| With some of the season’s coldest temperatures expected across parts of Texas, AAA Texas is urging drivers, homeowners, and renters to take steps now to protect themselves, their vehicles, and their homes from winter weather hazards. “Cold snaps put extra stress on vehicles, and in Texas many drivers aren’t used to preparing for winter weather conditions,” said Daniel Armbruster, AAA Texas spokesperson. “Along with checking your battery and tires, keeping a vehicle emergency kit on hand is essential and can help keep you safe and comfortable if you’re stuck on the road during a winter storm.” B-ROLL VIDEO: Vehicle Emergency Kit Build a Winter-Ready Car Emergency Kit AAA recommends keeping a winter emergency kit in every vehicle, particularly when freezing temperatures or icy conditions are forecast. A well-stocked kit should include: - Traction aids (sand, salt, non-clumping cat litter or traction mats)
- Shovel
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Jumper cables or jump pack
- Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench, duct tape, plastic zip ties)
- Tarp, raincoat and gloves to help stay clean/dry if you must get out of the vehicle
- Rags, paper towels or pre-moistened wipes
- Warning devices (flares, reflective triangles or LED beacons)
- First-aid kit (check expiration date)
- Drinking water
- Snacks/food for your passengers and any pets
- Ice scraper
- Snow brush
- Winter windshield washer solvent
- Warm gloves, clothes, hats and blankets for all passengers in your car
- Car charger for mobile phone
Preparing Your Vehicle for Driving in Bad Weather: - To optimize visual clarity, clean the outside and inside of your windshield at least once a week. Frequent cleaning is even more important if you smoke.
- Keep your car’s windshield and rear-window defrosters in good working condition.
- Keep your windshield wiper blades fresh. Many drivers change them every six months, especially before driving in bad weather.
- Clear all snow and ice from the vehicle’s windows, roof, hood, trunk lid, and any other covered areas. This will reduce risk because it increases your visibility. Additionally, drivers around you won’t be blinded by snow blowing off your vehicle.
- Use an ice scraper to remove snow and ice from your windshield and all windows, including side and rear windows. This will improve your ability to see other roadway users that may move into your path of travel.
AAA Texas and Discount Tire have teamed up to remind drivers about the importance of well-maintained tires, which are critical to maintain traction on wet roads: - Inflate Tires to the Correct Pressure. Check your tires’ air pressure when the tires are cool because heat (from driving or the ambient temperature) can increase tire pressure readings by several pounds per square inch (psi). Check the Tire Pressure Often. Tires lose pressure naturally—typically 1–3 psi per month—because a tire’s sidewall is permeable. Low tire pressure results in poor handling and braking, reduced gas mileage, and excessive wear. So be sure to check your car’s tire pressure at least once a month—especially before a long trip.
- Check the Tread Depth. A tire’s ability to stop within a safe distance becomes compromised when its tread depth reaches 4/32 inch. An easy way to determine if a tire is worn out is to place an upside-down quarter (not a penny) in a tire tread. If you can see the top of George’s head, it’s time to replace the tire.
- Rotate Your Tires Regularly. Ideally, rotate your tires every 5,000 miles—which, coincidentally, is a required service interval for many cars today.
- Check the Tread Pattern. If you’ve kept your car’s wheels balanced and aligned and its tires rotated and properly inflated, the tread should wear evenly across the width of the tire. Check your tires periodically for uneven wear patterns and replace tires if necessary.
- Don’t Overload Your Vehicle. The combination of underinflated tires and an overloaded vehicle is one of the most dangerous conditions because the tires can overheat and possibly fail. Check your car’s owner’s manual for your vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating, which is its maximum operating weight, including the weight of the vehicle, passengers, and cargo (but excluding a trailer).
Protecting Your Home Prolonged periods of below-freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on a home’s heating system, plumbing, and exterior features. Maintaining your property during cold strikes is essential to reduce your risk of winter damage. AAA Insurance reports the average frozen pipe claim costs more than $7,400, though the amount can be much higher depending on damage to personal property. What You Can Do to Protect Your Home: - Remove hoses from exterior faucets and cover the faucet.
- Repair or replace weather stripping around windows and doors, vents and fans, plumbing, air conditioners, and electrical and gas lines.
- Use caulk or insulation to seal all cracks, holes, and other openings on exterior walls.
- Let faucets drip a little bit to prevent freezing pipes.
- Well-insulated basements and crawl spaces will help protect pipes. Close foundation vents and windows to basements. Wrap vulnerable pipes with pipe insulation.
- Know where your water shutoff valve is so that you can turn off the water in case of an emergency.
- Air inside the walls, where pipes are, can be much colder than air in the room, so set the thermostat at a reasonable temperature, even if you will be away from home.
- Keep bathroom and kitchen cabinet doors open to let warm air circulate around the pipes.
- Close your wood-burning fireplace flue damper when you’re not using it. Follow all manufacturer instructions for gas fireplaces, including those with pilot lights, which may require the flue to be partially open at all times.
Is Your Home Insurance Ready? By taking the necessary precautions and preparing your house for winter, you can avoid having to make an insurance claim this winter season. Trimming threatening trees, shutting off your water and draining pipes, and cleaning your gutters are all things that can be done before it gets too cold. If a winter disaster does strike, having the right home insurance coverage will help. Review your policy with your agent to be sure you’re ready. About AAA Founded in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts advocating for better roads and safer mobility, AAA has grown into one of North America’s largest and most trusted membership organizations. Guided by our mission to Save Lives, Create Member Value, and Deliver Exceptional Experiences, AAA provides world-class roadside assistance, travel planning, exclusive discounts, and reliable financial and insurance services. Today, AAA enhances the life journey of more than 65 million members across North America, including over 58 million in the United States. Learn more or become a member at AAA.com. |
