winter car care - monroe county herald care 2015.pdf · on the car. some people prefer to put the...

W I N T E RC A R C A R E

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Monroe County Democrat • October 15, 2015

MONROE COUNTY DEMOCRAT THURSDAY, October 15, 2015

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The arrival of cooler, shorter days is often a precursor to winter storms dominated by snowfall. A snow-covered landscape can make for an appealing image. But heavy snowfall also makes for extra work, especially for drivers who must dig their vehicles out of the snow after each storm.

Some people live in suburban areas where they can park their cars in driveways or garages, while others live in cities and have to park on the street, where snow plows can do a wonderful job of burying vehicles underneath mounds of snow. Rescuing a car or truck from a pile of snow can be tricky and time-consuming, but there is a process that can make the job easier.

• Begin by clearing out the tail pipe of the car. This is a vital first step because failure to do so can back harmful carbon monoxide gas and other fumes into the car. Take the time to clear out the rear of the car, including the taillights, so you will have improved visibility.

• When the exhaust pipe is clear, turn on the car. Some people prefer to put the defroster on right away. Others wait until the vehicle warms up before doing so. Having a warm car will melt some of the accumulated ice and snow and make it easier for you to clear the car.

How to dig out your car after a winter storm

• The right tools make faster work of the task at hand. A shovel is a necessity, and a telescoping snow broom/ice scraper can be helpful. This allows you to safely push the snow off the roof of the car. Some regions fine drivers who do not remove snow from the roofs or hoods of their cars, so take the time to clean such snow before driving.

• Work from the top of the vehicle down. Otherwise, you will end up negating all of your work by throwing fresh snow on the areas you already cleared.

• By now the defrosters should have kicked in sufficiently enough to make it simple to clear snow from the windshield and rear window. Use some deicing windshield fluid to dislodge wiper blades if they have frozen to the windshield. Some drivers leave their wiper blades standing on end and away from the windshield prior to a big storm to prevent them from freezing to the windshield. Consider this trick if you’re especially worried about the blades freezing to the glass.

• Use your shovel to carefully remove as much snow as possible from around the tires. Be careful not to puncture the tire with a metal shovel. Try to create a tire path in the direction you plan to move the vehicle. So if you will

be backing out of the driveway, clear the way behind the car. If traction is a problem, use a bit of rock salt or cat litter behind the tires to give them more grip. Slipping a car mat under the tires also can provide much-needed traction.

• Exercise caution if you are digging out a car on a busy roadway. Make yourself visible to other motorists and

use traffic cones, if you have them, to keep drivers away from your vehicle. Do not shovel the snow in the path of oncoming vehicles.

Shoveling out after a snowstorm is a task few people enjoy. However, it is a necessity of the season and one that can be done safely and efficiently.

Winter is coming, so be smart about shoveling your vehicle out of the snow.


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As fall gradually gives way to winter, vehicle owners often sigh at the thought of driving in winter weather or spending weekday mornings clearing their vehicles of ice before heading to the office. But manning the wheel through another snowstorm or whittling away another night’s worth of ice from a car’s windshield are not the only rites of passage motorists must endure as cold weather returns. Winterizing a vehicle can improve vehicle performance during a time of year that, in many locales, can be especially harsh on automobiles. Low temperatures make for less than ideal conditions for engines to run, while potholes left behind by snow plows can damage a vehicle’s wheels and may even result in flat tires and a damaged suspension system. In addition, salt used to improve traction on roadways can cause rust. Short of moving to a locale with mild winters, there’s little drivers can do to protect their vehicles from harsh winter weather. But winterizing a vehicle can prevent some of the more common issues drivers may encounter when the temperatures dip below freezing. • Take time out for your tires. Winter weather can limit traction, putting the safety of drivers and their passengers in jeopardy. When possible, avoid driving in the snow, and steer clear of roads where ice and black ice are known to form. While such measures can greatly reduce your risk of being in an accident, you likely can’t avoid driving entirely come the winter. Drivers who want improved traction from their tires throughout the winter can purchase winter tires for their vehicles. Such tires can more effectively handle roads that are covered in snow and ice than all-season tires. Another way to improve traction during the winter months is to constantly monitor tire pressure, which decreases more rapidly when the weather is cold. Properly inflated tires provide better traction and protect against damage that may occur when driving over potholes. • Consider a low-viscosity oil in the winter. The owner’s manual of your vehicle may recommend you use a lower viscosity motor oil to counter the dip in temperature that’s synonymous with

