Editor’s note: Below is the text of an important press release that came out last month from Bendix Brakes. While most of winter has passed, there’s still the possibility of bad weather and unsafe conditions. Our teens especially need to be cautious on the road.

Winter Driving Hazards Amplify Alarm for Unsafe Vehicles

TROY, Mich., Feb. 17, 2012 – Forget your hat, and you risk cold ears on the way to school or work. Forget routine maintenance for your vehicle, and you risk injuring yourself, passengers and others on the road – a chance too many drivers are willing to take at a time when road conditions are at their worst.

A recent Consumer Reports survey revealed that 40 percent of drivers are postponing car maintenance or repairs on their primary vehicle, with drivers 18 to 34 years old most likely to delay work on safety-critical wear items, such as brake pads or tires.

Although many consumers, especially teenagers, are trying to save money where possible, cutting corners on proper car care not only puts all drivers at risk for accidents or injury, delaying maintenance can actually cost more in the long run. In winter months, when inclement weather can wreak havoc on even the shortest commute to school or work, it is crucial that vehicles are in good working condition so that motorists arrive safely at their destination.

Some maintenance, such as oil changes, brake inspections and tuneups need to be done by a professional; however, there is preventative maintenance that is simple and can be done by consumers in a garage or driveway.

Honeywell Friction Materials has developed Bendix Brakes for Teen Safety, a digital social media campaign to educate parents and teens of the importance of proper car care. Honeywell is reminding all drivers that poorly maintained vehicles can cause accidents, and offers the following tips for drivers to keep their vehicles safer on the road during these winter months:

Braking systems are directly responsible for stopping your car. Squealing brakes are a sign that brake pads need replacing, while grinding noises are the sign of a much more serious problem. Both should be checked out by a certified technician immediately to prevent more damage and higher repair costs.

“Wintertime driving is tough enough with a properly maintained vehicle,” said Shannon Lara, Senior Manager, Marketing Communications for Honeywell Friction Materials. “Slick roads and poor visibility combined with neglected safety features creates hazardous driving situations. By arming drivers with proper car care tips and advice, we are hoping to promote safe driving habits that start before you even turn the key.”

Visit Bendix Brakes for Teen Safety on Facebook or YouTube for more information on getting teen drivers (and their rides) ready for winter.

Friction Materials LLC, a business unit of Honeywell International Inc., is headquartered in Glinde, Germany. Serving both original equipment and aftermarket customers, products offered include Bendix® and Jurid® friction materials and hard parts. For more information, log on to www.bendixbrakes.com.

Honeywell International (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell’s shares are traded on the New York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywellnow.com.

Earnest Parenting: help for parents who want their teens to be safe drivers.