Temperatures are cooling down in the Valley, with our first night in the 30's expected to come Monday night. That means it's time to prepare your vehicle for the coming winter before it's too late.
October is considered 'Fall Car Care Month,' and AAA is reminding drivers that cars need periodic checkups, not only to stay safe, but to maximize efficiency as well.
“AAA recommends motorists use a simple checklist to determine their vehicle’s fall and winter maintenance needs” said Martha Mitchell Meade, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Many of the items on the list can be inspected by a car owner in less than an hour, but others should be performed by a certified technician.”
Harsh winter conditions make your vehicle work harder: especially the charging and starting system, headlights, tires and windshield wipers.
Whether you check over your car yourself or visit a trusted professional technician, here are some recommendations for how to prepare your vehicle for the cold weather:
VEHICLE PREP RECOMMENDATIONS
• Clean any corrosion from battery posts and cable connections and wash all surfaces with battery terminal cleaner or a solution of baking soda and water. Have the battery checked by a professional to ensure it is strong enough to face cold weather.
• Have any engine drivability problems corrected at a good repair shop. Symptoms like hard starts, rough idling, stalling or diminished power could signal a problem that would be exacerbated by cold weather.
• Replace worn windshield-wiper blades. If your climate is harsh, 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.
• Inspect all lights and bulbs and replace burned out bulbs. Clean road grime or clouding from all lenses.
• Have your mechanic check the exhaust system for leaks and look for any holes in the trunk and floorboards.
• Check the hoses and belts to make sure they are not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing signs of excessive wear.
• Examine tires for tread depth, uneven wearing and cupping. Check tire pressures once a month when tires are cold, before driving for any distance. In extreme climates, a set of winter snow tires may be a wise investment.
• Carry an emergency kit equipped for winter weather. The kit should include:
- Mobile phone pre-programmed with rescue apps and important phone numbers including family and emergency services, and car charger
- Drinking water
- First-aid kit
- Non-perishable snacks for both human and pet passengers
- Bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter) or traction mats
- Snow shovel
- Blankets
- Extra warm clothing (gloves, hats, scarves)
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Window washer solvent
- Ice scraper with brush
- Cloth or roll of paper towels
- Jumper cables
- Warning devices (flares or triangles)
- Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench)