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By Bev Boyle

This Saturday, October 17th, Wilma Boyce will be at the South Cariboo Rec Centre selling sandbags on behalf of 100 Mile Midget Reps hockey. You can pick up your sandbags between 2pm and 3:15pm and then enjoy the hockey game!

Now that winter has reared its head, everyone that lives in this area should know how important a safe and properly winterized vehicle is.

Some basic items, sandbags included, can help save lives on our roads during the snowy season.

One of the main things to reduce the risk of an accident is to SLOW DOWN, but here are some other tips for you:

Always follow vehicle owner's manual instructions for maintenance and upkeep of your vehicle, including recommendations for winter preparations. This list is intended only as a reminder of some of the more obvious winter vehicle preparation measures.

Windshield Wipers -- Replace, if more than one year old -- consider the "winter blades" which are designed to prevent ice and snow buildup.

Tires -- Be sure your vehicle is equipped with tires that are appropriate for this climate. Many tire manufacturers have very decent "all-weather" tires which are adequate if snowfall is typically minimal. However, in areas like ours, where snowfall tends to be heavier, it should be necessary to install actual "snow-tires", which are designed with more aggressive tread for added traction in deeper snow. Also, you might want to consider "studded snow tires" if ice-storms are frequent in your area. It is also a good idea to check your spare tire, to be certain it is filled with air and in good condition.

Inside trunk or truck bed:

Ballast -- If you drive a pickup truck (especially two-wheel drive), you might want to consider adding some ballast weight in the bed of the truck to ensure added traction and control in winter weather driving. Some folks use sand bags, some use cement blocks, some fill the bed partially with soil or stone material.

Extra windshield washer fluid -- Carry an extra container in your trunk for when you run out.

Sand/salt -- It's a good idea to carry a container of sand/salt mixture in your trunk. Be sure the container is one you can seal up, since the salt can have detrimental effects on metals.

Shovel -- Not that anyone wants to have to dig out from a snowbank, but if the need arises, a shovel can save the day. Small snow-shovels are available, if your trunk space does not allow for a standard shovel.

Old Rug Remnants -- These can be very helpful in some situations when vehicles get stuck in snow or on ice. When placed under tires which have lost traction, they provide a medium for the wheels to grip, thus dislodging it from its stuck position (hopefully!).

Inside vehicle:

Extra Blankets -- Heaven forbid that anyone should be stranded away from home in a snowstorm! It does happen, however, and being prepared can mean a world of difference! A couple of extra blankets kept in your car might save your life if you do become stranded.

Cell Phone -- Most people today own cell phones, and they can be lifesavers if you become stuck or stranded. Be sure your cell phone is fully charged at all times, especially during winter driving season.

Non-perishable Foods -- It is a good idea to carry some extra non-perishable food items in your vehicle during the winter driving season, in the event you become stranded. Items such as packaged crackers, packets of condiments, dehydrated foods, even military ready-to-eat meal kits are good for starters.

First-Aid Kit -- Every vehicle should be equipped with one of these, during any season.

Emergency Road Kit -- Every vehicle should be equipped with one of these, during any season.

Fluids:

Windshield Washer Fluids --Fill all reservoirs (front and rear, if so equipped) with non-freezing washer solution.

Oil Change -- If your vehicle has not had an oil change recently, this is a good time to schedule that.

Other Fluids -- Check and fill all other fluid reservoirs as needed. Includes brake fluid, power steering fluid, cooling system fluid, transmission fluid.

If you are not sure how well protected your vehicle's cooling system is, your local mechanic can perform a simple solution test to let you know. Also, if you are unfamiliar with any of the other fluid checking and refilling, ask your mechanic to check these for you.

Vehicle maintenance:

Tune-up -- If your vehicle has not had a tune-up recently, or if it shows signs of needing one (i.e., rough idle, loss of power, skipping, etc.), it might be wise to schedule that.

Welcome to 100 Mile House.ca wishes everyone a safe driving season!