Preparation is the Key to Avoiding Winter Auto Problems, AAA Advises
28 January 2000
Preparation is the Key to Avoiding Winter Auto Problems, AAA Advises
DALLAS--Jan. 27, 2000--A quick and easy automotive checkup can help prepare a vehicle for the stress of low temperatures, according to AAA. "Winter conditions -- wet, cold and icy weather -- present the greatest challenge to automobiles," says Rose Rougeau, spokesperson for AAA Texas. "A few minutes spent checking your car's vital components can help prevent cold weather-related breakdowns."AAA Texas offers these simple maintenance tips:
-- Batteries more than two years old should be checked by a
qualified technician to make sure they have the starting
power to handle the stress of extreme temperatures.
-- To help prevent dangerous and inconvenient tire failure,
examine tires for uneven or excessive tread wear. Make sure
all tires including the spare are inflated properly. For icy
driving conditions, use snow chains.
-- A properly working heating and cooling system also will help
motorists. Check your radiator and hoses for leaks and
cracks. Make sure the water pump and thermostat work
properly to pump and control the flow of coolant to maintain
the best operating temperature. In addition, add a
sufficient amount of antifreeze to your vehicle for the
coldest weather. Never attempt to remove the radiator cap
until the engine has cooled.
-- Be sure to carry an emergency kit that includes:
-- Flashlight
-- Traction Mats
-- Bag of sand or kitty litter
-- Shovel
-- Blanket
-- Booster Cables
-- Ice Scraper
-- Cloth or Roll of Paper Towels
-- Warning devices (flares or triangles)
-- Car Phone
AAA Texas, an affiliate of the American Automobile Association, has been serving Texans since 1905. Today, AAA Texas offers its members a full-service travel agency, auto-related services, financial services, public safety programs and legislative advocacy.