NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — With extreme arctic temperatures forecast for the area starting this weekend and throughout next week, AAA Kansas urges drivers to make sure their vehicles are ready for the cold.
"Especially when we get these sudden onsets of extremely cold weather, that often leads to a big spike in roadside service calls for AAA and other providers," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "It's a big issue for vehicles, especially batteries. We see a lot of dead battery calls when we get these Arctic blasts."
As the air outside cools, the oil in your car thickens. Parts move slower, and your battery has to use more power to turn over and start the engine.
"It's important to get your battery checked, especially if it's more than three years old," Steward said. "That's the typical life span of a battery is three to five years. Chances are, if you have an older battery, it's probably not got the strength that it once had to start your vehicle in really cold temperatures."
If the temperature drops to zero or below, your battery has only half its power to start the vehicle.
"If your car is sitting for a long time, that can be really tough on the battery in extreme cold," Steward said. "We recommend getting your car out every day, run it for 15 to 20 minutes, cleaning off snow and ice off your windshield. Get it out and get it running for 15 to 20 minutes. That can help recharge your battery, to make sure it is ready for when you actually need it."
Park your car in a garage, if possible. The less frigid the air is around your car, the better for your battery.
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