A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

AAA: Winter storm and extreme temperatures meant more than 3,000 service calls; check your battery


AAA has received more than 3,000 requests for service in our area as a result of Winter Storm Harper and extreme temperatures.

Contributing factors to the high call volume:

• Vehicles that sit idle for extended period. With Winter Storm Harper hitting the area this past weekend, many vehicles may have been idle until today.
 
• The cold puts extreme stress on batteries.

• Most batteries last 3-5 years.

• The cold has a cumulative effect so every day of the extreme cold is more stressful on the battery than the day before.

• Tires that are not properly inflated are more likely to have a flat or blowout.

According to AAA’s Automotive Research Center, at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, a vehicle’s battery loses 35 percent of its strength, and at zero degrees Fahrenheit, it loses a whopping 60 percent of its strength.

AAA encourages motorists to start the vehicle tonight prior to going to bed for at least 5-10 minutes to keep the battery charged.
 
If needed, AAA Roadside Assistance Team members can test, deliver and install a new battery onsite through the AAA Mobile Battery Service. Motorists can also visit any area AAA|Bob Sumerel Tire & Service for a free battery check (AAA membership is not required).
 
WINTER WEATHER CAR PREPARATION:

· Protect vehicle: If possible park car inside a garage or under a cover like a carport.

· Start your vehicle tonight: This is especially key if the vehicle has been sitting idle for the last two days. Cold weather strains a vehicle battery’s ability to function. According to AAA’s Automotive Research Center, at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, a vehicle’s battery loses 35 percent of its strength, and at zero degrees Fahrenheit, it loses a whopping 60 percent of its strength. Start the vehicle tonight for at least 5-10 minutes to keep the battery charged.

· Check your tires: Tires must have a tread of 6/32 inches or more to handle snow safely. Be aware of your tire-pressure light as well. Tire pressure will decrease about one pound per square inch (psi) for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit that the outside air temperature drops. Low air pressure can reduce your fuel economy, create greater stopping distance, increase tire wear and tear, and even potentially cause a tire blowout.

· Dry and lubricate surfaces: Wipe down and dry weather strips and surfaces around doors and windows. Apply a lubricant (WD40, cooking spray and even Vaseline work well) to the weather stripping to prevent freezing.

· Windshield wipers: Pull wipers away from your windshield to prevent them from freezing to the windshield.

· Emergency roadside kit: Keep a kit stocked with a fully charged cellphone and charger, snow/ice scraper, blanket, extra gloves, hats, flares or brightly colored hazard triangle, shovel, de-icer, kitty litter or sand and non-perishable snacks.


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