winter. When the temperatures outside fall, the oil inside your vehicle thickens, and a thicker oil won’t circulate through the engine as well. This can cause engine problems because the engine won’t be adequately lubricated. A low-viscosity oil is naturally thinner, so it may improve lubrication throughout the winter. The vehicle owner’s manual should recommend oils based on climate. If not, talk to your mechanic about changing from the oil you use throughout the year to a low-viscosity alternative during the winter. • Inspect your vehicle before winter arrives. No one wants to be out on the road during the first snowstorm of the year only to discover certain components are not working properly. Belts and hoses, while durable, can be put through strenuous conditions during the winter months, so a close inspection of belts and hoses should be conducted in late fall. In addition, windshield wipers are especially important in winter, when snowfall can drastically impact visibility. You will want your wipers working at full capacity once the winter begins, so replace older wipers (shelf life for standard wipers is typically one year) and use a de-icing windshield washer fluid to maximize visibility. Another component that must be inspected is your car’s battery. Many drivers have experienced a dead battery, which, in warm weather, is more of a nuisance than a health concern. In cold weather, a dead battery can threaten your health if you find yourself stranded in cold weather. Especially low temperatures can compromise a battery’s power by as much as 50 percent, so have your battery inspected in late fall and replace it if need be. • Don’t be caught off guard. Part of winterizing a vehicle is being prepared if the vehicle breaks down. Make sure you have extra washer fluid in your vehicle’s trunk, and don’t forget to include an ice scraper, snow brush or even a snow shovel in the trunk as well. A snow shovel may be necessary if you need to dig your car out if it’s been buried somewhere other than your driveway. Other items to carry in your trunk include a blanket, a change of clothes, an extra hat, an extra pair of gloves, some nonperishable food, and a few bottles of water.

Keeping tools like a snow brush or ice scraper in the trunk of a vehicle is one way to ready a car for the winter months ahead.

Winterizing vehicles is animportant step for drivers From left, Vicki Riley and Lady Butterfest Cheryl Isensee man the table at the Drive

4 UR School fundraiser for the Sparta Public Education Foundation held Oct. 10, at Sparta High School. Brenengen Ford and the Ford Motor Company donated $20 to the Foundation for anyone who test drove a new 2015 Ford car or pickup.


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Donn Heath thought for sure he was talking to a scammer. The voice on the other end of the phone was asking the Wilton man for his birthdate, Social Security number and other information he knew enough not to give out. “I was apprehensive,” said Donn. “What’s the first thing that comes to mind – scam.” But there was a glimmer of truth to what the caller was telling him. He said Donn had won a brand new truck. Donn, who works for Toro in Tomah and is a lifelong Ford owner, had attended the Minneapolis Auto Show at the Alliant Center earlier in the year with his son, Brandon of Eagan, MN. “That’s what they do every year, go to the auto show,” said Donn’s wife, Angela. While there, Donn (yes, that’s with two “n”s) test drove a truck and was told he was automatically entered into a contest to win a new Ford.

How sweet it is

Wilton man’s luck ispowered by 385 horses

Donn and Angela Heath with their new Ford F-150 King Ranch Edition.

So, when he got that call from somebody telling him he won, there was a ring of truth to it. But Donn was still skeptical. He hung up and called Ford headquarters, which couldn’t confirm the story. Donn then went to Brenengen Ford in Sparta where he talked to his longtime salesman Scott Siver, saying, “I think I won a truck.” As it turns out, Donn was the winner but the company conducting the contest for Ford was called Xperience. They were the ones trying to get his tax information so they could award the prize. Donn was picked from thousands of entries for the contest’s grand prize and actually had won $45,000 to put toward the truck of his choice. However, his choice was a little too sweet for 45K. Donn wanted a tricked-out 2015

F-150 King Ranch edition, complete with an aluminum body. Unfortunately, the list price on that plush ride was closer to $57,000. But with all the discounts Siver managed to find for him, the price of the truck turned out to be $50,150. Adding to Donn’s fortune is that, according to

Siver, Wisconsin is the only state in the nation that doesn’t collect a sales tax on something like this. Sadly, Donn will still have to pay income tax on the winnings. Still, that’s one heck of a deal for a loyal Ford man whose been waiting awhile to whiff that new-car smell. Congratulations Donn.

