TOLEDO, OH (Jan. 10, 2019) - The AAA Roadside Rescue Team is gearing up to assist motorists traveling this weekend as the area anticipates snow this weekend.

AAA has responded to more than 200 calls for assistance in Northwest Ohio since Tuesday morning as temperatures dropped dramatically overnight after several unseasonably warm days. Additionally, an analysis of year-to-year data shows that roadside assistance calls increased in 2018 compared to 2017.  AAA provided roadside assistance to 76,622 motorists in Northwest Ohio in 2018 compared to nearly 72,434 in 2017. 

"While AAA membership has multiple benefits, including discounts, travel tips, and public advocacy, more than 76,000 members throughout Northwest Ohio made use of the roadside assistance benefit that comes with membership in the 115 year-old organization, 4,000 more than in 2017," said Kara Hitchens, AAA spokeswoman.

Northwest Ohio Roadside Assistance Year to Year Comparison 

Towing, dead batteries, and flat tires remained the top three reasons for service calls in 2018 and 2017. 

With cold weather season upon us, drivers can check their vehicle to prevent two of the most common needs for roadside assistance, tires and batteries:

• Battery: Clean any corrosion from battery posts and cable connections and wash all surfaces with battery terminal cleaner or a solution of baking soda and water. Have the battery checked by a professional to ensure it is strong enough to face cold weather. AAA members can request a visit from a AAA Mobile Battery Service technician who will test their battery and replace it on-site, if necessary.
• Tires: Examine tires for tread depth, uneven wearing and cupping. Check tire pressures once a month when tires are cold, before driving for any distance.

To help drivers prepare for winter, AAA is offering free bumper-to-bumper vehicle maintenance inspections at all local AAA Tire and Auto Centers and AAA membership is not required.

Other areas worth checking on a vehicle for winter weather include:

• Engine: Have any engine drivability problems corrected at a good repair shop. Symptoms like hard starts, rough idling, stalling or diminished power could signal a problem that would be exacerbated by cold weather. Engine hoses and belts should be inspected for wear or cracking.
• Fluids: Important system fluids such as engine coolant/anti-freeze, transmission and brake fluid should be checked and changed at recommended intervals.
• Exhaust: Have your mechanic check the exhaust system for leaks and look for any holes in the trunk and floorboards.
• Brakes: Inspect brakes as recommended in your owner’s manual, or sooner if you notice pulsations, pulling, noises while braking or longer stopping distance. Correct minor brake problems promptly.
• Wipers: Replace worn windshield-wiper blades. Purchase one-piece beam-type or rubber-clad “winter” blades to fight snow and ice build-up. Use cold-weather windshield washer solvent and carry an ice-scraper.
• Lights: Inspect all lights and bulbs and replace burned out bulbs. Clean road grime or clouding from all lenses.

Now is also a great time to assemble an emergency kit equipped for winter weather to store in a vehicle. This kit is especially important for long distance driving where motorists may encounter winter weather. The emergency kit should include:

• Fully charged Mobile phone pre-programmed with rescue apps and important phone numbers including family and emergency services, and car charger 
• Drinking water
• First-aid kit
• Non-perishable snacks for both human and pet passengers
• Bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter) or traction mats
• Snow shovel
• Blankets
• Extra warm clothing (coat, gloves, hats, scarves)
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Window washer solvent
• Ice scraper with brush
• Cloth or roll of paper towels
• Jumper cables
• Warning devices (flares or triangles)
• Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench)

###

AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to 58 million members nationwide and more than three million members in Ohio.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  AAA is a non-stock, non-profit corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information, visit www.AAA.com.