AAA Michigan's Cold Weather Starting Tips Will Keep You Going

Name: The Forgotten Alternative - A Conversation That Matters with Marc Rauch
Uploaded: 2023-03-02T00:39:07+00:00
Duration: T0H23M43S
Description: The Auto Channel's Marc Rauch returns to Stuart McNish's great issues show "Conversations That Matter."

21 January 2000

AAA Michigan's Cold Weather Starting Tips Will Keep You Going

    DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 21 -- Near- or below-zero temperatures
are expected again across much of Michigan tonight, and AAA Michigan advises
motorists to take extra precautions to avoid being stranded when traveling
this weekend.
    The Auto Club handled 3,911 Emergency Road Service (ERS) calls on
Thursday, Jan. 20, the highest number recorded in a 24-hour period so far this
winter.  That compares with a normal daily average of nearly 2,000 calls.  As
of 11 a.m. today (Jan. 21), ERS handled 1,286 calls since midnight.
    Motorists should follow these tips from AAA Michigan to avoid cold weather
starting and driving problems:

    *  A good battery is a must, especially if a car is not garaged overnight.
Recent AAA Winter Car Care inspections found up to 20 percent of all vehicles
had battery problems that could cause them not to start in the cold.  At 0
degrees, your battery has 35 percent less starting power, but the engine
demands more power to start.
    *  Check anti-freeze strength.  Recommended level is -36 degrees.
    *  Park in a garage or with the front of the vehicle out of the wind.
Frequent difficult conditions may warrant the use of a block heater or
electrically heated dipstick.
    *  Keep the gas tank filled to avoid fuel-line freeze (use of a gas anti-
freeze additive also helps.).
    *  Turn off all electrical accessories before starting, especially in
older vehicles.
    *  DON'T pump the gas pedal in fuel-injected vehicles.  Simply turn the
key and release when the engine starts.  Always consult the owner's manual for
proper procedures.
    *  Once the engine is running, warm it up at idle for a few minutes so
cold-thickened oil can reach moving parts.  Turn on the heater/defroster to
avoid sudden window fogging when you begin driving.

    If you need a jump, AAA advises following directions in the vehicle
owner's manual.  Once the disabled car is running, have a load test performed
on the weak battery as soon as possible to avoid future problems.