AAA: Simple tips for drivers to help prevent winter’s biggest vehicle pitfalls

MADISON – Winter weather, including snow, ice and sub-freezing temperatures is expected to impact travel in parts of Alabama over the coming days, according to the National Weather Service. Motorists are strongly urged to limit travel during the upcoming winter weather event. If travel is necessary, AAA reminds drivers to make sure their vehicle is ready to hit the wintery roads.

“In addition to gathering household previsions, use this time before the wintery mix and frigid cold temperatures arrive to make sure components on your vehicle, like your battery and tires, are ready for the arctic blast,” said AAA spokesperson Clay Ingram. “Even careful and experienced drivers can run into trouble on the roadways during winter storms. Basic, preventative maintenance can increase your chances of staying safe during winter weather and decrease your chances of winding up stranded away from home.”

AAA anticipates a 200% increase in emergency roadside service calls, compared to normal, as this round of wintry weather sweeps through, driving conditions deteriorate, and the sub-freezing temperatures set in. The top culprits are expected to be dead or disabled batteries, slide-offs and crashes due to slick roads, and flat tires. To help alleviate potential weather-related backlogs, AAA is currently staging additional tow crews in major metro areas and where the weather is expected to have the largest impact.

“With the anticipated increased volume of drivers needing service, AAA will assess regional impacts and, if necessary, prioritize response efforts to emergency calls, or calls where motorists are stranded away from home”, Ingram added. “Our goal is always to make sure we get our members out of the cold and home as quickly and safely as possible.

AAA tips to prepare vehicles for winter weather:

• Ensure good battery healthy. Dead or disabled batteries are the top reason drivers call AAA for emergency roadside service during the winter months. Have the battery checked by a professional to ensure it is strong enough to face cold weather. When the air temperature is 32 degrees, a battery’s starting power drops 35 percent. Also, the average lifespan of a car battery in our area is 3-5 years.
  • Even if you don’t plan to travel, starting your vehicle and driving for 15-20 minutes close to home every other day during extreme cold temperatures can ensure your battery charges and has enough power to start your vehicle next time you need it.
  • AAA members can request a visit from a AAA mobile battery service technician who will test their battery and replace it on-site, if necessary.
• Check tires for tread depth and air pressure. For every 10-degree drop in temperature, tires can lose 1 pound of air pressure.
  • An easy way to check tire tread for wear is by inserting an upside-down quarter into your tread groove. If the top of Washington’s head is exposed, the tread depth is less than 4/32″ and it’s time to replace your tires. Also, check that your car has a spare tire and keep it properly inflated in case you need it.
• Fuel up. Keep at least half a tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times.
• Check wiper blades and fluid. Ensure that windshield wiper blades are in good condition and the wiper fluid reservoir is full. A winter blend of wiper fluid that resists freezing is recommended.
• Be visible to other drivers. Make sure all lights (headlights, tail and brake lights, turn signals) are working properly so you can see and be seen in bad weather conditions.

Preventive maintenance is essential for safe driving and greatly decreases the chances of being stranded in the cold. However, if you do break down in the cold you will want to have a winter emergency kit, which approximately 40% of American drivers do not carry, according to a AAA survey.

“AAA is reminding anyone who must drive on icy or snow-covered roads to be prepared for the conditions, travel with a full tank of gas, and carry a fully charged cell phone with the Auto Club app downloaded and AAA Emergency Roadside Service number, 1-800-222-4357, saved and a fully stocked emergency kit,” Ingram said.

AAA recommendations for winter emergency kit items to keep in your vehicle:

• Bag of abrasive materials such as sand, salt or cat litter for gaining traction in snow/ice
• Jumper cables
• Snow shovel
• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Winter coat, hat and gloves or mittens for all passengers in your car
• Flashlight
• Warning flare or triangles
• Tarp, raincoat and gloves to help stay clean/dry if you must get out of the vehicle
• Blanket or sleeping bag
• Cellular phone and emergency charger
• Food and water
• First aid kit
• Necessary medications
• Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench, duct tape, plastic zip ties)
• AAA membership card or number if you need to call for roadside assistance.