By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — AAA saw a significant increase in battery service calls in Kansas in April, as stay-at-home orders kept many vehicles parked.
"We've experienced, for our roadside assistance and mobile battery service technicians, a 7% increase in the number of calls for battery service in April," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas.
If your car hasn’t hit the road in a while, AAA Kansas encourages you to take some steps to keep you and your vehicle safe.
"It's a big issue, as cars sit around," Steward said. "You don't think about it, but the electronics in your car can still be tapping that battery. If you don't get out and use your vehicle every once in awhile, that battery, especially if it was weak beforehand, could tap out."
There are other systems to check if you haven't driven in some time.
"If your car has been garaged for awhile, especially your tires, make sure that the air pressure is where it needs to be on your tires," Steward said. "Look at the recommended amounts of tire pressure. That's usually found on the doorjamb of the driver's side of the vehicle. Make sure that those tires are properly aired up, because if they're not, they can lead to flat spots on the tires, if it's been sitting around for awhile."
As an added precaution, consider taking your vehicle to your trusted repair shop, such as an AAA Approved Auto Repair facility, for service. Make sure to call first for shop hours and procedures for bringing in a car for service.