Kanetix Forum

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST AT 2 A.M.

Don't forget to turn your clocks back one hour!

The weekend most Canadians fall back one hour is also the ideal time to tackle seasonal safety projects we often put off. A lot of the routine maintenance on your car should be done twice a year, so what better time to start checking items off your "to-do" list?

In your car

* Remove your golf clubs from the trunk and replace with a winter weather car safety kit. You can buy one or make your own. Usually kits include a shovel, ice scraper and brush, booster cables, a blanket, an extra set of gloves, flares, matches, candles and anything else you think might help if you have car problems.

* Change your wipers blades. They should be replaced every six months because wipers that do not work are dangerous - you can't drive if you can't see!

* If you change your tires seasonally, now is a good time to put your winter tires on. A good rule of thumb is to put your snow tires on when the temperature drops to 7° Celsius. Also, do not mix-and-match; install four winter tires.

Did you know some insurers will offer a discount to policyholders who change their tires seasonally? Talk to your insurer to see if you could be saving money.

* If you don't change your tires seasonally, check your tire pressure and treads. If your tire pressure is off you'll notice irregular and uneven wear on your treads, reduced vehicle handling or decreased gas mileage.

* Last but not least, check your cars fluids including the engine, transmission, radiator/cooling system, brakes, battery, window washer, and air conditioner fluids, or have a someone do it for you. These are all vital to keeping your car running smoothly.

Many times you see someone driving down the road at night without tail lights; they simply forget to put on their lights when it gets dark.

A very good idea is to do a circle check at least once a week.

How many times do you see someone without brake lights, signal lights, or that's simply missing a light? It does not have to cost much to fix and can be done by yourself.

Thanks for that great tip!

For more information on circle checks, see the website below:

http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/landscaping/vehicle.html