Colder Temperatures Create Vehicle Problems For Many Triad Residents

As the colder temperatures move in, AAA Carolinas is reminding people to prepare their vehicle for winter driving.

Over the past few weeks, the agency has been averaging nearly 100 calls per day about dead batteries and other cold weather related problems.

“When the temperature drops below freezing, the battery only generates 60 percent of its current charge in normal weather, so the best idea is to get into a car care center where you can get your battery tested by a trained technician. Make sure it is fully charged and strong enough to get you through the winter,” says Tom Judson, the car care manager for AAA Carolinas in Winston-Salem.

Judson says tires should also be checked for proper tread depth and air pressure. He recommends replacing any tire that has less than 3/32-inches of tread. Judson offers some other tips to make sure your car is reliable during the cold weather season.

“You want to check your lights on your vehicle. Speaking of seeing, your wiper blades are very important and you also need to make sure that your windshield washer fluid is full and that it is a winter solution that will not freeze setting under the hood of your car overnight,” says Judson.

AAA Carolinas also suggests drivers check their transmission, brake and power steering fluids.