Keep Your Car Running This Winter

Winter's cold weather can wreak havoc on automobiles. But, there are some simple steps you can take to help keep your car running and keep yourself out of the cold.

Jeff Badder is the Wichita Falls Fleet Maintenance Supervisor. He offered some simple, routine maintenance advice on keeping your car running. First, check your car's battery at least once a month. Badder said it is one of the most common problems in cold weather as low temperatures can drop a battery's voltage significantly.

Also, Badder recommended checking your tire pressure at least once a week. Cold temperatures can lower your tire's pressure. And, make sure your tires have enough tread as winter conditions can be slick.

Badder also said it is a good idea to keep your gas tank at least half full. That will prevent moisture from building up in your gas tank.

There are also a few handy items every motorist should carry with them. O'Reilly Auto Parts Store Manager Ken Strickland recommended a few essentials. "Just be prepared," he said, "and these little things shouldn't affect you this winter."

Topping Strickland's list are an ice scraper and lock de-icer. Also, as batteries can be so problematic, Strickland said always carry a set of jumper cables.

Strickland and Badder both said you should carry extra jackets and blankets in your car in case you do get stranded.

There was one thing many people do Badder said you shouldn't: warming up your car. Badder said since the advent of fuel injection warming up your car's engine has become pointless. In fact, said Badder, it just wastes gas and pumps extra emissions into the air. Badder recommended just 30 seconds to get the engine's oil flowing. And, your car will warm up faster if you drive it.

Tim Barnosky, Newschannel 6.

To see AAA's winter driving tips click here.