With temperatures dropping to near zero and below in New England AAA reminds motorists to be prepared. “Batteries do not perform as well in extreme cold temperatures,” says Pat Moody Manager of Public Affairs for AAA Northern New England. “When cold weather hits, a weak battery may not have sufficient strength to start the vehicle.”
Preparing your yourself and your vehicle for colder temperatures can help prevent becoming stranded in winter weather. AAA recommends that motorists:
Batteries
- At 0° F a car’s battery loses about 60 percent of its strength. Even at 32° F, it is 35 percent weaker than normal. Have a qualified automotive technician perform a load test on your battery to make sure it’s strong enough for winter.
- Automobile batteries have an average life span of 3-5 years. Have your battery and charging system tested by your trusted technician to ensure they are ready for the challenge.
- Clean any corrosion from battery posts and cable connections with battery terminal cleaner.
Fuel
- Keep your gas tank at least half full in freezing conditions. This reduces condensation in the fuel system and ensures you have adequate reserves to run the engine for heat in an emergency.
Tire Pressure
- Tire Pressure - Check tire inflation pressure on all four tires and the spare more frequently during colder temperatures. Don’t be surprised if your dashboard warns you that your tire pressure needs to be addressed. As the average temperature drops, so will tire pressures – typically by one PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The proper tire pressure levels can be found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker typically located on the driver’s side door jamb.
Winter Safety Kit
- Winter Safety Kit - Have a winter emergency kit prepared in your vehicle that includes; first aid kit, jumper cables, flashlight, shovel, blanket, traction aides such as kitty litter and a ice scrapper. 40% of American drivers told AAA they do not carry an emergency kit in their vehicle.
Warming Up
- With newer vehicles “warming up the car” might not be a necessary requirement from a mechanical standpoint but from a driver comfort and safety standpoint …it is key. Warming up your car allows for the motorist to shed restricting clothing. Boots, gloves, hats and heavy jackets may restrict movement make operating the car more challenging. Warming up the car also helps clear ice and condensation from the windows.
As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 63 million members with travel, insurance, financial, and automotive-related services. Operating 18 offices throughout Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, AAA Northern New England is a not-for-profit, fully tax-paying corporation and serves as an advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA Northern New England can be visited on the Internet at www.AAA.com.