AAA offers tips amid weather advisories

Motorists may experience car battery problems as temperatures drop

By AAA of Western and Central New York

Another round of winter weather is on the way! Winter weather advisories are in effect across the region, with snowfall expected and temperatures forecast to drop into the single digits next week.

AAA is reminding drivers to use caution when driving in snowy conditions.

“First, slow down; it’s important to control your speed in wintry weather, and also keep a doughnut of space around your vehicle – don’t crowd other cars or plows,” said AAA Dispatch Manager Dan Fisher. “If you need to stop, don’t slam on the brakes. Instead, apply steady pressure and steer in the direction that you want to go.”

If you go off the road, Fisher said to remain calm, and stay in your car with your seat belt on. If you are in an emergency situation, call 911. If you get stranded in your car, only exit the vehicle to clear the tailpipe of deep snow to ensure proper ventilation, then return to the car, put your seat belt on, and keep your window cracked open until help arrives.

AAA is preparing for an increase in call volume, especially for dead batteries, as temperatures fall. Motorists needing assistance are encouraged to request road service through the free AAA mobile app or AAA.com to avoid long telephone hold times during periods of high call volume.

Driving your car is the best way to maintain its charge. Motorists should keep this in mind and shouldn’t wait until the last minute to make sure vehicles start. If possible, park inside a garage where it is warmer. Did you know that a car battery loses a third of its power in freezing temperatures? Why? Because, as the air outside cools, the oil in the vehicle thickens, making it harder to turn the engine over.

Motorists should be aware of signs that show a car's battery is nearing the end of its life:

√ Vehicle cranks slowly when trying to start

√ Grinding, clicking or buzzing when the ignition is turned on

√ Vehicle has stalled

√ Headlights dim when idling, but brighten when the driver revs the engine

√ Battery is more than 3 years old

To avoid being stranded due to a battery problem, have the battery inspected at every oil change to ensure the cable connections are clean and tight and the hold-down hardware is secure. Once a battery reaches 3 years of age, have it tested annually.

AAA surveys find that two-thirds of American drivers have never proactively had their car battery tested. A test will identify if the battery has deteriorated to the point where replacement is recommended to prevent an unexpected failure. In most areas, members can use AAA mobile battery service to have a battery tested for free and replaced (if necessary) at their home or work (services may be limited amid high call volume). Learn more at www.AAA.com/Battery.

As upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA Western and Central New York provides more than 860,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Visit AAA at www.AAA.com.