AAA giving tips on how to keep your car running in frigid temperatures

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – The weather is keeping people indoors as temperatures are low in the middle of January but keeping yourself warm isn’t the only thing to worry about. 

Car batteries are important to maintain and keep running all year long but especially now. Experts from AAA tell us this is one of the main calls for roadside assistance.

Nick Chabarria is the spokesperson for AAA and he says when temperatures drop below 32 degrees it will take more energy for your engine to start up during the winter.

He explains to us what happens to the battery during this cold.

 “Because the oil condenses with the cold temperatures. So, it actually needs more juice to get going. So those two things combined, can really make it hard for vehicles, especially in these, you know, single digit temperatures that we’ve been experiencing over the last couple days,” said Chabarria.

Chabarria says there are some solutions in helping save your battery not only in the cold but in general.

 “That said, you know, one of the easiest things you could do may seem like the obvious but pull your car inside your garage if you have access to one. even just, you know, a few degrees warmer than the garage areas that’ll help, you know, prolong the life of your battery and, help it out in these really, really frigid cold temperatures. Something else you can do that people may not think of. Make sure when you turn your car off, turn your headlights off. Turn your radio off. Unplug any phone chargers. you really just want to make sure you’re not putting extra strain on your battery when you go to turn your key. the next time you get in,” said Chabarria.

AAA recommends keeping blankets, warm clothes, and water in your car just in case you get stuck and have to wait in your non-starting vehicle until roadside assistance gets there.