MOBILE, Ala. — When a cold front pushes into the Gulf Coast, area mechanics say the first sign of trouble often shows up on the dashboard. Drop in temperature, and warning lights have a way of switching on — most commonly the tire pressure monitor.
Cold air causes tire pressure to fall, triggering the sensor in many vehicles. The fix starts with a sticker: open the driver’s door and check the label inside the door crease, which lists the proper PSI for your tires.
Batteries are the other frequent cold-weather casualty, and they tend to fail without warning. Older batteries in particular may not respond well to the first real chill of the season. Service technicians recommend having a battery tested as seasons change — or simply replacing it if it’s already several years old.
“It’s probably a little more dramatic going from hot to cold than cold to hot, so the biggest thing is to be prepared,” said Tito McKinney, service director for Gulf Coast Auto Group.
McKinney’s shop also recommends checking the cooling system and replacing worn wiper blades before winter arrives.
For holiday travelers heading out on long drives — possibly through several different climates along the way — a pre-trip inspection is worth the time. Packing emergency supplies in the trunk is smart insurance in case bad weather hits or the car breaks down far from home.