Winter brings snowy weather, and with these precautions, Spartans are ready for mother nature.
Artwork By Anna Becker
Last month’s snowstorm was no blizzard, but the cold temperatures and slick roads made it difficult for unprepared drivers to traverse the city. With the blizzards of winter and spring looming ahead, citizens of Denver need to prepare their automobiles.
First, the type of engine that powers the car dictates what is necessary to get ready for winter. A water-cooled motor uses a radiator to cool the engine, and has a system designed for the best distribution of heat. A water-cooled engine needs antifreeze added to the radiator to keep the engine coolant (a liquid designed to flow around the engine and dissipate heat) from freezing in temperatures below zero degrees and from boiling in hot temperatures. An air-cooled engine does not have a radiator or coolant fluid because it uses the flow of air around the engine to keep it cool. Even though air-cooled engines are uncommon, they are very easy to maintain. Car maintenance shops can flush out the old coolant and replace it with new coolant for around $80, but it pays to find the lowest prices. The properties of antifreeze allow the coolant to remain a liquid in summer heat and winter cold. Also, if a car is due for an oil change , it can be changed to a particular oil that makes the car easier to start in the winter. Oil changes are done in certain intervals of time or miles the car has traveled, and changing the motor oil keeps cars on the road. Most car maintenance shops perform an oil change for around $30.
Another key item that some drivers overlook is critical for safe driving: replace worn windshield wipers. It takes a lot of concentration to drive safely in snowy conditions, and seeing the car ahead as well as the road conditions clearly makes a big difference in the safety of the passengers. Also, the windshield wiper fluid reservoir should be topped off with quality windshield wiper fluid. In most cars, the reservoir is under the hood, and windshield washer fluid can cost between two to four dollars for a gallon container.
When it comes down to the nitty-gritty, cars communicate with the road through four pieces of rubber. Tires that grip the road, especially during snowy situations, are vital. Smooth, worn-down tires may be fun on the track, but they are useless in the snow. They can lose traction in wet conditions and slide on the road. Although snow tires are not absolutely necessary, tires with a lot of wear should be replaced. As an alternative, all-season tires tend to perform well in snow. Some drivers own a separate set of wheels outfitted with snow tires, and they use them during the winter months. Chains that surround the tires are an alternative and simpler method. Chains help cars drive in the snow, but they are impractical in any other condition.
Electrical equipment is key to cars, and there are a couple items to check and carry spares of. The battery that starts the car and helps it run does wear down, so be sure that the battery holds its charge and isn’t starting to wear out. Many cars have a gauge on the dashboard called a voltmeter, and it shows the amount of electricity flowing through the car. If this gauge indicates less than ten volts traveling through the car before it is started, the battery is weak, and needs replacing. The ignition system should be checked too, because that system starts the car and it isn’t good to have problems starting a car. Also, spare light bulbs and fuses should be handy, along with the necessary tools to replace them. Make sure that the rear defroster works and the front windows are well heated. Every car should have a set of jumper cables in case the battery fails, so it can get a jump start from other cars.
As far as equipment for people goes, a good kit can help winter drivers in a rough situation. A small shovel can be used to dig out tracks through the snow, and sand or cat litter spread on snow around the wheels helps the tires grip slippery surfaces. Spare gloves, a hat, and a blanket are key items to have. A flashlight with spare batteries, a battery or crank-powered radio will help drivers stay aware of road conditions. A tow rope is handy if a car is stuck and can be used to tow it out of the snow. To attract attention of passing drivers, a bright or neon colored flag hung on the antenna is a signal that help is needed.
Finally, a cell phone and car adapter can be very convenient in case of an emergency. A map of your location and a compass are good to carry, because with a little skill and favorable weather conditions, you can find your position without walking away from the car. Each Spartan should be ready for unforeseen circumstances in the cold weather, and having a winter kit is very important.
In Colorado, snowy winters are common, and it is very good to be prepared when braving the snow and ice. Preparing the cars that trek through the storms and providing them with a kit of useful items can help Spartans be prepared during adverse weather conditions.
