2023 Mid-Minnesota Wheels

Wednesday, November 15, 2023 | Mid-MN Wheels | Page 3

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“Lithium is actually starting to become more affordable.

If it’s a good brand and a good price point, it’s going to attract people.”

- Ryan Wolbeck

PHOTOS BY TIFFANY KLAPHAKE

(Left) A golf cart with a traditional battery is on display Nov. 2 at Winters Recreation in Sauk Centre. Traditional batteries are heavier and take up more room than lithium batteries. (Right) A golf cart with a lithium battery is on display Nov. 2 at Winters Recreation in Sauk Centre. A traditional battery typically has a warranty of a year to one and a half years; a lithium battery warranty is five years.

Lithium from front most models of Yamaha, Club Car and E-Z-GO carts.

Kits come with a lithium battery, battery charger, brackets and a battery meter. The kits can be picked up for those who want to do the installation themselves.

Otherwise, professional

installation runs a couple hundred dollars. The kits themselves vary in price, depending on mile range which runs from 25 miles to 75 miles. The kits range from roughly $2,500 to $5,000.

Emily Primus, with Winters Recreation support, said swapping flooded acid batteries for lithium is a more affordable option than purchasing a new cart. She said new carts can run on

average around $9,000 to recommends checking it once a week. For more ir$12,000. regular usage, he said the Wolbeck said cusbattery should be checked tomers are finding the price is worth getting rid and maintained at least of the traditional battery once a month.

Maintaining the hassle. Traditional batterwater/acid level, he said, ies must be maintained regularly. He said owners Lithium page 4 must add distilled water to the batteries as the fluids in them evaporate The pieces for a conversion kit are shown Nov. 2 over time. How often waat Winters Recreation in Sauk Centre. The kits can ter needs to be added debe purchased and then professionally installed pends on cart usage, but

by Winters Recreation staff or installed by golf if the cart is used daily, he cart owners themselves.

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Page 4 | Mid-MN Wheels | Wednesday, November 15, 2023

A lithium battery converter kit is ready for sale Nov. 2 at Winters Recreation in Sauk Centre. The converter kits come with a lithium battery, battery charger, brackets and a battery meter.

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PHOTOS BY TIFFANY KLAPHAKE

A meter installed on the dash of a golf cart shows the battery life Nov. 2 at Winters Recreation in Sauk Centre. Lithium batteries can last up to 10 years, while traditional batteries last four to five years.

Lithium from page 3

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can be tricky and, if overfilled, can make an acid mess and eventually lead “Definitely consider to corrosion of the tray (lithium) when you’re underneath the battery. investing in your cart A traditional lead acid battery typically lasts batteries. In the long run, four to five years if it is you could save yourself a taken care of, or as little lot of money.” as two years if neglected.

Lithium batteries, he said, - Ryan Wolbeck can last seven to eight years, or as much as 10.

Lithium batteries are also lighter than traditional batteries, meaning there’s less weight for the cart to haul around. been known to cause fires cost a little bit more,” he Additionally, lithium and generally shouldn’t said. batteries don’t have the be charged overnight and Customers who same ventilation require- should be charged away are ready to make the ments as traditional from flammables and swap should plan ahead. batteries. Wolbeck said structures. The batterProfessional installation the charging of lead acid ies shouldn’t be charged can run a few weeks out batteries can cause a when temperatures are if the battery is in stock. rotten egg-like smell that less than 32 degrees or If the battery that need to requires ventilation of the higher than 105 degrees. be ordered, it can take a fumes. Most golf clubs Consumers, Wolbeck couple of months. have open-air ventilated said, also need to educate “Definitely consider charging barns to keep themselves before choos- (lithium) when you’re the air moving through ing a battery brand to investing in your cart batthe space. ensure safety and perfor- teries,” Wolbeck said. “In Lithium batteries mance. the long run, you could aren’t without their own “Batteries from well- save yourself a lot of risks, however. They have known companies may money.”

