Thornhill, Ontario – With temperatures expected to drop this week, CAA South Central Ontario has offered tips for motorists to protect their vehicles against winter freeze-ups.

These include:

- Starting your car takes energy, so ensure all vehicle accessories are turned off, including the heater, defroster, lights, wipers and radio.

- Turn the ignition to the “start” position and crank the engine for no more than five to ten seconds. Do not pump the accelerator. If the car doesn’t start in ten seconds, return the key to the “off” position, and wait 30 seconds between attempts. If the car refuses to start, there may be a battery or mechanical problem.

- Your car only needs to warm up for one or two minutes. Avoid hard acceleration in the first few minutes to give a chance for fluids to lubricate the engine. Unnecessary idling wastes gasoline and increases pollution.

- Never warm up a car in a garage, whether closed or open. Carbon monoxide fumes can be lethal. If you have a remote starter, don’t activate it when the car is parked in the garage.

- Keep your gas tank at least half-full to avoid ice crystals that could freeze in the gas line.

- Park your car where the sun will hit it in the morning, or inside a garage where it’s warmer.

- Change to winter-grade oil and gasoline. Consult your owner’s manual for details.

- Carry a small aerosol can of antifreeze-type lubricant and spray locks and rubber door seals to avoid the doors freezing shut.