AAA Roadside Rescues Increase As

Temperatures Plummet 

Cold-Weather Car & Card Check Encouraged

 November 13, 2018 - - - After rescuing 587 Oklahomans as of 3 p.m. today, AAA is urging drivers to take every step to make sure their cars are ready for the frigid winter ahead. Several days of below-freezer temperatures have contributed to heavy roadside assistance call volumes, roughly 150 more calls today than is normal for a typical November 13.

“Being stuck along the side of the road is inconvenient at any time of year but in extreme cold, it is potentially unsafe for drivers and passengers alike,” says Leslie Gamble, AAA Oklahoma spokesperson. “No one should be leaving their homes in a vehicle that is not winter ready”.

Primarily, AAA says, this means ensuring that your vehicle’s battery is in good working condition and that the tires are properly inflated for colder temperatures. AAA also reminds all motorists to make sure they have a roadside rescue plan. “Who are you going to call if you’re stuck on the side of the road,” Gamble says. “Don’t leave it to chance as to who will be available and equipped to quickly respond. For less than $2 a week, you can rely on AAA if you have an active membership card.” AAA technicians carry batteries onboard to replace failing batteries so members can continue on their way without being towed.

Given the extreme cold, AAA Oklahoma is offering additional membership discounts through Dec 31 with use of the PROMO CODE ‘SAFETY NEW’.

How to Prepare Your Vehicle for the Cold

1. Make sure your tires are inflated for cold weather

• A ‘cold weather pressure’ is typically posted on a sticker inside the driver’s door.
• Tires need more pressure when it is cold and under inflated tires are more likely to sustain a blow out or flat.

1. Make sure you battery is strong.

• It takes a battery twice as much power to start a vehicle when temperatures drop below freezing.
• Most batteries last 3-5 years so any battery more than 3 years old is at risk.

3. Stock a Cold Weather Emergency Kit

• Most important is fully charged cellphone so you can call for help
• Extra charger
• Extra coat, gloves, hats, blanket
• Flare or flashlight with additional batteries so you can see and be seen – especially at night
• Shovel, Ice scraper, de-icer
• Kitty litter or abrasive materials

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AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to 59 million members nationwide and more than 400,000 members in Oklahoma.  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.

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