NEW YORK – The cold months are approaching and with them the possibility of snowstorms and other complications of the season related to low temperatures.
For those who drive, these kinds of conditions could lead to breakdowns of their cars and that is why it is essential to prepare the vehicles before the arrival of winter.
Here we share some AAA tips so that you have at hand and can control your car. In addition, the agency also provides a list of kit What should be in the car?
RECOMMENDATIONS TO PREPARE THE CAR FOR WINTER
- Battery and charging system: Have the battery and the charging system tested by a qualified technician. A fully charged battery in good condition is required to start an engine in cold temperatures.
- Battery cables and terminals: Make sure that the battery terminals and cable ends are free from corrosion and that the connections are secure.
- Transmission belts: Inspect the underside of the drive belts for cracks or fraying. Many newer multi-rib “serpentine” belts are made of materials that show no obvious signs of wear; replace these belts at 60,000 mile intervals.
- engine pipes: Inspect the cooling system hoses for leaks, cracks, or loose clamps. Also, tighten the hoses and replace any that are fragile or have an excessively spongy feel.
- Type of tire and tread: In areas with harsh winter weather, installing snow tires on all four wheels provides the best winter traction. All-season tires perform well in light to moderate snow conditions as long as they have the correct tread depth. Replace any tire with less than 3/32 inch of tread. Uneven tire wear can indicate alignment, wheel balance, or suspension issues that need to be addressed to prevent further tire damage.
- tire pressure: Check tire inflation pressure more often in all four spare tires in autumn and winter. When the average temperature drops, so does the tire pressure, typically by one PSI every 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The correct tire pressure levels can be found in the owner’s manual or on a label that is usually found on the driver’s door jamb.
- Air filter: Check the engine air filter by holding it up by a 60 watt bulb. If the light can be seen through the filter, it is still clean enough to work effectively. However, if the light is blocked by most of the filter, change it.
- coolant levels: Check the coolant level in the overflow tank when the engine is cold. If the level is low, add a 50/50 solution of coolant and water to maintain the necessary antifreeze capacity. Test the level of frost protection every year with an inexpensive tester available at any auto parts store.
- Lights: Check the operation of all headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, hazard warning lights and reverse lights. Replace burnt out bulbs.
- Window cleaner: The wipers must completely clean the glass each time they pass. Replace blades that leave streaks or gaps. In regions where snow is common, consider installing winter wiper blades that wrap the brush frame in a rubber sleeve to reduce ice and snow buildup which can prevent good contact between the blade and the glass.
- washing liquid: Fill the washer fluid with a winter cleaning solution that has anti-freeze components to prevent it from freezing.
- Brakes: If there is any indication of a brake problem, have the system inspected by a certified technician to make sure all components are functioning properly.
- Fluids for transmissions, brakes and power steering: Check all fluids to make sure they are at or above the minimum safe level.
Winter road emergency kit:
- Pre-programmed mobile phone with emergency app and important phone numbers, including family and emergency services and car charger.
- Drinking water.
- First-aid kit.
- Snacks not perishable for humans and pets.
- Bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter) or traction mats.
- Snow shovel.
- The things.
- Extra warm clothing (gloves, hats, scarves).
- Flashlight with extra batteries.
- Windscreen wiper solvent.
- Ice scraper with brush.
- Cloth or paper roll.
- Skip the cables.
- Signaling devices (rods or triangles).
- Basic tool kit (screwdrivers, pliers, wrench).
