Preventive maintenance key to avoiding winter car trouble Published Oct. 8, 2008 By Kevin Chandler 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- With winter looming on the horizon, now is the time to begin preparing for colder temperatures. Preventive maintenance for vehicles is crucial in avoiding car troubles and potentially dangerous accidents that accompany winter weather. The 97th Air Mobility Wing has tips for winterizing vehicles. They include: · Check your anti-freeze, making sure the ratio of anti-freeze to water is 50/50. The number one cause of engine-related breakdowns is cooling system failure. · Replace your windshield wiper blades to ensure good visibility in inclement weather. · Have a licensed technician check your battery for proper fluid levels and capacity. · Check tire pressure, including the spare tire, once a month. When temperatures drop, the air inside tires contracts and tire pressure goes down. · Assemble a winter emergency kit to keep in the trunk. It should include a blanket, extra boots and gloves, an ice scraper, windshield washer fluid, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, flares, a small snow shovel, a flashlight, bottled water and kitty litter (for traction in the snow). It is also important to check local weather conditions prior to traveling. By taking the proper precautions and ensuring vehicles are in good condition, many pitfalls of winter travel can be avoided. For more winter safety tips, or to get a free ice scraper, call the Wing Ground Safety office at 481-7233.