By rdnewsNOW staff

AMA says look after your vehicle battery as you head back out

May 5, 2020 | 1:16 PM

Has your vehicle been sitting parked while riding out self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic?

As the province eases into reopening, the Alberta Motor Association says thousands of Albertans will face a challenge of a new kind – getting their vehicles to start.

Calls to AMA Roadside Assistance about dead batteries are already up 50% over the norm, the AMA says, even as requests for other roadside services have dropped 30% from people staying home to help flatten the curve of the novel coronavirus.

“If a vehicle is left undriven for a prolonged period, the battery can lose its charge,” says Ryan Lemont, Acting Manager of AMA’s Calgary Fleet. “So, while staying home has been a wonderful thing for preventing the spread of COVID-19, it’s having consequences for people’s cars.”

Between March 15 (when Alberta schools closed) and April 25, AMA received more than 15,700 calls for help with dead batteries—a 50% increase over the same time last year. And certain periods during that time saw AMA battery rescues spike as much as 80%.

Last seen Jan. 15

Missing: Courtney Cattleman, 17, of Maskwacis

4h ago

eyes up

Air Spray training around Red Deer Regional Airport

5h ago

Prevention, Access, Recovery, and Coordination

Safe Harbour officially hands over shelter keys, establishes accessible navigation hub

23h ago

Unless people take preventative measures, AMA predicts these numbers could worsen significantly as the province reopens and more people try to venture out.

“If you need to get to a medical appointment, or restock groceries, the last thing you need is a dead battery,” says Lemont. “Worse yet, it could die while you’re out, leaving you in a sticky situation in public at a time when we’re all trying to limit exposure risks.”

AMA Recommends:

· If your vehicle won’t be driven for extended periods (two weeks or more), consider using a battery tender to help maintain the battery charge.

· Each time you start your vehicle, it needs at least 20 minutes of drive time to replenish the power required to start it. So, when you’re out for essential services, some light driving around your neighbourhood (at least 20 minutes) will help ensure the battery charge is brought up.

· Don’t just idle in the driveway as an alternative to driving. The current generated by idling isn’t enough to fully replenish the battery—and idling can increase your vulnerability to auto theft.

· Don’t simply start and turn off the engine, as this will deplete even more battery power if you aren’t planning to drive.