ee Page 12, News, Tuesday, November 20, 1990 The three Winter places extra demands on everyone who drives It's the time of year when our apprehen- sion is heightened in anticipation of snow and ice on roads and highways. And it's a good time to practice the three "c's" of win- ter driving: courtesy, caution and common sense. Unexpected changes in road and weather conditions can make things difficult for even the most expert of drivers. One of the most frightening situations is sud- denly losing all contact with the road due to slippery conditions. Even in small amounts, ice and snow make control of a car more difficult and less pre- dictable. Reading the road ahead in winter can often be tricky, even in the best of conditions. Beware of Black Ice During the winter months, the road will usually be grey-white in colour when weather conditions are dry and clear. However, sometimes it may appear to be black, causing you to think that it's just damp or wet. But be careful. It may be covered by a very thin layer of ice called "black ice." Extremely slippery to drive on, black ice is transparent and forms from condensation or liq- uid moisture freezing on contact with a cold road surface. It is caused when there is a quick change in air and ground temper- atures, usually in the early morn- ing hours in late fall and early spring. In contrast, regular ice is reflective and lighter in colour. It forms when accumulated snow melts from tire action and subse- quently freezes on contact with the cold air. Let Conditions be Guide Whether it's ice, snow or slush, winter driving calls for extra care. The key is to drive. according to road conditions, even if it means you're going less than the posted speed limit. You should also increase dis- tance between your vehicle and other motorists. It take s three to 12 times more distance to stop on snow and ice. If your car begins to skid or loses its grip on the road, try to maintain smooth, precise steer- ing. Take your foot off the accel- erator, gear down or shift to neu- tral and apply gradual pressure to the brakes. Steer in the direction of the skid. Look in the direction you want your car to go. As the car responds, straighten out the. front wheels. don't jam on the brakes, because it will send you into a spin. As long as the brakes are locked, you have no control of your car. DO NOT PUMP BRAKES When you have to stop on a slippery road, do not pump the brakes. Instead, put the car in neutral and apply gentle pressure slowly and steadily. In general, as you take to the road this winter, avoid abrupt acceleration, braking or lane changes that can result in your losing control on slippery roads. *Read the road by looking ahead as far as possible. Keep your distance -- at least three to four car lengths behind the car in front.of you. *Turn on your headlights in bad weather conditions. Better YOUR NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO FORD & MERCURY DEALER Ww ne' sreinthe marketfOF 30 ooking for. answers YOU tor a limited time OF y the kin wide sé! caror truck ¥ dealer has ordand Mercury © ona our nearest et deals are ---- ao These oop by for complete dee 5 o ar Victoria, Grand Marquis, Continental, Town Car, Mark Vil and 1991 and prior model year Ford, 'must be made and taken from dealer inventory. All 1990 models Explorer. Purchases Escort and Bronco Il. No payment for 120 days. Ford of Canada Limited will pay interest for the first 90 days. include dealer . 48 month contract, cost of Participation 5 Froney tor first 90 days is nil, $15,000 financed over 45 months at 15.25% APR, monthly payment is $439.74. Cost of borrowing is $4788.30. Offer available only to retail approved Additional cash back of $350 on reaee 7a on Escort, Tracer, $500 on Probe, buyers financing their purchases . Mustang, Tempo, Topaz, Bronco Il, Ranger, $700 on Taurus, Sable, Thunderbird, Cougar, Aerostar, Econoline, Bronco and F-! Ford Motor Credit. On 24 9. 8.9% financing over i Example: For $15,000 financed over 24 months 36 months 10. is $684.58, th $2,398. 7,398.80. For $15, 429.92: For $15, 'at 8.9% APR, the monthly payment 'at 9.9% APR, the monthly payment is $483.30, i 95, the cost of at 10.9% APR, should y $3,573. 573.60. bate of $750, as th be 13.38% over 24 months, 12.82% eftective interest rate would would be $2,179.92 for 24 months, $3,148.80 for 36 months and $4,324.08 for 48 months. Cost and 13.02% * Cash back of $500 on 1991 and prior model Fi Bronco year Festiva, Tracer, $ and Ranger, $1000 cash back available on 1991 and prior model year Probe, Taurus, Sabie, Continental, Town Car and Mark Vii are limited time back available on 1991 and prior model year will vary 1991 and prior model year Tempo, Bird, Cougar, Aerostar, This offer cancels and replaces ail other Topaz, Mustang, Econoline, , Bronco Il and F-Series, and $2,000 cash programs previously FORD Ta a "C's" of winter driving yet, keep them on at all times to make your vehicle more visible to other motorists. *Don't rush. Allow extra time to drive wherever you may be going. Listen to the weather forecasts. If the weather is bad, stay home. *Finally, slow down. Adjust your speed to suit road and weather conditions. ALLOW YOURSELF TIME Before you head out onto the roads this winter, prepare not only your car, but yourself. Accept the fact you will have to allow for more time - both to get ready and to reach your destina- tion. Don't be rushed. A "winterized" car will help ease your mind. Take time to ensure that key areas of your vehicle have been maintained. Proper tuning of your vehicle is important. Check your radiator's antifreeze, oil, brake and trans- mission fluid levels. Make sure you have plenty of windshield washer fluid and gas-line antifreeze. Try to keep the gas tank at least half-full in cold weather to minimize condensation and gas- line freeze-up. Adding has-line antifreeze to the tank is also a good idea. EXPECT THE UNEX- PECTED Having plenty of gas in your tank is good protection against the unexpected, especially if you travel long distances. For instance, if you should get stuck in a ditch or snowbank, you'll need enough. fuel to keep you warm until help arrives. 'IfAthis happens to you, stay' with your vehicle. Remember to open the window an inch or two and make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow to avoid carbon monoxide buildup. At all times, make sure your lights and signals are working, front and rear, so that you can see and be seen. Check the heating and defrosting systems. CHECK YOUR TIRES Use snow tires if the car is not equipped with all-season radial tires. Check the tread and replace worn tires with new ones, remem- Don't forget to have an ice scraper and brush, shovel, booster cables, flares, chain or rope and a traction aid such as a bag of sand or kitty litter in your car. It is also a good idea to prepare an emergency kit containing blan- kets, first-aid kit, flashlight, can- dle and matches, extra clothing, boots, non-perishable food items like chocolate bars, granola and boxed juice. Let the three "Cs" be the rule for everyone who uses the road this winter. Thank You $i. Martin's C.W.L. wish to thank all who helped in any way to make our bazaar sucha success. Special thanks to Terrace Bay Credit Union. Winner of cedar chest: Doris Gerlach SORE IK ee Oe RD. bering not to mix treads or styles. '