Road ready

A cell phone provides an added measure of security on the road, but it can't prevent car trouble. Several measures that can reduce the risk of a breakdown, according to the Car Care Council, begin with cooling system service. This includes inspection, flushing and replacement of antifreeze/coolant. The procedure should include a pressure test, which could disclose a leaking radiator, heater core or pressure cap.

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Another biggie in the maintenance department is your battery. If it's 3 or more years old, have it and the charging system tested. A battery that seemed strong last month may put out only about half of its power when the temperature drops into the low teens.

How about those tires? Deep tread can make a big difference in safety and traction on wet roads. Tire inflation, which should be checked about once a month, decreases about one pound for every 10 degrees of temperature drop. This means tires that were inflated to 34 pounds when the temperature was 85 degrees F. will be underinflated by 6 pounds at 25 degrees F. According to the Car Care Council, that's enough to shorten tire life, affect vehicle control and waste gas.

For more information on getting your car road ready, log on www.carcarecouncil.org.