NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — With parts of Kansas looking at major impacts from winter weather this week, Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas said it's important to make sure all drivers know what needs to be done.
"Winter weather is always a good wake up call to make sure that your vehicle is in good shape," Steward said. "Last winter, AAA Kansas emergency roadside service crews assisted more than 34,000 motorists across the state from December through March."
Tires and batteries are the parts that often leave you stranded on the road waiting for AAA.
"Those are two of the most common calls that we see," Steward said. "Tires lose air pressure naturally in cold weather. It's important to keep checking your tire pressure throughout the winter, make sure that you have good tread, especially when we get snow and ice, so you have good traction. Batteries, make sure that your battery has a good charge and it's going to get you through the cold weather. When the air temperature is 32 degrees, a battery's starting power drops 35%."
The average life span of a battery is about three to five years.
"We also recommend that you keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze ups," Steward said. "Wiper blades are important, to have really good ones, so you can clear snow and ice from your windshield, so you can see. Winter blend wiper fluid is good this time of year to help prevent freezing of that fluid when you use it on your windshield."
You should also carry a Winter Emergency Kit, in case you get stranded.
AAA-suggested items to include in a Winter Emergency Kit are:
Abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter) or traction matssuggested emergency kit items
Snow shovel
Flashlight with extra batteries
Window washer solvent
Ice scraper with brush,
Jumper cables
Extra warm clothing (gloves, hats, scarves), and blankets
Warning devices (flares or triangles)
Drinking water and non-perishable snacks for both human and pet passengers
First-aid kit
Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench)
Mobile phone, charger and power bank
Pre-packaged AAA emergency kits are available at all AAA retail locations or at AAA.com.
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