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Page 6 | Mid-MN Wheels | Wednesday, November 15, 2023

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The hood is up on a car for an inspection Nov. 2 at Melrose Main Street Repair Inc. in Melrose. It is recommended for drivers to check the oil level every 1,000 miles and have it changed every 5,000 to 6,000 miles.

Ritter

is especially important year-round to provide even wear to the tires. from page 5 Today’s tires can run for 40,000 to 80,000 miles, depending on the grade They’ll check the battery of the tire. and refill any fluids and, “You want to get the usually, note if manumost you can out of the facturer-recommended tires,” Ritter said. “Rotatmaintenance is approach- ing your tires gets longer ing. life out of them.”

“This time of year, When it comes to you (need to) look at tires manufacturer-recomand brakes a little closer mended maintenance, for ice and snow,” he he said each vehicle is said. different and has differRegular tire rotation ent specifications and

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requirements, so it’s important to consult a vehicle manual or work with a trusted professional. That routine maintenance, he said, increases the longevity of the vehicle and helps prevent roadside failures.

“Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines,” Ritter said. “It’s all about miles. (Maintenance needs to be done) once you hit a certain mile mark.”

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Wednesday, November 15, 2023 | Mid-MN Wheels | Page 7 ®

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Page 8 | Mid-MN Wheels | Wednesday, November 15, 2023

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Page 10 | Mid-MN Wheels | Wednesday, November 15, 2023

TRUCKING

Terry Newman PFLIPSEN TRUCKING 5 years of experience

STATISTICS

Why did you decide to become a truck driver? I wanted to chase my dream. Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of being a truck driver.

My dad was a truck driver. It is a great job, and the crew here is amazing to work with.

The trucking industry is the lifeblood of the U.S. economy.

Nearly 71% of all the freight tonnage moved in the U.S. goes on trucks. Without the industry and our truck drivers, the economy would come to a standstill. To move 10.5 billion tons of freight annually requires over 3.6 million heavy-duty Class 8 trucks and over 3.5 million truck drivers. It also takes almost 39 billion gallons of diesel fuel to move all of that freight. Simply - without trucks, America stops. (Statistics from the American Trucking Association)

What are the essentials you need to have with you in the truck cab? My wife makes me food to bring. A lot of truck stops don’t have restaurants, so it gets to be a lot of fast food, which is not very

healthy. So, my wife makes me meals to bring, and I have a heated lunch box so that when I pull over, I can plug it in and have a hot meal.

What do you enjoy about truck driving?

Getting to see different scenery. I get to go all over the country and, therefore, get to see a lot of unique scenery.

Tell us about a favorite memory while out on the road? I always think it is so weird when I go out to California or Nevada around Christmas time and see people mowing their lawn. It would be snowing out in Minnesota; that always makes me homesick.

Jeff Koopmeiners

Source: www.alabamatrucking.org/otherupcoming-event/national-truck-driverappreciation-week-2/

RAMLER TRUCKING 31 years of experience Why did you decide to become a truck driver?

I got out of the service in 1992 and did not really know what I wanted to do. I had this opportunity come up and I jumped on it, and I have been here ever since.

3.5 million professional men and women not only deliver our goods safely, securely and on time.

What are the essentials you need to have with you in the truck cab? Nowadays, you have to have a cell phone, without question. I also don’t leave home without my iPad. I keep water, food and my snow boots in the truck at all times. Living in Minnesota, you have to plan for the worst.

I have been stuck in my truck for two days before.

What do you enjoy about truck driving? I like being out on the road and not sitting behind a desk. I like getting out and seeing different places. I have been all over the country. Every week is a different adventure.

Tell us about a favorite memory while out on the road? I have a lot of good ones.

The first time crossing the big bridge in Green Bay was cool. Driving along Lake Michigan in the Upper Peninsula was just beautiful. Going through the mountains in Tennessee was memorable. I have a sister out in Florida, and I have gotten to stop and see her when I hauled there. There are a lot of places that most people just don’t get to see that we get to see every week.

