Freezing temperatures aren't gentle on cars or people. (File Photo/paNOW News staff)

By Rob Mahon

Cars In Cold

Winter causes discontent for drivers

Dec 6, 2021 | 12:00 PM

If you had a little trouble getting your car to start this morning, you’re not alone. Drivers in the Prince Albert area had to deal with a quick drop in temperature that left several of them needing a boost.

According to CAA Prince Albert, there have been several calls for service from last night into the later stages of this morning. As of 9:30 a.m., however, they hadn’t been overwhelmed by requests from stranded drivers and their calls were proceeding on time.

“We checked with our communications centre, and it has been quiet considering the cold,” said Christine Niemczyk, director of communications with CAA Saskatchewan. “Perhaps advance notice from (media) resources let drivers know that the cold spell was indeed coming.”

That’s not to say there have been no calls at all, however, as they’ve had eight people call in for assistance. One person needed to be towed, another needed a winch, and six more customers needed their batteries jump-started.

“A winch refers to getting somebody out of a snowbank,” Niemczyk explained. “No real concern about the volume of calls, it was very doable, very manageable. Average wait times, it’s business as usual.”

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Saskatchewan drivers are well-versed in winter for the most part, but occasional reminders don’t hurt anyone, and one reminder Niemczyk wanted to pass on was the need to plug your vehicle in. When the temperature drops below -16 C, that’s when you want to start plugging it in, and both today and tomorrow will be far colder than that.

“You may want to check the manual, and I think that’s the least read document we have is the owner manual for a vehicle,” Niemczyk said. “We can often suggest, if you’re concerned about using the power and power bills, putting on a timer.”

Battery boosts are the most common call CAA gets this time of year, according to Niemczyk. Batteries are supposed to last between three and five years, but the colder weather in Saskatchewan means they might not get their full lifespan.

“In harsher weather, there’s going to be more use of the battery,” Niemczyk said. “It’s going to need more power and juice to get us around. So check your battery’s lifespan. You can also take it down to a local automotive shop and have your battery tested just to make sure it’s got the power you need to get us through this cold spell.”

Niemczyk also said when plugging in your car you should make sure the power cord isn’t frayed. She also said if you become stranded in your car, it’s better to have gas available so keeping your tank relatively full is a good safety measure.

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rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP