Extreme cold can be bad news for vehicles

The frosty winter weather can often mean brisk business for tow-truck operators, but this year has been “reasonable” as compared to other years, according to the owner of Lakeland Towing.

The weather really hasn’t been extreme this winter, said John Medynski, who added that it’s been “low on snow and it’s really not too cold.”

Generally, temperatures below -35 degrees C can be problematic for vehicles.

Vehicles need to be plugged in, otherwise they won’t start, Medynski said. In the winter, the tow truck operators often help drivers with battery problems and tires that seep air.

To prevent winter-related problems, he said drivers should be taking their vehicle into an auto shop to be checked.

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“They should have done that already, and had their battery and alternator checked and serviced to make sure it’s going to make it through the winter properly [and that] everything is working properly.”

He also advises drivers to check their tires to make sure they’re not flat or half-flat.

In the long run, damage brought on by colder temperatures could become costly. In particular, Medynski advised against driving on tires that aren’t full. He said doing this will lead to the tires deteriorating, and they would then need to be replaced.

Trying to drive a vehicle that hasn’t been plugged in when it’s cold takes the life out of the engine, he added.

“Being plugged in is definitely better for the engine.”

tjames@panow.com

On Twitter: @thiajames