Few things can be more frustrating than jumping into the driver’s seat on a frosty morning, turning the key in the ignition and failing to hear the engine roar to life. Frigid weather can cause trouble with a car’s battery. Some drivers do not understand why, but getting the facts can help people avoid having to deal with dead batteries on cold winter days.

Cold temperatures wreak havoc on batteries because they slow the chemical reaction inside of the battery. Batteries work by combining lead plates with lead dioxide and sulfuric acid to create electrons. While batteries can function under myriad conditions, the cold weather tends to degrade high-quality batteries and may render subpar batteries useless. The cold weather can cause the fluid in the battery to freeze and lose function. A battery that is frozen will not hold a charge, and, as a

Car battery care in extreme weatherresult, the car won’t start.

There are various ways to protect a battery from failure in the cold, and some of them involve taking precautionary measures even before the arrival of cold weather.

• Assess the age of your battery. If your battery is old, now may be the time to replace it. Batteries differ in how long they last, but many last anywhere from five to 10 years. If your car is still running on its original battery and your car is several years old, it may be a good idea to get a new battery before the arrival of winter. Battery size will not necessarily provide better starting. It’s important to buy the correct battery for the make of your car, which can usually be found inside of the owner’s manual.

• Verify that there is no corrosion. Corrosion can prevent a car from starting just as much as a worn-out battery. Corrosion is caused by a faulty

connection that allows battery acid to escape and corrode surrounding areas. Regularly inspect the battery to keep abreast of issues that may cause corrosion. Carefully clean away any corrosive residue that has formed and make sure the battery is correctly seated.

• Install a battery blanket. A battery blanket is used to wrap around the battery and fit inside of the battery cover. A cord with a plug runs from the blanket to a wall outlet. The blanket can produce enough heat to keep the battery fluid from freezing. A trickle charger can also be mounted on the battery. It will deliver enough power to the battery while the car is off to keep it from freezing.

• Minimize the use of automotive accessories. Do not start the car with the heater and the radio on. They can use up the power coming from the car’s alternator and prevent the battery from charging. Do not leave the heat and the radio on while the car is idling. Otherwise the car will not be putting out enough power for the alternator to charge the battery and power the electrical systems.

• Disconnect the battery. If your car will be stored in a garage for the winter, disconnect the battery. Certain devices, such as clocks and alarm systems, continue to drain battery power when the vehicle is off. If your car will not be driven enough to recharge the battery, keep it disconnected when the automobile is being stored.

Cold weather can sometimes wreak havoc on vehicles. Knowing how to skirt trouble with your car’s battery can keep your car on the road throughout the winter.


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Few drivers want to think about their vehicles breaking down. But cars are not foolproof, and even the most well-maintained vehicle can be sidelined by a flat tire or a dead battery. In certain times of the year, a breakdown may be an inconvenience that takes up a few hours of a person’s time. In extreme weather situations, a broken down car could be dangerous. Preparing for emergency situations can help drivers get moving faster. There are certain items that should be kept in the trunk or cargo area regardless of the season, and some of these items should be modified as the seasons change. • First aid kit: If someone is hurt in an accident, medical supplies in the trunk allow drivers and/or passengers to treat injured persons until paramedics can arrive. Go over what is in the kit and learn how to use each item correctly. • Flares: If your car breaks down at night or in situations where visibility is poor, flares can keep other drivers away from your vehicle when it is parked on the side of the road. Flares also will illuminate the area so that you can work on fixing a problem or alert emergency personnel as to where you are located. • Jumper cables: Jumper cables enable you to recharge a dead battery, a common problem in cold weather. Automotive retailers also sell portable car battery chargers that can provide the boost needed to the battery in the event you cannot find another car around to offer assistance. • Spare tire and tools: Tire blowouts or holes in tires are unpredictable. Having the necessary items at the ready can get you back on the road faster. Learn how to change a tire. In a pinch, tire sealant can be used to get you to the next service station and away from the side of the road.

