As 800,500 Oklahomans take to the roads for the year-end holidays, AAA anticipates it will assist more than 8,600 stranded motorists across the state from Dec. 19 to Jan. 2. The auto club will be busy with lockouts, battery replacements, jump starts, changing tires, towing vehicles for repair and more.
“When the weather turns frightful, the least delightful activity is being stranded on the side of the road,” said Chuck Mai, spokesman for AAA Oklahoma. “Please take the time to make certain your vehicle is properly maintained and prepared for holiday driving to ensure it gets you and your loved ones to your destination safely and without incident.”
Nationwide, AAA expects to respond to calls for help from 1.2 million motorists over the final 13 days of 2012 and into the first two days of the new year.
Drivers can avoid most breakdowns by keeping their vehicles properly maintained. AAA advises motorists to follow their vehicle manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and make sure their vehicle is ready for the rigors of year-end holiday driving.
Here are a few things to add to your list before heading out for your holiday drive:
Antifreeze. Check antifreeze annually to ensure it will withstand the winter cold. A 50/50 mixture of coolant and water will protect against freezing.
Windshield wipers and washer fluid. Replace wiper blades if they do not clear the glass in a single swipe without streaking. Fill the windshield washer reservoir with winter detergent fluid to prevent freeze up.
Tires. A tire loses about a pound of pressure for every 10-degree drop in temperature, so check the pressure frequently and maintain the recommended levels found on the driver’s door jamb. Motorists should never reduce tire pressure in an attempt to increase traction on snow and ice. This does not work, and when the roads dry out it can cause excessive tire wear and vehicle handling problems.
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