Q&A: Deep freeze triggers surge in roadside calls as car batteries fail
Posted January 27, 2026 3:28 pm.
Last Updated January 27, 2026 3:38 pm.
Frigid temperatures during the weekend cold snap triggered a surge in dead car batteries, leaving thousands of drivers seeking roadside assistance as the work week began.
Call volumes that typically range from 2,200 to 2,800 spiked significantly, according to roadside service providers.
Director of public affairs for CAA-Québec Nicolas Ryan joined CityNews to break down what’s happening and what drivers should be doing during frigid temperatures.
We’ve seen a spike in calls during this cold stretch. What is it about extreme cold that causes so many battery failures?
“Well, we actually answered over 20,000 calls over the last three days. So, a lot of people were calling us. But people don’t know: it’s actually during the summer season that the battery gets hurt by hot temperatures. And whenever it gets to minus-15 C, minus-20 C, you’re going to need more of a percentage in the battery to actually start your car.
“So people, they don’t do the preventive work before the season begins. And when it gets to minus-15 C, minus-20 C temperatures, well, then they’re lacking the correct power in the battery to actually start their car. And that’s when they actually call us and that they need help. And we go to boost their cars.”
For people worried this could happen to them next, what are the top preventive steps they should be taking right now?
“It’s actually something that we said at the start of each season. Whenever they get the chance, they can actually test their battery and see if they have enough power to start their cars. Whenever we get to those temperatures, two things might be available to them. If you can either plug your car before actually starting it, that will help. And the other thing is called a block heater, which it will also have your engine be hotter before starting it. And also you can put a better temperature in your car by doing so.
“And by doing these steps, you’re giving yourself a better chance to actually start your car in cold temperatures and not having to call a roadside assistance service whenever your car fails.”
