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Michigan NewsAAA highlights key car maintenance tips to prevent breakdowns during Michigan’s cold...

AAA highlights key car maintenance tips to prevent breakdowns during Michigan’s cold spell

Michigan – AAA has issued a statewide Arctic Air Advisory to help drivers negotiate the expected severe weather conditions over the next days as Michigan prepares ready for one of the coldest spells of the year. The automotive association is giving important guidance to ensure vehicles remain operational during this cold period, with predictions of temperatures in the teens and single digits and wind chills dipping well into negative territory.

AAA claims that the extreme drop in temperature can seriously affect the operation of motor vehicles, hence drivers should act early to prevent being stranded. The recommendation emphasizes a few important areas of concentration for vehicle maintenance:

  1. Battery Care: AAA stresses the importance of ensuring your car’s battery and charging system are fully charged and functioning correctly. A professional battery test is recommended to prevent unexpected failures.
  2. Gasoline Levels: To prevent fuel lines from freezing, it is advised to keep the gas tank at least half full during colder weather.
  3. Windshield Care: Using a winter solvent in the windshield washer fluid can prevent it from freezing and ensure proper visibility.
  4. Engine Coolant: It is crucial to use an engine coolant that offers anti-freeze protection to temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C), safeguarding the engine against the extreme cold.
  5. Vehicle Storage: Parking in a garage is ideal to protect your car from the elements. If a garage is not available, covering the hood with a tarp or parking in a shielded area can also be beneficial.
  6. Door Maintenance: To prevent car doors and windows from freezing shut, placing a plastic trash bag between the door frame and window glass is a handy trick.
  7. Car Washing: AAA advises postponing any car washes until temperatures rise back above freezing to avoid additional freezing issues on the vehicle’s exterior.

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For individuals who have to travel in these severe conditions, the advice also contains essential safety advice. In an emergency, having a charged cell phone and a car charger on hand can literally save lives. AAA also advises that staying with a car is safer should it become stuck. If the engine is running, it should only be run long enough to eliminate the chill to save gasoline and prevent carbon monoxide accumulation; always make sure the exhaust pipe is free of snow.

AAA has made seeking assistance for individuals need roadside support available on their website at www.aaa.com, their mobile app, or by phone at 800.AAA-MICH. Further guidance on winter driving and additional safety tips are available in AAA’s “How to Go on Ice and Snow” booklet, which can be downloaded from their website.

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AAA’s advisory is essential for Michigan residents as they navigate what is projected to be a particularly difficult period of arctic-like weather, given the surge in service calls for dead batteries and other cold-related concerns expected during the low temps.