As many New Englanders wake up to snow Thursday morning, AAA is urging motorists to be especially careful on their commute and throughout the day.
“Thursday’s morning’s predicted wintery mix will make for dangerous conditions on roadways,” said Dan Goodman, manager of public affairs for AAA Northern New England. “Budget extra time, extra space, take it slow, and keep a vigilant eye on the conditions.”
AAA is also advising drivers that this is a good time for a seasonal checkup of key vehicle systems in advance of the cold weather and winter driving conditions to minimize breakdowns. Harsh winter conditions make a vehicle work harder, particularly the charging and starting system, headlights, tires and windshield wipers.
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 an 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. Do not warm your vehicle in your garage or areas that do not allow for proper ventilation of exhaust fumes. Make sure your vehicle’s exhaust pipe(s) are clear of any snow or ice that could be blocking it as well.
Safe Driving Tips
- Before starting out on your drive, make sure all your windows are clear of ice and snow for your best visibility. This also includes removing all snow from the roof of your vehicle.
- Watch the traffic ahead of you. Slow down immediately – but again, moderately – at the sight of brake lights, skidding vehicles or emergency lights.
- Intersections can be especially slippery as ice thaws from the heat of idling vehicles.
- Don’t use your cruise control in slippery condition.
- Avoid unnecessary lane changes. Changing lanes increases your chances of hitting ice between lanes, which could cause a loss of traction and, potentially, a crash.
- Don’t power up snow-covered hills. It’s not easy for a vehicle to climb an icy road. If you’re stuck and you hit the gas, you may just spin your tires. If you must climb such an incline, try to get a little momentum going and let that carry you up. When you come to the crest, slow down and proceed cautiously, and slowly, downhill.
- Don’t try to brake on ice if you can avoid it. If you’re approaching an area and you spot ice, apply your brakes on clear pavement to reduce speed. Black ice can catch even an experienced driver by surprise. Black ice happens when a thin layer of moisture freezes on the roadway, and it can be very dangerous
- Buckle up and drive distraction free!
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