Drop in Temps Means Increase in Dead Batteries
AAA Prepares for Spike in Call Volume

Urges Members ‘Call Us before You Need Us’ 

AAA is preparing for a sharp increase in dead battery calls as temperatures decrease – and urging motorists to prepare as well. The colder it gets, the greater the strain on the car battery so, AAA says, a battery that started your vehicle yesterday might not do so today or tomorrow. 

“The concern is that drivers and their passengers will become stranded in the extreme conditions, be unprepared and at risk,” says Amy Parmenter, spokesperson for AAA in Greater Hartford. 

The average car battery lasts 3-5 years in New England so AAA is urging drivers to be proactive in an effort to ensure everyone’s safety. This winter, AAA expects to respond to thousands of calls for dead batteries - just in the Greater Hartford area alone. 

Call Us Before You Need Us 

AAA is reminding members that they can call at any time and, at no charge, a technician will come to your home or place of business to check your battery. If there is the need for a new one, it can be swapped out on the spot. No need to wait until you are stuck on the side of the road. 

Also, drivers can get their batteries checked for FREE at any AAA Approved Auto Repair or our AAA Car Care in Southington. 

WARNING SIGNS

1. Your car doesn’t start immediately, or makes a clicking noise when you turn the key.
2. Your headlights or interior lights are dimmer than normal, or the power windows are working slower than usual.
3. You see stains or signs of corrosion on the battery itself.
4. Your battery is more than three years old.
5. You take a lot of short trips where the car is turned on and off often, or you have long stretches of time (weeks or months) where the car is not used at all.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

1. Park your car in a garage whenever possible. The less frigid the air is around your car, the better for your battery.
2. Turn off your lights, wipers, and heater before you turn off your engine at the end of a drive to prevent an unnecessary drain on the battery the next time you start your car.
3. Unplug phone chargers and USB cables for devices like iPods as soon as you turn off your engine (for the same reason as #2)
4. Avoid using your car’s heater longer than you have to; heaters put high demands on your battery.
5. If you see corrosion on your battery, clean it or have it cleaned by a trained technician.

AAA is also reminding motorists to stock a 'Winter Emergency Kit' so, in the event of a breakdown, everyone can stay safe and warm while waiting for help to arrive. 

AAA Winter Emergency Kit

• Fully charged cellphone
• Blankets, gloves and extra warm clothing
• A flashlight with extra batteries
• Emergency flares or reflectors
• Windshield scraper and brush; de-icer
• Water and snacks for small children or older passengers
• First aid kit
• Additional medicines your passengers might need
• Bag of sand or kitty litter for traction

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