BILLINGS – Sub-zero temperatures can wreak havoc on your vehicle, and it seems the cold is sticking around for awhile.
“When it gets below about 20 degrees is when we start seeing a big increase in issues related to how your engine starts and runs,” said Jared McDermott, who owns L.P. Anderson Point S Tire shop.
McDermott said one of the first things he tells people is to check their battery to make sure it has enough capacity so that can get your car started when it’s cold. He adds that if your battery is more than four or five years old, it may be best to replace it.
“Even if it does test okay, a lot of times when its 20 below zero, it’s still not gonna get your car to start,” said McDermott.
Making sure your coolant levels are good is also important, because coolant is what helps your cars heating system to work properly. He also suggests checking your wiper blades to make sure they are ready to stand up to the potential snow and ice.
“It’s a good idea to keep at least a half a tank of fuel in your car in the winter time and that reduces that condensation that can build up causing ice crystals in the fuel line,” McDermott adds.
Finally, McDermott said to stay on top of your tire pressure, because the last thing you want to do is have to change a flat in the sub-zero weather.
