When it comes to supporting your car, there’s really no room to skimp. That’s one giant lump of metal dangling over your head, the last thing you want to do is cut corners in keeping it there. David Banner turns green and tosses cars out of the way. If your jack slips, you’ll probably just turn green while that incredible hulk of steel does a number on your foot, or worse. When working underneath your car, nothing but a proper jack stand will do the job safely. Concrete blocks, stacks of wood or three wobbly scissors jacks are recipes for disaster. If you’re broke in Cuba, disregard this and continue to stuff anything you can find underneath the chassis while you use a chain link fence, tin cans and a hot dog bun to fix your truck. The rest of us need to do some safety preparation. Before you get under there, be sure you know how to properly support your car News source: Autorepair About
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Chrysler Quality Control
Lionel Chestnut calls himself the Motor Doctor, and his clinic is the front line in a new effort by Chrysler to improve the quality of its vehicles.His garage in Auburn Hills, a few blocks south of Chrysler headquarters, services about 70 cars and trucks a day for about 15,000 Detroit-area customers.Advertisement The customers are not your typical drivers. They are Chrysler workers driving company-owned vehicles — and they are not getting your typical oil change.Chestnut manages the service area of Chrysler’s product quality research center, where the vehicles are poked and prodded to see how they live up to real-world challenges.The fleet is full of vehicles that have yet to go into full production, or are new models just hitting the streets.Chestnut’s team’s findings are sometimes the first indication of possible problems in preproduction or new vehicles.The company has been hit hard by marks against its quality. J.D. Power and Associates’ annual study of new-vehicle quality, an independent benchmark that compares all carmakers, has ranked Chrysler low. The automaker had the largest number of recalls among U.S. automakers last year.”We’re obviously disappointed by our performance,” said James Kos, Chrysler director of corporate quality. “I think that everyone has a heightened sensitivity to those types of issues and an urgency to make sure that we can identify them and communicate them back to the appropriate people.” News source: FREEP To combat the perception of poor quality, Chrysler has been going into overdrive. Last week it announced a lifetime warranty on engines, transmissions and drive systems for most of its new vehicles.Earlier this year, it began implementing a new design process in which engineers work to find potential problems and solve them before they are found by the customer.For other automakers, this is old hat. But for Chrysler, it is a cultural change.”We used to be really good and had to be really good at putting out fires,” said Chrysler’s Sam Locricchio. “Let’s face it, 10 years ago — I’d even hazard to say that six years ago — we had” quality “issues. And we had to fix them quickly. That was where all of our attention was going. Now those ‘oh my god’ moments … have turned into, ‘let’s check out that horn.’ “Chestnut runs a mock dealership service area that mirrors what a Chrysler owner might experience at a real service center.”We’re able to stop the repair process at any time we wish and understand what the problem is with that vehicle or what the customer complaint is,” he said.Sometimes it is an expectation issue. “We had issues on minivans with juice box holders,” he said. “We tried to let them know that, hey, we had a customer who was not happy. We need to understand that and see if we need to make any design changes.”Chestnut’s crew takes the problems, complaints and other things workers notice and report to engineers, and can address the issues before the vehicle goes into full production.The Chrysler minivans to hit the showroom floors in coming weeks will have cup holders that accommodate juice boxes.Another issue before Chrysler geared up production of the new minivan came up while Chestnut was looking at an internal mirror that allows drivers to see what their children are doing in the rear seats. He thought the mirror was confusing to operate and suggested designers come up with something better, he said, and they did.Next door to Chestnut’s garage is a warehouse filled with broken parts. There Michael Moore runs the component quality analysis team, which gets hundreds of broken parts a day from around the country for inspection in an attempt to learn what went wrong. Moore sees himself as the coroner.”I let the parts do the talking,” said Moore, twisting a common phrase used in the “CSI” TV shows in which crime scene investigators say they let the evidence do the talking.On a recent morning, about half a dozen Chrysler engineers stood around a table trying to figure out why the roof rack on the new Dodge Nitro was rattling in the wind. A larger piece of adhesive was needed to better secure it to the roof, they decided.A relatively easy fix can be implemented on the assembly line for future vehicles and taken care of in the mechanics’ shops when vehicles are serviced, Chrysler officials say.
