With all this cold weather, we aren't the only ones suffering; our cars are feeling it too. So ABC 4 found out what you can do to keep your car in tip top shape despite the cold.
"I just start the car and leave that's pretty much what I do. I can't be in the car more than a couple minutes it's just too cold," said Bruno Gaxiola of salt lake.
According to AAA, there are some things all of us should do to keep our car running all winter long. First, they suggest letting your car run at least a couple minutes before you take off. Then, there’s the issue of your battery. At zero degrees, a car's battery loses 60% of its strength. So AAA suggests you make sure it's clean. Also, before you start your car, turn everything off. Your wipers, your radio, even the heat, that way the battery isn't compromised.
The next issue is the windshield wipers.
"Usually my windshield is iced and I use my wiper fluid and un-ice it and then yeah it freezes," said driver savannah black.
This extreme cold can make washer fluid freeze before your wipers get a chance to get it off your windshield. That leaves behind a streaky mess. So try adding a little methyl alcohol to your fluid to depress the freezing point. You can find it at any big-box store.
Finally, don't forget your tires. Make sure you have enough tread, and proper pressure. The recommended pressure for your tire will be written in the driver's side door jamb.
We should also be prepared in case the worst actually does happen. So have an emergency kit with jumper cables, a spare blanket and snacks in your car. That way you stay safe and warm while you wait for help to arrive.
