Heat Wave #5 Wreaking Havoc on Road Trippers, Commuters this Week

AAA Mid-Atlantic roadside assistance calls soar to more than 24K over FIVE HEAT WAVES and counting; nearly 40% of calls for dead car batteries and flat tires.

PHILADELPHIA, PA (August 12, 2021) – Summer is definitely NOT over and AAA Mid-Atlantic is feeling the heat as thousands of AAA Members are rescued with dead car battery and flat tire issues brought on by the region’s fifth heat wave of the season. AAA urges motorists to have their car batteries and tires checked ahead of any last-minute summer road trip plans.

AAA roadside assistance teams are watching the weather carefully, expecting to see an increase in call volume as the heat wave drags on into the weekend. The week’s heat wave, which began on Monday, has seen more than 4,300 AAA member calls for roadside assistance, with nearly 40% of those calls for dead car batteries and flat tires, signs of heat damage.

Through the fifth heat wave (official today) of the season (totaling 17 days), AAA roadside assistance crews have responded to more than 24,500 AAA Member calls for roadside assistance in the Philadelphia 5-county area.  Of those calls for roadside assistance, 38 percent were for dead car batteries and flat tires that had succumb to the extreme heat. 

“The effect this kind of weather can have on your car is cumulative,” says Robert Moorman, Manager Club Fleet Operations, AAA Mid-Atlantic. “While many vehicles may survive this latest heat wave, motorists may not be so lucky as the summer rolls on.  AAA urges motorists to have car batteries and tires checked to ensure safety and prevent unexpected breakdowns.”

AAA Mid-Atlantic Philadelphia 5-County 2021 Heat Wave Roadside Assistance Recap

AAA Mid-Atlantic responded to more than 24,500 roadside assistance calls (June – August)

• Battery and tire calls account for nearly 40 percent of all calls (9,300 calls)
• 23 percent of total calls were for dead car batteries (5,500 calls)
• 16 percent of total calls were for flat tires (3,800 calls)

Extreme heat exacts a toll on vehicles, especially over an extended period of time.  AAA recommends motorists make sure their vehicles are prepared for the summer months. Here are some common heat-related car problems, and what motorists can do to help prevent them:

Preventive Summer Vehicle Maintenance Tips

• Batteries - Heat kills batteries. Make sure you have a strong battery that is up to the challenge by having your battery tested.
• Tires - Keep your tires at normal pressure. Soft tires generate heat, which can lead to a blowout.

• Fluids - Check all fluids including the coolant level in the overflow tank and top off as needed. If the engine is cool, check the level in the radiator as well. Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot, you can be seriously scalded.
• Coolant - Motorists should have the cooling system flushed and new coolant installed when recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Depending on the type of coolant used, this is typically necessary every two to five years.

Make Sure Your Car is Road Trip-Ready

Before hitting the road, AAA reminds motorists to plan their route in advance and ensure their vehicle is ready, to help avoid a breakdown along the way. AAA expects to rescue more than 460,000 Americans at the roadside this Independence Day weekend. In the Philly 5 county area, there are eight AAA Car Care Centers where car care professionals are ready to help drivers get their vehicles ready to hit the road for the holiday. These locations are also offering free “Great American Road Trip Vehicle Health Inspection” to both members and non-members through the end of July. This free inspection includes tire, brake, battery, exterior lights and fluid level safety checks. Appointments can be scheduled at AAA.com/CarCare.

AAA Car Care Insurance & Travel Center Locations in the Philadelphia Area:

Pennsylvania

South Philadelphia - 1601 South Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA
Clifton Heights - 5233 West Baltimore Avenue, Clifton Heights, PA
Downingtown - 105 Quarry Road, Downingtown, PA
King of Prussia - 197 E. Dekalb Pike Suite 350, King of Prussia, PA
Langhorne – 516 N Oxford Valley Road, Langhorne, PA
Warminster - 602 York Road, Warminster, PA
West Chester - 707 East Gay Street, West Chester, PA
Willow Grove - 2506 West Moreland Road, Willow Grove, PA

New Jersey

Marlton - 1041 Route 73, N. Marlton, NJ
Mt. Laurel - 4010 Dearborn Circle, Mt. Laurel, NJ

AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to more than 62 million members nationwide and more than three million members in Pennsylvania.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  AAA is a non-stock, membership corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can map a route, access a COVID travel restriction map, find local gas prices and electric vehicle charging stations, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information on joining or renewing a Membership, visit www.AAA.com.