AAA talks car problems in freezing temperatures

(WKBN) — Below-freezing temperatures mean your car may need a little bit more attention.

With the Valley’s recent frigid weather, you may notice your car struggling to turn on. You might even learn that your car battery died altogether. AAA says during the winter months, their calls reporting this triple.

“We see our dead battery calls go through the roof when the temperatures dip, and especially when they get into the single digits,” said Jim Garrity, director of public affairs for AAA. “Which is why we’re always recommending that the best thing you can do is get that battery tested sooner than later.”

Experts say cold weather reduces your car battery’s output, especially if your vehicle is older than five years. A faulty battery can lead to short-circuiting and overheating, which can even cause your car to catch fire, something the Youngstown Fire Department said they’ve seen every day this week.

AAA says there are ways to prevent this.

“You’re better off getting the whole charging system checked out, so that you have an idea of when the weather’s coming, whether or not your battery stands a chance,” Garrity said. “So it’s definitely something to make a part of your routine maintenance, no matter what the age of your vehicle is.”

Experts recommend maintaining other parts of your vehicle that the cold affects, as well, such as making sure your windshield wiper fluid has anti-freezing properties.

“It’s never a bad time to make sure your car is ready for the winter, starting with the battery,” Garrity said. “But also checking your tires — they will keep you connected to the road, so don’t play around with your tires. Make sure that there’s enough air in them. When the temperatures drop, so does the air inside those tires.”

As temperatures remain below freezing, experts say it’s better to stay on top of your car’s maintenance than to wait for something to go wrong.

“You’re better to get that battery tested when you have a little bit of spare time as compared to when you’re running late for work one day because your battery is dead because the summer sun breaks it down,” Garrity said. “The really cold mornings like we’re seeing recently are kind of the nail in the coffin. And then all of a sudden, you’re waiting for a jump start, and you’re running late to work. You’re better off getting that battery test sooner than later.”

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