Right now in the Northeast we are experiencing an incredible cold snap where temperatures in the negative teens! This is quite the arctic chill.  Want to learn more about cold weather driving, take our online class. Did you know that your car suffers in the extreme cold weather as well. Cars are effected by this arctic chill here’s a breakdown!

The Battery: During cold temperatures starting an engine can take up to twice as much current as needed under normal conditions. Therefore, it is advisable to have your battery tested, as well as your starting and charging systems prior to the deep cold of winter.

Fuel Lines: Fill your antifreeze! Keeping a fuel tank more than half-full helps to prevent fuel lines from freezing.

Tires: A temperature change of just 10 degrees can cause a ten percent reduction, or constriction, of air in tires.  Check the optimal tire pressure of your vehicle on the label inside the driver’s door frame or in the owner’s manual. DO NOT USE THE PSI on the TIRE! That’s the max capacity for the tire, not for your car’s specific load.

Windshield Wipers and Fluid: Get a “winter blend” type of windshield wiper fluid. Winter blends have a greater concentration of alcohol and less water, so less likely to freeze. Mine is frozen! Winter wipers do a better job of swatting away moisture.

Now recently i had a remote started put in my car in prep for the cold winter.  I had another baby 6 months ago so I wanted to make sure it was cozy for the kids.  Yes it is nice to get into a warm car.   Because kids can’t wear puffy jackets in car seats and we don’t want them to freeze, the remote start.  With all of this in mind, idling for 10-15 minutes could dilute the oil with un-burned fuel, resulting in increased engine wear. And it wastes gas.    It’ll heat faster driving at slow speeds without sudden acceleration than just idling in your drive.  In cases of extreme cold they do allow for idling of 1-2 minutes.

Remember to always keep a first aid kit and extra blankets in the car in the winter.  Stay tuned to this blog spot.  Stay warm and as always, DRIVE SAFE!