Changing a Car Tire

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Winter Emergency Kit

• Blanket, rug or sleeping bag
• Shovel
• Bits of carpet or thick cardboard to place under driven wheels to help regain traction on ice or snow
• Salt, sand or cat litter – to help clear snow and ice
• Reflective jacket(s)
• Ice scraper and de-icer
• Torch and batteries
• Tow rope
• Snow chains (if you live in a remote or rural area)
• Battery jump leads
• Bottled water
• Snacks – chocolate or cereal bars
• Extra screen wash

source: http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/seasonal/winter-checklist.html

Prepare your car for WINTER!

Breakdowns happen more often during winter time and road conditions become more challenging, especially when it starts snowing. 
Here's what you need to know in order to have a safer and trouble-free driving during winter time:


BATTERY
Lights, heaters and wipers put high demands on the car battery. If your driving is mainly dark rush-hour trips, the battery will give out eventually.Replacing one near the end of its life can save a lot of time and inconvenience at the side of the road.

ANTIFREEZE
Coolant systems that are not in the right proportion will lead to overheating due to freezing. Have the car's coolant system flushed in the fall before the first freeze. You also need to check the system for leaks and install fresh coolant. 


WIPERS
Inspect the windshield wipers and replace them if they are worn or have become hardened. Change the windshield wiper fluid with one that has antifreeze added to it. 

TYRES
Consider changing to winter or all season tyres – these have a higher silica content in the tread which prevents it hardening at lower temperatures, and therefore gives better grip in cold wet conditions.

HEATER
Have it checked and make sure it's working. Not only is it important for you to stay warm, but it also serves to clear the front and rear glass for a good vision.

HEADLIGHTS
It's a non negotiable necessity to have your headlights working all year long. It's a good idea to carry spare bulbs.

IMPORTANT!  Keep an Emergency kit in your car and a First Aid kit in case you have any unexpected incidents.

What to pack in your Winter Emergency Kit?

Ways to Save on Fuel

There are several ways for a driver to save on fuel consumption. Applying most of these tips together can reduce the fuel consumption of your vehicle to about 10% !

I) MAINTENANCE

• Servicing: By giving your car regular servicing you can make sure the engine is working efficiently.
• Engine oil: Make sure you are using the right engine oil (check the handbook).
• Tyres: check tyre pressures regularly and before long journeys; under-inflated tyres create more rolling resistance and so use more fuel.

II) BEFORE GOING ON A TRIP

• minimize weight: extra weight means extra fuel so if there's anything in the boot you don't need on the journey take it out.
• Streamline: roof-racks and boxes add wind resistance and so increase fuel consumption. If you don't need it take it off – if you do, pack carefully to reduce drag.
• Leave promptly: don't start the engine until you're ready to go as idling wastes fuel and the engine warms up more quickly when you're moving.
• Don't get lost: plan unfamiliar journeys to reduce the risk of getting lost and check the traffic news before you leave
• Combine short trips: cold starts use more fuel so it pays to combine errands such as buying the paper, dropping off the recycling, or collecting the kids.

III) ON THE ROAD

• Drive smoothly: accelerate gently and read the road ahead to avoid unnecessary braking.
• Decelerate smoothly: when you have to slow down or to stop, decelerate smoothly by releasing the accelerator in time, leaving the car in gear.
• Rolling: if you can keep the car moving all the time, so much the better; stopping then starting again uses more fuel than rolling.
• Change up earlier: don't labour the engine but try changing up at an engine speed of around 2,000 rpm in a diesel car or around 2,500 rpm in a petrol car. This can make such a difference that all cars in the future are likely to be fitted with a 'Gear Shift indicator' light to show the most efficient gear change points.
• Cut down on the A/C: air-conditioning increases fuel consumption at low speeds, but at higher speeds the effects are less noticeable. So if it's a hot day open the windows around town and save the air conditioning for high speed driving. 
• Turn it off: electrical loads increase fuel consumption, so turn off your heated rear windscreen, demister blowers and headlights, when you don't need them.
• Stick to speed limits: the faster you go the greater the fuel consumption and pollution.  Driving at 80mph can use up to 25% more fuel than at 70mph.
• Don't be idle: Turn the engine off if it looks like you could be waiting for more than three minutes.

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/fuels-and-environment/drive-smart.html