Maintaining Vehicles Should Help During The Cold

Car Safety in Frigid Weather

Cold Car Breakdowns

Like us, vehicles can only handle so much when it comes to the extreme cold.

Breakdowns and dead batteries are common, and it's keeping area auto repair shops and towing companies extra busy.

There isn't much to celebrate when it's this cold outside, unless you own a towing company.

"Business is good in the cold weather, diesel trucks are having a lot of problems with the fuel gelling and the ignitions don't like this kinda thing in the later model ones," said Andy Olson.

Olson, whose been working overtime picking up dead vehicles during the current cold snap, says now smaller trucks and cars are showing weakness.

"It seems to effect the big trucks first, but it's stating to show up in the cars too, the cars are quitting," he said.

Experts agree that maintenance is the best way to keep your vehicle running smoothly during the extreme cold temperatures. One way to do that is to start your engine and let it run for about 15 minutes before hitting the road.

Auto repair shops are also keeping busy this cold snap.

"Definitely a lot more dead batteries and stuff like that," said Patrick Gonzagowski, the service adviser at Griesbach Auto Service in Weston.

He says warming up your vehicle is a must, and you should also check the strength of your battery and keep an eye on your tires.

"The rims can expand and contract and that can make a slow leak in the tire, it can cause the tire pressure to go down," Gonzagowski said.

He also recommends keeping some items in your car, including: a cell phone and charger, blanket, water, snacks and extra clothes in case you break down.