AAA Encourages Motorists to Prepare Now for Winter Driving

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 1, 2004 -- AAA wants drivers to "Get Ready, Get Set, and Go," and prepare their vehicles and themselves now for the onset of cold weather. With its annual "Car Care Month" promotion in October, the nation's largest motoring and leisure travel organization advises that taking care of preventative vehicle maintenance and adjusting driving habits are the two most important steps in preparing for the winter driving season.

"Millions of vehicles in this country are in need of preventive maintenance before the weather turns colder," says Dawn Duffy, AAA spokesperson. "Having an inspection conducted by a qualified technician can catch those services that can be done now, instead of being faced with a bigger problem, more expensive later."

Each October, participating AAA clubs offer motorists free vehicle inspections to help them prepare for winter driving conditions. For more information on participating Approved Auto Repair facilities, log onto http://www.aaa.com/ or call your local AAA club.

Last year, the most frequently uncovered problems in AAA vehicle inspections were due to improper tire pressures, or low or dirty motor oil, anti-freeze, or other automotive fluids.

In an effort to help motorists "Get Ready, Get Set and Go" during this year's winter driving season, AAA offers the following tips:

Get Ready -- Before driving long distances, check the weather conditions along the route. As a safety precaution, remember to bring a cellular phone and a winter survival kit that includes a flashlight with fresh batteries, small snow shovel and brush, traction mats, ice scraper, booster cables, blanket, flares or triangle warning devices, heavy gloves, window washing solvent and first aid kit.

Get Set -- Inspect your vehicle thoroughly before leaving your driveway. Ensure that tires are properly inflated, fluid levels are full, front and rear lights are operating, and belts and hoses are in good condition. One of the most common causes of cold-weather breakdowns is a weak or dead battery. Good indicators that your battery is weak and may need replacement include a starter motor that cranks the engine slowly when the ignition key is turned, or headlights that dim noticeably when the engine speed drops to an idle.

Go -- When driving during slippery and icy conditions, slow down and keep a safe distance from other vehicles, minimize brake use and remember that traction is greatest just before the wheels spin. Gentle pressure on the accelerator pedal when starting is the best method for retaining traction and avoiding skids. The most effective way to stop on ice and snow is to apply brakes gently. With an antilock braking system (ABS), a vibration or pulsation will be felt in the brake pedal when coming to a stop. This means the system is operating as designed to prevent wheel lock up. Do not pump your brakes if your car has ABS.

In addition, keep your seatbelts fastened and make certain that all passengers are securely restrained. When driving in falling snow or fog, lower your speed, use your low-beam headlights or fog lights, and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.

Finally, to help avoid gas line freeze up, keep your gas tank at least half full to minimize condensation. Use of a commercial gas "dryer" can be beneficial, but is not necessary in areas where ethanol or methanol is added to winter fuels to help reduce exhaust emissions.

AAA offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services to more than 45 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA Minnesota/Iowa is part of The Auto Club Group, with 4.1 million members in eight Midwest states. AAA Minneapolis serves more than 172,000 members in Hennepin County.