Cold Car Care story: Maria Fleck photos: Glasser Images
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xtremely cold weather is hard on your vehicle, especially if it has to be parked outside overnight. In North Dakota, the cold weather lingers longer than most of us would like, making everyday tasks like driving more complicated. Thankfully, we were once again able to sit down with Rachel Gietzen, owner and president of Quik Service Inc/Bismarck and Mandan Tire Centers, to find out what is necessary to prepare your vehicle for the winter. How does the cold affect my car? Winter weather affects the features of cars in various ways, and your tires are one of the first to be affected. For every 10 degrees the temperature drops, your tire drops by 1-2 PSI (pounds per square inch). Rachel Gietzen explains a few more results of frigid temperatures, “When the temperatures really drop, that breaks things, so check your oil level, make sure nothing is leaking and check your belts, because they get brittle. Also, your battery will go dead if it hasn’t been started in a while.” Another overlooked factor is wiper blades, which should be replaced every six months. “Coming into the winter you are constantly having junk thrown up and it can be dangerous if you can’t see,” Rachel says. “Same thing with washer fluid. These are things we take for granted, but when you get in that moment, and you can’t see and then it’s slippery, it can be really dangerous.” 46
What are the most important things to check on my car? “Test your battery, test the tire pressure, and make sure your antifreeze is good for 40 below temperatures.” These are the top three things Aaron Zahn, Service Manager for Bismarck and Mandan Tire Centers, recommends one checks as the temperature drops. It is best to check these out before the bad weather hits. “Call us ahead of time,” says Rachel. “Usually we can get you in within a few days no problem, but you always want to do it before that first big snow or before you get trapped. When a snowstorm or 40 below hits, it can be up to a week out, so think ahead if you see something coming. Preventative is the best way.” What are some other tips for winter driving? A few other tips Rachel shared with us were keeping your gas tank at least
half full at all times, having a winter survival kit in your car, and getting your oil checked. Extreme cold thickens oil which can prevent engines from starting. Bismarck and Mandan Tire Centers are full mechanical centers, so they can take care of this for you. “All of our oil changes include full inspections. We will look at everything under the vehicle,” adds Rachel. Bismarck and Mandan Tire Centers also include a free battery test with every oil change. Rachel also stressed the importance of getting your tires rotated, “to make sure that you have the best traction on your vehicle, especially if you are in a two-wheel drive car. You may want to look at snow tires too, they can be really helpful for some of the two-wheel drive cars out there Hopefully, all is well this winter and your car runs without any problems. But even if you do run into mishaps, Rachel doesn’t want you to worry. “We can fix it. That’s the good news! If something happens, we can fix it.”
BISMARCK MAGAZINE | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2020 Teenyneve Photography and Design