(Photo: AMA)

By Brody Langager

before you head out into the polar vortex...

Be prepared when driving during cold snap: AMA

Feb 8, 2021 | 12:51 PM

The Alberta Motor Association has some tips for drivers to weather this brutal cold snap.

AMA says the temperature drop could cause calls regarding dead batteries to multiply as much as six times, and that they could end up rescuing a stranded driver as often as every 40 seconds.

AMA says many of these calls are preventable with some preparation though, saying something as simple as plugging in your car a few hours ahead of time could help. Other simple fixes like making sure you have winter tires are on the list. Some lesser known tips such as checking your tire pressure, switching to synthetic oil, and making sure your gas tank is at least half full are on their cold weather checklist as well.

AMA also has some recommendations for while driving, saying that you should drive to the weather, noting that posted speed limits are for when conditions are ideal.

Other recommendations include having an emergency roadside kit in your vehicle at all times that has things like a blanket, gloves, and a folding shovel.

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Possibly the most important point AMA makes, though, is that if you don’t have to drive in this weather, then you shouldn’t.