Right to Repair
If your car’s “check engine light” starts glowing on your dashboard, chances are you won’t be able to fix it yourself.And unless your local mechanic has invested thousands of dollars in equipment and computer software, he might not be able to either.Blame it on computer codes such as P1122 and hundreds of others that your vehicle might generate to inform a mechanic why your car is sick.”You’re pretty well oars out of the water if you don’t have that information,” said Doug Callier, owner of Callier’s South Main Gulf, an auto repair shop in Concord.Several national organizations representing independent repair shops have been pushing Congress to adopt the “Right to Repair Act” to require car makers to make available all codes needed for repairing vehicles. Similar efforts are underway in Maine and Massachusetts.”Now with computers, the do-it-yourselfer is pretty well left out in the cold,” said Dick Cole, executive director of the New England Tire and Service Association, which favors the move and counts about 35 members in New Hampshire. News source: Union Leader Around 1990, the federal government required on-board diagnostic systems for all vehicles manufactured and sold in the United States, Cole said. This would allow for more repair shops to perform mandatory emissions tests.Sometimes, when repair shops fix problems, car owners still need to visit a car dealer, Cole said.”It still doesn’t allow the vehicle to recognize it was repaired,” he said. “You still have to go back to the dealer to get the computer reset,” he said.”Will people go out of business? Absolutely, if they can’t perform a lot of the work they’re doing now,” Cole said. “In the long run, less competition means higher prices to the consumer.”But automotive consultant George Dykstra said that information is out there for independent mechanics — for a price.”I think they’re blowing it out of proportion,” said Dykstra, who’s working for state automobile dealer associations in New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont. “They’re looking for something that’s for free that’s not even given to dealers for free.””It costs everyone money. Get over it and buy it,” the Chichester resident said by phone from New Jersey on Friday. “The manufacturers don’t give it away, even to dealers.”Your vehicle, especially if it’s a newer model, can feature 15 or more computer processors that monitor everything from anti-lock brakes to the transmission. They are linked by a network and communicate among each other.”Everything is sophisticated in automobiles,” said Daniel B. McLeod, president of the New Hampshire Automobile Dealers Association. “Everybody who wants to fix automobiles has to participate in that complexity and that costs money.”Jeff Boucher, co-owner of Granite State Tire & Battery in Manchester, figures he pays between $1,500 and $2,000 a year to a private company for access to the codes, which he receives quarterly by way of 14 DVDs.”It does come at an expense because we have to invest in that” software and scanner equipment, Boucher said.He uses a hand-held scanner that usually connects under a car’s dashboard on the driver’s side. The device retrieves a code and a bare-bones explanation. Then, he goes to PC in office and gets an explanation and suggestions for testing the car.The same car make and model with the same engine type would have the same set of codes. But within that particular set, the transmission and ABS brake systems would have different codes, he said.”P1122,” for example, refers to a “throttle position sensor” used by the powertrain control module to determine the throttle plate angle for various engine management systems in a 2005 Chevrolet Impala with a V-6 engine, according to Boucher’s software. The reference material also provides an overview of the sensor and a nine-step process to remedy the problem.”They’re pretty good giving us information,” said Boucher, who needs to send customers to dealers only once or twice a year. “If you don’t have that information, there would be a lot of testing.”A study released last year of more than 1,000 repair shops nationwide indicated 70 percent of independent repair shop owners, service advisers and technicians had no confidence that car companies will always provide access to the needed information and tools for repair.Nearly half of respondents purchase repair information “as needed” and about as many “never” buy repair information from car companies, according to a study commissioned by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, which backs efforts to force car makers to be more open about computer codes.”I can understand where the automobile manufacturers are looking to protect their franchises with guaranteed income. It appears that way,” said Steve McGrath, vice president with marketing at Tire Warehouse, based in Keene.His company has invested heavily in equipment to keep up with the technology and rarely has to refer a customer to a dealer, said McGrath, a board member with the New England Tire and Service Association.Auto dealers do look to their service and parts department to boost profits, McLeod said.”I would certainly hope that dealers are paying for their building and their heat and their lights from profits from their service and parts department,” McLeod said.Callier spends $200 a month to get updated code information and recently acquired a $12,000 scanner.”It used to be, open the hood, take a look at it and give you an estimate,” Callier said.Now, mechanics need to run a diagnostic test, that can take a half hour or more at a $75 per-hour rate.”A lot more stuff can go wrong” with today’s cars, Callier said.
