The chilly weather is not only damaging to the people of Oklahoma, but it is also damaging to our vehicles.
“We see an influx in people needing their batteries changed or people just calling to get batteries because they’re stranded, because their battery went kaput,” Isidro Fuentes, manager, Batteries Plus stated.
The battery’s performance may suffer as a result of the freezing conditions, which may also reduce its lifespan.
“When the temperature is at zero degrees, your battery starting power is reduced by 60 percent and so that just shows that that battery needs to work extra hard to turn that engine over and get it started and if the battery is weak or old, it may not start,” Shawn Steward, AAA Oklahoma stated.
You could be left stranded in the cold for several hours if your battery dies while you are waiting for assistance. However, according to the experts, a personal jump starter might help you save time and avoid hassle.
Additionally, according to Batteries Plus, you can make use of a battery maintainer.
“It doesn’t hurt your battery, get an automatic one. It kicks off when it needs to, kicks on when it needs to,” Fuentes stated.
In addition, the cold weather may have an effect on your tires.
“It’s important throughout the winter to double check that pressure in your tires and refill them to the appropriate amount,” Steward stated.
When you need to rapidly fill up your tires somewhere, having a portable air compressor in your car might be a lifesaver. You can deal with low tire pressure immediately using this equipment, which is particularly important in cold weather when tire pressure tends to decline.
Maintaining the right tire inflation is crucial for both safety and vehicle performance, particularly in colder climates where driving conditions can be difficult.
AAA Oklahoma suggests that you think about equipping your car with a cold weather emergency pack in addition to a portable air compressor.
In the event of an unforeseen circumstance, such as becoming stranded in snow or having to deal with frigid conditions, a cold weather emergency pack can offer the supplies you need to stay safe and comfortable.
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Blankets, gloves, hats, extra warm clothes, non-perishable food, bottled water, and a torch with additional batteries are some necessities to have in the kit. In an emergency, supplies like a shovel, a first-aid kit, and jumper cables can also be quite helpful.
You can make sure that you are prepared to deal with any cold weather-related situations that may occur while driving by planning ahead.
“Keep things in the vehicle that will keep you warm until help can arrive. Blankets, some extra warm coats, gloves, hats, anything that you need to stay safe and warm until help can get out to you,” Steward stated.
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Experts say to also always keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent fuel lines from freezing
and make sure your antifreeze has been changed recently.
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