Winter Driving MUST - Haves: Control Your Car...Don't Let It Control You

An automatic shifter is the gear selector in a vehicle with an automatic transmission. It allows the driver to change gears without needing to manually operate a clutch pedal, making driving easier and more convenient.

A hood latch is a mechanical device that secures the hood of a vehicle in a closed position. It typically includes a release mechanism that allows the driver to open the hood when needed.

A micro switch is a small, sensitive switch that is activated by a small amount of pressure or movement. In vehicles, it is often used in safety and security systems to detect whether components are in the correct position.

An anti-theft system is a security feature designed to prevent unauthorized access to a vehicle. It can include alarms, immobilizers, and tracking systems that activate if someone attempts to steal the car.

A factory alarm system is an anti-theft feature that comes pre-installed in a vehicle by the manufacturer. It typically includes sensors to detect unauthorized entry and can activate an alarm or immobilize the vehicle.

Earl Louise Grant is a pre-owned auto store in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) that specializes in sales and leasing of vehicles. They focus on providing low mileage, quality vehicles at fair prices and offer in-house financing options for customers with varying credit situations.

The Plymouth Road Runner is a classic American muscle car that was produced from 1968 to 1980. It is known for its distinctive cartoon branding and powerful performance, making it a symbol of the muscle car era. The Road Runner was designed to be an affordable, high-performance vehicle, which contributed to its popularity among car enthusiasts and collectors.

Winter tires are specifically designed to provide better traction and handling in cold weather conditions, particularly on snow and ice. They are made from a softer rubber compound that remains flexible in low temperatures, allowing for improved grip.

All-season tires are designed to perform well in a variety of conditions, including dry roads, wet roads, and light snow. However, they may not provide the same level of traction as winter tires in severe winter conditions.

The tire compound refers to the specific mixture of rubber and other materials used to make a tire. Different compounds can affect the tire's performance, including grip, durability, and temperature sensitivity.

Tread design refers to the pattern and grooves on the surface of a tire that affect its grip, handling, and performance on different surfaces. A well-designed tread can improve traction, especially in adverse weather conditions like snow or rain.

Shocks and struts are components of a vehicle's suspension system that help absorb bumps and provide stability while driving. Healthy shocks and struts are crucial for maintaining control and comfort, especially on rough or icy roads.

Hakka Pilitas, also known as Nokian Hakkapeliitta, are a line of winter tires designed for excellent grip and performance in snowy and icy conditions. They are known for their durability and effectiveness, making them a popular choice among winter tire enthusiasts.

Han Kuk, also known as Hankook, is a South Korean tire manufacturer that produces a wide range of tires for various vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and motorsports. They are known for offering good performance at competitive prices.

Cooper is an American tire manufacturer that produces a variety of tires for passenger cars, light trucks, and SUVs. They are known for their value and performance, particularly in the all-terrain and winter tire segments.

Yokohama is a Japanese tire manufacturer that produces a wide range of tires for passenger vehicles, trucks, and motorsports. They are known for their innovative technology and performance-oriented tires, particularly in the high-performance and off-road categories.

Gripology refers to the study or practice of achieving optimal tire grip on various road surfaces. This concept is crucial for performance driving, as it affects how well a vehicle can accelerate, brake, and corner safely.

Downforce is the aerodynamic force that pushes a vehicle down onto the road, increasing traction and grip. It is especially important in high-speed driving and racing, where maintaining tire contact with the road is crucial for performance.

Vehicle road heights refer to the distance between the ground and specific points on a vehicle, which can indicate if the car is sagging or if the suspension is functioning properly. Measuring these heights is essential for assessing suspension health.

Sagging refers to a condition where a vehicle's suspension system is not holding the car at the proper height, often due to worn-out shocks or struts. This can lead to poor handling and uneven tire wear.

Ball joints are pivotal components in a vehicle's suspension system, allowing for smooth movement and rotation between the steering and suspension parts. They help maintain proper alignment and handling of the vehicle.

Control arms are suspension components that connect the vehicle's chassis to the wheels, allowing for controlled movement and stability. They play a vital role in the vehicle's handling and ride quality.

Sway bar linkages connect the sway bar to the vehicle's suspension, helping to reduce body roll during cornering. They enhance stability and improve handling by keeping the vehicle level.

Bushings are rubber or polyurethane components that provide cushioning and reduce friction between moving parts in a vehicle's suspension and steering systems. They help absorb shocks and vibrations, enhancing ride comfort.

Tie rod ends are crucial components of a vehicle's steering system that connect the steering rack to the wheels. They allow for the transfer of steering input to the wheels, enabling the vehicle to turn effectively.

Wheel bearings are crucial components that allow the wheels to rotate smoothly around the axle. They reduce friction and support the weight of the vehicle, contributing to overall performance and safety.

Steering components are the parts of a vehicle's steering system that allow the driver to control the direction of the vehicle. This includes the steering wheel, steering column, tie rods, and other related parts.

A four wheel alignment is a service that adjusts the angles of the wheels to ensure they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. This helps improve vehicle handling, tire wear, and overall safety.

Brakes are essential components of a vehicle that allow it to slow down or stop. They work by creating friction against the wheels, converting kinetic energy into heat.

Four wheel drive (4WD) is a drivetrain configuration that powers all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously. It is often used for off-road driving or in conditions where extra traction is needed.