As Winter Officially Arrives, Pep Boys Offers Car Care Tips for Safe Driving.

PHILADELPHIA -- The Pep Boys - Manny, Moe & Jack (NYSE:PBY), the nation's leading automotive aftermarket retail and service chain, reminds motorists to be prepared for the winter season, which officially begins on December 21. Because winter weather can take a toll on your car, be sure to seek the proper preventive maintenance, and also stock up on products and accessories that help make winter driving safer and easier. Visit your local Pep Boys store for the widest variety of automotive and travel merchandise, as well as dealer-quality service at the best prices. Log on to pepboys.com to find a store near you and to learn about Pep Boys' safe and affordable towing services.

Here's a checklist of things you can do to prepare for the winter freeze:

1.  Ice scrapers and snow brushes should be kept in the house if
        an overnight storm is predicted. This will allow you to remove
        snow and ice before having to open the car doors or trunk.
        Keep a spare ice scraper in the car as well.

    2.  Window and lock de-icer should also be kept in the house.
        Keeping additional de-icers at work is also a good idea.

    3.  Windshield wiper blades should be capable of completely
        clearing the windshield in three swipes. Replace the blades if
        cleaning the edge of the blade doesn't help. Winter-type
        blades prevent snow from freezing the blade's mechanism and
        are best when you anticipate driving in snow and icy weather.

    4.  Washer fluid should be topped off frequently. Don't wait until
        you run out of fluid and the windshield is covered with salt
        or sandy residue. Have the defroster on with the heat to keep
        the fluid from freezing on the windshield in extreme cold.

    5.  Inside window surfaces must be extra clean to reduce surface
        fog formation and to speed the defogging process. Your air
        conditioning system typically runs with your defroster and
        heater to dehumidify the cabin for quicker defogging of all
        windows. Have your professional service provider check your
        systems to ensure proper operation.

    6.  Engine coolant or antifreeze must be tested to ensure freeze
        protection to at least (-30) degrees Fahrenheit. If it looks
        rusty or has been in the system for more than two years,
        change the antifreeze to restore the freeze protection, rust
        inhibitors and water pump lubricant. A professional coolant
        flush will not only restore these important features but will
        also help to remove any harmful materials that could cause
        premature water pump failure. While you're looking at the
        cooling system, check the belts and hoses to make certain they
        are in good shape and will last the season.

    7.  Engine oil should always be changed according to
        manufacturers' recommended intervals. If you drive in severe
        conditions such as extremely cold climates or dusty conditions
        or in towing trailers, you may want to consider changing your
        oil as often as every 3,000 miles. As winter approaches, the
        oil's viscosity (thickness) is very important. Oil that does
        not have multiple weights in its viscosity rating (i.e.
        10W-30) might make the engine crank too slow to start. Check
        your owner's manual for the recommended viscosity and type of
        oil for the coldest temperature expected in your region. For
        the ultimate protection, consider synthetic oil and a premium
        filter on your next oil change.

    8.  Automotive transmission fluid should register full on the
        dipstick with the engine running, not leaking, and should not
        have a brown, burnt appearance or odor. Transmissions get a
        workout when a vehicle gets stuck in the snow. If the
        manufacturer's recommended transmission fluid change is near,
        have it done as a preventive measure.

    9.  Lights, including high beams, turn signals, brake lights and
        license plate bulbs must be in working condition with
        headlights aimed correctly. Keep the lights clean for maximum
        visibility.

    10. Tire treads must have a minimum of 2/32" depth in every
        groove. An easy way to check this is to use the "penny test":
        stick a penny face up in the tread; if you can still see the
        top of Lincoln's head, then the tire should be changed. If the
        tread is wearing differently between the edges and the middle
        tread, check the tire pressure. If one side is wearing more
        than the other, it's time for a wheel alignment. 2/32" is not
        very much tread in bad weather, so the deeper the tread
        grooves, the better the traction in snow and the higher the
        resistance to hydroplaning in water. Tire chains are helpful
        in deep snow conditions. Check local ordinances regarding
        their use.

    11. Brakes should be inspected at least twice a year or sooner if
        you suspect that something is wrong. The best times are just
        before winter and summer to prevent problems in extreme
        temperatures.

    12. Have the exhaust system inspected before winter. Exhaust
        system leaks can be lethal if you are stuck on ice or snow and
        the engine is running.

    13. Check ups of car batteries, the terminals and the charging and
        starting systems should take place before winter. If your
        battery is more than four years old, you may want to replace
        it before it goes bad for ease of mind and sure starting
        throughout the season. Rear window defoggers and lights and
        accessories put a drain on your charging and starting systems,
        and winter is a particularly stressful period.

    14. Tune up your engine periodically, particularly if it is not
        running perfectly. Otherwise, it will be harder to start
        during the winter, and breakdowns can be dangerous. Have any
        problems diagnosed and repaired before the onset of winter.

    15. An emergency kit should include battery jumper cables, a
        flashlight, matches, and a "Help" sign. In colder climates,
        include a candle, winter blanket, high-energy snacks, shovel,
        and kitty litter or sand for traction. And don't forget that
        cell phone!

About Pep Boys

Pep Boys has 595 stores and over 6,000 service bays in 36 states and Puerto Rico. Along with its vehicle repair and maintenance capabilities, the company also serves the commercial auto parts delivery market and is one of the leading sellers of replacement tires in the United States. Customers can find the nearest location by calling 1-800-PEP-BOYS or by visiting pepboys.com.