Traction Control
Definition: An enhancement of an existing ABS system that prevents wheel spin while accelerating on wet or slick surfaces. It uses the same wheel speed sensors to monitor wheel speed during acceleration, but requires some additional control solenoids and a pump to apply braking pressure to control wheel spin. The traction control system brakes the drive wheel that’s starting to spin to shift torque to the opposite drive wheel that still has traction. Most traction control systems only operate at speeds up to about 30 mph. Additional control strategies that some traction control systems use to limit wheel spin include reducing the throttle opening, upshifting the transmission, retarding spark timing and deactivating fuel injectors. News source: About Auto Repair
Tony Stewart and fences
I admire Tony for his fence climbing ability and I give him extra credit for bring his crew along at Indy. But why do the commentators keep giving him a bad time about being tired he just asks them to climb it themselves So come on ESPN what would make a better special then a contest to see who can climb the fence the fastest among the commentators I am sure Home Depot would provide the fence and I would bet that Tony would be a judge. This would be reality TV at its finest. I think the commentator who was interviewing Tony should pay part of his fine for the cuss word he pushed him just a little to far I know that is there job to provide some controversy but there is a lot of driver adrenaline flowing at the end of a race so lets give the driver a break. Besides what ever happened to the good ole NASCAR boys every other word was a slang or cuss word with them. I don’t know if Jeff Gordon started this trend or if it just they make so much money now and they have to keep the sponsors happy. Would not be surprised if his luck holds that Tony could make it 3 in a row at Pocono that team always steps up to the plate in the last part of the year before the Chase. Speaking of sponsors I wonder how long they are going to put up with this 2 races a weekend like this weekned they are in different countries and 400 miles apart also are the team owners going to tire of there meal ticket risking injury at a Busch race.NASCAR is thinking of changing the Busch series(or whatever it is called next year) to a smaller car like the Mustang would make that series interesting to say the least.
Bleeding the System
A few hints about bleeding brakes or clutch systems. If you bleed the system change the fluid at the same time not necessary to flush but replace the fluid simply let it run until it is clean at all points. I do not recommend pressure bleeders easy to use but can cause more problems than they are worth mainly with ABS. Us the vacuum method with the use of a hand vacuum pump and a container in the middle of 2 lines Mighty vac sells the kit. If you have an air problem as a last resort remove the MC cap and let the system sit overnight this will allow the air to escape naturally. Wont always work but it usually does this will also work with cooling systems.One more item when you push the cylinder back into its bore block off the line and open the bleeder screw do not push the old fluid back into the system through you are going to replace the fluid this dirty fluid can cause problem here again worse with ABS but it can still cause a headache.Do not use old brake fluid that has been open in the garage for who knows how long fluid is cheap and if you use fluid that has moisture from sitting you will be asking for major problems.Remember if it doesn’t start it is a problem but if it doesn’t stop it is a major problem.
Manuels On Line
You can easily get a free auto repair manual for whichever repair need you might have. You need an internet access and have to follow a certain procedure searching for auto repair manuals, but when you have done this procedure a few times it will be very easy to find the right instructions for do it yourself auto repair and it won’t cost you a dime.There are four types of automotive description documents that you will need to choose from when you want to do a repair;General manualsDiagnosis descriptionsRepair manualsMaintenance manualsGeneral ManualsIn addition to some general manuals, most of these are related to the make. Here you can get step by step guidance on how to repair most of the makes in the vehicle market. Let’s say you have a Honda Acura 2002 model and you want to find a manual for that make and model. What you do is perform the following search in a search engine: “free car manuals+Honda Acura+2002”. Then you will have a long list of sites that provide you with all kinds of descriptions for your Honda Acure 2002 model, and you can choose what you want.Diagnosis descriptionsAutomotive diagnosis manuals can also be sub-divided by make and model. But it can also be divided by the area of the vehicle that is affected, for example engine intake problems, brake problems, cooling problems, exhaust problems, start or stall problems, transmission problems etc. Let’s say you have a start problem. Your search would be “car diagnosis manual+ start problem”, then you should get more than enough repair information to choose from. You can even get diagnostic trees where all options are covered for nothing.You have probably more than one time heard some annoying noise from somewhere in your vehicle, without finding the source of it. This is one of the most kinky situations to run into because you don’t know if it is a serious signal or just a small thing. Some websites gives you the opportunity to diagnose vehicle problems by the noise, sound and vibrating signals – and that is great. The sooner you find it the sooner you can fix it and then you can relax. When you search, you can describe the sound, for example “whine noise” or “shifter knocks” or “driveline vibration” plus car diagnosis manual plus eventually the make.Repair Manuals In addition to regular manuals you can also get very instructive and detailed descriptions in other internet document or websites like articles, etc. The natural way to sub-divide such repairs before searching, is by the area of the vehicle that is going to be repaired, for instance body repair, exhaust repair, suspension fix, interior repair and even general car repair.You do the search the same way as above; “car repair manual (or description) + the area of repair and go through the list of resources you get.Maintenance manualsThough vehicle maintenance is closely related to your vehicle make and model, there are some maintenance issues that are pretty much common whether you have a Cadillac, VW or a Mercedes, for example changing oil, changing air filters, engine wash, fluid maintenance, tier maintenance etc. You can get access to maintenance descriptions by searching for the kind of maintenance plus “car maintenance manual (or description)” plus eventually your make and model.I think you’ll be amazed of the amount of automotive repair free stuff online. News source: Flixya
Chrysler Lifetime Warranty
The New Chrysler Lifetime Powertrain Warranty – the first from an OEM and the longest in the industry – is a statement of confidence in the reliability of Chrysler products- Warranty covers the cost of all parts and labor needed to repair covered powertrain components – engine, transmission and drive system- Provides worry-free ownership for new Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge ownersAUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Chrysler today announced that the Company would extend its powertrain warranty from the 3- year/36,000-mile Basic Limited Warranty to a new Lifetime Powertrain Warranty. The new Chrysler Lifetime Powertrain Warranty applies to most new Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge vehicles purchased from dealer inventory and delivered on or after July 26, 2007. The Lifetime Powertrain Warranty covers the cost of all parts and labor needed to repair covered powertrain components — engine, transmission and drive system. The new powertrain warranty is limited to the first registered owner or retail lessee. Customers should contact dealers for details on vehicle selection.”This new Chrysler Lifetime Powertrain Warranty is a statement of confidence to our customers to the reliability of their powertrain. It’s peace-of-mind reassurance for as long as they own the vehicle,” said Steven Landry, Executive Vice President – North America, Sales and Marketing, Service and Parts, Chrysler Group.To continue warranty coverage, the owner must have a powertrain inspection performed by an authorized Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge dealer once every 5 years. This inspection will be performed at no charge. The inspection must be made within 60 days of each 5-year anniversary of the warranty start date of the vehicle.Landry added, “The new Chrysler Lifetime Powertrain Warranty underscores our focus on quality and customer satisfaction. It demonstrates our commitment to customers and the confidence we have in our ability to produce quality, reliable and durable vehicles. That’s why we put ‘lifetime’ on it.”Customers may visit Chrysler.com, Jeep.com and Dodge.com for more information. A warranty promotion – print, radio, television and Internet – begins Friday, July 27. News source: Crew Chief Note: Is this a desperate attempt or a financing tool to extend loan terms??Auto Specator
Used Car Deception
There are a number of used car dealer stories out there that describe the salesmen as pushy, controlling, and money-grabbing yet still charming and warm. It is a delicate combination of qualities that allows them to convince people to buy cars from that particular salesman. That combination of traits also grants the average used car dealer a very negative reputation. Although some might argue that it isn’t deserved, the truth is that there are a number of used auto lots that willingly do some questionable things to help improve their chances at getting a sale. The pushy salesman with the TV-manufactured smile is often just the tip of the iceberg.The most practiced and most well-known practice is called “clocking,” which is the turning back of the odometer. The odometer, for those who aren’t savvy about car terms, measures the distance that the auto has been driven. By “clocking” an odometer, one reduces the mileage that shows on the odometer, giving the impression that the vehicle has only been slightly used. While not indicative of an auto’s overall condition, the distance on the odometer often can be taken as a reflection of how much longer the machine’s life is. The general assumption is that the longer a vehicle has been in a person’s possession, the more miles will appear on the odometer. By altering the number the odometer reflects, the used car dealer is giving the illusion that the car is relatively new and has not been used extensively yet.Also, a buyer has to watch out for the worthless extended service plans that salesmen push on customers. A practice that the average used car dealer has picked up from retailers, the extended warranties are worded such that the contracts appear useful to the customer but, in the legal details, actually disavow the dealership of any responsibilities except in certain scenarios. It goes without saying that