October is Car Care Month and AAA is reminding motorists that proper vehicle maintenance goes hand-in-hand with safety and can help save money down the road.
Last winter (December–March), the Ohio Auto Club responded to about 156,000 roadside assistance calls in its 38-county territory in Ohio. Performing the following simple car care practices can help keep motorists safe and avoid breakdowns this winter:
Ensure Your Car Battery is Properly Charged
Starting an engine in cold weather requires a fully charged battery in good condition Extreme temperatures break down batteries internally and accelerate the rate of corrosion on terminals, which can lead to insufficient power and the risk of being stranded without warning.
- Battery Life: The average life of a car battery is three- to-five years. Regular battery checks can help ensure that a battery is in good condition.
- Battery Cables: Make sure the battery cables are securely attached to the terminals. If corrosion is present, disconnect the cables and clean the terminals with a wire brush.
Check the Air and Wear of Your Tires
Cold weather decreases air pressure in tires, making them susceptible to becoming flat. What’s more, adequate tread depth is a must when navigating slick wintry roads.
- Tire Pressure: The majority (83 percent) of motorists don’t know how to properly inflate their tires, according to the Rubber Manufacturers Association. Motorists should check the pressure on all tires, including the spare, monthly, when the tires are cold. Refer to the pressure levels indicated in the vehicle owner’s manual, not stamped on the tires.
- Tread Depth: Check each tire’s tread depth for uneven wear and replace any tire that has less than 3/32-inches of tread. Tire wear bars can help determine a tire’s condition. Motorists can also check tread depth by placing an upside down penny into the tread groves. If the top of Lincoln’s head is visible, it’s time to replace the tire.
Keep Those Wipers Working
Inspect wiper blades monthly to see if they are worn, cracked or rigid with age. Damaged wiper blades won’t adequately remove debris, which will compromise a driver’s vision and safety.
- Wiper Blades: The life of a rubber insert is typically six to 12 months, depending on its exposure to heat, dirt, sunlight, acid rain and ozone. Streaking and chattering are common clues that the rubber is breaking down and should be replaced.
- Windshield Washer Fluid: Check the windshield washer fluid reservoir monthly and top it off with a cleaning solution that has antifreeze components for cold weather use. Always test the washer spray nozzles for proper operation before leaving on a trip.
Keep up With Routine Maintenance
Every vehicle requires routine maintenance and repair. Proper maintenance can elongate the life of a vehicle, improve safety and save money in the long run.
- Maintenance Schedule: Follow the factory recommended maintenance schedule to avoid under- or over-maintaining a vehicle. Refer to the vehicle owner’s manual for recommended maintenance schedules on oil changes, tire rotations, changing transmission fluid, replacing air filters and other routine maintenance items.
- Repair Shops: The best time to find a trusted repair shop is before you need one. Start by asking friends and family for recommendations. Vehicle owners can also find trusted repair shops that AAA inspectors have approved for meeting professional standards, equipment, customer service, cleanliness, and training at AAA.com/CarCare.
AAA provides more than 54 million members with travel-, insurance-, financial- and automotive-related services. The not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA can be visited online at AAA.com.
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