AAA has tips for drivers to keep their vehicles safe in these frigid temperatures.
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As previously reported by News Center 7, a Cold Weather Advisory is in effect for the entire region through Wednesday morning.
The Miami Valley is seeing single-digit temperatures and below zero wind chills.
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AAA has these tips to prepare vehicles for winter weather:
- Make certain your tires have good tread for adequate traction and are properly inflated. For every 10-degree drop in temperature, tires can lose one pound of air pressure.
- Have the battery checked by a professional to ensure it is strong enough to face cold weather. When the air temperature is 32 degrees, a battery’s starting power drops 35 percent and at zero degrees outside, battery starting power in 60 percent lower than normal. Also, the average lifespan of a car battery is three to five years. AAA members can request a visit from a AAA mobile battery service technician who will test their battery and replace it on-site, if necessary.
- Keep your gas tank at least half-full to avoid gas line freeze-up and to occasionally warm the car if needed.
- Ensure that windshield wiper blades are in good condition and the wiper fluid reservoir is full. A winter blend of wiper fluid that resists freezing is recommended.
- Make sure all lights (headlights, tail, and brake lights, turn signals) are working properly so you can see and be seen in bad weather conditions.
AAA spokesperson Kara Hitchens said drivers should heed any travel warnings and only go out if necessary.
“AAA is reminding anyone who must go out on these extremely cold days to be prepared for the conditions and to go nowhere – not even a short distance - without a full tank of gas, a fully charged cell phone – loaded with the AAA Mobile App or the AAA Roadside assistance number pre-programmed – and a winter emergency kit, stocked with items you need to stay safe and warm until help can arrive,” said Hitchens.
She added that drivers should dress for the weather.
“You may think a quick trip around the corner to the store is safe enough, but if your car gets stalled, you could find yourself unprepared,” said Hitchens.
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