OCR Text |
Show UDOT advice: Winterize your car now Winter arrives earlier in the mountains than in lower-lying areas of the state and the Utah Departments Depart-ments of Public Safety and Transportation are urging motorists to winterize their cars now. At the head of the list of winterizing winteriz-ing chores is equipping autos with snow tires, UDOT says. Snow tires are required on all vehicles using specified canyon roads, UDOT says. All-season tires will qualify as snow tires for canyon access until Nov. 1, 1987. To make sure your tires qualify, check the sidewall. All tires with "Mud and Snow" or "MS" designation on the sidewall currently qualify as snow tires. Radial tires are not snow tires unless they have a deep lug snow tread and have an "MS" marking on the sidewall. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are required to have snow tires or chains on one axle. . Batteries are less efficient in cold weather and motorists are advised to have them tested. Battery cables and clarrips should not be loose or corroded. Brakes should be checked and serviced ser-viced if necessary to avoid skidding on icy roads. Brakes must not have any tendency to grab or pull and equal braking power is needed on all wheels for maximum safety. Check fluid levels throughout the car transmission, differential,' power steering, radiator, clutch, brake and windshield washer. Replenish them as necessary. Have antifreeze tested and replaced if needed. For easier starting, change to a lighter, winter-weight motor oil unless you are using a multi viscosity oil. Windshield wiper blades should be in good condition. Replace worn blades. Fill the windshield washer system with antifreeze solvent. Check the heater and defroster for nrnner operation. The car's lighting system also should be checked and all defective bulbs replaced. The entire exhaust system should be inspected for leaks because carbon monoxide from a faulty exhaust system can be fatal. It also is important to have proper safety equipment in the vehicle. Equipment should include booster cables, a shovel, a tow chain, an ice scraper and brush, road flares and tire chains. For information on road conditions condi-tions throughout Utah, motorists can call 964-6000. The recorded message y is updated as conditions change on highways in the state. |