LANSING, Mich. — In frigid temperatures, it's important to keep your car in good shape, so you're able to get to and from where you need to be.
First and foremost, Make sure that your battery is working.
"Everything starts with the battery," said Frank Sierawaski from Frankie D's Auto & Truck Repair. "If you don't have one, you're not going anywhere. You want to make sure that it isn't corroded. If it's older than three years old you want to get it tested before this weather comes along, just so you're not stuck anywhere. We also want to make sure that cable connections are good. Everything starts with the battery."
The battery may be the priority, but there are other things under the hood that need to be checked. Fluids can help make sure the engine is working properly.
"The most important is antifreeze," said Sierawaski. "You want to make sure it can handle this type of weather. Also, the transmission, engine oil, and the washer fluid. If you can't see, you can't drive. Basic checks on fluids are important and might keep you from breaking down in this kind of weather."
If you find yourself stuck in the snow, and think it might be a while before you can get help, it's good to have some supplies in your car to take care of yourself.
A heated blanket, flashlight, jumper cables and more can be of good use when your car gets stuck, or won't run.
"The ice scraper and the jumper cables are the most important," said Sierawaski. "It's okay to leave the car running as long as the exhaust doesn't leak and the pipe isn't blocked. The blanket is very important, it's a good thing to have just in case. Put some kind of distress signal on your car, make something up, hopefully your phone charger is working so you can call someone. Wrap up, keep your car running if you can, hopefully someone can help."
There's another tip to help you keep your car running well.
"The gas tank is very important. As far as any moisture, any water in there will freeze and might freeze your fuel line," said Sierawaski. "It's a good idea to buy some dry gas, put it in your tank and it'll do wonders for keeping you on the road."
You can get dry gas at almost any auto parts store. It's also good to fill your gas tank up once it gets close to halfway full.
