Winter ready

I may never truly be ready for the harsh winter blast of reality, but at least my vehicle will be. Though there's no snow on the ground, there really is no time like the present to get the car fixed up and stocked with the right supplies.

I made a trip to the dealership today for winter oil, transmission fluid and even winter windshield wiper fluid. Nobody needs the grief of having their windshield wiper fluid freeze solid and crack the reservoir. That's unnecessary and costly.

While getting your oil change, make sure to have your tires evaluated. Are they the right tires for the conditions? Is there sufficient tread? Are they properly inflated?

Every young driver I know personally has had to suffer through my "don't buy cheap tires" speech. I think it's self-explanatory... discount tires or summer performance tires just may mean your life on icy winter roads. It may not be the most exciting speech, but I do feel strongly about tires. Buy the right tires!!

Winter safety kits should include a cell phone charger, a blanket, flares, bottled water, gloves, toque, matches, an empty can, and something to eat. Try to stay away from the "emergency" chocolate bar in the car. Seems I have to replace those weekly... somebody in my life is always having a chocolate emergency!  It's also a great idea to have a shovel and some (ugly) winter boots. Why ugly? They are generally warm and if someone sees you wearing them on the side of the road and waving, they should instantly recognize, by your ugly boots, that you need help.  Even if the only thing they do is drive you to a shopping mall to buy nicer boots, you'll be safe and warm. You can even call a tow truck from a mall.

If you live on the Canadian prairies I would strongly recommend heated car seats. In winter, you must protect your assets. I also can't live without Starbucks. If I didn't have Starbucks and heated seats I probably would not live through a Canadian prairie winter. I AM that sucky. However... my vehicle is good and ready. But that being said.... winter can take it's sweet time getting here. No rush. Seriously.