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Show Pre-Winter Vehicle Checks Cut Costs With fuel costs at an all-time high, and with the need for conservation still with us, Dr. J. Howard Latimer of the Utah Safety Council has reminded motorists that pre-winter tune-ups tune-ups are more important than ever. "A pre-winter tune-up not only contributes to safety and convenience, con-venience, but has the added advantage of improving fuel economy," Latimer said. Along with usual tune-up which should include an inspection in-spection of the electrical system and the emission control devices, de-vices, Latimer said that it was even more important to check those equipment items that directly affect winter driving safety, such as tires, tire chains, brakes, windshield wipers and washers and lights. He made the following recommendations recom-mendations as part of the motorist's "do-it-yourself check-list: TIRES Tires with good treads are important all year round, but especially when pavements are covered with snow and ice. Snow tires are particularly helpful for pulling through loosely-packed snow, but they offer no advantage in stopping on icy pavements. For icy conditions, studded tires (where legal) improve both stopping and pulling ability. TIRE CHAINS Reinforced tire chains provide the most help for pulling through deep snow or driving on ice-covered pavements. Carry them in your trunk and be prepared to use them for severe snow and ice conditions. WINDSHIELD WIPERS Replace streaking blades and be sure your windshield washers have adequate anti-freeze. LIGHTS Clean your lights more frequently during the winter months to remove snow, slush and road-muck. This should include headlights, tail lights and directional signals. BRAKES A brake that grabs or pulls to one side is a serious matter at any time, and particularly when pavements are slippery. If you feel your car pulling to one side when stopping on a dry pavement, it's past time for an inspection by a competent mechanic. "Check your car, then double-check double-check your driving habits," Latimer concluded. "Safe winter win-ter driving requires a little extra time, a little slower speed, a little more common sense." |