Ensure a Smooth Holiday Journey with Vehicle Winter Prep
Tire Care
As winter approaches, checking your tire pressure is of utmost importance. Cold temperatures can cause tire pressure to drop, affecting your vehicle's handling and fuel efficiency. Make sure to use a reliable tire pressure gauge and adjust the pressure according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Additionally, inspect the tread depth of your tires. Worn-out tread can reduce traction on snowy and icy roads, increasing the risk of accidents. It's advisable to have at least 4/32 inch of tread depth for safe driving in winter conditions.
Another aspect of tire care is ensuring proper wheel alignment and balancing. Misaligned or unbalanced wheels can cause uneven tire wear and affect the vehicle's stability. Regular wheel alignments and balancing can help extend the life of your tires and improve your driving experience.
Battery and Fluid Checks
Your vehicle's battery is a vital component, especially during the winter when cold temperatures can drain its power. Check the battery terminals for corrosion and clean them if necessary. A weak or faulty battery can leave you stranded in the cold. Additionally, have your battery tested to ensure it's in good condition.
Fluid levels also need to be monitored. Check the engine oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid, and brake fluid levels. Low fluid levels can lead to engine damage, overheating, and poor visibility. Top up the fluids as needed and replace them if they are old or contaminated.
Visibility Equipment
Clear visibility is essential during the snowy months. Make sure you have a good pair of wiper blades that can effectively remove snow and ice from the windshield. Replace the wiper blades if they are worn out or damaged. Additionally, ensure that your headlights are working properly. Dim or faulty headlights can reduce your visibility and increase the risk of accidents. Check the bulbs and replace them if necessary.
Another important visibility tool is a flashing device. Keep a portable flashing light in your vehicle in case you get stranded in the snow. It can help alert other drivers and increase your visibility on the road. Also, make sure your cell phone is fully charged or have a portable charger with you. In case of an emergency, you'll need to be able to contact for help.
Emergency Preparedness Kit
Having an emergency preparedness kit in your car is a must. It can provide you with the necessary supplies to handle unexpected situations. Include items such as a blanket, a first aid kit, a flashlight, a multi-tool, and non-perishable snacks. These items can help keep you warm, treat minor injuries, and provide basic necessities in case of an emergency.
Don't forget to include a shovel and a bag of sand or cat litter in your emergency kit. These items can be used to clear snow from around your vehicle and provide traction if needed. It's also a good idea to have a tow rope or a portable jump starter in case your vehicle fails to start.
Regular Maintenance and Inspections
In addition to the above checks, it's important to schedule regular maintenance and inspections for your vehicle. Take your car to a trusted mechanic or service garage for routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, and belt inspections. These maintenance tasks can help keep your vehicle running smoothly and prevent potential problems.
AAA offers free courtesy inspections, which can help identify any potential issues with your vehicle. Take advantage of these inspections and have your vehicle checked before hitting the road during the winter months. It's better to address any issues early on than to face a breakdown on the side of the road.
Uncover the Mysterious Realm of Dead Futures
Jazmina Figueroa's A Tumulted Space
Immerse yourself in Jazmina Figueroa's multimedia radio play, "A Tumulted Space." Here, soundscapes intertwine with a captivating script, recounting the harrowing experiences of two historical figures who endured torture. Irma Bandiera, a twentieth-century anti-fascist partisan, and Artemisia Gentileschi, a seventeenth-century artist, share their tales. This work not only pays homage to their courage but also showcases the power of storytelling through different eras and mediums. It invites us to connect with the past and understand the struggles of those who came before us.Another aspect of this piece is how it layers different elements to create a truly immersive experience. The combination of sound and script transports us to a different time and place, making us feel the pain and resilience of these historical figures. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving history and the stories that shape our present.Simon Speiser's La Visión del Monte
Simon Speiser's online version of "La Visión del Monte" offers a unique reinterpretation. This mechatronic light sculpture represents spiritual encounters in Ecuador's Esmeraldas rainforest. By interviewing his father and other locals, Speiser has collected tales that reflect the rich cultural fusion of African, Indigenous, and Spanish influences in their maroon society.The work showcases the beauty and complexity of these cultural interactions. It highlights how different cultures come together to create something new and meaningful. Through Speiser's exploration, we gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual and cultural heritage of this region. This installation serves as a testament to the power of art in preserving and celebrating cultural diversity.Hagit Keysar and Ariel Caine's Terra ex Machina
Hagit Keysar and Ariel Caine's "Terra ex Machina" builds on their ongoing mapping and 3D modeling work. They investigate the colonization of space and visibility in Israel/Palestine, using DIY aerial photography, drone imagery, and photogrammetry. This allows them to visualize the infrastructure of a no-fly zone and examine its epistemic and ontological effects.By delving into these issues, they bring attention to the complex realities of space colonization and its impact on different regions. Their work serves as a call to action, urging us to consider the consequences of our actions in space and on Earth. It showcases the importance of using art and technology to raise awareness about important social and political issues.Emilija Škarnulytė's Riparia
Emilija Škarnulytė's "Riparia" takes viewers on a poetic journey along the Rhône. Utilizing photogrammetry and underwater sensors, she examines the benthic and riparian zones while also representing the river's tutelary goddesses. This exploration exposes the impact of human intervention and merges mythology with hydrology.The work beautifully combines different elements to create a sense of wonder and reflection. It makes us think about our relationship with nature and the importance of protecting our waterways. Through Škarnulytė's art, we are reminded of the delicate balance between human activities and the natural world.Jonas Van and Juno B.'s Visage
Jonas Van and Juno B.'s "Visage" reimagines the myth of the "Mysterious Peacock" in the Brazilian Northeast. This spiritual sci-fi quest across imagined topographies is inspired by the popular Cordel literary tradition and dialogues from Octavia E. Butler.The piece showcases the creativity and imagination of the artists as they bring a myth to life in a new and exciting way. It highlights the power of myth in shaping our cultural identity and the role that art can play in reinterpreting and evolving these stories. Through "Visage," we are transported to a world of wonder and mystery.A Planet Devoid of Featured Artwork
On the Dead Futures subpage, a planet devoid of a featured artwork circulates. This is a gesture of solidarity with artists facing censorship and persecution. It honors those who have withdrawn or refused to participate in ARE YOU FOR REAL Phase 2 in the current context of ongoing wars. It symbolizes the resistance born from oppression and dissent, reminding us of the importance of standing up for artistic freedom.ARE YOU FOR REAL was initiated by ifa in 2020. Phase 2 is curated by Giulia Bini and Lívia Nolasco-Rózsás, with design and programming by Yehwan Song and sound design crafted by Enrico Boccioletti. ifa works with partners worldwide to promote freedom in the arts, research, and civil society. By bringing people together and generating analogue and digital spaces, it gives a voice to activists, artists, and scientists, promoting their collaboration and working closely with European partners to pursue its goals. ifa is supported by the Federal Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany, the state of Baden-Württemberg, and its capital Stuttgart. Press contact: presse [at] ifa.de.