AAA provides tips for motorists battling harsh subzero temperatures

Harsh temperatures and weather conditions make vehicles work harder, particularly the charging and starting system, headlights, tires and windshield wipers.

AAA recommends the following for motorists battling harsh subzero temps:

Car warm ups:

• Long car warm ups are a thing of the past.  Modern fuel-injected cars do not need quite as much pampering as their carburetor-carrying ancestors once did.
• Contemporary engines and lubricants can handle even the coldest temperatures.
• It is OK to warm the car up for a few minutes to heat up the passenger compartment, or to help get ice off the windows.
• NEVER warm up a vehicle in an enclosed garage or building.
• It is a good idea when the mercury dips to subzero levels, to let the car run for a while to guard against a dead battery if the vehicle will not be driven for a few days.

Car Batteries:

• Clean any corrosion from battery posts and cable connections and wash all surfaces with battery terminal cleaner or a solution of baking soda and water. Have the battery checked by a professional to ensure it is strong enough to face cold weather.
• Have the battery and charging system tested by a trained technician. A fully charged battery in good condition is required to start an engine in cold weather. 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. AAA Approved Auto Repair shops can also test and replace weak batteries.
• Note that at zero degrees, a car’s battery loses about 60 percent of its strength, yet the engines they must start need about two times more power to start. At a comparatively mild 32 degrees, a battery is 35 percent weaker. AAA recommends that if your battery is more than two years old to have it tested by a reliable repair shop.

Tires:

• Nearly all new cars sold in the United States come equipped with all-season tires. These type of tires are designed to handle a wide range of weather conditions.
• All-season tires lack the more aggressive tread design of snow tires and are made of rubber compounds that do not remain as flexible as those used in snow tires when exposed to subzero temperatures.
• According to Internet Autoguide.com, the rubber compound in all-season tires hardens when temps drop below 44 degrees causing them to lose grip, whereas winter tires stay soft and stick to the road in sub-zero temperatures.
• Proper tire pressure levels can be found in the owner’s manual or on a label typically located on the driver’s side door jamb.
• As the average temperature drops, so will tire pressures. Tire pressure typically drops by one PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Examine tires for tread depth, uneven wearing and cupping. Check tire pressures once a month when tires are cold, before driving for any distance.
• Replace any tire that has less than 3/32-inches of tread. Uneven tire wear can indicate alignment, wheel balance or suspension problems that must be addressed to prevent further tire damage

Windshields:

• Windshields will be more vulnerable to damage. Never use hot water to clear a frosted windshield, as it could crack.
• Leave windshield wipers standing up to prevent them from freezing to the windshield.
• Replace worn windshield-wiper blades. In extreme weather climates, purchase one-piece beam-type or rubber-clad “winter” blades to fight snow and ice build-up.
• Use cold-weather windshield washer solvent and carry an ice-scraper.
• Do not add water to windshield washer fluid as it can increase the chance of freezing.

Anti-freeze/Coolant:

• Vehicle engine block will be more vulnerable to cracking due to frozen coolant.
• A float-ball tester (available at most parts stores), is a quick, easy and inexpensive tool ($3 on average) to test anti-freeze and coolant levels.
• Use the correct coolant type and mix when topping up.
• Do not add plain water alone, as it will dilute the mixture and lessen freeze-up protection. Remember that anti-freeze needs to be diluted with water in a 50-50 mixture, or you could opt for a pre-mixed solution.
• The coolant in a vehicle’s radiator should test to 35 degrees below zero and should appear as a bright green, pink or blue color. A paler shade may indicate the solution is over diluted.

Additional safety and maintenance tips from AAA:

• Have any engine drivability problems corrected at a good repair shop. Symptoms like hard starts, rough idling, stalling or diminished power could signal a problem that would be exacerbated by cold weather.
• Inspect all lights and bulbs and replace burned out bulbs. Clean road grime or clouding from all lenses.
• Have your mechanic check the exhaust system for leaks and look for any holes in the trunk and floorboards.
• Inspect the underside of accessory drive belts for cracks or fraying. Many newer multi-rib “serpentine” belts are made of materials that do not show obvious signs of wear; replace these belts at 60,000-mile intervals.
• Check the engine air filter by holding it up to a 60-watt light bulb. If light can be seen through much of the filter, it is still clean enough to work effectively. However, if light is blocked by most of the filter, replace it.
• If there is any indication of a brake problem, have the system inspected by a certified technician to ensure all components are in good working order.