Preparing for the Storm

AAA Reminds Motorists to Prepare Cars ahead of Winter Storm

December 5, 2018 - - With the first major ice and/or snow accumulation in the forecast this season, AAA urges motorists to be prepared as well.

Harsh winter conditions make your vehicle work harder, particularly the charging and starting system, headlights, tires and windshield wipers.

• Car Battery: Have the battery checked by a professional to ensure it is strong enough to face cold weather. The average battery lasts 3 to 5 years and typically doesn’t alert you before it fails.

• Tires: Examine tires for tread depth, uneven wearing and cupping. Check tire pressures once a month when tires are cold, before driving for any distance.

• Fluids: Important system fluids such as engine coolant/anti-freeze, transmission and brake fluid should be checked and changed at recommended intervals.

• Brakes: Get brakes inspected as recommended in your owner’s manual, or sooner if you notice pulsations, pulling, noises while braking or longer stopping distance. Don’t take a chance with brakes.

•  Wipers: Replace worn windshield-wiper blades. Purchase one-piece beam-type or rubber-clad “winter” blades to fight snow and ice build-up. Use cold-weather windshield washer  solvent and carry an ice-scraper.

•  Lights: Inspect all lights and bulbs and replace burned out bulbs so you can see and be seen. Clean road grime or clouding from all lenses.

•  Carry a winter weather kit in your car: contents should include a fully charged cellphone (and car charger), ice scraper, blanket, warm winter clothing, flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables, a bag of kitty litter, reflective triangles/flares, shovel and cloth/paper towels.

• Carry your AAA Membership Card - program your phone with the AAA HELP number and your AAA membership number to expedite the rescue process in the event of a breakdown.