Page 22 - AAA Central Penn – AAA Now! – November/December 2015

AAA
Ice and Snow Are On The Way!
AAA Approved Auto Repair Facilities Can Make Sure Your Car is Ready to Travel Through It.
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES
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Inclement weather can pose challenges for even the most experienced driver. Because more crashes involving property damage occur during the winter months than at any other, AAA encourages motorists to prepare for adverse cold weather driving conditions with these steps – prepare your vehicle, and be cautious while on the road.
PREPARE YOUR VEHICLE
First make sure your vehicle is prepared for winter driving. AAA offers the following tips for motorists departing on winter road trips:
• Have the battery and charging system tested.
A fully charged battery in good condition is required to start an engine in cold weather.
• Have the brakes checked to ensure they work properly and apply smoothly, which helps prevent the wheels from locking on slick surfaces.
• Make sure the tires are properly inflated. Under- inflated tires can be dangerous, and may suffer damage. Remember that the air pressure in your tires will decrease 1-2 psi for every 10-degree
drop in outside temperature. Consider changing the air in your tires for nitrogen, which has larger molecules and leaks out much slower. Many service centers do this type service for a nominal charge – and remember to do your spare tire as well.
• Use the tire size recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer for best snow traction. Overly wide tires tend to float on top of the snow, reducing grip.
• Make sure the engine coolant provides anti-freeze protection down to the lowest temperatures
you are likely to encounter, -30oF/-34oC is a good guideline.
• Visibility is critical in adverse weather conditions, so replace worn windshield wipers that streak,
and be sure the washer reservoir is filled with a
winter solvent that will not freeze.
• Keep the fuel tank at least half full at all times to
minimize condensation buildup that can lead to fuel line freeze up. It may be a good idea to add fuel system drier containing alcohol to gas in the tank to absorb moisture. If you drive a diesel vehicle, make sure the fuel you buy is winterized so it doesn’t get jelled up when it is extremely cold.
• Carry a winter driving kit for emergency use: with a bag of some sort of abrasive material (sand, salt or cat litter), a small snow shovel, snow brush, traction mats, a flashlight with new batteries
and a spare set of batteries, washer solvent, ice scraper, jumper cables, a blanket, a disposable lighter, flares, drinking water, extra clothes, and some energy bars.
• Program your radio for AM 530 or 1610 stations, as you may see signs referencing those frequencies for important traffic advisories.
• Carry a cellular phone and car charger. Program the phone with important numbers, including a reliable roadside service provider that will be able to assist you during inclement weather if you have signed up in advance, such as AAA emergency road service (800-AAA-HELP or your local AAA club number).
AAA can assist you in finding a local reliable
auto repair facility for assistance in preparing your vehicle for winter driving. The AAA Approved Auto Repair facility program has a selection of repair facilities that has met a stringent set of standards and are inspected yearly by representatives from AAA for adherence to those standards. A free listing of AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities is available by visiting the automotive page of AAA.com.
DRIVE WITH CAUTION
When taking to the roads during winter weather, remember to drive with caution to help maintain your safety as well as that of passengers, fellow motorists and roadside workers. AAA recommends the following tips for winter driving:
• Clear all the snow off your vehicle, especially your lights and mirrors.
• Drive with low bean headlights on.
• Take extra time to complete your trip and pull
over and stay the night if driving conditions are
severe.
• Allow sufficient room to pass snowplows, stay at
least 15 car lengths (200 feet) behind them and only pass if absolutely necessary, and only to their extreme left.
• Watch bridge surfaces, which will freeze before road surfaces in cold weather.
• If you get stuck in snow, turn wheels straight and accelerate slowly. If necessary, add sand or cat litter under the tires to help with traction. If you start
to lose traction, ease off the accelerator and then resume when it feels like traction has returned.
• Look farther ahead when driving in the winter to have extra time to react to different problems that may crop up.
• Don’t use cruise control on snow, ice or wet roads as it may cause hydro-planing.
• When braking, apply a firm, constant pressure to the pedal if you have anti-lock brakes; do not attempt to pump the pedal as this will make the situation worse.
• Remember, four-wheel drive will help you accelerate better from a stop, and anti-lock brakes will help you stop straighter, but neither of these items will make your vehicle stop sooner.
• Remember when changing lanes in front of trucks to leave extra space because they can’t stop as quickly as a passenger vehicle can.
Use the resources of AAA to be ready for the season. With preparation and knowledge, winter travel can be as enjoyable as the crisp air. Visit AAA.com for safe driving tips all year.
Our thanks to AAA Newsroom for help with this article. Information compiled by Bruce Phillips,
Approved Auto Repair Manager
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015
Now!