Beware Frozen Locks, Loss of Traction, Says Lake Arbor Auto

WESTMINSTER, Colo. (Dec. 28, 2010) – Lake Arbor Automotive & Truck advises car owners on the benefits of wise, cold-weather driving and vehicle maintenance, with a subsequent result of fewer customer trips to the repair shop. Here is the Westminster-based vehicle repair-and-maintenance shop’s “Six Tips for Winter-Weather Driving”:

Don’t wash your car in conditions of ongoing, freezing weather because the locks, doors and windows might freeze overnight.
Do not use cruise control, because tires might continue to spin faster than a car headed uphill, thus reducing traction and control.
If you drove your car on wet roads and if the temperatures are due to plummet, do not set the emergency brake overnight. Your brake cable will likely freeze and you will not be able to release your brake in the morning.
Make sure your cell phone works.
Use a key fob to unlock the car.
If a lock is frozen, use a match or cigarette lighter. Don’t lick it, or you will need more than an auto mechanic.

Lake Arbor Auto has previously provided additional cold-weather tips, including the following:

Allow a brief amount of warm-up time for the car.
Plug in your block heater if you have one.
Lift windshield wipers off the windshield during long periods of inactivity.
Clear the cowl grate at the outside bottom of your windshield.
Ask a qualified auto mechanic to inspect your vehicle for cold-weather worthiness.

Of course, it is always good to carry a blanket and a few energy bars in the car, in case you get stuck in a remote place with no chance for immediate help.

If you have questions about the best way to manage your car in the cold and snowy weather, call 303-429-7700. For information about Lake Arbor Auto, go to HYPERLINK “http://www.lakearborauto.com” www.lakearborauto.com.