Don't Leave Yourself or Your Car Out in the Cold, Says AAA

    DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 21 With overnight temperatures
predicted near zero degrees, AAA Michigan advises motorists to take some
precautions with vehicles.
    So far today (January 21), since midnight, AAA Emergency Road Service
staff have helped 1,600 motorists.  Monday's motorist assists topped 4,500
calls -- common calls for help including dead batteries and spin-outs.
Motorists are advised to use extra caution as they travel, when low
temperatures can lead to frostbite and/or hypothermia.
    Lockouts are another cold-weather problem -- motorists are advised to keep
an extra set of keys outside of the vehicle.
    To help motorists avoid unnecessary delays, AAA Michigan offers the
following cold weather car care tips:
    *  Park your car in the garage.  If you have no garage, or if it's full of
lawn equipment or another car, put a tarpaulin over the car.  Or put a plastic
trash bag between the door (or window glass) and the frame.
    *  To avoid frozen door or door locks, buy a lubricant that is available
in most auto supply stores.
    *  Heat your key (a pocket lighter works nicely), but remember to wear
gloves or hold the key with pliers.
    *  Use a hair dryer, but make sure the extension cord is one graded for
outdoor use and the wall socket is grounded.
    *  Fill a plastic jug or bag with hot water.  Hold it against the door
panel or lock area.  But don't throw hot water on the car.  It, too, will
freeze.
    *  Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid fuel-line freeze-up.
    *  Test your battery strength to determine its cold weather cranking
power.
    *  Remember, posted speed limits are set for ideal road and weather
conditions.  Avoid sudden starts, stops and turns.  Accelerate carefully so
car wheels don't spin.