70+ hour wait for a tow or winch in Calgary amid cold snap, AMA says
Posted Dec 29, 2021 8:16 am.
Last Updated Dec 29, 2021 9:31 am.
If you’re having car trouble during this extreme cold snap, you may want to make alternate plans rather than wait for a tow or winch.
According to the Alberta Motor Association, there is now a 73-hour wait for service in Calgary.
The estimate is shorter if you need a boost, you’re locked out of your car, or if you have a flat tire or have run out of gas, but it’s still going to be more than 50 hours for help.
This Alberta Motor Association webpage screenshot shows wait times for a tow or winch in Calgary have exceeded 73 hours amid the extremely cold conditions that have gripped the province.
The AMA’s Jeff Kasbrick says the association has been overwhelmed with thousands of calls since this deep freeze started. He says there were 7,500 calls on Monday alone.
“We have seen all across the province around an 800 per cent increase in call volumes, and that is because of the very deep but also sustained cold. And as mentioned, this is something that’s been happening province-wide, which just contributes to further demand,” he explained.
In Edmonton, the wait time for a tow or winch was just over 50 hours as of Wednesday morning.
“We know that if we find ourselves locked within this kind of deep cold that that is just going to naturally mean that people are going to need our help a little bit more. So we bring all resources to bear. Every possible tow truck that can be out on the road helping is out there,” Kasbrick added.
Related article: Alberta cold warnings continue amid frigid temperatures
Some services are not being offered right now. For example, if you need your battery tested or replaced, that’s not something the AMA can do at all until further notice.
Kasbrick is urging Albertans to stay home if they can. If you need to be out, he says to make sure your car is plugged in for at least four hours before you leave, that you have a full tank of gas, and that your tires are properly inflated.
“In these extreme cold temperatures, your tire pressure can actually go down. So make sure that you’re being aware of that,” he said.
Whether you’re hitting the highway or just heading into work, it’s recommended you always have an emergency cold weather kit accessible in the winter.
You are able to call private towing companies if you’re in need of assistance, however, the wait times are expected to be exceedingly long no matter who you reach out to.
