© Can Stock Photo / Obscura© Can Stock Photo / Obscura
Windsor

CAA has timely advice for your car and the cold

With temperatures expected to dip down to -15 C Saturday night and -20 C Sunday night, the Canadian Automobile Association has some advice to make sure your vehicle keeps running this winter.

If the battery in your vehicle is more than three years old, this weekend will be the time to get it checked. The CAA does not recommend boosting the battery yourself. If it is not done correctly, it can damage your vehicle's electrical system.

© Can Stock Photo / Oskanov © Can Stock Photo / Oskanov

This is also the time to top up fluids and make sure your tires are properly inflated to the manufacturer specified pressure.

It also recommends keeping your gas tank at least half-full increase you are stranded while driving. An emergency kit stocked with warm clothing, outerwear, and snacks will also help you if you have to wait a long time for rescue.

If you do find yourself stranded in winter weather, or on the side of the road, put on your hazard lights to ensure your vehicle is visible to other drivers. If you have to leave your car, stay away from oncoming traffic and always be aware of your surroundings.

If you choose to stay in your vehicle, keep doors and windows locked, and the car turned off. If your tailpipe is covered, the vehicle may fill with deadly carbon monoxide gas. The CAA also says be patient because poor driving conditions and high call volumes may mean it will take some time for a tow truck to reach you.

The CAA South Central Ontario expects a high volume of car battery failures Monday and has seen a 25 per cent increase in the number of battery-related calls in the past two years. Sunday night is expected to be the coldest night of the winter so far, and it expects demand for battery service to jump significantly.

Read More Local Stories