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Road Service Call Volumes Soar with Summer Heat

26 June 1998

Road Service Call Volumes Soar with Summer Heat, Reports AAA Michigan

    DEARBORN, Mich., June 25 -- A fourth consecutive day of hot
summer heat has doubled Emergency Road Service (ERS) call volumes statewide,
reports AAA Michigan.  As of 4 p.m. today (June 25), 2,151 motorists were
assisted, well above average for this time of year.
    More than 11,448 calls have been received since Monday, double the normal
four-day total.  On Monday, 3,200 motorists were assisted; on Tuesday, 3,744;
Wednesday, 2,353.  Normal call volumes average between 1,500 and 2,000 per
day.
    The most common complaint -- battery trouble, followed by tire problems.
    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.