AAA Michigan Offers Cold Weather Vehicle Tips

    DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 27 -- With continuing sub-zero
temperatures, AAA Michigan advises motorists to take precautions with their
vehicles.
    Since last Monday, January 20, AAA Emergency Road Service staff has helped
more than 29,000 motorists.  So far today, as of 11 a.m., AAA assisted more
than 700 motorists -- with common calls for help including dead batteries and
fuel-line freeze ups.  Lockouts are another cold-weather problem -- motorists
are advised to keep an extra set of keys outside of the vehicle.
    To help motorists avoid unnecessary delays, AAA Michigan offers the
following cold weather car care tips:

    *  Park your car in the garage.  If you have no garage put a tarpaulin
over the car.  Or put a plastic trash bag between the door (or window glass)
and the frame.
    *  Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid fuel-line freeze-up.
    *  To avoid frozen door or door locks, buy a lubricant that is available
in most auto supply stores.
    *  Heat your key (a pocket lighter works nicely), but remember to wear
gloves or hold the key with pliers.
    *  Fill a plastic jug or bag with hot water.  Hold it against the door
panel or lock area.  But don't throw hot water on the car.  It, too, will
freeze.
    *  Test your battery strength to determine its cold weather cranking
power.