MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. – With the holidays approaching and temperatures dropping, Airmen are dreaming of home, surrounding themselves with family and friends, and of course their favorite meals – with only a flight or road trip separating them.
The Auto Hobby Shop on McConnell opened their garage doors to provide their expertise in winterizing vehicles to ensure their machines are capable of typical winter conditions, for free on Nov. 18 and 19.
Billie Woods, 22nd Force Support Squadron Auto Shop mechanic, inspected batteries, brakes, fluids, visors and lights then provided feedback and recommendations to give drivers confidence for the season.
Keeping yourself and others safe is the most important thing but it also is financial responsible - for some younger Airmen a deductible could look as gnarly as a twisted frame when combined with annual percentage rates as the high as the smoke from a fresh Camaro burnout.
The Safety Office provided a few tips for those who couldn’t make it to the shop.
- Winterize your vehicle by maintaining the battery, wipers, fluids, lights, tires and winter car care kit.
- Slow your speed when driving in ice and snow, in poor conditions and triple your following distance.
- When traveling, avoid fatigue, get plenty of rest and rotate drivers if possible.
- Remember the three P’s
- Prepare for the trip
- Protect yourself
- Prevent accidents on the road
- Clear off snow from your vehicle, especially windows and lights, so you can see and be seen.
Keep these tips in mind to keep the rubber on the road whether you decide to take a road trip or just driving around town.