With overnight temperatures expected to fall into the 20s and 30s across parts of Florida over the next few days ...
Join our family of readers for as little as $10 per month and support local, unbiased journalism.
Already have an account? Log in to continue. Otherwise, follow the link below to join.
Please log in to continue |
TAMPA — With overnight temperatures expected to fall into the 20s and 30s across parts of Florida over the next few days, AAA is urging drivers and homeowners to take immediate steps to protect themselves and their property. Even brief periods of freezing weather can strain car batteries and put vulnerable plumbing at risk. During past cold snaps, AAA has seen a sharp rise in roadside assistance calls for dead batteries, along with an increase in home insurance claims tied to frozen or burst pipes.
“Whenever temperatures drop this quickly, the calls start pouring in,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Dead batteries become extremely common. At the same time, homeowners face the risk of frozen pipes that can burst and cause thousands of dollars in damage.”
Cold weather reduces a battery’s ability to hold a charge, and temperatures in the 20s and 30s are enough to push an older or weakened battery over the edge.
“Cold weather is tough on older batteries,” Jenkins said. “If yours gives out, AAA can come to you. Our technicians can test, charge, or even replace your battery on the spot for members who request help.”
• Have your battery tested if it’s more than three years old.
• Listen for slow cranking, a key warning sign of a failing battery.
• Replace the battery if it shows signs of weakness or struggles in cold weather.
Extended periods of freezing temperatures (32°F or below) can cause water inside pipes to freeze and expand, creating pressure that may rupture plumbing behind walls, under sinks, or in attics and crawl spaces. Multiple nights of hard‑freeze conditions increase the risk significantly.
• Let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate.
• Keep the thermostat set to at least 55°F, even when away from home.
• Know where your main water shutoff valve is located in case a pipe bursts.
As temperatures drop, tire pressure naturally decreases, often by 1–2 PSI for every 10‑degree drop in temperature. With overnight lows dipping into the 20s and 30s, many Florida drivers may wake up to under‑inflated tires, which can reduce fuel economy, affect handling, and increase the risk of a blowout.
• Check tire pressure first thing in the morning when tires are cold.
• Inflate tires to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI (listed on the driver’s door jamb).
• Don’t rely solely on tire‑pressure monitoring systems; they may not alert you until pressure is already too low.
• Inspect tires for worn tread, cracks, or bulges that cold weather can worsen.
“With weather like this, preparation is everything,” Jenkins added. “A few simple steps today can prevent a breakdown on the road or a disaster at home tomorrow.”
AAA encourages members to download the AAA mobile app for fast access to roadside assistance, weather alerts, and safety resources. For a vehicle inspection at a nearby AAA Approved Auto Repair Facility, visit AAA.com/AutoRepair.
