Vehicle Tips During Extreme Cold Temperatures
There's cold weather and then there's the cold ass weather we're currently experiencing. I couldn't believe when I saw that it was -10 this morning when I went to warm up my truck.
I know you're not stupid but sometimes we tend to forget some of the things that could prevent some serious issues. Below is a list of some of those things.
- When you know the temperature is going to be in single digits or even below zero, make sure and warm your vehicle up, even if you don't plan on driving it.
- Open and close doors and windows periodically so they don't freeze on you.
- Spray graphite in your door locks to keep them from freezing. Don't use WD40, oil can actually gum up your locks.
- Don't let your vehicle sit long periods of time in subzero weather without starting it. We recently did that and had to jump two of our station vehicles.
- Put windshield wipers in an upright position so they don't freeze to the windshield. It would probably be a good idea to invest in one of those winter window covers as well.
- Make sure your gas tank isn't nearly empty. If cold enough, the little you have left could freeze. Also, your automatic car starter won't work either if you don't have enough gas.
- Keep a set of jumper cables in your vehicle.
- Purchase a winter blend of washer fluid. These are less likely to freeze up.
- Scrape as much ice and snow from your windshield and vehicle as possible.
- It never hurts to keep some warmer clothes, boots, gloves and a shovel just in case you get stranded. I always keep at least a pair of gloves just in case.
- keep an eye on your tire pressure as you can lose air pressure when it's extremely cold out. The main reason for this is the dropping temperatures, which causes the air to become denser and consequently lower the tire pressure.
- If you're lucky like my girlfriend, simply park in the garage and you won't have to worry about anything.
Did I miss anything?
Source: WGRD