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Older Batteries May Leave Winter Motorists Stranded, AAA Warns

29 September 1997

Older Batteries May Leave Winter Motorists Stranded, AAA Warns

    ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 29 -- Automotive batteries more than two
years old may be too weak to make it through the toughest winter weather and
should be tested before cold weather arrives, according to AAA.
    "A strong battery is the key to trouble-free winter driving," said
Marshall L. Doney, vice president of AAA Automotive Services.  "By checking
your car's starting power now, you may be able to avoid inconvenient and
possibly dangerous breakdowns when winter arrives."
    October is National Car Care Month and AAA is urging motorists to have a
qualified service facility -- such as those recognized by AAA's Approved Auto
Repair program -- perform a battery load test.  In this quick test, a
technician attaches a special diagnostic machine to the battery to provide a
clear measurement of the battery's condition.
    It also is important to check the battery terminals and cable connectors.
If corrosion is present, the connectors can be cleaned with a mix of baking
soda and water.
    In addition to checking the battery, AAA recommends a comprehensive pre-
winter check-up for all vehicles that includes examination of the engine oil,
radiator, tires (including the spare) and ignition system.  Windshield wipers,
brakes and exterior lights also should be inspected.
    Fall is also a good time to test the vehicle's heating system to make sure
no leaks or other problems have developed during the summer.
    Because even the best maintained vehicles sometimes breakdown, AAA
suggests motorists prepare a winter survival kit.  Suggested items for the kit
include: flashlight, blankets, booster cables, warning device (flares or
reflective triangle), small bag of abrasive material (sand or cat litter),
cloth towel or roll of paper towels, ice scraper and a small shovel.
    AAA is a not-for-profit federation of 97 clubs with more than 1,000
offices providing 40 million members in the U.S. and Canada with travel,
insurance, financial and auto-related services.  AAA provides automotive
services through a network of more than 37,000 service vehicles and more than
4,300 Approved Auto Repair facilities.

SOURCE  American Automobile Association