Vehicle breakdowns are a possiblity at any time of the year. However the more extreme the weather, the more likely a breakdown becomes. When the temperature drops breakdowns become increasingly dangerous to motorists as exposure to the elements can be deadly.
"A large majority of the breaksdowns are preventable," said AAA Chicago spokesperson Kris Lathan. "The time to get vehicles inspected for winter is now."
Throughout October, AAA Chicago offers its free Winter Car Care inspections at more than 70 AAA-Approved Auto Repair (AAR) facilities throughout Illinois and northern Indiana. Other states have them as well. Calling your local AAA office can help you locate one of these inspection programs.
The most common vehicle deficiencies found during a winter car care inspection include weak batteries, worn or damaged wiper blades, clogged air filters, low washer fluid, dirty or low motor oil, and low anti-freeze levels.
Now in its 25th year, the AA Winter Car Care 12-point inspection includes:
- Battery check for loose cables and corroded terminals
- Anti-freeze check for strength in the radiator overflow reservoir
- Oil level check with the vehicle's dipstick
- Brake fluid level check
- Power steering fluid level check
- Automatic transmission fluid level check
- Inspection of all belts and hoses
- Inspection of the air filter
- Windshield washer fluid level check
- Inspection of windshield wipers
- Light and turn signal inspection
- Inspection of tire tread wear and inflation if necessary
Motorists can obtain a Winter Car Care inspection at any one of the more than 70 Approved Auto Repair facilities located in Illinois and northern Indiana. Each facility is regularly inspected by AAA to meet stringent standards for customer satisfaction, staff qualifications, and scope of services. AAA Chicago recommends its network of AARs to motorists for their automotive maintenance and repair needs.
