Tip of the Week
Rough winter weather increases your risk of being in a car accident by 36 percent, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. But taking a few steps now can help minimize your risk. Ed Ramsden, automotive coordinator at WyoTech in Blairsville, Pa., offers some important advice for winter driving.
- Check your engine fluid. In winter, engine fluid warms the inside of your car and acts as a coolant to keep the engine from overheating.
- Tire pressures can fluctuate widely in the winter climate because the air inside the tires can go from very cold to very hot in a short amount of time, so check your tire pressure each time you fill up at the gas station. Replace tires more than three years old.
- Always buy windshield wiper fluid that matches the climate you live in.
- Keep gloves, a winter hat and a warm coat in your vehicle in case of a breakdown. You may also want to keep a tow strap or jumper cables in the trunk. Keep a fully charged cell phone, blanket, hazard markers and a tire jack in the trunk. You may also want to carry a bag of kitty litter in your trunk for additional traction.
-- ARA
The List
Here are the 10 most dangerous food and beverages to consume while driving, according to Insure.com:
1. Coffee
2. Hot soup
3. Tacos
4. Chili
5. Hamburgers
6. Barbecued food
7. Fried chicken
8. Jelly or cream-filled donuts
9. Soft drinks
10. Chocolate
Did You Know
The Ford Crown Victoria, a popular police cruiser, is being phased out by 2011, but Ford plans to offer a more fuel-efficient vehicle to police departments. The Crown Vic gets only 19 mpg.
Car Q&A
Question: I have had a chronic problem with the ignition coil wire harness in my 2000 Chevrolet Express conversion van. The harness has been repaired by a couple of shops and a certified Chevrolet technician. Why can’t the harness be replaced?
Answer: The problem is the engine cover pushes down on the coil wire harness usually on the passenger two rear coils. I usually cut out a small section of the wires leading to the coils affected and run them lower than the factory routing. In some cases you can also remove some of the under-hood insulation if needed. As for the question on replacing the wire harness, check with the parts department for a price and you will understand why the harness does not get replaced. I have also saved some of the wire harnesses for replacement engines that come with a wire harness. They are also available at local salvage yards.
-- Junior Damato, Talking Cars columnist
GateHouse News Service
