PHOENIX, Nov. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As winter weather begins across the United States and the Holiday travel season kicks off, Universal Technical Institute, the transportation, skilled trades, and energy education division of Universal Technical Institute, Inc., is sharing several winter vehicle maintenance and emergency preparedness recommendations.
"Winter weather presents unique challenges for vehicles and drivers," said automotive instructor Bernard Thompson from UTI-Lisle outside Chicago. "Thanksgiving travel is just around the corner, and with a few simple precautions, motorists can help reduce the risk of winter breakdowns and ensure they've prepared for roadside emergencies."
Winter Vehicle Recommendations
- Check the Battery: Cold weather strains weak batteries, increasing the likelihood of a breakdown. Have your battery tested before winter hits, and replace it if needed.
- Cold Weather Lessons EV Range. Take this into account when planning a long drive.
- Check your Spare Tire: Make sure the spare tire has air.
- Use Winter Tires: For temperatures below 45 degrees, winter tires can significantly improve traction and stability. Ensure all tires have at least 3/32 tread depth or as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Maintain Fluid Levels: Keep the fuel tank at least half-full to prevent fuel line freeze-up. Use winter-rated windshield washer fluid and maintain a 50/50 coolant-to-water mix in the radiator to protect the engine.
- Check Lights and Visibility: Dim or foggy lights can reduce visibility. Check all lights, replace bulbs as needed, and install fresh wiper blades to handle snow and ice buildup. Scrape ice build-up off headlights in addition to the windshield before driving.
Winter Emergency Kit Essentials: For added safety, UTI recommends that drivers carry an emergency kit in their vehicles, including items such as:
- Flashlight, map, phone charger, and jumper cables
- Emergency flares, reflective vest, or triangles
- Ice scraper, snow brush, and a small shovel
- Thermal blanket, gloves, hats, coats, and water-resistant shoes
- Bottled water, non-perishable food, and basic tool and first aid kits
About Universal Technical Institute, Inc.
Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI) was founded in 1965 and is a leading workforce solutions provider of transportation, skilled trades, and healthcare education programs whose mission is to serve students, partners, and communities by providing quality education and support services for in-demand careers across a number of highly skilled fields. Universal Technical Institute, Inc. is comprised of two divisions: the UTI division and Concorde Career Colleges. The UTI division operates 16 campuses located in nine states and offers a wide range of transportation and skilled trades technical training programs under brands such as UTI, MIAT College of Technology, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, Marine Mechanics Institute and NASCAR Technical Institute. Concorde operates across 17 campuses in eight states and online, offering programs in the allied health, dental, nursing, patient care and diagnostic fields. For more information, visit www.uti.edu or www.concorde.edu, or visit us on LinkedIn at @UniversalTechnicalInstitute and @Concorde Career Colleges or on X (formerly Twitter) @news_UTI or @ConcordeCareer.
Media Contact:
Alanna Vitucci
avitucci@uti.edu
480-710-6843
SOURCE Universal Technical Institute, Inc.
