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AAA Michigan Reports Five-Day Heat Wave Nets 15,000 ERS Calls

29 June 1998

AAA Michigan Reports Five-Day Heat Wave Nets 15,000 ERS Calls

    DEARBORN, Mich., June 26 -- A fifth consecutive day of hot
summer heat has caused Emergency Road Service (ERS) call volumes to reach
record highs statewide, reports AAA Michigan.  As of 4 p.m. today (June 26),
1,910 motorists were assisted.
    Nearly 15,000 calls have been received since Monday, double the normal
five-day total.  On Monday, 3,200 motorists were assisted; on Tuesday, 3,744;
Wednesday, 2,353; Thursday, 3,567.  Normal call volumes average between 1,500
and 2,000 per day.  The most common complaint -- battery trouble.
    AAA Michigan offers the following hot weather car care tips:

    * Check battery strength and condition of terminals.
    * Examine tires for uneven or excessive tread wear.  Make sure all tires,
      including the spare, are properly inflated.
    * Check for worn or cracked belts and damaged, blistered or soft hoses.
    * Inspect antifreeze/coolant level and condition.