AAA offers tips for driving in the extreme cold

Driving in extremely cold weather can be especially hard on your vehicle, so AAA is offering tips to help keep your wheels moving.

On Monday alone, AAA said it responded to 6,539 calls for assistance territory-wide (DC, DE, MD, NJ, PA and VA) and 27% (1,750) were battery-related calls.

Here are AAA's tips:

Get a checkup. Give your car a complete once-over, especially if it is older than five years. Make sure all belts are tight and hoses are not leaky. Test all lights.

Test battery. Make sure battery cables are tightly connected and corrosion-free. According to AAA's Automotive Research Center, at 0F, a car's battery loses about 60 percent of its strength and at 32F it loses 35 percent. During cold temperatures starting an engine can take up to twice as much current as needed under normal conditions While three to five years is a typical life span, various internal and environmental conditions impact a battery's long term health. Periodic inspection, testing, and cleaning are suggested and monitoring the use of accessories and electronic devices when your car is not running can help maximize its longevity.

Check tires. During cold weather, tire inflation pressure decreases 1-2 psi for every 10 degrees of temperature change. Make sure pressure levels match those found in either the owner's manual or on the driver's door jamb, and note that pressure levels may be different for front and rear tires. Visually inspect tires for cracks or bulges, and ensure tread depth is adequate.

Oil and filters. Be diligent about checking the oil and filter on a regular basis. Low oil level, as well as dirty oil, can compromise your engine in extreme cold.

Keep it clean. Get your car to the car wash frequently (AAA recommends weekly car washes during the winter) to scrub off de-icing chemicals and salt. Besides eroding your car's paint, these items can also reduce visibility by clinging to windows and mirrors.

Pack a bag. Don't leave home without an emergency kit in the truck with a fully charged cell phone and charger; ice scraper; shovel; jumper cables; kitty litter, sand or salt; flashlight; blanket; drinking water; and a high-protein snack.

Extreme Cold Drains Car Batteries

Cold weather is especially hard on car batteries. According to AAA's Automotive Research Center, at 0F, a car's battery loses about 60 percent of its strength and at 32F it loses 35 percent. During cold temperatures starting an engine can take up to twice as much current as needed under normal conditions. With Temperatures expected to drop into single-digits this weekend, AAA urges motorists to check their car batteries.

Warning signs that you are at risk for a battery related breakdown include the following:

You hear a grinding or clicking sound when you turn on the ignition

Your vehicle cranks slowly when attempting to start

Your headlights dim when idling but brighten when the engine is revved

Your battery is more than three (3) years old