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Wintry weather is in the forecast throughout the region this week as overnight temperatures dip below freezing mix with rain and snow on Thursday. AAA Mid-Atlantic is advising drivers that now is an ideal time for a seasonal checkup of key vehicle systems to ensure worry-free driving before cold weather and winter driving conditions arrive. “AAA recommends motorists use a simple checklist to determine their vehicle’s fall and winter maintenance needs,” says Ken Grant, manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Many of the items on the list can be inspected by a car owner in less than an hour, but others should be performed by a certified technician.” To help drivers prepare for winter, Dover's AAA Car Care Centers are offering free battery checks to AAA member and non-members. Vehicle owners should read the maintenance requirements set by the car’s manufacturer in the owner’s manual. There is no longer a “standard” maintenance schedule for vehicle services – including brake fluid. Each automaker has different requirements, making the owner’s manual the most accurate resource. In-vehicle maintenance reminders provide good guidance because they account for real-time problems and how you actually drive. However, many reminder systems do not specifically cover maintenance operations that need to be performed on a time or mileage basis – such as brake fluid and coolant flushes or timing-belt replacement. Harsh winter conditions make your vehicle work harder, particularly the charging and starting system, headlights, tires and windshield wipers. AAA recommends that motorists check the following vehicle systems: • Battery: Clean any corrosion from battery posts and cable connections and wash all surfaces with battery terminal cleaner or a solution of baking soda and water. Have the battery checked by a professional to ensure it is strong enough to face cold weather. AAA members can request a visit from a AAA Mobile Battery Service technician who will test their battery and replace it on-site, if necessary. • Tires: Examine tires for tread depth, uneven wearing and cupping. Check tire pressures once a month when tires are cold, before driving for any distance. • Engine: Have any engine drivability problems corrected at a good repair shop. Symptoms like hard starts, rough idling, stalling or diminished power could signal a problem that would be exacerbated by cold weather. Engine hoses and belts should be inspected for wear or cracking. • Fluids: Important system fluids such as engine coolant/anti-freeze, transmission and brake fluid should be checked and changed at recommended intervals. • Exhaust: Have your mechanic check the exhaust system for leaks and look for any holes in the trunk and floorboards. • Brakes: Inspect brakes as recommended in your owner’s manual, or sooner if you notice pulsations, pulling, noises while braking or longer stopping distance. Correct minor brake problems promptly. • Wipers: Replace worn windshield-wiper blades. Purchase one-piece beam-type or rubber-clad “winter” blades to fight snow and ice build-up. Use cold-weather windshield washer solvent and carry an ice-scraper. • Lights: Inspect all lights and bulbs and replace burned out bulbs. Clean road grime or clouding from all lenses. Now is also a great time to assemble an emergency kit equipped for winter weather to store in a vehicle. This kit is especially important for long distance driving where motorists may encounter winter weather. The emergency kit should include: • Fully charged mobile phone pre-programmed with rescue apps and important phone numbers including family and emergency services, and car charger • Drinking water • First-aid kit • Non-perishable snacks for both human and pet passengers • Bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter) or traction mats • Snow shovel • Blankets • Extra warm clothing (coat, gloves, hats, scarves) • Flashlight with extra batteries • Window washer solvent • Ice scraper with brush • Cloth or roll of paper towels • Jumper cables • Warning devices (flares or triangles) • Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench) Many of the winter emergency items listed above – plus pre-assembled multi-item kits including the 73-piece Explorer Road Kit and 66-piece Winter Safety Road Kit – are available, at a discount to AAA members, in the online store at AAA.com.