AAA Colorado rescued over 280,000 stranded motorists during past year

Denver, January 28 - AAA Colorado reports that it came to the aid of over 280,000 stranded motorists during 2009. AAA Colorado roadside problem-solvers were able to remedy 60% of motorists’ problems and send them on their way, but about 113,000 drivers needed a ride in a tow truck.

After the need for a tow, the second biggest issue AAA Colorado encountered was the need to replace or jump start dead batteries. More than 43,000 requests for help with a dead battery were met during 2009. AAA Colorado also retrieved nearly 42,000 sets of keys locked inside vehicles and changed approximately 31,000 tires.

“Many motorists can avoid roadside trouble with a little preventive maintenance and careful driving,” said Rob Wunsch, AAA Colorado Director of Automotive Services. “Having your vehicle properly maintained and prepared for winter weather will help ensure it gets you to your destination safely.”

Preventive maintenance

The best way to keep a vehicle running smoothly and safely is to keep it properly maintained. Motorists should follow their vehicle manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and make sure their vehicle is ready for winter. Some key components to inspect on a vehicle include:

• Antifreeze. Check antifreeze annually to ensure it will withstand the winter cold. A 50/50 mixture of coolant and water will protect against freezing.
• Windshield wipers and washer fluid. Replace wiper blades if they do not clear the glass in a single swipe without streaking. Where appropriate, consider the use of special winter blades that offer improved performance in snow and ice conditions. Fill the windshield washer reservoir with winter detergent fluid to prevent freeze up.
• Tires. Cold weather reduces tire inflation pressure, so check tire pressures frequently and maintain the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure found on the driver’s door jamb—not the pressure stamped on the tire sidewall. Motorists should never reduce tire pressure in an attempt to increase traction on snow and ice. This does not work, and when the roads dry out it can cause excessive tire wear and vehicle handling problems.
• Battery. Check for a secure fit and clean away any corrosion on the battery and its cable connections. If the battery is out of warranty, it’s advisable to have it tested before cold weather hits. If replacement is necessary, have a certified technician help select the proper battery for your vehicle type and local climate. In many areas along the Front Range, AAA Colorado members can make an appointment to have a AAA Battery Service technicians visit their home or office to check and replace batteries.
• Belts and hoses. Replace accessory drive belts that are cracked, glazed or frayed, as well as coolant hoses that are visibly worn, brittle, bulging or excessively soft. Check for leaks around hose clamps and at the radiator and water pump.
• Other important areas to have a certified technician check in preparation for winter include the vehicle’s fluid levels, lights, brakes, exhaust system and heater/defroster. Throughout the winter driving season, motorists should continue to have regular services, including oil and filter changes, performed at the intervals recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

Stay focused on driving

Not all the requests AAA Colorado received for assistance during 2009 were due to mechanical failure. Some will be the result of unplanned trips off road due to wintery weather or distractions. Some tips to keep the vehicle safely on the road include:

• Avoid distractions. Stay focused on the task of driving and avoid distractions such as texting, phone calls and adjusting the radio or other electronic devices.
• Remove snow and ice. Use a snow brush to remove any snow from the trunk, hood, lights windows and roof of the vehicle and make sure ice is clear from all windows and mirrors before beginning to drive.
• Increase following distances on ice and snow. Motorists should leave eight to 10 seconds between themselves and vehicle in front of them when driving in slippery conditions.

Have a well stocked emergency kit

Though preventative measures go a long way toward keeping motorists driving safely on the road, unexpected weather or vehicle problems may still arise and leave them stranded. AAA encourages motorists to update their emergency roadside kit for winter to include a mobile phone and car charger; blankets; a flashlight with extra batteries; a first-aid kit; drinking water; a small shovel; a sack of sand, cat litter or traction mats; windshield scraper and brush; battery booster cables; and emergency flares or reflectors.

AAA Colorado has more than 530,000 members and is an advocate for safety and security for all travelers. As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides nearly 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services, as well as member-exclusive savings. AAA can be visited on the Internet at www.AAA.com.