Cold weather car tips: Quick review to help you avoid disaster

A car covered in snow in Detroit on Jan. 28, 2019. (WDIV)

These cold weather car tips are offered by AAA Michigan: 

  • When you start your car, if the engine is slow to turn over, or if the dashboard lights and/or headlights seem dimmer than usual, then have your battery checked.
  • Make sure that all accessories – fan, lights, interior lights, radio, etc. – are turned off before starting the car.
  • If you have the option, keep your car in the garage, where it’s significantly warmer than outside on these particularly cold mornings.  
  • Keep your car at least half filled with gas – this prevents fuel line freeze-up due to condensation that forms on the inside of the gas tank.
  • If planning on starting your car and then going inside to let it warm up (a big waste of fuel, by the way), make sure you have a spare set of keys handy in case you get locked out.