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The Canadian Champion, Friday, August 25, 2000 - AT 11 Gretzky's top 10 tips for safe winter driving (NC)-Extreme winter driving conditions, including ice and snow, demand that even the most experienced drivers take safety precautions and develop good winter driving habits. Here are 10 rules of the road sug- gested by veteran snow driver and hockey legend Wayne Gretzky and J.O. Hunt, chief engineer for Goodyear Tires, that every driver should know to ensure safe driving all winter long: 1. When winter weather strikes, SLOW DOWN. Wet, snowy or icy roads offer less traction and make it harder to stop and tum. By slowing down, you give yourself more time and you make it possible for your tires to better use the available grip on the road. . 2. Consider buying a set of winter tires. Winter tires are specifically designed to offer more traction on snow and ice than conventional ali-season tires. For exemple, the Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice tire delivers 12 percent better trac- tion on ice than a conventional snow tire. • It's best to replace all four tires with winter tires because differences in tire size and wear cen negatively affect a car's handling and.stability. 3. Use extra care when dri- ving across bridges and over- passes during the winter. Because they are exposed to cold air and winter winds above and below, ice can form on bridges even when the roads on either side are free from ice. 4. If possible, carry a sack of sand or gravel in the trunk of your car. If your car has rear- wheel-drive, the added weight over the drive wheels will improve traction. In addition, the sand or gravel can be used to help get you out if you become stuck. 5. Because there is less trac- tion available on wet, snowy or icy surfaces, avoid sudden inputs on the steering wheel, brakes or accelerator. Instead, make gradual movements to avoid upsetting the balance of the car. If you feel the car begin to skid, esse off the gas, steer into the skid and look at where you want the car to go. 6. Ice and mud cen build up on wheels and underneath your car. This could cause your wheels to become unbalanced which can upset the ride and lead t unnecessary wear of your tires and suspension parts. Check the wheels and under- side of the vehicle often and wash off any mudor ice as soon as possible. 7. If you are planning a long winter trip, be sure to pack extra blankets, water and food, just in case you get stranded by the side of the road or in a snow- bank. You may also want to include a few chemical heating packs (available at camping or sporting goods stores). If you do get stuck, stay with your vehicle until help arrives. 8. Before winter sets in, have your cooling system fully checked out. The radiator should contain a 50-50 mix of water and anti-freeze (contrary to popular belief, 100 percent anti-freeze is not better et pro- tecting your engins than a 50-50 mix). At the same time you check your coolant, also have the hoses, belts and water pump checked for wear or leaks. 9. Check your tires for prop- er inflation regularly throughout the winter. Your tires are the only part of your car that actually touches the road. Proper infla- tion cen make sure that your tires are maximizing their con- tact with the road. Inflation pres- sure that is to high or too low cen cause unnecessary tire wear and reduce the size of the tire's contact patch, making il less safe. 10. In snowy conditions, check to make sure that your car's air intake is free from a build up of snow. Many of today's cars draw most of the air needed for the engine and cool- ing system from below the radi- ator. If this intake becomes clogged with snow, your car could overheat, even on a cold winter day. Check out www.goodyear.ca for more information on winter -driving. - News Canada Z#jhITT I - MMilo lmpotï Car Cent 583u Mai St EL 8785 878433 - ÂWnt End Ato eMie 0 MahI a. E. 878M32