Press Release

AAA Reminds Drivers that Battery Health Counts During Winter Months

09/25/96

Strong Batteries Boost Winter Car Starts, AAA Says

ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 23 -- One of the best ways to
protect against winter car trouble is to be certain your battery is
fully charged and in proper working condition, according to AAA.

"When the temperature drops to near zero, the number of calls AAA
receives from stranded motorists soars," said George Giek, director of
AAA Automotive Engineering. "The most common cause of these
cold-weather breakdowns is weak or dead batteries."

Some AAA clubs experienced up to four times the normal emergency road
service call volume during last winter's most severe cold snaps.

As part of National Car Care Month, AAA is recommending motorists
closely monitor the condition of the vehicle's battery, especially
batteries more than two years old.

"Although batteries can carry warranties of four years or more, a
warranty is no guarantee an older battery will continue to work in
severe weather," Giek said.

The most common sign of a weak battery is an unusual sound coming from
the starter motor when the ignition key is turned, indicating
difficulty in turning over the engine.

If the vehicle is difficult to start, check that battery connections
are tight and no corrosion is present on the battery terminal. To
remove corrosion, use an old tooth brush to clean the cable connectors
and terminals with a solution of baking soda and water.

Next, inspect the tension of all drive belts. They should flex no more
than one-half inch. Also, If the battery's fluid level can be checked,
make certain the fluid covers the battery plates.

If no problems are found and the vehicle is still difficult to start,
drive to a service station or auto parts store to have the battery and
charging system tested and, if necessary, replaced.

In addition to weak or dead batteries, starting problems can be caused
by malfunctioning alternators or starter motors. A qualified repair
facility, such as those recognized by the AAA Approved Auto Repair
program, can make an accurate diagnosis and repair.

In 1995, AAA provided emergency road service a record 27.5 million
times. More than 30 percent of those calls were for cars that failed
to start.

If the vehicle will not start, use caution and follow instructions in
the owner's manual when attempting a jump-start. If unsure about the
proper procedure, call your auto club or another qualified
professional for assistance.

To help avoid winter breakdowns, AAA recommends motorists have their
cars and trucks thoroughly inspected before cold weather arrives. In
addition to the battery, fluids, belts, hoses, filters and tires
should all be checked.

Because of the difficult driving conditions often encountered in the
winter, motorists should also be sure their lighting systems, brakes
and windshield wipers are functioning properly.

AAA is a not-for-profit federation of 104 motor clubs with more than
1,000 offices providing 39 million members in the U.S. and Canada with
travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services.