Jenifer Moore
Public Affairs Specialist, OH
O: (513) 762-3105 ext. (5503105)
C: (513) 401-4911
jmoore1@aaa-alliedgroup.com
CINCINNATI, OH (February 18, 2020) – As automotive technicians across the country gear up to celebrate National Battery Day (Feb. 18), AAA is urging motorists to take charge and check their vehicle battery to ensure maximum performance for travel.
The premier roadside assistance provider for more than 100 years replaced more than 42,000 vehicle batteries throughout Ohio last winter through its Mobile Battery Service Program. With this popular member benefit, whether you are stranded at roadside or stuck in your driveway, AAA Battery Service Technicians deliver and install your new battery on-the-spot.
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.“AAA encourages motorists to proactively check the status of their vehicle battery,” says AAA | Bob Sumerel Tire & Service District Manager, Troy Cox. “While we haven’t gotten much snow this season thus far, the temperature fluctuations have wreaked havoc on vehicles in the tris-state area.”
Warning signs that you are at risk for a battery related breakdown include the following include: hearing a grinding or clicking sound when you turn on the ignition, your vehicle cranks slowly when attempting to start, your headlights dim when idling but brighten when the engine is revved or your battery is more than three (3) years old.
“Drivers should make sure their vehicles are prepared with a strong battery, proper levels of antifreeze, properly inflated tires, and plenty of windshield washer fluid,” continues Cox. “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| Bob Sumerel Tire & Service stores throughout the greater Cincinnati-area offer FREE car battery checks. Visit www.aaa.com/store to find the nearest location or call 1-800-AAA-HELP for a free instant quote with the Mobile Battery Service. Motorists can see firsthand whether their car batteries are strong enough to withstand the bitter cold.
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