By theWedge.LIVE

The Alberta Motor Association is receiving a lot of media inquiries, the Wedge among them. The cold snap -40 and lower is causing batteries to fail.

Since Sunday, they have received 30,700 roadside calls due to extreme cold across the province.  That’s six times the usual volume of calls.

Makes you wonder about the political push toward electric and autonomous vehicles, all battery driven. This technology needs attention from our best minds.

The AMA offers stellar tips (below) to avoid being stranded on the roadside–and experiencing the derelict effects on the human body.

“People’s safety is our top priority,” says Brandon Klassen, a Manager with AMA Automotive Services. “We’re prioritizing calls to ensure people in emergency situations receive help as quickly as possible and thank Albertans for their understanding as we work around the clock to reach those in need. It’s absolutely all hands on deck over here.”

GREAT TIPS :

With weather forecasters saying a reprieve from the cold is still days away, AMA provides the following tips for motorists:

• Prior to driving, plug in your vehicle for at least four hours when the outdoor temperature is -15C or below.
• If you have any doubts about your battery’s health on a cold day, consider alternate transportation until a test is completed or new battery is installed. This could save you from being stranded at roadside in extreme temperatures.*
• If your vehicle doesn’t have a block heater, switching to synthetic oil in the winter will help the engine turn over.
• Ensure your gas tank is at least half full and consider using gas-line antifreeze.
• Make sure you have an emergency roadside kit on hand. It should contain, at minimum, a warm blanket, warm clothing, basic first aid, water, a snow brush, and a cell phone charger.
• If your vehicle breaks down, your safety comes first. Please get to a warm place and don’t wait in your vehicle, as extreme temperatures make it dangerous to be outdoors (even inside a car).
• Drive to conditions, keeping in mind that roads are extremely slick and additional stopping distance is required.
• Ensure your tires are properly inflated, as most tires lose one pound per square inch for every 5C drop in temperature

This is not a sponsored story but a membership to the AMA is clearly worth every penny.