Celebrate Your Car’s Health for AAA’s Car Care Month

October is Car Care Month,
and whether we want to believe it or not, winter is just around the corner.
There are many simple things you can do to help prolong your car’s life and
make sure it’s performing at its best, and the fall is the perfect time to proactively
ensure your vehicle is prepared for rough winter weather.

 

AAA Southern New England offers a number of resources for New England car owners and drivers.
One of the best ways to make sure your car gets a thorough pre-winter check-up
is to use a checklist. Once everything on the list has been checked off, your
car will be ready for all of the winter elements headed its way:

 

Check
Your Tires

A bald tire is a bad tire, and can lead
to a serious crash when traction is compromised in poor weather conditions. Be
sure to take proactive measures and check your tire’s tread depth – if they’re
worn-down, be sure to either purchase new all-season tires or change over to
four snow tires before winter arrives.

 

Test
Your Battery

Your battery’s strength can significantly
decrease when the outdoor temperature dips below 32 degrees. To avoid future
problems with your battery when the mercury drops, visit your local AAA-certified technician for a complete electrical test that
includes a performance test of the battery. Be sure to take advantage of AAA
Southern New England’s free battery testing clinics, taking place at selected
AAA locations throughout October. Residents can find their local clinic here.

 

Change
Your Wiper Blades

New England winters come with a variety
of conditions, including everything from freezing rain to the blinding glare
from the white snow, which can be compounded by windshield dirt and grime.
Wiper blades should clear the glass with each swipe and if they don’t, be
preemptive and replace them before winter arrives. AAA recommends changing
wiper blades every 6 to 12 months. It is also crucial to make sure your
windshield washer reservoir is filled with windshield washer fluid that is
designed for all-season use.  

 

Be
Aware of the Temperature

When driving, it’s important to pay attention
to the temperature, especially when the roads have moisture on them. When the
thermometer goes below 32 degrees, a thin layer of ice can appear on the
roadway, a condition known as “black-ice.”  Stopping on ice and snow
covered can reduce your car’s braking ability by 50 percent. In these cases you
should reduce your car’s speed by 50 percent. You should especially pay
attention to your braking distance when driving on bridges, which typically
will freeze first.

 

The winter months should be
spent with family and friends, enjoying the holidays and cold-weather outdoor
activities – not hassled with car troubles. Be sure to use this checklist to
get your car in gear this winter. You can learn more about AAA’s automotive
maintenance services by clicking here, and more recommendations for
transitioning your car for the winter months can be found here.

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Source: http://attleboro.patch.com/groups/aaa-car-care-tips-for-all-your-driving-adventures/p/celebrate-your-cars-health-for-aaas-car-care-month_f7d73e95?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000593
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