The Alberta Motor Association rescues a stranded driver every 64 seconds, but when temperatures drop to extreme colds, that frequency increases to every 40 seconds.
Calls regarding dead batteries can sometimes balloon by as much as six times during long cold snaps, the AMA said in a press release Thursday.
“The good news is that many of these situations are preventable with a little preparation,” said the AMA.
The AMA is offering the following tips for drivers as the mercury in Alberta starts to dip:
- Plug in your vehicle for three to four hours when the outdoor temperature is -15 C or below.
- Use winter tires to get much better traction on snow and ice.
- Ensure your tires are properly inflated, as most tires lose one pound per square inch for every 5 C drop in temperature.
- Consider switching to synthetic oil for the winter months to reduce the wear and tear on your engine.
- Ensure your gas tank is at least half full and consider using gas-line antifreeze if your vehicle frequently moves from warm to cold environments.
Extreme cold temperatures will hit Red Deer Friday, when the nighttime high is -27 C, according to Environment Canada. The cold is expected to continue through the next few days – Saturday’s daytime high is -23 C, Sunday’s is -25 C and Monday’s is -20 C.
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