Tulsa Mechanics Offer Advice For Winter Vehicle Care

Auto mechanics say their businesses are packed with customers who need help keeping their vehicles running smoothly in these frigid temperatures.

Monday, January 4th 2010, 3:59 pm

By: News On 6


By Jeffrey Smith, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Auto mechanics say their businesses are packed with customers who need help keeping their vehicles running smoothly in these frigid temperatures.

If you look under the hood of your car, there's a labyrinth of pipes and hoses constantly pumping energy throughout the vehicle. When temperatures get as cold as they've been, that process slows down and can cause a lot of damage.

"Cold temperatures bring a lot of good stuff to the shop," said Rob Dooman, Tulsa Auto Service.

Cold temperatures can be kryptonite for cars. Frigid temperatures wreak havoc on batteries, pipes, tires and hoses.

"Make sure your antifreeze is to a good freezing point, at least down into the negatives," said Chris Sandridge, a mechanic.

Veteran mechanic Chris Sandridge recommends picking up a hydrometer to check the antifreeze temperatures. He says it should be flushed out every year, but antifreeze can last up to two years.

"Especially right now with the economy, everybody wants to only hold on to what they can, unless they really have to do it. But if you let your antifreeze get down to a point where our temperatures get, then it's going to cost a lot of money to get it fixed," said Chris Sandridge.

Sandridge is also seeing a lot of cars with battery problems because of the cold weather. He says the battery is the brain of the car and cold weather quickly zaps the charge. So even if you aren't going anywhere, turn your car on daily.

"There's so many computers on the cars these days, that it's just really hard for the battery to maintain the memory that it needs," said Chris Sandridge.

Sandridge also says to check your windshield wipers. Even though they should last two years, a major ice or snow event can wear out the rubber in less than a month.

Sandridge says in warmer days, scheduled maintenance can be in an inconvenience, but with single-digit wind chills, it can be a lifesaver.

You can track weather with WARN Interactive Radar and get safety tips in our Storm Zone Section.

You can get the latest WARN Team forecast in the NewsOn6.com Weather section.

View our SKYCAM Network.

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