Seabrook, NH – The Seabrook Police Department would like to help people stay safe and make sure their vehicles are ready for any bad weather.  In the recent newsletter, The Dispatch, Seabrook Police Department’s Community Affairs Officer John Mounsey provides advice about
readying vehicles for winter. The quarterly newsletter is a collaborative effort between Seabrook Watchdogs, the
citizen-driven town-wide neighborhood watch organization, and the Seabrook Police Department.

“As the weather gets colder this time of year, it’s a good
idea to go over your vehicles before you find out in the middle of a snowstorm that something in your vehicle needs attention,” Mounsey says.

“It’s important, as always, to check all fluids, oil,
antifreeze, wipers, and windshield washer. Oil tends to thicken as it gets colder, and if it’s too thick it won’t do the best job of keeping your engine lubricated,” advises Mounsey.

“Also, check tire pressure when tires are cold.  Inflate tires to the recommended pressure. Properly inflated tires will increase traction, fuel mileage, and will wear longer.  Traction is often severely jeopardized in wet, snowy or icy conditions, and the air pressure in your tires will drop as the weather gets colder,” he adds.

Other ways to prepare for bad winter weather include replacing tires, belts and hoses as needed. “Cold weather can do a number on belts and hoses,” Mounsey says.

Mounsey cautions, “There are some systems drivers may not think about until they need to use them, like their 4WD systems.  Make sure they engage and disengage easily,
every now and then, when you don’t need them in an emergency.”

Another way drivers can keep safe during winter weather is
to make sure they have emergency safety kits in their cars.  “This should include a blanket, snack food,
jumper cables, small shovel, a flashlight, kitty litter, sand, ice melt, or salt, which can provide additional traction if a tire gets stuck in snow, extra windshield washer fluid, because we go through it a lot faster during the
winter months, flares, a tool kit, tire chains if necessary, a tire gauge, a spare tire with air in it, tire-changing equipment, and a first-aid kit,” Mounsey advises.

Mounsey recommends, “Check to see that your heater and
defroster are working properly so you can keep the windshield clear. Purchase a good window scraper/brush.”

Finally, with regard to cold-weather driving, Officer
Mounsey reminds us, “Please clean off all windows and make sure that the windows are clear before driving.  Often we see vehicles with a small space cleared on the back window or the defroster hasn't started on clearing the front window. People often stick with their routines, but then sometime that makes them take chances.”