Fort Collins Foreign Car Service Focuses on Safety -- FORT COLLINS, Colo., Dec. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- FORT COLLINS, Colo., Dec. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Fort Collins Foreign Car Service is focusing on safety this autumn season, especially as they help drivers prepare for the winter months. Safe preparations are paramount this time of year. Winter seemed to strike early this autumn, with snow and ice lingering after the first major snowstorm. Many drivers may not be ready for driving in the cold weather. Fort Collins Foreign Car Service is focused on preparing their customers to drive safely and warmly throughout the winter. Tires are an obvious first choice for car maintenance. The regular summer versions should be replaced with snow tires. Extra weight, such as a sandbag, will add stability to the back of the car and aid the snow tires in their job. Batteries should be the next important thing in winterizing a car. Though the summer heat is often more wearing on them, the winter is when the wearing-down becomes evident. "We often see people whose cars won't start in the winter," says Bill Cooper, the owner of Fort Collins Foreign Car Service. It isn't that they're necessarily doing anything wrong in the winter. But not taking care of the battery during the summer will cause problems in the cold weather. Cooper recommends having the battery checked for cell strength and life. If it's low, the best option is replacing the battery. Antifreeze should also be checked and replaced, since serious engine damage could result if the antifreeze is old or at a low supply. A break-down kit is essential in every car, and requires extra supplies during the winter. Bill recommends stocking the kit with granola bars, water, and a waterproof jacket, no matter what time of year. During the winter, it's best to add a stock of matches and an insulated blanket. A couple components that are often overlooked in cars are the windshield wipers and headlights. These are important for safety since they affect the driver's ability to see the road and other cars. Windshield wipers should be new and clear the glass effectively. Headlights should both work and be pointed straight ahead (many can jar out of alignment and not illuminate the road properly). Above all, reminds Cooper, people should think about safety before getting on the roads this winter. If the car is properly winterized and prepared, it can be driven for months without fear of trouble. To learn more about winterizing your car or to schedule a maintenance checkup, click here or call the auto shop at 970.482.4331. Media Contact: Eva Kettler , 970.223.0797, press@page1onlinemarketing.com SOURCE Fort Collins Foreign Car Service