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Motorists Master Cold-Weather Strategies
Bobby Embrey seemed perplexed.
As a tow truck driver for The Plains Service Center & Eddie's Towing in The Plains, Embrey knows business heats up on bitter winter days. When it's below freezing, calls from AAA members in need of jump starts or roadside service skyrocket, Embrey said.
Tow truck drivers are often busiest at the crack of dawn, when residents get up for work and find their cars won't start.
But that wasn't the case on Friday morning. Even with temperatures well below 20 degrees, the garage received only one AAA call as of 9:30 a.m.
“We're going to a house [near] Meetze Road to get a vehicle with a ruptured fuel line,” Embrey explained while en route. “I have a feeling this call doesn't have anything to do with the cold — it is probably something that's been ongoing,” he added, noting that many people are putting off car repairs due to the ailing economy.
Embrey, who has been working at Eddie's for 10 years, also attributed the lack of roadside-assistance calls to the fact it was a holiday. Or perhaps people actually heeded the experts' advice and prepared for the cold snap this time, he mused.
“Last night, people seemed to be getting ready [for the colder weather]. We had a few jump starts for vehicles that hadn't been driven for a few days,” Embrey said.
A spokesman for the auto club's Mid-Atlantic chapter said the organization assisted nearly 5,500 motorists on Thursday with towing services, jump starts or battery replacements. The number reflects a six percent increase in such calls compared to an average winter day.
“Cold temperatures and wintry weather take their toll on vehicles, especially if they have not been properly maintained and prepared for winter,” said Lon Anderson, director of public and government affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic.
“Though preventative measures go a long way toward keeping motorists driving safely on the road, unexpected weather or malfunctions may still arise and leave them stranded.”
Consequently, motorists are reminded to use the following winter checklist:
• Check antifreeze annually to ensure it will withstand the winter cold. A 50-50 mixture of coolant and water will protect against freezing.
• Replace windshield wipers and replenish wiper fluid as necessary.
• Check tire pressure frequently and maintain the manufacturer's recommended levels.
• Make sure the battery fits properly and remove any corrosion on the battery. If the battery is out of warranty, get it tested before it gets extremely cold.
• Replace any accessory drive belts that are cracked, glazed or frayed, as well as coolant hoses that are visibly worn, excessively soft or bulging. Check for leaks around the hose clamps and the water pump.
For more cold weather tips, visit the Mid-Atlantic chapter of the AAA's Web site at www.AAA.com.
E-mail the reporter: abogdanovic@timespapers.com
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