With more snow in the forecast, now is the time for drivers to protect and prepare their vehicles.
“Drivers who just finished digging out their vehicles and driveways might be cringing as they see more snow predicted for this weekend,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “But a few relatively simple steps can help keep drivers safe in their vehicles ahead of this next storm and the rest of what winter sends our way.”
AAA Northeast recommends drivers do the following:
- Completely clean vehicles of all ice and snow. This is critical for visibility and safety, since ice on the roof could slide onto your windshield once you start driving. One spot you might not think of cleaning? Tires and wheels. Buildup of snow and ice in the wheels and tires can cause the tires to become unbalanced, resulting in the vehicle shaking when driving. Use your snow brush to remove snow from the spokes of the wheels. Cleaning off the wheels and tires should eliminate the shaking.
- Check your windshield wipers and windshield washer fluid. If your wipers became warped or otherwise damaged during the last storm, now is the time to replace them. Top off windshield washer fluid, and you’ll be in the best possible shape to maintain a clean windshield, especially when slush, sand and salt get kicked up onto the windshield.
- Fill your fuel tank or charge your EV to avoid the rush ahead of a storm and the possibility of getting stuck in the snow and running out of gas or charge. Keeping the gas tank at least half full also helps prevent frozen fuel lines. EV drivers should charge their batteries to avoid relying on public charging during a storm.
- Check your tire pressure. Tires lose about one PSI (pound per square inch) of air pressure for every 10 degrees the air temperature drops. With sustained temperatures below freezing, drivers should make sure tires are properly inflated according to information on the sticker inside the driver’s door jamb.
- Lubricate door seals with silicone spray. It displaces water to prevent doors from freezing shut. WD-40 is another option to avoid frozen doors, but silicone spray is less greasy.
Lastly, AAA Northeast reminds drivers of the impact cold weather has on car batteries. Consider having the battery and charging system tested at a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility if your battery is older than three years, you’ve noticed recent difficulty starting your vehicle in the cold, or you’ve recently needed a jump-start. If you have a dead battery and need a replacement, AAA members have access to mobile car battery replacement.
Based in Rhode Island, Jillian Young is AAA Northeast’s director of public relations. She regularly appears in local TV, radio and print media to discuss traffic safety, travel, insurance and more.
