By Special to the Town Crier

As parents, have you taught your teen-ager the dos and don’ts of safe winter driving?

There are unwritten rules that come with the driving experience that teens lack.

“As a parent, I take great concern in making sure my children are aware of the dangers involved with winter driving conditions,” said Richard Courtney, Director of Research & Development and Technical Services/Consumer Relations for Prestone Products. “First and foremost, I have their vehicles checked thoroughly. Winter tends to magnify any problems a vehicle might have.”

Courtney added that new drivers need to check their tire tread and windshield wipers as well as washer fluid and antifreeze/coolant levels.

“The proper mixture of antifreeze/coolant is necessary to avoid engine freeze-ups in frigid temperatures,” he said.

It’s also a good idea to switch to winter wiper blades. They are more durable and designed to handle snow and ice better. If wipers aren’t working properly or if there is a lack of fluid in the reservoir, the combination of salt and ice may reduce your ability to see other vehicles or objects on the road.

Remind teens to turn on their headlights any time they need to use their windshield wipers. It will help improve their visibility and allow them to be seen better by other motorists. and in some states, it’s the law.

Emphasize the importance of clearing off the entire car, not just a portion of the windshield. If the vehicle hasn’t been properly cleared off, it not only creates hazardous situations for your child, but other motorists on the road as well.

“We recommend using a washer fluid that doesn’t freeze when temperatures plummet,” Courtney said.

Although these preventative maintenance tips do help, they by no means serve as a complete deterrent to potential problems. Prepare your teen for a roadside emergency with a special winter kit that includes:

Cell phone Portable jump-starter Flashlight and extra batteries Emergency flares Tire inflator and sealer Warm clothes and blankets Extra de-icer washer fluid and a spray de-icer Ice scraper with a snow brush Tire-traction product Shovel

“It is a good safety precaution to keep more than a half tank of gas in the vehicle during winter,” Courtney said. “It’ll be the only source of heat if they are stranded. And stress the importance of always wearing seat belts with your teen-age driver.”

Parents should accompany their teen-ager on their first winter drive and let them practice before venturing onto slick, snowy roads for the first time.

Emphasizing the significance of these safety tips may change a disastrous situation into a simple inconvenience.

- North American Precis Syndicate