For winter cycling, your bike needs to be fully prepared. You’ll need a good set of mudguards to keep yourself and your bike clean. Check your tyres, they may need replacing with tougher tyres that have more grip, to help you plough through snow and prevent you from skidding on ice. Be sure to inspect your bike on a regular basis, to ensure it runs smoothly on those cold journeys.

Many times the ice is not visible, hence the name “black ice.” If you’re driving along and suddenly you hit black ice, don’t panic. Take your foot off the gas pedal and allow the car to coast. If the car begins to turn to the side, turn the steering wheel toward the direction the rear of the car is going (this will be opposite the direction the front is going). This will feel strange, but will help the car to correct the spin and keep you going straight. Do not slam on your brakes!

With the dryer shut off and saving us about $60/month, we’ll be able to turn our attention to another big utility hog – the room over the garage. It’s zoned with our bedroom, bathroom, living room and study and it’s not very well insulated. Of course, the unheated garage beneath it doesn’t help and then there’s the fact that it faces northeast, where most of our windiest, coldest weather comes from. So, we’re going to get rid of it.

canton toyota Consider snow tires. Last, but not least, consider snow tires. Without them, you are putting a lot of pressure on your regular tires and will wear them down quickly in heavy snow. Tires designed for traction and treading in snow will support your overall vehicle much better than all-purpose tires.

prepare for winter You may think this is a no-brainer, but many people fail to properly clean their decks before winter. Ipe decking, though dense, can still get dirt and yard debris in its boards, which can lead to wood rot. Cleaning your deck with a hose and a brush will help get rid of debris. Cleaning will also prevent water build-up on your deck by improving the ventilation.

Jackets: You need these to enable you to move around outdoors. Jackets become indispensable when you need to perform more thorough engine inspections, or if you need to hitch-hike, just in case things get desperate.

cars in winter Be sure that you give your swamp cooler the proper maintenance. Check the fan belt to be sure it isn’t sagging. If it is visibly sagging more than about an inch it should be replaced. Be sure the cooler pads are also in good shape. Check for any cracks or holes, or any leaks in the casement or tray. If there are, call an air conditioning repairman.

One area that many people tend to overlook when you buy used car or truck is the tires. Look them over very carefully and inquire about them. Tires can tell you a lot about the vehicle you are looking to purchase. Check for abnormal wear as that is an indication of front end troubles. Knowing how long the tires have been on the vehicle will give you a good idea when they will need replaced again.

Detoxifying your body in the fall helps you get ready for the stagnant months of winter. We are typically not as active during the winter, whether it is because of the shorter days, colder weather or busy holidays with family.