Show Prepare Car For Winter minter Trip With the rapid growth of skiing skiing ski ski- ing it Is already evident that thousands of new converts willbe wIllbe will willbe be out on the slopes for the first ti time me this winter An interested Interested in interested In- In observer Is Lucia Lewis noted travel writer and formerly Travel Editor of the Chicago Daily Dally News RECENTLY Mrs Lewis gave I her opinions on winter driving in an interview with the secretary secretary secretary secre secre- tary of the Safe Winter Driving League Her comments follow Q Do most people drive to ski resorts A A. A Yes Most visitors arrive and leave by car because skiers pack so much equipment and be because because because be- be cause most winter sports areas are not conveniently close to railroad stations or airports Q Are the cars especially prepared for driving on snow and ice and during longer hours of dark or gloomy weather A. A Unfortunately too many are not as I have observed and andas andas andas as Is indicated by accident statistics sta sta- Q What do you consider most important in winter driving A. A Dependable traction and reliable visibility Q How do you assure these two requirements A. A On our own car in the fall we change to snow tires with good treads we carry reinforced reinforced reinforced rein rein- forced tire chains In the trunk for use when the going gets slip sUp pery We make sure that our spare tires checked summer or winter J we check all five tires This is particularly Important Important Important tant In winter when you may need that spare on a country road far from a service station Many stations close early after i ithe the summer tourist season I TO ASSURE better visibility we replace our out dried-out wiper blades in the fall with fresh refills so as to have live rubber and avoid streaking the wind wind- shield Contrary to general opinion the racing and rally fans are about the safest drivers on the highway their association rules are often more strict than many state laws Our daughter is a licensed dri driver ver I and we have adopted some of the additional precautions her clubs suggest O ON WET OR icy pavements for Instance a somewhat higher tire pressure helps tires to cut through moisture or snow to solid most pavement pavement most drivers preferring a soft cushioned ride cling to unsafe low pres pres- Cold also makes tires more brittle Low pressure tires may mar flex increasing the hazard of cracks or blowouts Always check with your tire dealer on recommended recommend recommend- mended mend mend- ed tire pressures for your car Q Anything else A A. A Yes we always carry a good bumper jack a short shovel el flares a tow tour chain and an extra ex extra extra ex- ex tra can of oil You may need additional oil If you have to buck through heavy snows because this puts an unusual load on the engine In winter one never knows what conditions may be encountered especially in hilly ski country or in the mountains Q What other equipment Is particularly significant from a winter driving standpoint A. A Brakes lights defrosters turn signals and the exhaust system should all be thoroughly checked before driving anywhere any any- where whereIn In w winter See that shock absorbers are In good condition too sudden ruts can throw a acar acar acar car out of control If you are driving fast and your shocks are In poor condi condition THE BEST part of a winter trip Is coming home In one piece and without a dent In your jour car 1 |