"Our experienced staff can deal with every imaginable weather condition," Farnan added. "However, drivers have to realize that our crews are out there to help and it is smart to slow down aad keep clear of the plows." The Ministry of Transportation‘s local and tollâ€" free telephone lines provide reports on all provincial highâ€" ways. Callers can speak directly with an information officer or use a touchâ€"tone or cellular phone to listen to bilingual recorded inforâ€" mation. The seasonal service is available 24 hoursâ€"aâ€"day, seven days a week, until April 3, 1995. A quick refresher on winter driving § ~inter can be tough on a car. Wet, cold and icy l‘ â€" weather puts a vehicle‘s operating efficiency to the test. Prepare for the next cold season by getting a complete vehicle checkup â€" in advance. Have your technician check the following: Felp is just a phone call away for travellers lookâ€" ing for upâ€"toâ€"date inforâ€" mation on winter weather and driving conditions on Ontario highways. How soon a provincial highâ€" way is cleared after a snowfall depends on the severity of the storm, the highway‘s location and the volume of traffic it carries. In most cases, roads are cleared within 24 hours after a snowfall. When a snowfall first begins, spreaders apply salt to prevent ice from forming. The salt will help the plows clear the snow as it begins to accumulate. Sand is used when the temperature falls below â€"18C, when salt is no longer effective. It does not melt snow or ice, but does provide betâ€" ter traction for vehicles. ELECTRICAL _ â€"SYSTEM. Recharge or replace weak batterâ€" ies. Make sure the alternator or generator output is adequate and have drive belts checked for propâ€" er tension and excessive wear. "Our government is committed to safety," says transportation minister Mike Farnan. "And safeâ€" ty is what guides all of out winter maintenance activities â€" from patrolling our highways, to plowâ€" ing, to getting information to the public." The reports contain the latest information gathered from a comâ€" puterized weatherâ€"tracking system with road condition updates from local ministry maintenance staff. "Our people are out there patrolling all of Ontario‘s highâ€" ways so they know the driving conditions on any given road firstâ€" hand," said Farnan. "Travelers can rely on us to let them know what to expect when they get behind the wheel. That way, they can choose the safest route to their destination or decide to wait out a storm." Damaged ignition wires, a cracked distributor cap or worn spark plugs can make starting difâ€" ficult or may cause a sudden breakdown. Also check the headâ€" lights, sideâ€"marker lights, emerâ€" gency flashers, directional signals and brake lights. BRAKE SYSTEM. To avoid skidding on slippery surfaces, take precautions to prevent wheels from locking. Brakes should be checked and adjusted, if needed. * Based on a 36 month lease for Buick Regal and Buick LeSabre equipped as described. A minimum down payment of $2,663/$3,128 and $425/$475 security deposit are required. Some mileage conditions apply. Freight ($760/$870), license, insurance and taxes not included. Offer applies to 1995 new or demonstrator models. Dealer order or trade may be necessary. Dealer may sell/lease for less. Offer applies to qualified retail customers only. Limited time offer may not be combined or used with other offers. See your Dealer for details. A NEW SYMBOL FOR QUALITY TIRES. Make sure tires are power windows w$)4â€"wheel ABS ®)dual zone air conditioning ®)power windows/locks w®) dual air bags ®)power driver‘s seat Regal delivers more standard power and safety features than the imports. dual air bags 4â€"speed electronic transmission AM/FM stereo cassette tiltâ€"wheel steering 4â€"wheel ABS dual electronic control mirrors electronic air conditioning keyless entry LeSabre Custom the most popular car in its class. properly inflated and in good conâ€" dition. Snow tires are recommendâ€" ed. EXHAUST SYSTEM. To miniâ€" mize the chances of carbon monoxide poisoning, have the exhaust system checked for leaks. Carbon monoxide is odorless, very hard to detect â€" and it can kill. If your car is stuck in the snow and the engine and heater are running, open a window slightly and clear snow away from the exhaust pipe. HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM. Check the radiator and hoses for leaks and cracks. To maintain the best operating temâ€" perature, make sure the water pump and thermostat operate corâ€" rectly. Add enough antiâ€"freeze for the coldest weather â€" a 50/50 mix of anti freeze and water is best. Test the heater and defroster. WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHER. Wipers should be checked for proper functioning. Replace blades that streak the BUICK ;â€" TEAM windshield. Fill the washer reserâ€" voir bottle with and antifreeze water solvent. WINTER DRIVING KIT. The following items carried in your automobile will be invaluable should an emergency develop: gloves and hat, sand, salt or kitty litter, small snow shovel, snow brush, traction mats, warning devices, flashlight, ice scraper, paper towels, booster cables, blanâ€" ket, emergency medication, high energy snacks. cruise control ®) pulse wipers ®) 160 H.P 3.1 litre V6 engine w®) cruise control w) tiltâ€"wheel steering ®)power trunks w)electric control mirrors ®) 170 H.P. 3800 SFI V6 engine ®)power door locks aluminum wheels 4â€"speed electronic transmission allâ€"new interior design