Be prepared to tackle winter

Recently, my vehicle’s fuel pump went out while I was driving my children home. With the outdoor temperature at just below 0 between Houston and Willow, it could have been a horrible event. My car was running so I had a heater luckily, but just as easily as the fuel pump failing it could have been my engine. Consider what you have in your car. Would you be prepared to protect your children?

• Battery — Your battery operates at its best right above room temperature. As winter creeps in, the performance of your battery decreases, up to 90 percent in the worst weather. You want to test your battery and make sure it still has most of its rated cranking power. The older a battery gets, the less capacity it has to build up and sustain a charge and the cold weather does not help.

• Motor Oil — Checking your motor oil should be part of your gas fill-up. You should also regularly change your oil. Oil’s only purpose in your engine is to lubricate and cool moving parts, minimizing wear and tear. In cold weather, oil can get thick, so thick that it doesn’t circulate properly. This poor circulation can lead to added stress and damage for the internal parts of your engine, a reduction in power and reduced gas mileage. Consider those factors when choosing which motor oil is best for you.

In extremely cold weather, the performance needed from your lubricant is only offered with synthetic oil. Synthetic oil offers protection from the dangers of the cold because it retains its ability to flow at temperatures as low as -70 degrees. The benefits are seen in the summertime as well, since it retains its viscosity in higher temperatures. In cold weather, your battery is already performing below capacity. Your thick oil working against the weak battery is an invitation for disaster.

Also, don’t forget to plug your vehicle in as the cold creeps in. Even if only for a few hours at a time, it will help the engine and it’s components become more protected from the dangers and inefficiencies of cold starting.

Preparing for

winter conditions

Even if you have checked all of the above systems and made sure they are in the best possible shape with the highest quality of fluids and parts, situations still happen. It is always smart to be prepared for a winter emergency. A shovel and sand can be useful if you need to dig yourself out of the snow or throw sand down to get traction on ice. Jumper cables might help you get a jump a lot faster if your temperature-beaten battery needs a boost.

Be prepared with a “survival kit” that should always remain in the car. Replenish after use. Essential supplies include:

• Working flashlight and extra batteries

• Reflective triangles or road flares

• First aid kit

• Exterior windshield cleaner

• Ice scraper and snow brush

• Wooden stick matches in a waterproof container, and/or a lighter

• Shovel

• Flashlights with spare batteries

• Non-perishable, high-energy foods like unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits and hard candy.

In addition, you should also carry supplies to keep you warm such as woolen mittens, socks, cap and blankets. More overlooked is to have games in the car for your children to play and stay active and moving, and distracted, while you await help.

If you become stranded:

• Do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to get possible help, and are certain you will improve your situation.

• To attract attention, light two flares and place one at each end of the car a safe distance away.

• Do not hang cloths from your car or antenna in an attempt to get more attention. Many drivers see these as indications that a car has already been helped, and “flagged” to prevent people from calling 911.

• If you are sure the car’s exhaust pipe is not blocked, run the engine and heater for enough time to remain warm.

• To protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia use the woolen items and blankets to keep warm.

• Keep at least one window open slightly. Heavy snow and ice can seal a car shut.

• Eat a hard candy to keep your mouth moist.

• Leave your lights on. This permits passing traffic to see you. Your battery may get low, but it’s more important that you are visible and safe than if a battery needs to be replaced.

Your questions are invited at hartley@myopinionmatters.org. They may even get answered in this newspaper.

Christian M. Hartley is the public information officer, training officer, and responder for the Houston Fire Department.