the aforementioned scenarios do not happen very often. Even if the coverage is fairly decent, the warranties often come with so much fine print in the contract that a dealership can easily argue their way out of what may or may not be the dealer’s responsibility. The decision often comes down to who one asks; the dealership or the customer.Perhaps, one of the most nefarious practices that a used car dealer can engage in would be the masking of the vehicle’s repair records. Every year, automobiles, which are in need of some level of repair, get sold. The machines then end up in used auto businesses, where they are often repaired just enough so that the vehicles can be driven for a while. This indicates that the myth that dealerships repair the vehicles just enough so that they fall apart, after the warranty has expired, has a level of factual basis. Repairs are conducted, but usually, the dealerships are unwilling to pay for full repairs and instead, opt for machines repaired to retain just enough functionality to convince a prospective buyer. A salesman neglecting to mention that an automobile has gone through extensive repair due to collision damage is not completely unheard of and, in reality, is a common anecdote of used car buyers.While a specific used car dealer can have other methods, the three listed above are the most commonly practiced. The above practices can be circumvented, however, if the buyer is aware of them and knows how to deal with them. For example, certain areas of the auto, no matter how well-repaired, will still show signs of damage, provided a complete replacement of the vehicle’s chassis is not done. There are also ways to check if an odomoter has been tampered with. Finally, even the best used car dealer cannot force a customer to take an extended service plan if the buyer is really opposed to the idea. With a little knowledge and a little preparation, any customer can avoid being fooled by a crafty used auto salesman. News source: pr-gb
Emergency Kit
Equip yourself with these necessary items before you hit the road. A few basics can help you get back on your way quickly and safely. Get familiar with how to change a tire by referring to the owner’s manual. For minor punctures, a foam tire sealant can be used but is not recommended by tire shops.© Lynn James / Photonica A cell phone can be the most valuable item to have in case of an emergency. Keep a car charger handy and leave the retractable antenna extended when traveling. A roadside emergency can happen at any time, whether your car is new or old. A range of problems can cause it, from a tire failure or mechanical breakdown to running out of fuel. At best, it’s an annoyance; at worst, it can compromise your safety. Being prepared with a basic emergency kit can increase your safety, reduce stress, and help you get back on the road faster. Even if you have roadside-assistance coverage or an automobile-club membership with roadside assistance, you usually need access to a phone in order to contact them and you may have to wait on the side of the road for an hour or more before help arrives. That’s why we recommend that drivers carry certain items in their vehicle, even if it only gets used for everyday, around-town driving. This basic kit can be supplemented with additional items if you go on a long-distance trip or have to deal with winter weather conditions. It’s also important to make periodic checks on the equipment to ensure it’s in working order–that the spare tire is properly inflated, batteries are not discharged, first-aid supplies are current, water is fresh, and food is dry. In addition, be familiar with how each tool works, from the cellular phone to the jack, before you need to use it in an emergency. News source: Autos MSN BASIC KIT This kit is intended to aid you in getting help, signaling your car’s presence to other motorists, and tackling simple challenges. Cellular phone. We don’t recommend that you talk on a cell phone while driving, but in an emergency, this can be the single most valuable component of your kit. Keep a car charger handy. This device plugs into the cigarette lighter or other power point in the car and charges the battery of your cell phone. When traveling, it’s best to leave your cell phone on and, if applicable, leave the retractable antenna extended. This may shorten the time it takes you to reach 911, if necessary. Emergency tip: If you have to dial 911, remember that your location and phone number aren’t always available to an emergency operator when calling from a cell phone. So give the operator your number and any information you have about your location. Ignore any “no service” messages on the phone and try the call anyway. If you have trouble connecting to 911 from inside a car, get out if possible and call from the side of the road. That may help you get a better signal. First-aid kit. Choose one that allows you to treat a range of problems, from small cuts or burns to ones that require major bandaging. We also suggest you get familiar with how to use the kit before you need to. Fire extinguisher. A car fire can start from something as simple as a wiring short circuit or leaking oil. You should get away from a vehicle that’s on fire as quickly as possible. Still, for extra security it’s good to keep a fire extinguisher in the car that can be used in any emergency or to quickly douse a small flame that’s just begun. The quicker a fire can be put out, the less damage it will cause. Multipurpose dry-chemical fire extinguishers are available in a variety of sizes. We recommend carrying a compact unit that’s labeled 1A10BC or 2A10BC. Warning light, hazard