HYANNIS – Although temperatures are plunging this week, there is still time to prepare your vehicle for the harsh winter ahead, according to AAA Northeast.
“Preventative maintenance is essential for safe driving and greatly decreases the chances of being stranded in the cold,” said John Paul, AAA Northeast Senior Manager of Traffic Safety.
AAA tips include:
- Batter and Charging System: Have the battery and charging system tested if your vehicle’s batter is more than three years old.
- Coolant: Check the coolant level in the overflow tank when the engine is cold. If the level is low, add a 50/50 solution of coolant and water to maintain the necessary antifreeze capability.
- Oil Change: While a year-round recommendation, it’s certainly worth taking care of with the rest of your winter prep.
- Tires: Examine tire for tread depth, uneven wearing and cupping. Uneven tire wear can indicate alignment, wheel balance or suspension problems that must be addressed to prevent further tire damage.
- Washer Fluid: Fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir with a winter cleaning solution that has antifreeze components.
- Wipers: Wiper blades should completely clear the glass with each swipe. Replace any blade that leaves streaks or misses spots.