled up in front of the fireplace watching fluffy flakes float down from the sky, fill your head and make you smile.

But THIS IS IDAHO! And eventually you remember that all that snow also means shoveling driveways, sharing flu viruses, and most difficult of all—getting from Point A to Point B in one piece without taking out a light pole or a row of mailboxes.

Winter can be rough on your car--especially when you live in an area where winter can last over half of the year. You need to be able to outsmart the weather. There are several things you can do to keep your vehicle and your most precious cargo traveling safely this winter. Here is a list to get you started.

You can do most of these things yourself…but if you are unsure, contact your local service center to schedule an appointment TODAY!

1. Don't put off a 30,000-mile full service, if your car is due.

2. Flush the cooling system and replace the coolant.

3. Replace the windshield wiper blades. Put windshield washer fluid in the windshield washer reservoir (plain water will freeze).

4. Have the battery serviced (clean the battery terminal ends and add water) and load-tested to check its ability to hold a charge. If the battery is more than 4 1/2 years old, replace it.

5. Use a tire gauge to check the tire pressure. Air contracts with cold, and the tires may become low as the temperature drops.

6. Make sure there is air in the spare tire and that all the proper tire-changing equipment is in the trunk.

7. Make sure the tires are in good condition. If you are not sure what this means, ask a mechanic (in a shop that doesn't sell tires) for an opinion.

8. Check the lights, heater and defroster.

9. Keep the gas tank as full as possible to prevent moisture from freezing in the gas lines.
10. Get a brake check if you haven't had one in the last six months.

11. Put together an emergency winter kit for the trunk of your car: blanket, extra boots and gloves, ice scraper, small snow shovel, extra antifreeze, large bottles of water, flashlight and kitty litter (for traction when stuck in the snow). If you have children it is also a good idea to keep some snacks like peanuts, beef jerky, protein bars or other non-perishable items handy in case you are stuck in your car for a long period of time.

If you do come across slick and icy roads—DON’T PANIC! Stay calm and take your time. It’s better to be 5 minutes late than not to arrive at all.

When driving in icy conditions remember:


1. Make sure all passengers are wearing seat belts.


2. Use the defroster and windshield wipers for better visibility.


3. Brake, change speeds and turn slowly.


4. Give sufficient warning time to other drivers when turning, stopping or changing lanes.


5. Keep plenty of distance between you and other cars. You never know when you will hit an icy spot or what the car in front of you or next to you is going to do.


6. Pump the brakes slowly and gently if your car doesn't have antilock brakes. Constant pressure can cause them to lock and skid.


7. If you do skid, turn the wheels into the direction of the skid.


8. Keep in mind that melting ice is still slippery. Drive slowly so that your tires can push water through their grooves for better traction.


9. If you go off the road, hold your wheel steady and try to stay in control. Make sure everyone is okay…use your cell phone to call for help, flash your hazard lights and light flares if you have any…most importantly, STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL HELP ARRIVES!


If you need help getting your car ready for winter call the Smith Group for an appointment TODAY! (208) 522-9800

If you have any questions about the tips listed here or have additional suggestions you would like to add, please contact me! You can contact me at http://www.smithdeals.com/contact_us.php or send an email to: jlewis@smithgroup.us.

Happy and Safe Driving!!