Must-have items for automotive emergencies

Winter can be especially harsh on automobiles. But drivers can take several preventive steps to ensure their vehicle is safe and sound on the roads this winter.

• Flashlight and batteries: A flashlight makes it possible for drivers to see under their vehicles and under the hood more effectively. It also can be used to grab the attention of fellow motorists who might be able to help. Keep extra batteries for the flashlight on hand as well. • Blankets: A blanket can keep passengers warm if a car breaks down in chilly weather. Blankets also can be placed on the ground so that you can lay on the road and be cushioned from debris when looking under the car. • Extra clothing: An extra set of clothing can be handy should your clothing become soggy or soiled. • Nonperishable foods: A few snacks and bottles of water stashed in the car can help quell hunger while waiting for a tow truck. • Sand and kitty litter: Sand can weigh down the

back of a rear-wheel drive vehicle to provide better traction on slippery roads. Sand and kitty litter also can be sprinkled underneath tires to help them grip the road better when you are trying to get the car out of an icy or muddy patch. • Charged mobile phone: Keep your cell phone charged so that you can make emergency phone calls or contact a tow company in the event of a breakdown. • Shovel: A shovel makes it easier to dig a vehicle out of mud or snow. Certain things should not be stored in a vehicle. For example, hot weather can cause lighters and cans to burst inside of a car, so such items should not be kept in your car. In addition, freezing temperatures may reduce the effectiveness of certain products and cause liquids to freeze and burst.


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Regardless of the season, Cardell Potter is always getting ready to race. Potter, a 23-year-old native of Camp Douglas, races super late model stock cars in the ARCA Midwest Tour in the summer and snowmobiles for Miracle Racing 58 in the winter. He is the reigning snowmobile world champion, having claimed the title at the 2015 event in Eagle River last January. Preparing for the next year begins as soon as the current season is over. Potter wrapped up his summer super late model (SLM) racing season in September at Cedar Rapids. “There isn’t usually too much to do to prepare for the winter. The big thing is to pull out the motor and get it freshened during the fall,” Potter said. “We had some engine problems in the last race so that will take care of that.” Ending on a good note with the car, he says, is also important to a good start for next year, because there is not a lot of time between the end of the snowmobile season and the start of the SLM summer racing program. What takes the most time during the transition between seasons is preparing the trailer, he said. “We use the same race trailer for both series so swapping out the tools and parts takes a while.” Getting ready for the snowmobile season takes a significant amount of time, especially since much of the setup and parts for snowmobile racing are custom-made parts. “My dad already has about 200 hours in the new chassis for the sled this year,” Potter said. “Since all the parts are tailor made for

Cardell Potter is the reigning snowmobile world champion. But the 23-year-old native of Camp Douglas is as comfortable behind the wheel of stock car as he is astride a sled. He races super late model stock cars in the ARCA Midwest Tour in the summer and snowmobiles for Miracle Racing 58 in the winter.

World champ snowmobiler is just as comfortable on four wheelsCamp Douglas man busies himself transitioning from the asphalt track to the snow oval

the sled, if you take the time to make one, you might as well make two so you have a spare. Parts for the sleds aren’t something you can get overnight if you need it.” While the motors can be purchased, even those are torn apart to customize the cylinders. Beyond the time-consuming task of preparing the equipment for the upcoming season, there is also driver preparation. Potter says snowmobile racing is more physical than it looks. “You are constantly working hard in the corners to keep the left front ski on the ground to rotate the sled through the turn, almost leaning completely off the sled.” Potter works out daily if he can, focusing on cardio and forearms as a key area. “What you want to avoid is arm pump,” he stated. Arm pump is when the driver loses feeling in his hands through

increasingly restricted blood flow in the forearm muscles, making it hard to hang on and steer the sled. Strength and endurance training build up and grow more small blood vessels in the forearm, reducing the effects of arm pump during competition. “It’s probably the biggest cause of crashes and can make you lose speed and hard to get through the turns,” he said. Potter is looking forward to the season. “We have two new sponsors this year in Skidoo and Jimmy John’s and we were able to keep our high-visibility colors that we are known for while incorporating the sponsor’s color scheme too. This is a cool opportunity, and I’m looking forward to what the season holds.” The first snowmobile event for Potter and the Miracle Racing 58 team is December 20, 2015 in Fargo, North Dakota.

