The cold temperatures this past week mean more people are needing help with their cars.

AAA Mid-Atlantic reports a 34 percent increase in the number of roadside assistance calls received. Company officials expect those numbers to grow as the cold weather continues.

Local mechanics, such as Obaugh Chevrolet in Staunton, have also benefited from the cold by seeing more business.

Mechanic Jim Bowman says the shop has been very busy the past few days with people getting their cars checked.

He says, "Cold weather is really hard on the battery. It's very important to get the anti-freeze checked because if it freezes up, it can cause severe engine damage, and it's very important to keep the washer fluid full."

Bowman also says now is the time to get your car looked at since there are still a couple of months of cold weather still ahead for the Valley.