Extremely cold weather is moving into Iowa over the next day or so and forecasters say it’ll stick around at least through the weekend.
Auto mechanic Jeff Johnson, in Omaha/Council Bluffs, says now is the time to go through the checklist to make sure your vehicle is ready for the winter ahead.
“Look at all your tires and make sure they’re aired up to manufacturer’s specifications,” Johnson says. “Check your wiper blades, check your coolant, make sure all your headlights and brake lights are ready to go. Also, make sure all your belts and hoses are all going to be prepared for any weather condition.” He adds, you won’t get far if you don’t have good tires, and if you need snow tires, get them on, pronto.
“Make sure your tires are properly aired up and that they have a decent amount of tread,” he says. “Winter tires are very important if your vehicle isn’t the safest, maybe a rear-wheel drive and even some front-wheel drive vehicles, it’s a great thing to add to your vehicle.” For some Iowans, the deep freeze will mean their cars won’t start as the frigid weather was too much for the old battery.
Johnson says have your battery tested to make sure it has enough cold cranking amps to keep your car starting, even when the wind chill is far below zero.