AMARILLO, TEXAS -- UPDATED, January 31, 2011, 6:45
After such a beautiful weekend we are looking at at some cold days ahead.
As temperatures began their downward decent, we haven't hit the bottom just yet.
And with that in mind, how is the weather going to effect your vehicle?
Temperatures are going to drop well below freezing tomorrow, but just how cold does it have to be to freeze anti-freeze?
And how can you prevent your vehicle from being affected?
Well we spoke with the head mechanic from Kwik Kar on Western about this freezing issue.
"The most important thing is to make sure that ther anti-freeze concentration is good enough to handle the cold temperatures, here at the shop we always make sure ours is at least a minimum of negative twenty degree's below zero," said Bobby Stephens, Kwik Kar mechanic.
Also if your battery is weak there is a good chance it will not work in the cold, so be prepared and charge your battery if possible.
If your anti-freeze did freeze tomorrow there is a chance of engine damage ranging from a small fluid leak to a crack in the engine block.
So check your anti-freeze for ice crystals in the morning before you start your car to avoid the chance of causing damage to your motor.
PREVIOUSLY REPORTED:
With temperatures expected to drop below zero tomorrow, what should you expect from your car?
If your battery is weak then the cold weather will more than likely drain your battery, so now would be a good time to get out and buy a new one. Winter causes sort of a chain reaction: It makes your engine oil thicker, which requires your starter to crank longer, which places additional demand on your battery. As a result, you lose about 30 percent of your battery's capacity in cold weather. Batteries last, on average, three to five years. If yours is older, it will most likely die in winter.
You'll also want to check your anti-freeze and make sure you have plenty. Here's the deal: Antifreeze mixed (50-50) with water is designed to protect your radiator and engine block to about minus 34 degrees Fahrenheit.
An inexpensive gauge called a "hydrometer" can tell you if your antifreeze makes the grade. Where some drivers may get a little off is, they put in straight antifreeze, figuring more is better. Actually, more isn't better; in fact, it turns into something resembling lime Jell-O in winter, reducing its effectiveness. If you run your vehicle when the coolant is frozen and not circulating, the engine will get very hot, very fast and likely blow a gasket.
Also keep your gas tank full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. On icy roads, drive slowly and increase distance required for stopping. Watch for downed trees and power lines across roads. If power is out, treat all intersections as four-way stops.
Later this afternoon I will be going to talk to a mechanic for more advice on how to protect your vehicle.
You will probably also want to make sure you have an emergency kit for your car in case you get stranded or stuck. Below is a list of suggested emergency items for your vehicle.
• Blankets/sleeping bags and extra clothing, mittens and hat
• Cell phone, radio, flashlight, extra batteries
• First-aid kit and pocket knife
• High calorie, non perishable food, bottled water
• Sack of sand or cat litter for de-icing roadway
• Windshield scraper, tool kit, booster cables, tow rope and shovel
Watch Pronews 7 tonight for more updates. We are also asking for your snowfall total predictions, click here to guess, and you could win some ProNews 7 winter gear! Don't forget to upload your winter weather photos to MOJO, which you can do by clicking here.
