Colder weather has started moving into the area, and AAA reminds motorists that November is the perfect time to start planning for the inevitable cold and snow. Frigid air can impact vehicle performance and road conditions, and AAA encourages drivers to be vigilant when preparing for and hitting the road in the cold. Start with your battery.
“Batteries have just gone through the heat of summer and now winter is about to hit. The higher the temperatures inside a battery the quicker it degrades. Checking your vehicle battery periodically is the best way to prevent battery failure and being stranded. Once your vehicle’s battery is three years old it should be checked on an annual basis,” said Patti Artessa, Regional Director of Public and Government Affairs at AAA Northeast. “As important as checking the battery condition is inspecting the battery cables and connections for corrosion. If there are any signs of corrosion, remove the cables and clean the connections. Checking your vehicle’s battery before winter should be as routine and checking the engine coolant.” AAA members can request a battery inspection.
If batteries suffer damage during the hot weather, why do they fail in the cold weather? According to AAA research, when the temperatures drop to 32 degrees your vehicle battery loses 35 percent of its capacity. When the temperatures get even colder, your engine requires up to 50 percent more energy to crank over and start all while the battery has even lost more of its strength.
So, what can a motorist do? Starting a car and letting it idle in cold weather does very little to keep the battery charged. In fact, many vehicles today only recharge their batteries when the car is under way. If you don’t drive often, start your car and go for a 30-minute drive to help keep the battery charged and prevent other systems from rusting from lack of use.
While batteries are very important, they are not the only system that could use attention now. AAA recommends the following for preparing your vehicle for cold weather conditions:
- Emergency roadside kit: always stay prepared by carrying an emergency roadside kit in your vehicle in the event of a breakdown.
- Tires: Examine tires for tread depth and uneven wearing. Proper tire tread increases traction with the road surface in poor weather conditions and can prevent skids on icy or wet surfaces.
- Coolant: Check the coolant level in the overflow tank when the engine is cold. Also, inspect the cooling system lines for leakages, cracks or loose clamps.
- Oil: Be sure to have your oil changed based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Synthetic oil can be an advantage in cold weather because it will allow for faster starts.
- Wipers: Replace any wiper blade that does not adequately clean the windshield. Consider installing winter wiper blades to assist in preventing snow and ice buildup that can interfere with windshield visibility.
For information about AAA-affiliated repair facilities and AAA’s car battery service, visit www.AAA.com/Automotive.