Getting a grip on cold weather car care

THORNHILL, ON, Jan. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - Forecasters are predicting bone-chilling temperatures will grip southern Ontario over the next few days. CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) warns that as the mercury drops, so does your car's battery power.

"The cold and frigid temperatures can drain the power from your vehicle's battery," said Silvana Aceto, Media & PR Specialist, CAA SCO. "Before you attempt to start your car, make sure you have turned off all your accessories including the heater, radio and lights."

The average life of a battery is 3-5 years, but driving conditions, weather and lack of care can shorten the lifespan of a battery. Here are some warning signs that your battery may need to be replaced:

• Your vehicle cranks slowly when trying to start
• You hear a grinding, clicking or buzzing when you turn the ignition on
• Your vehicle has previously stalled
• Your headlights dim when you are idling but brighten when you rev the engine

Battery testing is provided for free to CAA members as part of the allotted roadside assistance calls per membership. CAA's Battery Assist service will also install a new battery on the spot and recycle the old battery for you. Drivers can also visit a CAA Car Care Centre for a battery test or a complete charging system analysis.

Meanwhile, as the deep freeze sets in, CAA SCO recommends drivers keep the following items in their vehicle:

• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Booster cables
• Extra clothing and footwear
• Blankets and sleeping bags
• Fully charged smart phone
• Windshield washer fluid
• Bottled water
• Granola or energy bars

CAA South Central Ontario is a not-for-profit auto club offering insurance, travel, automotive care and roadside services. There are more than 1.9 million CAA members in South Central Ontario and over 5.6 million members in Canada. We're more than Roadside Assistance. We're Life-side Assistance. Visit www.caasco.com.

SOURCE: CAA South Central Ontario

Media contact: Silvana Aceto, Media and PR Specialist, CAA SCO, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone] or Jeff LeMoine, Communications Specialist, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone].