Frigid Temps Causing Car Battery Problems
TOWSON (WJZ) --- Historic below average temperatures during November haven't been seen since the mid-1970s. Not only are they taking a toll on people, but they're also affecting car batteries.
AAA Mid-Atlantic employees received a 22 percent increase compared to last year in their roadside assistance calls on Tuesday. Over 2,000 calls were related to dead batteries, with over 500 of those calls coming from Maryland motorists.
"In frigid weather like this, weak car batteries are typically the first to go on the list of potential car issues related to cold temperatures," said Ragina Cooper Averella, Manager of Public and Government Affairs at AAA Mid-Atlantic. "At 32°F, your car's battery loses 35 percent of its strength. If your battery is more than three years old, it's worth having your battery checked. If you've postponed vehicle maintenance, now is the time to take care of it."
The following are warning signs that a car is at risk for battery-related breakdowns:
- Hearing a grinding or click sound when you turn on your ignition
- Vehicle cranking slowly when you attempt to start it
- Headlights dimming when idling, but brightens when engine is revved
- Battery older than three years
Make sure your car is ready with the below AAA suggestions:
- Get a checkup
- Test the battery
- Check the tires
- Check the oil level and filters
- Keep the car clean
- Pack an emergency bag