AAA: Check car for winter

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BOISE -- This year's holiday season will not be as merry for about 5 million drivers stranded with vehicle problems, according to AAA Idaho. That's the number of service calls the motoring organization expects to answer in November and December based on its experience during prior years.

Some 2 million motorists will call to request towing services, and a million or so will look for a jump start or a new battery.

"Cold temperatures and wintry weather take their tolls on vehicles, especially those that have not been properly maintained and prepared for winter," said Earl Baker, Approved Auto Repair Coordinator for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

AAA recommends drivers have their vehicles inspected at an AAA Approved Auto Repair (AAR) shop. Only those facilities that meet AAA's tough requirements for customer satisfaction, technician training, service equipment, warranties, the use of quality parts and ethical business practices can be certified as AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities. Find AAR facilities at www.aaaorid.com/auto or at www.AAA.com.

Baker says there are a number of things you should check on your vehicle to make sure it's ready for what Mother Nature dishes out this winter:

Antifreeze. Check antifreeze annually to ensure it will withstand the winter cold. A 50/50 mixture of coolant and water will protect against freezing.

Windshield wipers and washer fluid. Replace wiper blades if they do not clear the glass in a single swipe without streaking. Fill the windshield washer reservoir with winter detergent fluid to prevent freeze up.

Tires. Cold weather reduces tire inflation pressure, so check tire pressures frequently and maintain the vehicle manufacturer's recommended levels. Motorists should never reduce tire pressure in an attempt to increase traction on snow and ice. It doesn't work, and it leads to excessive tire wear. Motorists in areas where it snows should make sure their tires have an M&S rating, which means they provide the added traction required in snow. In areas that have heavy snowfall, using snow tires and chains during winter months provides added safety and may be required by local laws. For best results, snow tires should be fitted to all four wheels.

Battery. Check for a secure fit and clean away any corrosion on the battery, connectors and cables. If the battery is out of warranty, it's advisable to have it tested before cold weather hits. If replacement is necessary, have a certified technician help select the proper battery for your vehicle type and local climate. In many areas, AAA members can make an appointment to have a AAA Battery Service technician visit their home or office to check and replace batteries.

Belts and hoses. Replace accessory drive belts that are cracked, glazed or frayed, as well as coolant hoses that are visibly worn, excessively soft or bulging. Check for leaks around hose clamps and the water pump.

Other important areas to check in preparation for winter include the vehicle's fluid levels, lights, brakes, exhaust system and heater/defroster. Motorists should also remember to continue regular oil and filter changes at the intervals recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

Though preventative measures go a long way toward keeping motorists driving safely on the road, unexpected weather or malfunctions may still arise and leave them stranded. AAA urges drivers to update their emergency roadside kit for winter. Baker says, "Include a mobile phone and car charger; blankets; a flashlight with extra batteries; a first-aid kit; drinking water; a small shovel; a sack of sand or cat litter or traction mats; windshield scraper and brush; battery booster cables; and emergency flares or reflectors. It's also a good idea to pack water bottles and energy bars. And of course a membership with AAA is extremely useful in the winter months."

In addition to providing towing and battery assistance this holiday season, AAA anticipates assisting 800,000 motorists locked out of their vehicles, more than 650,000 with tire trouble and more than 100,000 stuck in snow and ice.

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