AAA Urges Drivers to Prepare for Approaching Snow and Ice

Image courtesy AAA

Before the snow begins to fall tonight – be prepared for winter weather driving conditions and pack a vehicle emergency kit! No one plans to get stuck. AAA Mid-Atlantic officials urge you to know before you go! Keep up with the latest weather forecasts and delay travel if possible – and don’t just wait out the storm – wait until roads have been cleared. If you do venture out – drive slowly, accelerate and decelerate slowly, manage a skid and increase your following distance.

What to include in your vehicle emergency kit – 

• Cellular phone pre-programmed with emergency numbers; charger and extra battery
• Blanket or sleeping bag
• Winter coat, hat and gloves or mittens
• Pack of hand warmers
• Bag of abrasive materials such as sand, salt or cat litter for gaining traction in snow/ice
• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Snow shovel
• Flashlight
• Jumper cables or battery jump start pack
• Warning flares/lights or triangles
• Food and water for human passengers and any pets traveling along
• First aid kit
• Small tool kit and roll of duct tape

AAA Mid-Atlantic tips to prepare vehicles for winter weather:

• Make sure all lights (headlights, tail and brake lights, turn signals) are working properly so you can see and be seen in bad weather conditions.
• Make certain your tires have good tread for adequate traction and are properly inflated. For every 10-degree drop in temperature, tires can lose 1 pound of air pressure.
• Have the battery checked by a professional to ensure it is strong enough to face cold weather. When the air temperature is 32 degrees, a battery’s starting power drops 35% and at 0 degrees outside, battery starting power in 60% lower than normal. Also, the average lifespan of a car battery is 3-5 years. AAA members can request a visit from a AAA mobile battery service technician who will test their battery and replace it on-site, if necessary.
• Keep your gas tank at least half-full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
• Ensure that windshield wiper blades are in good condition and the wiper fluid reservoir is full. A winter blend of wiper fluid that resists freezing is recommended.