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If you have to drive in this North Texas ice storm, here’s what you need to know

Many Texans are remaining home during the winter storm, but if you have to hit the icy roadways there are a few things to know.

Tarrant, Dallas and 20 other North Texas counties are under an ice storm warning until 9 a.m. Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. Freezing rain Wednesday could cause power outages across the region.

While many North Texans have hunkered down this week, over 800 motorists have contacted American Automobile Association Texas for emergency roadside service as of Tuesday. While that number is lower than the normal daily call volume, many of the emergency requests could have been avoided, according to AAA Texas.

If you have to drive on the icy roadways this week, AAA Texas recommends these tips:

AAA Texas recommends to do this before going out on icy roadways

AAA Texas recommends drivers follow a few general tips when they hit icy roadways:

  • Use your seatbelt every time you get in in a vehicle.

  • Never warm up a vehicle in a garage or other enclosed space.

  • Unclog the exhaust pipe of any snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust could cause carbon monoxide gas to leak back inside the vehicle.

  • Never leave the vehicle unattended while the engine is running.

  • Keep the vehicle’s gas tank at least halfway full to avoid a gas line freeze-up.

A tire will lose 1 pound per square inch with every 10 degree drop in temperature

AAA data shows that 60% of American do not regularly check their tire’s air pressure. When the temperature drops like it has in North Texas, so does the air pressure in tires.

A tire will generally lose 1 pound per square inch with every 10 degree drop in temperature, AAA said. In addition, tires typically lose 1-2 psi each month from normal use. Here’s what to check with tires:

  • Drivers should check their vehicle’s tire pressure at least once a month throughout the year, and double check during colder months.

  • Check your tire when its cold or after the vehicle has been idle. The air inside the tire warms up during use and expands causing the pressure to increase.

Dead batteries are one of the main service calls AAA Texas receives

Dead batteries are one of the main service calls AAA Texas is responding to during the winter storm this week.

A car battery loses a third of its power in freezing weather as the oil in the vehicle thickens. When this happens, parts move slower and the battery must use more power to turn over and start the engine, according to AAA Texas.

A few tips on battery condition include:

  • Have your battery and charging system checked for optimum performance, specifically if the battery is more than three years old.

  • Clear any corrosion from battery points and cable connections.

  • Wipe away dirt or oil deposits on the battery case and make sure everything is secure.

What can I do if my battery is failing?

A sign that your battery is failing is the car doesn’t start immediately or makes a clicking sound when trying to start the engine. Another sign is headlights or interior lights dimming.

There are a few things drivers can do when their battery starts failing, according to AAA Texas:

  • Park the car in a garage whenever possible. The less cold the air is around the vehicle is better for the battery.

  • Turn off lights, wipers and heater before turning the vehicle’s engine off at the end of a drive. This will prevent any unnecessary drain on the battery while it sits idle.

  • Unplug phone chargers and USB device cables as soon as the engine is turned off, to not weigh on the battery.

  • Avoid using the vehicle’s heater longer than needed as heaters put extra work on the battery.

  • If corrosion is present on the battery, clean it or have it cleaned by a technician.

What do I need in my emergency vehicle kit?

AAA Texas reminds drivers to have an emergency kit in their vehicle at all times during winter weather.

The kit should include:

  • Traction aids such as salt, sand, cat litter or traction mats

  • Shovel

  • Flashlight with extra batteries

  • Jumper cables or jump pack

  • Toolkit with screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench, duct tape and plastic zip ties

  • Tarp, raincoat and gloves

  • Rags, paper towels or wet wipes

  • Warning devices like flares, reflective triangles or LED beacons

  • First-aid kit, but make sure to check expiration date on supplies

  • Drinking water

  • Snacks/food for passengers and pets

  • Ice scraper, snow brush and winter windshield water solvent

  • Extra clothes such as gloves, hats, jackets and blankets

  • Car phone charger