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Wednesday, November 15, 2023 | Mid-MN Wheels | Page 13

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MINNESOTA TRAILER OPERATIONS

Page 14 | Mid-MN Wheels | Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Stay safe while on the road in the winter: These winter driving tips are provided by the Office of Traffic Safety, a division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

Avoid unnecessary travel if conditions are too poor.

Buckle up, and make sure child restraints are secured tightly. It is recommended to use bulky clothes and blankets on top of the child restraint harness, not beneath, to ensure harness restraints fit properly.

Equip your car with good wiper blades, and keep a supply of windshield washer fluid.

Headlights must be turned on when it is snowing or sleeting.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

A van spins out during a snowstorm in Minnesota. The Minnesota State Patrol responds to thousands of spinouts and crashes every winter.

Do not use cruise control on snow/icy/wet roads.

Drive at safe speeds according to road conditions, and provide for plenty of travel time.

as well as checking the up or overheating.

Depending on the tires. Underinflated and Grabow encourages circumstances and condibalding tires become even drivers to be prepared, tions, he said, staying infrom page 12 more hazardous when know the conditions by side the vehicle is generthe roads are slippery, he going to the travel app ally the safest place to be.

In addition, he said, said. Vehicle maintenance 5-1-1 and listen to the “The storm will pass be sure to get vehicles is also important. Check- weather forecast. and help will come,” winter-ready. That means ing fluids, such as anti“Don’t outdrive, and Grabow said. including a snow brush freeze and coolant, can don’t outsmart your comGrabow page 15 and ice scraper in the car keep things from freezing mon sense,” he said.

Grabow

Increase safe-stopping distance between vehicles. Ice or snow can multiply your stopping distance up to 10 times.

Use extra precautions when driving around snowplows by keeping at least five car lengths behind plows.

If skidding, remain calm, ease foot off the gas, and turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.

If vehicle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), never pump ABS brakes.

Life-saving supply box

Fast acceleration can make wheels spin on ice and snow.

Make turns slowly and gradually.

Heavily traveled intersections can become “polished” and slick.

Every Minnesotan should have an emergency supply box in their vehicle this winter in case of a storm, spinout or crash. Store safety items in the passenger compartment when severe winter weather threatens in case the trunk is jammed or frozen shut. This packing list comes from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Homeland Security and Emergency Management office:

If the rear of your car begins to slide, turn into the direction of the skid. Expect a second skid as the car straightens out, and be prepared to counter this sliding action.

• Small candles and matches • Small, sharp knife • Red bandanna or cloth • Pencil and paper • Large plastic garbage bag • Whistle • Snacks • Cell phone adapter to plug into lighter

Scattered slippery spots and icy spots on the road surface can cause loss of steering control.

Do not use your brake. Take your foot off the gas and steer as straight as possible until your car slows to a safe speed.

Be sure cell phones are charged for long trips, and inform family of destination plans and schedule.

If stranded, stay in the vehicle.

• Plastic flashlight and spare batteries Reverse batteries in the flashlight to avoid accidental switching and burnout. Warm batteries before using them.

• Booster cables • Basic tools

• Sand, cat litter or other grit in a plastic milk carton • Shovel • Tow cables or chain • Sleeping bag or blankets • Road flares and reflectors • Snowmobile suit and heavy boots

For weather-related road condition information, call 5-1-1 or visit www.511mn.org.

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Wednesday, November 15, 2023 | Mid-MN Wheels | Page 15 ADOBE STOCK PHOTO

Offering a complete line of new & used tires for auto and trucks!

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Grabow from page 14 If you become stranded in any part of Minnesota, and you have a cell phone, call 911 to summon help. In other states, you may be able to dial 911 or 0 to reach an operator.

p o h S d o R t o H e h T

When you talk with authorities: • Provide information on your location, condition of all persons in the vehicle and the problem you are experiencing.

• Follow instructions; you may be told to stay where you are and wait for rescuers.

• Do not hang up until you know who you have spoken with and what will happen next.

• If you must leave your vehicle, write down your name, address, phone number and destination. Place the piece of paper inside the front windshield for someone to see.

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