Cold temperatures are here: How to winterize your car

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Cold temperatures have arrived in Southern New England, and the time has come to get the beach chairs out of the car and transition to an ice scraper.

“Here in New England, our cars take a beating. They drive through 100-degree weather as well as sub zero temperatures and blizzards, so we encounter it all,” said Mark Schieldrop of AAA Northeast.

AAA told ABC 6 News people should have a winter weather car kit ready and packed with water, snacks, a snow brush, ice scraper, jumper cable, shovel, and have a warm blanket on hand, too.

“The winters seem to just come upon us all of a sudden. A lot of folks wake up on these very cold mornings first thing and they find low tire pressure lights or they may even have trouble starting their car,” said Schieldrop.

As for the rest of your car, keep your gas tank at least half full, and consider replacing those wiper blades.

“We had a really rainy spring and summer so we got a lot of use out of our blades so now it is time to put a fresh pair on to make sure we are ready for the frost and all of the other conditions mother nature plans to throw at us,” explained Schieldrop.

Be sure to check those tires and look for tread depth and uneven wear, to make sure you have a safe commute as the temperatures tumble.

“Check your tires-tires are very critical for safety. If it snows, you need good traction. They have a lifespan of only a few years, many folks are driving on tires that are worn out,” Schieldrop said.

If an emergency were to happen, it is important to be prepared.

“Roadside crashes are actually up significantly in recent years and it is a major concern of ours when a member calls us and they are stranded on the roadway, we really do not want them on the roadway for very long because it is a dangerous place to be,” Schieldrop said.