BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – The frigid temperatures can take a toll on our vehicles.
AAA recommends that you prepare yourself and your vehicle for the cold before hitting the road, starting with having a winter safety kit ready to go in case of an emergency.
Items to pack include jumper cables, a flashlight, first aid kits, a shovel, warm clothing, and an ice scraper.
“Medication, extra water bottles – anything you might need while you’re on the side of the road for an extended period,” said Dan Goodman, manager of public affairs for AAA Northern New England.
It’s also smart to have an extra bottle of windshield washer fluid.
Kim “It’s nice to have it on hand when you need it, especially if you’re on a long road trip,” said Kim Cotta of Darling’s Inc.
Cold weather can also impact your car battery.
“According to AAA research, at 0° our batteries lose up to 60% more power, and at 0 degrees they need two and a half more times the power, so the cold weather is not good for batteries,” Goodman said.
According to AAA, car batteries have an average life span of three to five years, so it’s crucial to have your battery and charging system tested by a technician.
When it comes to tire pressure, don’t be surprised if your dashboard warns you it needs to be addressed.
“It’s common for tires to lose one pound of pressure for every ten-degree drop, so you’re going to see that tire pressure light coming on,” Cotta explained.
You can find the proper tire pressure levels for your vehicle in the owner’s manual or on the driver’s side door jamb.
“If all four are equally low, then it is due to the cold,” Cotta said. “But, if you have one that is lower than the others, you’re going to want to address that. You could have a nail or something in it, so it’s important not to get complacent about your tire pressure light just because it’s winter.”
Be sure to keep the gas tank at least half full. This will help reduce condensation in the fuel system.
When it comes to “warming up your car” experts say it’s not really necessary with newer model vehicles from a mechanical standpoint, but for driver comfort – it’s key.
“You really got to drive it, so the engine gets circulating the hot coolant through the heater core, so I would say five minutes tops for warming it up would be good,” Cotta added.
“It’s also important that if you are not driving your vehicle that often when it’s this cold, we recommend at least starting it. Maybe do a short drive around the neighborhood, 10 to 15 minutes, that helps extend the life of your battery,” Goodman added.
Experts also recommend getting winter tires as they are meant for colder temperatures.
“The rubber compound they use to make winter tires is different than all-season tires, and it’s designed to stay pliable in cold weather, so it’s designed to provide a shorter stopping distance than all-season tires,” Cotta added.
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