ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A chill is in the air, and as fall weather sets in, AAA says now is the time to prepare your car for colder temperatures.
The American Automobile Association says that the number of people calling for help with dead batteries increases during winter months.
“In addition to addressing a car’s fall and winter maintenance needs, we advise motorists to focus on the health of their battery today, not when it’s too late,” said Mike Horshaw, vice president of automotive services for AAA East Central.
“In addition to addressing a car’s fall and winter maintenance needs, we advise motorists to focus on the health of their battery today, not when it’s too late,”Mike Horshaw, AAA East Central vice president of automotive services
To do so, Hoshaw said, people should get their batteries tested at their local mechanic and replace them if needed.
AAA says intense summer heat can cause corrosion and fluid evaporation, leaving batteries more likely to malfunction in winter weather.
October is the travel agency’s Car Care Month, and it advises drivers to take a few simple steps to make sure they don’t get stuck out in the cold. Those steps include:
- Tire Type and Tread: In areas with heavy winter weather, changing to snow tires on all four wheels will provide the best winter traction. Testing tire’s tread is easy: insert a quarter into a tread groove with the top of George Washington’s head facing down. If you can see the top of Washington’s head, it’s time to start shopping for new tires.
- Tire Pressure: Typically, tire pressure decreases 1 pound per square inch for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit that the temperature drops, putting owners at risk for a flat tire. The proper tire pressure levels can be found on a sticker located on the driver’s side door jamb. (Don’t forget to check the spare!)
- Wiper Blades: Replace blades that leave streaks or miss spots. Consider installing winter wiper blades that wrap the blade in a rubber boot to prevent ice and snow buildup.
- Washer Fluid: Fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir with a cleaning solution that has antifreeze components.
- Coolant Levels: If your engine coolant level is low, add the recommended coolant to maintain the necessary antifreeze capability.
AAA East Central said that last winter season, it answered 259,423 calls about battery issues and replaced 57,051 batteries.