triangle, or flares. If your vehicle is stuck on the side of the road, it’s vital that you give other motorists as much warning of its presence as possible, especially at night. Look for a battery-powered warning light that can be placed far from the vehicle. Reflective hazard triangles and flares are also effective and don’t need batteries. Tire gauge. This should be used on a monthly basis to check the inflation pressure in all four tires and the spare tire. Because the ambient temperature affects tire pressure, it’s also advisable to check the pressure after a significant change in temperature. Jack and lug wrench. Almost all vehicles come with these items for changing a tire. Refer to your owner’s manual on where they’re located in the vehicle and how to use them. Models that come with run-flat tires do not have a spare tire. Run-flat tires can be driven a limited number of miles with little or no air in them. They have very stiff sidewalls, which provide support when the tire is deflated. Click here to learn more about the warning signs of imminent tire failure. Foam tire sealant or a portable compressor and plug kit. For minor punctures, a foam tire sealant can get your vehicle back on the road quickly. Only use it in an emergency, however, many tire shops will refuse to repair the tire because of the sticky residue these sealants leave inside it. Be sure to choose a sealant that’s labeled as non-flammable, and don’t consider this a permanent fix. A portable DC-powered air compressor can also be used to inflate a tire–and is especially handy for one that suffers from a slow leak. To fix a puncture, however, you need to have it professionally repaired. Spare fuses. If you experience an electrical problem, your first check should be for a burned-out fuse. These are easy to check and replace by referring to your owner’s manual. Keep an assortment on hand of the proper type for your vehicle. Jumper cables or a portable battery booster. Jumper cables are easy to use as long as you have a second car available to provide a jump. Refer to your owner’s manual for instructions. A portable battery booster eliminates the need for a second car. Flashlight. This can be critical at night. Choose one that is bright and weatherproof. In addition, a flashlight with a magnet, flexible mounting system, or a stand will free up your hands for other tasks. Also, have extra batteries and a bulb available. Gloves, hand cleaner, and clean rags. Even the simplest jobs can get your hands dirty. Having these on hand will help keep that dirt from getting on your clothes or your vehicle’s interior. Auto-club card or roadside-assistance number. If you belong to an auto club or roadside-assistance program, be sure you have the necessary information in your vehicle. Disposable flash camera. Following an accident, this lets you record the condition of your vehicle and other vehicles for insurance purposes. $20 in small bills and change. Keep this available for miscellaneous use. And resist dipping into it for a spontaneous ice cream cone on a hot day. Pen and pad of paper. This can come in handy for a range of uses, from leaving a note on the windshield should you have to leave your car to jotting down information after an accident. ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR LONG-DISTANCE DRIVING For long trips, especially those through remote areas, add these items to your basic emergency kit. Basic tools. This includes a set of socket and open-end wrenches, a multi-tip screwdriver, and pliers. This should be enough to perform simple jobs such as changing a lightbulb, tightening battery cables, and so on. Even if you don’t know what to do, a Good Samaritan will still need something to work with. Coolant hose repair kit and tape. A leaking coolant hose can sideline your vehicle quickly and possibly cause engine damage from overheating. Often, a leaking hose is a simple fix if you have the right items. They can be bought at any major auto-parts store. Extra clothes and small tarpaulin. Even if all you do is change a tire, these items can help keep your regular clothes clean. Water and nonperishable emergency food. Bring enough food and water to sustain you and any passengers for at least a meal, longer for remote areas or in extreme hot/cold regions. CB radio. If your route will take you into an area where cellular service is spotty, consider a portable or in-car CB radio. ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR WINTER DRIVING For the cold, wet conditions of winter, you may need additional items in your emergency kit, especially if you travel in remote areas or in severe conditions. Windshield scraper. Good visibility is your most important safety item, but persistent snow and ice can build up quickly and make it hard to see. A long-handled, soft-bristled brush can also come in handy. Tire chains and tow strap. Familiarize yourself with how to put the chains on your vehicle’s tires or attach a tow strap before you need to do it in cold and possibly dark conditions. Blanket and winter hat. If you run out of fuel or if your battery dies, the vehicle won’t be able to provide heat. A blanket and hat can help keep you warm if you have to wait for a long time in cold conditions. Chemical hand warmers. These small, inexpensive packets are available at ski shops and sporting-goods stores. Small folding shovel. If you get stuck in snow, this can be a vital tool. A folding camping-style shovel will require more digging effort than a longer-handled shovel, but is more convenient to store in the vehicle. Bag of cat litter.This can help provide some traction on an especially slick road surface.