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AAA Michigan Has Cold Weather Tips

12 December 2000

AAA Michigan Has Cold Weather Tips

    DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 12 Cold air and blowing snow across
the state continue to cause an increase in emergency road service (ERS) calls
in the wake of yesterday's storm, according to AAA Michigan.  Motorists are
advised to use extra caution as they travel tonight, when sub-zero wind chill
is expected.
    As of 4 p.m. today (Dec. 12), the Auto Club reported 3,000 ERS calls
handled, well above normal levels, with a 24-hour period normally averaging
2,000 calls.  Yesterday's 24-hour total (Dec. 11) was 4,300 calls handled.  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, or if it's full of
lawn equipment or another car, put a tarpaulin over the car.  Or put a plastic
trash bag between the door (or window glass) and the frame.
    *  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.
    *  Use a hair dryer, but make sure the extension cord is one graded for
outdoor use and the wall socket is grounded.
    *  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.
    *  Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid fuel-line freeze-up.
    *  Test your battery load strength to determine its cold weather cranking
power.