WILMINGTON, DE, (March 16, 2017) – Spring begins on Monday, but you’d never know it to look at the roadside assistance numbers from AAA Mid-Atlantic, which reached a high for 2017. The premier roadside assistance provider says Wednesday’s return to the road following winter storm Stella and the extended cold snap bracing the region sent emergency roadside assistance calls in Delaware up by double digits in comparison to the same time last week.

On Wednesday, the auto club saw requests for emergency roadside service in Delaware hit 358 calls. The auto club responded to 101 battery-related calls, which accounted for 28 percent of all calls Wednesday.

Always there for motorists, the auto club has been working around the clock to help stranded motorists following the storm and in the midst of the recent cold snap blanketing the region.

“Our fleet and contractors throughout Delaware have been working tirelessly to rescue stranded motorists since Wednesday’s storm, especially as the extreme cold temperatures proved damaging to so many car batteries” said Ken Grant, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic.  “Even as requests for assistance climbed, our priority is always to get our members back on the road or to safety as quickly as possible.”

AAA Mid-Atlantic Delaware
Emergency Roadside Assistance Volume

Wednesday, March 15, 2017 (compared to one week ago, Wednesday, March 8)
 

• Wednesday, March 15, 2017
• Total calls up 70% week-over week
• Battery calls up 130% week-over week
• Tow calls up 36% week-over week
• Tires calls up 39% week-over week

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.

In addition, AAA Mid-Atlantic offers battery replacement service through its roadside assistance operations and at select Approved Auto Repair (AAR) facilities throughout the region. To request service call 1-800-AAA-HELP or for a battery price quote visit https://cluballiance.aaa.com/Automotive/MobileBattery.

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AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 57 million members nationwide and more than 140,000 members in Delaware.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  The not-for-profit, fully tax-paying member organization works 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 for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information, visit www.AAA.com.