Most Albertans skip plugging in cars on cold days, survey finds

The majority of Albertansskip plugging in their vehicles even on the coldest days, a new poll by theAlberta Motor Association has found.

Plugging in your car's block heater helps warm up the oil so the engine starts smoothly even on the most frigid mornings. Otherwise, your vehicle may stutteror not start at all.

The Alberta Motor Association, or AMA, recommends all drivers plug in their carsat 15 C, but the online survey found seven of 10 Albertans don't.

"Extreme cold pulls the voltage from a battery, making it harder for your vehicle to start," roadside assistance field manager BrandonKlassensaid Monday. "It doesn't matter if the vehicle's new or old, it may not start once you hit 15 C. If you don't want to get stranded, plug in your car."

AMA,a 92-year-old membership organization of motorists in Alberta and the Northwest Territories, surveyed 2,304 Albertans from Oct. 22-29.

That survey found that those who don't make use of their block heatersay they don't need to.

A third of people who don't plug in say they don't because their vehicle consistently starts. A smaller number saytheir newer vehicle doesn't need the extra boost.

Be ready for cold

Klassen said even those drivers should take care this winter.

In last year's cold snap, AMA hit several records for battery problem calls for assistance. In December 2017,Environment Canada issued an extreme cold warningfor the entire province and it was dangerous to be stranded in a broken-down car.

In Alberta, winter days are usually between 5 and 15 C but can drop below 30 C at times.

Watch this video on how to prepare for unexpected winter breakdowns:

How to survive being stranded in your car

7 years ago

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Canadian Wilderness Survival Expert Bruce Zawalsky has tips on surviving being stranded in your car.

As many as 27 per cent of driver reported in the survey that they never plug in, no matter how cold it gets. Others simply wait longer, until it hits20 or even 30 C.

About 10 per cent of Albertansplug their cars in at 10 C, the survey found.Another 19 per cent follow the guidelines for 15 C.

A tiny cohort takes no risk. One per cent plugs in any time the temperature dips below freezing.

If you're worried about your battery, take alternative transportation on the coldest days, AMA says, so you don't end up stranded.

There are other things you can do to keep your car running, like parking in a garage.

Klassen said drivers will find usingsynthetic oil will also help with cold start-ups.It's designed to be more effective and flow better in colder temperatures, reducingengine wear.

Get your battery tested before the cold weather hits to make sure you'll make it through the season. Batteries typically last three to five years in Alberta.

AMA also recommends keeping an emergency kit in your car and watching for signs of a weak battery, such as the headlights dimming while idling, digitalsystems powering down quickly and engines being slow to turn over.

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With files from the Calgary Eyeopener.