With the delightfully snow-free November, motorists may have missed last week's Winter Hazard Awareness Week, which came with a stark reminder that winter could arrive any day and that it's time to get the car ready. Now.
"No one wants to be stranded in the cold by a vehicle breakdown," says John Nielsen, director of Automotive Engineering and Repair for AAA. "Properly preparing your vehicle for winter driving is essential for the safety of all passengers and will greatly decrease the chance of your vehicle letting you down."
Millions of drivers are at risk for a breakdown during cold weather simply because they don't perform basic seasonal maintenance on their vehicles.
In a recent analysis of 29 million roadside assistance calls last year, AAA found that 35 percent of drivers ignored or delayed recommended maintenance or repairs recommended by a mechanic or the vehicle manufacturer.
More than 60 percent of drivers don't check their tire pressure regularly, something that's critical to safety. Two-thirds have not tested their battery, something AAA recommends be done annually once a battery reaches 3 years old. A battery's life span is between 3 and 5 years.
The data showed that 12 million vehicles were towed due to engine trouble, fuel issues or other mechanical mishaps, including brake and transmission failure.
"While today's vehicle technology incorporates maintenance reminders and dashboard alerts designed to prevent roadside trouble, drivers still must take action," said Josh Van Wynsberghe, AAA's automotive technical engineer.
Winter checklist
Here is a checklist drivers can use to winterize their vehicles, compiled from AAA and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety:
