CAA South Central Ontario (CAASCO) has issued a warning to drivers that it predicts a high volume of car battery failures on Monday, as temperatures are expected to hit negative double digits.
The insurer said that, in the last two years, it has observed a 25% increase in battery-related calls. Weather forecasters predicted that Sunday night would be the coldest evening of the season, and CAA is bracing for a spike in claims.
“Our top priority is always focused on keeping our members safe,” said CAASCO public relations manager Kaitlynn Furse. “Extreme cold can wreak havoc on cars and shorten the lifespan of your car battery, but, more importantly, it increases the risk of being stranded. We are encouraging members to take the cold weather seriously and plan ahead to stay safe before heading out on the road.”
It has recommended that drivers whose vehicles have a battery that is older than three years should have the electrical systems checked to avoid unexpected power failure. CAA is also discouraging drivers from boosting their batteries themselves, as this could risk damaging their automobile’s systems.
Other tips CAA has suggested include:
