CHARLOTTE, N.C. — For a Charlotte company providing roadside assistance, the holiday and the heat usually mean an increase in calls for service.

What You Need To Know

  •  A company providing roadside assistance expects a higher call volume during holiday weekend 

  •  Flat tires and battery issues are some of the top calls this time of the year

  •  The company recommends waiting in your car with the AC running if possible until help arrives 

Charlotte Hero Patrol Roadside Service operations manager Alex Grullon said the day before and after Independence Day are usually busy. 

AAA estimates more than 70 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home over the holiday, which includes the entire July Fourth week and the Saturday before and after. 

“The top three calls is definitely flat tire change, especially around this time it’s very hot so that’s a big thing when it comes to heat. Battery jumpstarts and battery replacements,” Grullon said. 

When he is not providing roadside assistance or towing vehicles, he keeps an eye out for stranded drivers along the interstate. 

On Wednesday, he found a driver with a flat tire who was waiting for help. 

“He says he’s going to wait here. I’m just going to give him a water bottle because it’s certainly hot out here,” he said. 

With hot temperatures, he brings a cooler with water for him and customers. 

He recommends others do the same and keep a phone charged in case of emergency. 

“The last thing you think of is breaking down when you are driving local or out of town, and having a phone charger, at least an extra one, is the best thing to do,” Grullon said.

He said it’s important to be safe while waiting for help on the side of the road.

“Being anywhere that there's around shade. I mean if they have just a simple breakdown where the vehicle still runs and they're able to sit in there with the AC running, by all means they can stay in their [car],” Grullon said. 

Other than water, AAA recommends having nonperishable food, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher and jumper cables in your car in case of an emergency. 

In addition, AAA recommends buying a spare tire if you don’t have one. 

Grullon recommends changing your battery every few years and getting your car checked.