Mixed precipitation: CAA-Quebec’s Roadside Assistance is all set for winter

Several regions of Quebec have experienced the year’s first mix of wintry weather conditions. Whether we’ll enjoy a white carpet for the holiday season remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: our Roadside Assistance crews won’t be caught off guard by rain, sleet or snow, and they’ll be fully prepared for the busiest days ahead.

Our Roadside Assistance service saw a busy start to December. Since December 1, over 25,000 services have been provided, up 30% on the same date in 2022, due to an early winter. Whether it’s winching, boosting a battery or replacing one through its Battery Service, CAA-Quebec boasts nearly 120 years’ worth of assistance under its belt for all its members.

And just as we do every winter, we’re ready to ramp up our workforce to cope with the busiest days to come. In fact, there are over 1,200 vehicles on the road and 3 to 4 times as many employees dedicated to dispatch, ready to answer calls.

“December is well underway, and already we’re witnessing an increase in requests for assistance. There’s no way of predicting what kind of winter Quebec will be facing, but this much is certain: our teams are mobilized and ready to help those in need!”

– Pierre-Serge Labbé, Vice President, Mobility Services

Adapting one’s driving is acting in favour of road safety

With winter now upon us, let’s not forget the importance of adapting our driving to the weather conditions:

• Clear the snow from your vehicle before you leave: failing to remove snow from your vehicle not only infringes the Highway Safety Code, but also impairs your visibility. Remember to clear your windshield wipers and remove all snow from the roof.
• Slow down: roads are slippery, so there’s no need to put your life and those of others on the line by speeding excessively.
• Maintaining a safe distance is paramount: whereas in summer it’s strongly recommended to keep a minimum distance equivalent to 3 seconds from the vehicle in front of you, in winter this distance should be longer, in some cases up to 6 seconds or even more. Maintaining a longer follow-up span will ensure that you can make the best decision in an emergency situation, while providing you with a much more enjoyable driving experience, since you’ll be able to anticipate the flow of traffic.
• Fill up on gas … or electricity: always make sure your fuel tank is at least a quarter full. You drive an electric vehicle? Fully charge your car before travelling in very cold weather, as the maximum range can be reduced by 30 to 50%.  

Ahead of the cold season

Heavy snowfalls followed by colder days can be tough on vehicles, and especially those with aging batteries. The further down the mercury goes, the harder it is for a battery to provide the energy needed for starting.

Be one step ahead of cold-weather days by having your battery tested now. In some regions, our Battery Service teams will come directly to your vehicle and, when possible, will be happy to replace it for you!

About CAA-Quebec

CAA-Quebec offers a wide range of assistance services in a wide variety of sectors, drawing on a human approach. As a socially committed organization, CAA-Quebec strives on a daily basis to protect the interests of its members. And in keeping with its values of reliability and benevolence, it fosters responsible consumption and promotes road safety.

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