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Snowy weather can be a time for fun, especially for avid skiers or children who relish spending days off from school tossing snowballs and building snow forts. Many adults, however, do not look forward to the snow as much as youngsters do. Snow can be hazardous when driving, but putting snow tires on a vehicle can improve vehicle safety. According to information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, roughly 115 people die every day in vehicle crashes in the United States. Each winter, snowfall compounds treacherous road conditions, increasing the risk of accidents. It is important to know how to drive when weather conditions are dangerous. It is also wise to outfit a vehicle to reduce its risk of slipping and sliding on icy, snowy roads. Here are some tips to follow. * Limit time spent driving in the snow. Avoid driving during snowstorms or directly after whenever possible. Snow not only makes roads slick, but falling flakes can impair a driver’s visibility and reduce his or her response time. Try to wait until snow-clearing teams have salted, plowed and sanded roads before venturing out. * Be sure you can see clearly. Clear off the snow from the windshield, side mirrors and windows so it does not compromise your view. Also, top off the windshield fluid so you will be able to clear snow and salt kick-up from your windshield. Look for a washer fluid that has an antifreeze component, otherwise, your washer jets and wiper blades could

Stay safe on winter roads

Driving in the winter time, especially during or after snowfall, can be dangerous.

be rendered useless. * Drive slowly. Reduce your speed when driving in inclement weather. It can be more difficult to stop or maneuver around a potential obstacle when conditions are less than ideal. Traveling at a high speed will increase the risk of accidents. * Leave enough room between you and other motorists. Tailgating is responsible for many accidents, even when there is no snow on the ground. In inclement weather, it can take longer to slow or stop the car after pressing on the brakes. Having an additional space between your car and the one in front of you helps you avoid a collision. * Be aware of black ice. Black ice gets its name from its veritable invisibility. It is so thin and hard to spot, it just looks like the black asphalt of the road. Black ice tends to form in areas that have had snow or ice melt, which then refreezes at night when temperatures drop. Be extra cautious on turns and on highway exit and entrance ramps, where black ice frequently forms. * Steer your car into the skid. Remain calm and do not panic and jam on the brakes if your car starts to skid. Slamming on the brakes will only exacerbate the skid. Rather, take your foot off the accelerator, allowing the car to naturally slow down as you turn your wheels into the direction the car is skidding. This should help right the car and get you back on track. * Invest in snow tires. Those who live in especially snowy climates and do a lot of driving would be wise to

purchase snow tires. Snow tires, also called winter tires, have special tread patterns that offer better traction in snow and ice. They also are made from softer rubber compounds than regular tires that retain their flexibility in cold weather, allowing the tire to conform to the surface of the road. Although many vehicles come with technology to prevent accidents, they cannot do their jobs if tires are not maintaining their grip on the road. All-season tires are not a replacement for snow tires. All-season tires are designed to work in all sorts of conditions, from rainy weather to dry roads. Therefore, it is better to invest

in a set of snow tires that will offer you better protection. When putting snow tires on a car or truck, be sure to do so on all the wheels -- not just the driving wheels. Otherwise you may still risk spin outs or uneven gripping of the road. It is not a good idea to keep snow tires on all year. Because they are softer, snow tires tend to be more noisy and can wear out faster in warmer weather. Therefore, switch out the tires at the beginning of the snowy season and then before the spring arrives anew.

Deer can be found all over the country, and healthy deer populations are increasingly creeping into residential and urban areas seeking food and mates thanks to developments encroaching on deer habitats. This increases the chances of motorists having run-ins with deer on the roadways around their homes and places of business.

