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With high temperatures dropping into the low 40s last week, more and more people have started preparing their vehicles for the winter months.
Lester Webb, owner of Lester's Automotive Repair of Fallon, said simple maintenance for colder times can prevent future problems.
Before the weather gets too cold, Webb said batteries should be checked and antifreeze filled to correct levels.
Webb said many people are unaware of the need for winterized windshield washer fluid. In colder weather, Webb said, regular windshield water fluid will freeze almost instantly when used.
Tire pressure should also be checked more often as tires lose pressure faster in colder weather.
In Fallon, he added, chains are not needed because the county does not receive much snow. He mentioned snow tires could be a good idea.
Webb said people can do all the necessary maintenance practices for their vehicles, but still find themselves stranded.
"For safety reasons people need to make sure they have a blanket and some kind of water in case they break down," he said.
Frank Barrett, owner of Frank's Automotive and Diesel Repair, said all hoses, cables and fluids need to be consistently inspected.
Like Webb, he said regular windshield washer fluid will not work when temperatures drop to 10 degrees or lower.
Barrett said tires with good tread should be all that is needed for motorists driving in town.
"We really don't need (snow tires or chains)," he said. "Most of the tires are all seasonal."
Michael Geeser, spokesman for the American Automobile Association in Nevada, said the real danger is when people travel to colder climates without preparing for weather conditions.
He said AAA's advice for people setting out on trips of 50 miles or more, like Carson City or Reno, is to check tire pressure, belts and hoses.
Geeser said these maintenance practices should be done anyway, but often are neglected when in town.
He said when entering an area where snowfall is common, the basics of water, blankets, food and flares should always be carried.
"You need to always have extra water and other things to shelter yourself until help finds you," he said.
For people taking trips, Geeser said common sense is the key, and an itinerary should be followed.
"It is a good idea to tell people where you are going and when you are going to show up," Geeser said, adding if something were to happen, help would probably arrive much sooner.
The Nevada Department of Transportation has instituted its new "Ice and Snow - Take it Slow" campaign to try to convince drivers in Northern Nevada to be careful in extreme weather conditions.
A brochure detailing winter driving tips is available at NDOT offices or by calling (775) 888-7000. NDOT's radio and television public service announcements also include the Ice and Snow logo and information.
Lester Webb, owner of Lester's Automotive Repair of Fallon, said simple maintenance for colder times can prevent future problems.
Before the weather gets too cold, Webb said batteries should be checked and antifreeze filled to correct levels.
Webb said many people are unaware of the need for winterized windshield washer fluid. In colder weather, Webb said, regular windshield water fluid will freeze almost instantly when used.
Tire pressure should also be checked more often as tires lose pressure faster in colder weather.
In Fallon, he added, chains are not needed because the county does not receive much snow. He mentioned snow tires could be a good idea.
Webb said people can do all the necessary maintenance practices for their vehicles, but still find themselves stranded.
"For safety reasons people need to make sure they have a blanket and some kind of water in case they break down," he said.
Frank Barrett, owner of Frank's Automotive and Diesel Repair, said all hoses, cables and fluids need to be consistently inspected.
Like Webb, he said regular windshield washer fluid will not work when temperatures drop to 10 degrees or lower.
Barrett said tires with good tread should be all that is needed for motorists driving in town.
"We really don't need (snow tires or chains)," he said. "Most of the tires are all seasonal."
Michael Geeser, spokesman for the American Automobile Association in Nevada, said the real danger is when people travel to colder climates without preparing for weather conditions.
He said AAA's advice for people setting out on trips of 50 miles or more, like Carson City or Reno, is to check tire pressure, belts and hoses.
Geeser said these maintenance practices should be done anyway, but often are neglected when in town.
He said when entering an area where snowfall is common, the basics of water, blankets, food and flares should always be carried.
"You need to always have extra water and other things to shelter yourself until help finds you," he said.
For people taking trips, Geeser said common sense is the key, and an itinerary should be followed.
"It is a good idea to tell people where you are going and when you are going to show up," Geeser said, adding if something were to happen, help would probably arrive much sooner.
The Nevada Department of Transportation has instituted its new "Ice and Snow - Take it Slow" campaign to try to convince drivers in Northern Nevada to be careful in extreme weather conditions.
A brochure detailing winter driving tips is available at NDOT offices or by calling (775) 888-7000. NDOT's radio and television public service announcements also include the Ice and Snow logo and information.
