Frigid Temperatures Lead to Surge in Jump-Start Calls

As record-setting cold grips areas across the U.S., tow truck companies are reporting a surge in calls from drivers dealing with dead batteries.

Fargo-Moorhead Towing said the past weekend was especially busy, with frigid temperatures stretching crews thin as demand for jump-starts increased across the metro area.

Among jump-start requests, operators prioritize motorists stranded along roadways over those calling from home, citing safety concerns and exposure risks in extreme cold.

Company officials also warn drivers against attempting jump-starts without proper knowledge, particularly in newer vehicles equipped with advanced electronics.

“If you don’t really know what you’re doing, I wouldn’t do it,” said Corey Doll, operations manager at Fargo-Moorhead Towing. “With today’s cars and all the electronics, you can mess it up pretty quick. Then you’d be in a whole world of trouble.”

Doll advises drivers who choose to jump-start their vehicles themselves to pay close attention to the thickness of their jumper cables and the amount of amperage being supplied to the battery.

Looking ahead, tow operators may be facing another surge in demand as a powerful winter storm is expected to impact much of the United States beginning late this week. The National Weather Service has warned that nearly everyone east of the Rockies could see effects from snow, ice, or extreme cold from Friday through early next week. Forecasters expect heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain across large portions of the Plains, Midwest, Southeast, and Mid-Atlantic, along with dangerously low temperatures and reduced visibility. Officials caution that difficult travel conditions, icy roads, and potential power outages could lead to an increase in roadside emergencies, keeping towing and recovery crews busy through the weekend and possibly into next week. Source: https://www.inforum.com