Bitter Cold Temperatures Could Make It Difficult To Start Your Car

Cold weather is in the forecast for this weekend.Baltimore, Md (KM) If you’re heading out this holiday weekend, AAA Mid-Atlantic reminders you to make sure your vehicle is road ready. That includes having your battery and tires checked. “Typically, we receive a lot of calls this time of year for dead batteries and tire-related issues,”: says spokeswoman Ragina Ali.She says last winter, AAA responded to more than 147,000 roadside calls in Maryland, and nearly 46,000 were for dead batteries. Starting an engine in cold temperatures can take up a lot of current, according to AAA.Ali also says most car batteries last for an average of five years. So if your vehicle’s battery is five years or older, it might be a good time to replace it.Motorists also need to be concerned about their vehicle’s tires. “As the air temperature drops outside, so does the air pressure in your tires,” ;says Ali. “For every ten-degree change in air temperature, tire pressure will also change by about one to two PSI, or pounds per square inch.”When you get your vehicle checked over for holiday travel, AAA says have a mechanic put air in  the tires so they are properly inflated.Temperatures are expected to drop significantly this weekend. The National Weather Service in Sterling, Va., says a Wind Advisory will be in effect from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Friday, December 23rd. Also, a Wind Chill Advisory will take effect on Friday, December 23rd at 1:00 PM, and continuing through Saturday, December 24th at 10:00 AM.With traffic expected to be heavy this weekend with holiday travelers, AAA Mid-Atlantic says it’s ready to answer calls for roadside service. “Our emergency roadside team will certainly be out and about, ready to help our members as needed,” says Ali.If your car breaks down on the road due to a dead battery, blown tire or other reasons, Ali says get the vehicle off the road. “You should stay in your vehicle after putting out a flare or a reflective triangle indicating you are having car issues,” she says.By Kevin McManus