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Here in Colorado many of you are looking forward to getting on the slopes and other to nestle up in front of the fire, but before that we need to prepare our home and autos for the winter.

Is your car ready for the winter weather?

Brake System
The brakes must be faultless and equalized so there is no pulling to one side, which may cause skidding.

Cooling System
Has your cooling system flushed out recently? If not, have it flushed and put in fresh anti-freeze. Check containers, belts, hoses, the pressure caps and thermostat.

Battery and Electrical System
Cold weather is hard on batteries. If your battery is several years old, have it checked. Be sure connections are clean and tight.

Heaters, Defrosters and Wipers
Install winter wiper blades and use cold weather washer fluid to ensure your windshield can give you clear vision of the road and traffic around you.

Tires
Snow tires increase traction in soft snow. Install them on all four wheels. All-season tires on all wheels with good treads are adequate in some regions. Check your tire pressure regularly - for every 5º C of temperature drop, tire pressure goes down by one pound.

Winter Equipment you should have in your vehicle
• windshield scraper and snow brush
• lightweight shovel
• bag of sand, wire traction mat or other abrasive substance
• properly inflated spare tire
• wheel wrench and jack
• First aid kit
• Flashlight
• Flares
• battery jumper cables

Home winter tips

HVAC
Call an HVAC professional to inspect your furnace and clean ducts.
Stock up on furnace filters and change them monthly.
Remove all flammable material from the area surrounding your furnace

Inspect Roof, Gutters & Downspouts
• Check flashing to ensure water cannot enter the home
• Replace worn roof shingles or tiles
• Clean out the gutters and downspouts to clear away debris

Foundation
• Rake away all debris and edible vegetation from the foundation
• Seal up entry points to keep small animals from crawling under the house
• Tuck-point or seal foundation cracks. Mice can slip through space as thin as a dime

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
• Some cities require a smoke detector in every room
• Buy extra smoke detector batteries and change them when daylight savings ends
• Install a carbon monoxide detector near your furnace and / or water heater
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they work
• Buy a fire extinguisher or replace an extinguisher older than 10 years
• Prevent Plumbing Freezes
• Locate your water main in the event you need to shut it off in an emergency

Drain all garden hoses
• Insulate exposed plumbing pipes
• Drain air conditioner pipes and, if your AC has a water shut-off valve, turn it off
• If you go on vacation, leave the heat on, set to at least 55 degrees

Prepare an Emergency Kit
• Indoor candles and matches / lighter for use during a power shortage
• Find the phone numbers for your utility company and post it near your phone or inside the phone book
• Store extra bottled water and non-perishable food supplies (including pet food, if you have a pet), blankets and a first-aid kit in a dry and easy-to-access location
• Prepare an evacuation plan in the event of an emergency.


Enjoy your winter and keep checking in with us for more tips.