Preparation is key to dodging winter driving hazards

That nip in the air announces the arrival of a Harrisonburg winter: cold, icy and unforgiving. Inclement weather can bring car problems and driving hazards.

Tim Ferguson, the owner and operator of AAMCO Transmissions on Reservoir Street, offers some suggestions to prepare your car for the harsh winter ahead.

"The No. 1 thing I recommend that students have in their cars is an ice scraper with a brush," Ferguson said, adding that the car hood as well as the windshield should be brushed off.

Ferguson said sometimes ice can freeze door handles or locks.

"Many people break their keys or door handles," Ferguson said. "My advice is to lightly tap around the area to break the ice. You should never pull the handle with more force than normal."

Senior Brett Bovio said, "Always keep some extra warm clothes, such as gloves, hats, or even a sweatshirt, in the car in case something does happen. Always be cautious of the potential of black ice."

Ferguson recommended that all students get their cars checked for general upkeep to prepare them for the winter season.

He added that by having a tune up, students can avoid situations such as breakdowns on the highway and costly car problems in the future.

Ferguson said belts and hoses should be checked because they become brittle in the winter. In addition, tires should be checked to verify they have sufficient tread depth, Ferguson said. He also added tire pressure changes with temperature and should also periodically be checked.

"Make sure that your heat works," Ferguson said, adding that there are a number of sources that could prevent the heat from functioning, including a bad thermostat.

Ferguson recommended putting in a fuel additive that removes moisture and condensation. Ferguson said plugs, wires, and battery cables should be cleaned so that the battery will be properly charged and so that the car starts better.

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," Ferguson said.

Icy or snowy conditions also can make driving hazardous.

"I feel like a lot of people around here panic and then they end up driving dangerously," senior Shelby Foster said. If you just drive slowly and anticipate when you need to stop then there is no need for slamming on breaks and skidding."