Colder temperatures hit: Prepare for winter driving

Thorold, ON (December 12, 2017) As cold weather packs a punch while many head to work and school, some Niagara residents are waking up to car batteries that fail, and others are experiencing car lockouts. With more cold temperatures in the forecast, CAA Niagara is urging drivers to brace themselves for winter driving.

Here are the top three things you can do to stay safe while driving this season.

1. Pack an emergency kit, including a shovel, ice scraper, extra washer fluid, first-aid kit, blanket, flashlight and batteries, a bag of sand or kitty litter for traction and non-perishable energy bars.
2. Have your vehicle checked bumper-to-bumper, including the car battery to ensure it's up to winter's challenges. "Motorists driving cars with a battery four years or older, during cold days, run the risk of battery failure. We recommend they get it tested, replaced and recycled," said Bill Willard, Vice President of Automotive at CAA Niagara. As part of CAA's mobile battery service, a CAA driver will come to you.
3. Install winter tires for better traction and control when temperatures are below 7C.

"We are expecting an influx of calls to our call centre as temperatures start to drop as a result of the overnight cold" said Rick Mauro, Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations at CAA Niagara. "People have been waiting over the weekend for garages to open before they request a tow."

For updates during adverse weather conditions, CAA reminds drivers to visit the CAA Niagara Facebook and Twitter pages. For emergency roadside assistance, call CAA at 1-800-263-3616. Download the CAA App to use CAA Service Tracker and track the estimated time of arrival for your CAA truck.

Contact: media@caaniagara.ca