Humans aren’t the only ones who don’t always feel like getting out and working in frigid cold temperatures. Sometimes, our vehicles just don’t want to start.
Ryan Hood is the shop foreman at Harold’s Auto Service in Lethbridge. He deals with fussy vehicles that don’t want to cooperate for their owners during cold, miserable weather.
He said when it comes to keeping your car or truck going in the winter, it is key to plug it in.
“Using your block heater is going to warm up your engine coolant and other vital components to keep that engine warm so when you start it in the morning it is going to fire right up with no issues.”
Hood added that you only need to have your vehicle plugged in for about four hours before you drive, anymore time than that is not useful. Using a timer on your cord can help cut down on wasting electricity.
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If you aren’t able to plug your car in for a long period of time – like at work – Hood added there are still things you can do to make starting your car in the cold temperatures a little easier.
“You are going to have to go outside and start it a few times throughout the day, on your breaks and over lunch.”
If you have the ability to park your vehicle so the wind isn’t’ blowing towards the engine, Hood said that can also help prevent the engine form getting even more cold.
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When it comes to fluids in your vehicle, Hood said washer fluid is number one.
“We do have summer and winter fluids, so make sure you are using winter fluid. Synthetic engine oils will also flow quicker in cold weather and help your engine start easier.”
Another thing to keep an eye on in extreme cold temperatures is your tire pressure.
“Your pressure is going to drop in these temperatures,” Hood added. “One way to prevent this is to run it two or three PSI above the recommended specifications and that should prevent any issues.”
Running on low tire pressure can lead to other problems like damaging the tire.
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