As the region faces the possibility of winter weather for the next few months, experts are advising drivers to take caution and ensure their vehicle is prepared for cold conditions. Drivers should take special note of their car’s tires and battery as cold temperatures affect these parts of the vehicle most.
Lori Weaver-Hawkins, Public Affairs Manager at AAA Blue Grass, said if the car’s battery is three years or older, it should be checked by a professional to ensure it can withstand the freezing winter temperatures.
“It does take more for your battery to work in the winter when we get the real cold temperatures compared to more moderate temperatures like we see in the spring and fall. Get the battery checked if it’s older than that and be sure that also, it’s been cleared from any kind of corrosion or debris,” said Weaver-Hawkins.
Weaver-Hawkins said during the winter, it is important to make sure each tire has an adequate amount of pressure. On the inside of the driver’s door there should be a label that lists the amount of pressure needed for each tire.
Snowy, icy, and slick conditions also serve as a threat when driving and having inadequate tire tread can affect how well the vehicle performs on roads with these hazards. Weaver-Hawkins advised drivers to clear all ice and snow away from the window before pulling out of the driveway.
“Sometimes I see people that have scraped just a little peephole to look out of as they head out and unfortunately that is very unsafe. You need to make sure that all of your windows on all sides are all cleaned off,” said Weaver-Hawkins.
It is also important for people to clear all the ice and snow off the top of their vehicles before taking off as the flying debris can become a hazard for other drivers. Headlights and taillights especially need to be cleaned off, more so during snowfall.
Experts also said it is key for drivers to adjust their speed during the wintery conditions as well as leave ample distance between their vehicle and the one in front of them in case of sliding or slipping. Accelerating, braking, and turning gradually are also important to keep control of the vehicle during hazardous conditions.