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Winter Driving
If you fill the windshield washer tank with a fluid with a different concentration from the one used previously , purge the old fluid from the piping between the windshield washer tank and washer nozzles by operating the washer for a certain period of time . Otherwise , if the concentration of the fluid remaining in the piping is too low for the outside temperature , it may freeze and block the nozzles .
CAUTION
. Adjust the washer fluid concentration appropriately for the outside temperature . If the concentration is inappropriate , sprayed washer fluid may freeze on the windshield and obstruct your view , and the fluid may freeze in the windshield washer tank .
. State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the use of methanol , a common windshield washer antifreeze additive . Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging your vehicle ’ s paint , wiper blades or washer system .
! Before driving your vehicle s08ai0101
Before entering the vehicle , remove any snow or ice from your shoes because that could make the pedals slippery and driving dangerous .
While warming up the vehicle before driving , check that the accelerator pedal , brake pedal , and all other controls operate smoothly .
Clear away ice and snow that has accumulated under the fenders to avoid making steering difficult . During severe winter driving , stop when and where it is safe to do so and check under the fenders periodically .
! Parking in cold weather
WARNING s08ai0102
Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gases under your vehicle . Keep snow clear of the exhaust pipe and from around your vehicle if you park the vehicle in snow with the engine running .
CAUTION
. Do not use the parking brake when parking for long periods in cold weather since it could freeze in that position .
. When the vehicle is parked in snow or when it snows , raise the wiper blades off the glass to prevent damage to them .
. Under either of the following conditions , icing may develop on the brake system , which could cause poor braking action .
– When the vehicle has been left parked after use on roads heavily covered with snow
– When the vehicle has been left parked during a snowstorm
Check for snow or ice buildup on the suspension , disc brakes and brake hoses underneath the vehicle . If there is caked snow or ice , remove it , being careful not to damage the disc brakes and brake hoses and ABS harness .
When parking for long periods in cold weather , you should observe the following tips .
1 . Place the select lever in the “ P ” position .
2 . Use tire stops under the tires to prevent the vehicle from moving .