MIAMI VALLEY -- Is your battery ready for the near zero temperatures? The average life of a battery is 3-5 years, but driving conditions, climate, and lack of care and maintenance can shorten a batterys lifespan. Here are some warning signs that you are at risk for a battery-related breakdown:
Your vehicle cranks slowly when trying to start
You hear a grinding, clicking or buzzing when you turn the ignition on
Your vehicle has stalled
Your headlights dim when you are idling but brighten when you rev the engine
Your battery is more than three years old
What to Do if You Suspect Your Battery is Failing:
AAA members are entitled to Roadside Assistance, which would provide free battery testing each year. AAAs Mobile Battery Service can install a new AAA battery and recycle the old battery for you. AAA recycles every battery replaced, saving resources and keeping hazardous waste from landfills.
Keep an Eye on Your Tires
Cold weather reduces tire inflation pressure, so check tire pressures frequently and maintain the vehicle manufacturers recommended pressure found on the drivers door jambnot the pressure stamped on the tire sidewall. Motorists should never reduce tire pressure in an attempt to increase traction on snow and ice. This does not work, and when the roads dry out it can cause excessive tire wear and vehicle handling problems.
Dealing with Frozen Locks
To help prevent icing use silicone or graphite spray, sprayed into the lock. If your lock is already frozen, warm up the key, using your hands or a hair dryer. Commercial deicers are also available at local hardware stores. AAA does not recommend pouring hot water into or around your door lock because the water will refreeze.
AAA encourages motorists to carry emergency roadside kits for winter that include:
fully-charged mobile phone and car charger
blankets
flashlight with extra batteries
first-aid kit
drinking water
small shovel and sack of sand, cat litter or traction mats
windshield scraper and brush
battery booster cables
emergency flares or reflectors
Your vehicle cranks slowly when trying to start
You hear a grinding, clicking or buzzing when you turn the ignition on
Your vehicle has stalled
Your headlights dim when you are idling but brighten when you rev the engine
Your battery is more than three years old
What to Do if You Suspect Your Battery is Failing:
AAA members are entitled to Roadside Assistance, which would provide free battery testing each year. AAAs Mobile Battery Service can install a new AAA battery and recycle the old battery for you. AAA recycles every battery replaced, saving resources and keeping hazardous waste from landfills.
Keep an Eye on Your Tires
Cold weather reduces tire inflation pressure, so check tire pressures frequently and maintain the vehicle manufacturers recommended pressure found on the drivers door jambnot the pressure stamped on the tire sidewall. Motorists should never reduce tire pressure in an attempt to increase traction on snow and ice. This does not work, and when the roads dry out it can cause excessive tire wear and vehicle handling problems.
Dealing with Frozen Locks
To help prevent icing use silicone or graphite spray, sprayed into the lock. If your lock is already frozen, warm up the key, using your hands or a hair dryer. Commercial deicers are also available at local hardware stores. AAA does not recommend pouring hot water into or around your door lock because the water will refreeze.
AAA encourages motorists to carry emergency roadside kits for winter that include:
fully-charged mobile phone and car charger
blankets
flashlight with extra batteries
first-aid kit
drinking water
small shovel and sack of sand, cat litter or traction mats
windshield scraper and brush
battery booster cables
emergency flares or reflectors
