TYLER, Texas — As East Texas braces for freezing weather in the coming days, many are getting their homes ready, but it’s also important to get the car winter ready.
As the weather fluctuates, the temperatures can cause some issues with vehicles if not maintained correctly. Daniel Armbruster, spokesperson for the American Automobile Association, said the top calls they get are for dead batteries and flat tires.
"Cold weather wreaks havoc on a battery. It causes the inside of the chemicals to thicken, and it makes it harder for the battery to operate," Armbruster said.
As the temperature drops, vehicles could lose a significant amount of tire pressure.
In fact, Harrison Maxey from Christian Brothers Automotive in Tyler said business will pick up in the winter because of those issues. He also mentioned it’s important to check the antifreeze.
"If it freezes and expands, it could potentially bust literally put up a hole or crack inside the engine block. It's not just an ugly repair. It's a nasty repair (that's) very expensive," Maxey said.
Maxey suggested getting a routine check up before temperatures drop to avoid any roadside emergencies.
"Whether it be an oil change, or just a basic repair, we go ahead and do a courtesy inspection on every vehicle, check every fluid to make sure that it's good to go," Maxey said.
For those who run into a roadside emergency, AAA emphasized the importance of keeping an emergency kit handy.
"It's a good idea to have a flashlight with fresh batteries, a basic tool kit, a tarp or some sort of raincoat. Again, you want to have extra coats too or extra layers just in case, you do have an emergency and you lose power," Armbruster said.
If able to do so, he suggested keeping the car covered or in an enclosed space to help keep it out of the elements.