Cold Weather Tips for Smart Driving and Vehicle Maintenance
-- Avoid rush hours, but stay on well-traveled roads. Don't try taking back
roads or "short cuts" to avoid traffic. Fewer cars on back roads may
mean those routes are the last to be plowed or maintained and are not
likely to be heavily patrolled by emergency services.
-- Pre-plan your route using resources like NAVTEQ Traffic.com to get the
most up-to-date information traffic and road conditions. Log on to
www.traffic.com before leaving home. Or, call 1-866-MY-TRAFC
(1-866-698-7232), our toll-free hotline, to get traffic information.
-- Travel with a companion whenever possible. There is safety in numbers,
and a vigilant travel companion can help navigate slick roads, wintery
weather and traffic challenges.
-- Avoid getting lost on less traveled roads with a navigation system map
update. Map updates are available at www.navteq.com/store. A map update
delivers the up-to-date road network information navigation systems need
to continue performing at their best. With current maps, navigation
users can cut down on driving time, reduce fuel consumption, and help
navigation systems and portable devices maintain optimum performance.
Vehicle maintenance is even more important in the winter, when frigid temperatures could turn a breakdown into a threatening situation. Care for parts of the car that are particularly susceptible to malfunction in cold weather, including:
-- Cooling systems -- Be sure to have the right antifreeze mixture to keep
the car's cooling system running smoothly.
-- Belts and hoses -- Check to make sure belts and hoses are in good
working order because cold temperatures can make these more prone to
cracking and breaking.
-- Tires -- Regularly check tire pressure as the cold can make the air in
tires contract and cause a dangerous under-inflation.
-- Battery -- Wintery temperatures can make a battery lose its charge, so
be sure the battery is in good condition and fully charged.
-- Wipers and washer fluid -- Be sure wipers work well and washer fluid
flows freely so to easily remove snow, sand, salt and dirt spray from
the windshield.
-- Oil -- Consult a mechanic or the vehicle's manual to find out if the
engine might benefit from thinner viscosity oil in cold weather.
About NAVTEQ
NAVTEQ is the leading global provider of digital map, traffic and location data that enables navigation and location-based platforms around the world. NAVTEQ supplies comprehensive digital map information to power automotive navigation systems, portable and wireless devices, Internet-based mapping applications and government and business solutions. The Chicago-based company was founded in 1985 and has approximately 4,400 employees located in 192 offices and in 43 countries.
NAVTEQ and Traffic.com are trademarks in the U.S. and other countries. All rights reserved.
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