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If you’re planning to drive during the cold months, it’s wise to perform regular maintenance checks so your vehicle can run as optimally as possible. Here are seven tips for readying your ride for the winter.
On winter’s coldest mornings, your battery needs to be fully charged and in good condition to start the engine. AAA Owned Car Care facilities and AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities can test and replace weak batteries. For battery problems at home or on the road, AAA Members can request for AAA Mobile Battery Service—and a technician will come and test the battery and replace it on-site, if necessary.
TIP: Check out these common warning signs that your battery may need to be replaced. roadside assistance for AAA Mobile Battery Service—and a technician will come and test the battery and replace it on-site, if necessary.
Or, if you’re a do-it-yourselfer, visit a NAPA Auto Parts location to purchase the AAA battery and replace it yourself.
As temperatures drop, so will tire pressures—typically by about 1 pound per square inch (PSI) for every 10 degrees. This is why it’s important to check the inflation pressure on your tires regularly during cold weather.
Proper tire pressure levels can be found in the owners manual or on a sticker that’s typically located on the driver’s door jamb (note that the PSI on a tire’s sidewall is its maximum PSI). Examine tires for tread depth, uneven wear and cupping. If the tires look worn at all, get a professional inspection. Tires with a tread depth of less than 4/32 of an inch will have reduced traction in wet and snowy conditions.
TIP: In extremely cold and snowy climates, a set of winter snow tires or chains may be a wise investment.
Check the coolant in the overflow tank when the engine is cold and turned off. If the level is low, add a 50/50 solution of coolant and water to maintain the necessary antifreeze capability.
Test the antifreeze protection level annually with an inexpensive tester available at most auto parts stores, including NAPA Auto Parts, where AAA Members can save on most parts and accessories.
Scraping ice-covered windows can be easier than you think. Apply a water repellent such as Rain-X to all car windows when they’re clean and dry. Then, when you scrape off the ice this winter, it will be much easier.
TIP: Never pour hot water on icy windows—the rapid temperature change could cause them to crack.
Cloudy headlights reduce your ability to see and be seen at night, especially in snow and fog. Improve visibility with a headlight restoration kit, which removes the haze from headlight covers. These kits are available at most auto part stores.
Car brakes don’t always give a warning when they’re worn low or experiencing other problems, and you don’t want to discover there’s an issue with them when you’re on an icy road. Have them checked before winter arrives.
Winterize Your Vehicle: Prepare your car for winter by having it checked by a qualified technician at a local AAA Owned Car Care or AAA Approved Auto Repair facility.
Find a facilityAlways keep an emergency kit stocked for winter weather. Curate your kit to best reflect the climate of your area, or area that you’ll be traveling to. The kit should include:
Car maintenance
Winterize Your Car: AAA Members can ensure their cars are ready for the cold months with maintenace services at AAA-owned Car Care Centers and AAA Approved Auto Repair locations.
