LEXINGTON, Ky.— Wet roadways and changing weather conditions bring unique challenges to drivers this time of year. AAA reminds motorists that October is Car Care Month and with colder weather right around the corner, drivers not only need to be cautious on wet roadways, but prepare their vehicles for colder weather now before Old Man Winter is knocking at the door.
Wet surfaces common this time of year mean drivers need to slow down. Even a relatively small amount of water on the roadway can significantly reduce traction, increase stopping distances and the likelihood of an out-of-control skid with hard braking.
“Even a brand new tire with all of its tread begins to lose some of its traction area at 35 miles per hour when driving on wet roadways,” said Lori Weaver Hawkins, spokesperson for AAA Bluegrass. “With poor tread, additional speed, and wet leaves on the road surface, a vehicle can easily lose traction completely.”
AAA has these tips to avoid crashes due to wet roadways:
- Reduce speed significantly. Speed limits are set for ideal road conditions. When it rains, visibility is reduced and speeds should decrease.
- Increase following distances. Even a relatively small amount of water on the roadway can significantly reduce traction, increase stopping distances and increase the likelihood of an out-of-control skid with hard braking.
- If you are forced to stop in traffic due to poor visibility from heavy rain, turn on emergency flashers immediately and pull as far off the road as possible.
- Turn on windshield wipers as soon as rain begins to fall. If intermittent wipers are used, be certain they are set to a speed that will clear the windshield before visibility is compromised.
- Be sure to use low-beam headlights to help other drivers see your car and increase visibility.
- Never drive into any flooded area, especially if the water is moving quickly.
Vehicle maintenance is key when preparing not just for wet roadways, but for the cold months ahead. In 2017, the AAA Roadside Rescue Team answered nearly 3,700 calls in the Bluegrass area for flat tires and over 7,000 for battery service, two of the most common problems over the winter months.
“Learning how to handle common maintenance issues and developing a routine for regular car care is beneficial to anyone who gets behind the wheel,” said Weaver Hawkins. “While proper maintenance can extend the life of your vehicle and help prevent costly repairs, it can also help you avoid a cold-weather breakdown.”
October’s relatively mild temperatures make it the perfect month to make sure your vehicle is up-to-date on maintenance and winter ready. AAA recommends that motorists:
- Read the maintenance requirements set by your car’s manufacturer in the owner’s manual to avoid under- or over-maintaining your vehicle. There is no longer a “standard” maintenance schedule for vehicle services. Each automaker has different requirements, making your owner’s manual the most accurate resource. Oil changes, tire rotations, changing transmission fluid, and replacing an air filter are the types of routine maintenance recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
- AAA also recommends checking tire pressure since tires need more air when it is cold. Proper cold weather tire pressure can be found in the vehicle manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door, NOT on the tire itself. For just a few dollars, you can buy a tire-pressure gauge at a gas station or auto supply store. Keep it in your glove compartment and check your tires every month or so, or anytime they seem low. Also, remember to inspect tire tread and look for signs of wear.
- As the weather gets colder, AAA sees more battery issues cropping up. At 32 degrees, a battery is 35 percent weaker. Last winter, the AAA Roadside Rescue Team responded to just under 700 calls for jump starts alone. The average car battery lasts 3 – 5 years, so if your battery is getting up there in age, you may soon run into problems. You can prolong battery life by turning off all electronics when you turn off your car so your battery is only tasked with starting your engine the next time you start your vehicle. Also, do not turn on headlights or electronics when your car is parked but not running. If you do run into battery trouble, whether you are stranded at roadside or stuck in your driveway, AAA Battery Service Technicians can deliver and install your new battery on-the-spot.
- Inspect brakes as recommended in your owner’s manual or sooner if you notice pulsations, pulling, noises while braking or longer stopping distance. Correct minor brake problems promptly. Check your owner’s manual to see if the brake fluid should be changed at a specific interval. If no interval is specified for brake fluid service, AAA suggests flushing the system every two years or anytime the brake system is serviced.
- Follow the recommendations of in-vehicle maintenance reminders, as they have the best information to determine maintenance needs for your vehicle because they account for how you actually drive. However, many reminder systems do not specifically cover maintenance operations that need to be performed on a time or mileage basis – such as brake fluid and coolant flushes or timing-belt replacement.
- Work with a local repair shop you trust – Every car requires routine maintenance and repair. The best time to find a mechanic or auto repair shop is before you need one. Start by asking friends and family for recommendations of repair shops and mechanics. Visit AAA.com to find AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, take your vehicle in for routine maintenance to the shop you consider your top candidate. While there, talk with the employees, take a look at the facility and consider the following questions:
- Does the facility have up-to-date equipment?
- Were you offered a written estimate?
- Does the shop offer a nationwide warranty on parts and labor?
- Are customer areas clean, comfortable and well-organized?
- Prepare a winter emergency kit now so that you have peace of mind all winter long. Emergency kit items to include – deicer, shovel, ice scraper, warning flare or bright triangle, flashlight with fresh batteries, first aid kit, jumper cables and sand or kitty litter (for traction). Pack a blanket, extra gloves and hat, and sand or kitty litter for traction.
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