As Arctic air moves through Metro Detroit and brings dangerously cold wind chills, AAA issued a statewide Arctic Air Advisory and offered tips to drivers to keep their vehicles working in these conditions.
The insurance agency recommends that drivers make sure their car battery is fully charged and in good condition.
Drivers should also keep their gas tank at least half full to avoid gas lines from freezing up, use a windshield washer fluid with winter solvent that won’t freeze, and use an engine coolant that provides anti-freeze protection down to the temperatures forecasted in your area.
AAA also recommends parking vehicles in a garage, or putting a tarp over the hood, and putting a plastic garbage bag between the door and the frame to prevent doors from freezing shut. Drivers should wait to get their cars washed until temperatures are above freezing.
With the extreme cold, AAA expects to see a rise in service-related calls across the state.
Due to this, the insurance agency encourages drivers to travel with a phone and car charger.
“AAA recommends that if motorists become stranded, it is best to stay with the vehicle,” AAA said in a release. " If the engine can be started, run it only long enough to keep warm. Make sure the exhaust pipe is snow-free."
More cold weather tips can be found on AAA’s website.
Drivers who need road service assistance can reach AAA online, via the AAA app or by calling 800-AAA-MICH.
