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AAA Carolinas: Bad Weather Can Signal Bad Batteries

*For media interviews with a AAA Car Care technician in your region, contact Tiffany Wright.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (January 18, 2019) – With frigid temperatures expected in the  Carolinas late this weekend and early next week, AAA Carolinas is warning motorists that the cold front could cause problems for their car battery.

“Sudden temperature changes can shock a vehicle, hindering its ability to run properly,” said Dusty Holcomb, president of AAA Carolinas Car Care. “Car batteries are especially vulnerable during this time of the year and we want to caution Carolinians to be proactive ahead of the cold front.”

At a comparatively mild 32 degrees, a car’s battery is 35 percent weaker than at warmer temperatures. At zero degrees, a car’s battery loses approximately 60 percent of its strength. As the air outside cools, the oil in the car thickens making it harder to turn the engine over.

“We offer free battery checks at our AAA Car Care Centers,” added Holcomb. “Our experienced technicians can detect if there is any corrosion and inspect battery cables, posts and fasteners. We’ll test the battery to determine whether it needs to be replaced and get you back on the road safely.”

If the starter motor cranks the engine slowly or the battery/charging warning light is illuminated, there could be a battery problem.  Another weak battery indicator on older vehicles is dim incandescent headlights, particularly at idle. However, not every failing battery reveals itself through obvious symptoms.

AAA Carolinas recommends the following tips to motorists for battery maintenance:

Get it checked. Have the battery and electrical system inspected by a trusted mechanic prior to extreme temperatures.  This will prevent you from any surprises before you start your day.  For a link to AAA Car Care Centers click here: https://carolinas.aaa.com/automotive/carcare/

Get it tested. Every six months is a good guideline for how often you should have your battery tested, especially if it’s more than a few years old. This ensures that its available starting power stays at appropriate levels.

Switch it off. Not the battery, of course, but the lights, heater and wipers. If you switch your engine off but leave one of these items on, there will be an unnecessary drain on your battery.

Practice moderation. Love your heated seats and heated screens? Enjoy them, but not for longer than you have to. They use a lot of battery power. Also, keep in mind that phone chargers and other electronic devices may drain the battery if left connected.

Park in the garage. If you have the option, use it.

AAA also offers mobile battery service for AAA Members to replace their battery, whether they’re on the side of the road or in their driveway.

AAA Carolinas, an affiliate of the American Automobile Association, is a not-for-profit organization that serves more than 2.1 million members and the public with travel, automobile and insurance services while being an advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.

For more seasonal traffic safety tips, please subscribe to our AAA Carolinas Foundation for Traffic Safety e-newsletter. By clicking the button below, you will be registered to receive an email each month with the latest information regarding traffic safety, including travel forecasts and automotive trends.

For more information on this press release, please contact:

Public Relations Manager
Tiffany Wright
tmwright@aaacarolinas.com
Work : 704-737-8306
Cell : 704-569-7768