TOWSON, MD (January 22, 2019) –– AAA Mid-Atlantic says the season’s first single-digit temperature drop and wind chills sent emergency roadside assistance calls soaring Monday.

On Monday, the auto club saw requests for emergency roadside service climb to the highest level so far in 2019 – AAA Mid-Atlantic’s emergency roadside assistance volume exceed 2,600 calls in Maryland and topped last year’s Martin Luther King Day call volume by 17 percent.  The auto club responded to nearly 900 battery-related calls, also the highest volume for battery calls in 2019 and up 31 percent from the same day last year.

Always there for motorists, the auto club has been working around the clock to help motorists whose car batteries were not strong enough to withstand the extended record-breaking cold that has blanketed the Mid-Atlantic.

“Our fleet and contractors within the Mid-Atlantic region have been working tirelessly to rescue stranded motorists throughout the weekend, especially yesterday as the extreme cold temperatures proved damaging so many car batteries,” said Ragina Cooper Averella, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic.  “Even as requests for assistance soared, our priority is always to get our members back on the road or to safety as quickly as possible.”

AAA Mid-Atlantic Emergency Roadside Assistance Volume – Maryland

Monday, January 21, 2019 (year-over-year comparison)

Battery-related assistance calls jump with periods of extreme cold. According to AAA’s Automotive Research Center, at 0°F, a car’s battery loses about 60 percent of its strength and at 32°F it loses 35 percent.  During cold temperatures starting an engine can take up to twice as much current as needed under normal conditions.  While three to five years is a typical life span, various internal and environmental conditions impact a battery’s long-term health.  Periodic inspection, testing, and cleaning are suggested and monitoring the use of accessories and electronic devices when your car is not running can help maximize its longevity.

“With continued bitter cold expected again today, drivers should make sure their vehicles are prepared with proper levels of antifreeze, a strong battery, and plenty of windshield washer fluid,” noted Averella.  “Also keep an emergency kit in the trunk should you run into any problems during your commute. Careful preparation is the key to weathering the wrath of Old Man Winter.”

AAA Car Care, Insurance and Travel Centers throughout Maryland offer complementary car battery checks.  Motorists can see firsthand whether their car battery is strong enough to withstand the bitter cold.

AAA Maryland Car Care Center Locations:

Warning signs that a driver is at risk for a battery-related breakdown include the following:

• Hearing a grinding or clicking sound when you turn on the ignition;

• Vehicle cranks slowly when attempting to start;

• Headlights dim when idling but brighten when the engine is revved;

• Car battery is more than three (3) years old.

Cold temperatures wreak havoc on car batteries, sending AAA roadside assistance calls soaring.  With AAA Mobile Battery Service, whether motorists are stranded at roadside or stuck in their driveway, AAA Battery Service Technicians can deliver and install a new battery at the driver’s location.  AAA members can get a complimentary instant quote by visiting AAA.com or call AAA’s Mobile Battery Service at 1-800-AAA-HELP.

AAA Mid-Atlantic’s priority is always to get members back on the road or to safety as quickly as possible, but not every situation is an emergency.  Online scheduling for AAA Mobile Battery Service is now available in select markets by visiting AAA.com, so drivers can schedule service at a time that is most convenient to have AAA deliver and install a new car battery in their vehicle. 

AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to over 59 million members nationwide and more than 975,000 members in Maryland.  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 AAA.com.

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Mailing Address:
8600 LaSalle Road, Ste 639
Towson, MD 21286