Heat wave can wreak havoc on Calgarians’ cars: Alberta Motor Association

Summer car trouble?

Drivers may be used to their vehicle not starting because of a dead battery in the winter, but it can also happen in the summer.

The Alberta Motor Association (AMA) says they’ve been responding to a big increase in car trouble, likely because of higher temperatures than usual in May, expected to continue into June.

Extreme temperatures — whether hot or cold — can cause the same issues.

And, the association says hot weather can actually be worse.

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The bounce back and forth between the hot and cold can affect the lifespan of your vehicle’s battery, it’s charging system, and even cause electrical issues, causing wires and connections to expand and contract, according to the AMA.

Chad Brinston with the AMA says those can leave you on the side of the road with an overheated car.

“We prepare in the same manner that we would if we were to be travelling in the winter months, making sure that we’re emergency preparedness kits – flashlights, blankets, some snacks, and things like that incase we end up breaking down on the side of the highway or something,” he said.

Drivers may want to go grab a new battery if theirs is getting a little long in the tooth.

With a hot summer predicted — the AMA is expecting to see a lot more of these kinds of trouble and is preparing for their tow trucks and roadside assistance operators to be busy.