Drivers dealing with deep freeze

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - As if waking up to a freezing cold morning wasn't bad enough, many people across western Massachusetts Wednesday soon found they weren't going anywhere fast, their cars wouldn't start.

From the moment people rolled out of bed on chilly Wednesday morning, the calls came pouring in.

“My car wouldn't start because it's so cold,” said Richard Duquette of West Springfield.

When the temperatures drop, the staff here at the AAA call center know to expect double -- maybe even triple -- the amount of calls they get on a normal day.

“On a normal day we'll service between 200 and 300 members. We can see anywhere from 6, 7, 800 calls easily on cold days like,” said Joseph Ferraro who is VP of AAA Automotive Services.

That means all hands on deck. They have extra drivers in for their own AAA fleet, plus they'll utilize their contractor network. Matt Carriveau is a pacesetter technician. He knows a cold snap in the forecast means he'll spend plenty of time outside.

“Thermals, lots of layers. Ill try to actually stay outside. People will invite you in to warm up but then you're getting cold right over again,” said Carriveau.

He does about 18-25 service calls on really cold days, anywhere from Amherst to Holland. But he'll take the cold over rain, and enjoys that no two calls are exactly the same.

“People are usually pretty happy to see you,” Carriveau added.

Matt's pretty happy -- even in the freezing cold -- to do what he can to get them back on the road.

22News is working for you with some tips from AAA to keep drivers on the road this winter.

• Keep an eye on tire pressure. Fluctuation in temperature will cause air to displace from tires and it's unsafe to drive with low pressure.
• Check your battery strength. Park in a garage or by something that will somewhat protect your car from wind.
• Keep the fuel tank at least half full to avoid a fuel-line freeze-up.
• Run your engine long enough to warm the car before shutting it off.
• Keep supplies in the car in case of emergencies.