State Farm(R) estimates that 2.3 million collisions between deer and vehicles occurred in the United States during the two-year period between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2010. That number marks a 21.1 percent increase

Oh, ‘deer’: Get the facts about this road hazardin the number of incidents from statistics gathered just five years earlier. West Virgina and Iowa rank first and second, respectively, as the states where a driver is most likely to collide with a deer.

Vehicular crashes can cause serious damage to a car and even be fatal. According to National Geographic, the average white-tailed deer can stand at 6-feet-tall and weigh between 100 and 200 pounds. That animal stands as a formidable foe should a collision with a car occur. It may seem like one is hitting into a barrier or an impenetrable object.

Although fall, when deer are migratory and seeking mates, is the prime season for collisions with deer, collisions can occur throughout the year. The spring is when females give birth to their young, so speckled fawns may inadvertently dart across the road with mothers chasing after them. The displacement of deer habitats due to urban sprawl also magnifies the problem of risking an accident with deer.

There are certain tips that can reduce the chances of a deer and vehicle collision.

* Keep in mind that deer are most active between 6 and 9 p.m. At dusk, they may be harder to see.

* Take note of posted deer crossing signs. These are erected in places where deer are most actively crossing.

* Deer generally travel in herds. So drivers who see one deer should expect to see others nearby.

* Use highbeams when driving at night to better illuminate rural areas.

* Drive slowly in areas where deer are likely to be, such as by open fields.

* Car-mounted deer whistles are not a reliable deterrent.

* Do not swerve erratically to avoid a deer collision. This can result in a collision with another car and increase risk of injury and damage.

In areas where deer collisions are prevalent, extra insurance coverage may be needed on vehicles. Therefore, drivers should speak with their insurance providers.


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Alignment Savings!

It is easy for motorists to take their tires for granted when everything is working correctly. Wheels and suspension systems bear the weight of cars and trucks and must bear the brunt of rough roads, pot holes and any additional obstacles, so some wear and tear is to be expected. Many drivers know to monitor their tire pressure, but it’s also important to check for worn treads and inspect tires for punctures or damage. Proper tire alignment and balance also is essential for a comfortable and smooth ride.

Balance Balancing tires involves equalizing the weight of the combined tire and wheel assembly so that each tire spins smoothly on the road. Tires are mounted on the wheel assembly, and the chances of this assembly having precise weight distribution is nearly impossible without a little help. According to Discount Tire, the slightest imbalance in the tires, even as little as half an ounce, can be felt by drivers. Unequal mass can make tires wobble, causing noticeable vibrations. Mechanics will test tire balance by putting it on a balancing machine. The machine will spin the tire and determine the tire’s heaviest point. Counteracting weights will be placed on the tire hubs to create a more uniform balance of weight. Lead weights are often used, but some are being phased out for other metals, such as zinc, because of the

medical and environmental implications of lead. Tires that are not balanced will not only cause vibration, they also can lead to uneven wear.

Alignment Tire alignment is another way to reduce wear on tires and help avoid steering and “pulling” problems. Bridgestone Tires defines tire alignment as an adjustment of the vehicle’s suspension, or the system that connects a vehicle to its wheels. When tires are not properly aligned, drivers may notice uneven tread wear. Misaligned tires also may cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right. Drivers who notice their steering wheel is off-center or vibrating when they are driving may need to adjust their tires’ alignment. Camber, or the inward or outward angle of the tire when viewed from the front of the vehicle, will be adjusted. In addition, “toe,” or the extent to which the tires turn inward or outward when viewed from above, will be adjusted. Caster angle also helps balance steering, stability and cornering. Caster is the angle of your steering axis when viewed from the side of your vehicle. When tires are balanced correctly and aligned, vehicles will offer a smooth ride with little to no vibrations. Having tires serviced can maximize their performance and lifespan.

Maintain tire balance and alignment for a smooth ride

Sweet RidesAllan Lofald is pictured with his son, Todd, outside of Highlight, Inc. in Sparta. Lofald has a large classic car collection and he was spotted shining up the beauties late this summer.

winter car care - monroe county herald care 2015.pdf · on the car. some people prefer to put the...

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