LAKE PLACID — The snow has already flown and temperatures are likely to drop as the Adirondacks Region slowly begins its winter hibernation. Cold and snow are perfect for winter sports enthusiasts, but one things for sure: It’s not easy on automobiles.
According to Tom Dahlke owner of the High Peaks Sales and Services auto shop on Sentinel Road, living in the Adirondacks can cause some serious car problems.
The first thing on his list of ways to keep a vehicle in top form is to make sure the battery is performing well, “because the minute you get that minus 20 degree weather your battery is going to ZAP, freeze on you,” Dahlke said. “Then you’re in trouble.”
According to an article provided by the American Auto Mobile Association, emergency calls in the winter skyrocket.
“When the temperature drops to near zero, the number of calls AAA receives from stranded motorists soars,” said George Giek, Director of AAA Automotive Engineering. “The most common cause of these cold-weather breakdowns is weak or dead batteries.”
The best way to avoid waking up on a frigid day and walking outside into the cold to a car that won’t start is to monitor the vehicle’s battery, especially if it’s more than two years old. A common sign of a failing battery is an unusual sound coming from the starter.
If the car has difficulty starting AAA advises driving to a service station or auto parts store to have the battery and charging system tested and, if necessary, replaced.
According to Dahlke it’s also a good idea to remove battery cables from the battery terminals and clean with a wire brush to help prevent corrosion. Then carefully replace the cable — always positive first.
Dahlke also advised taking the proper measures to prevent car doors from freezing shut.
“You should be alright with most new cars, but with older cars moisture tends to get between the door and the frame,” he said.
There are products available for this normally called weather-strip lubricant such as the spray from Würth called “Rubber Care.” Dahlke said WD-40 may also do the trick.
Jerry Strack, owner of the Central Garage, recommended bringing the car into a service station, especially, he said, for an oil change.
“In the winter time you make a lot of short runs and the oil thickens up a lot quicker, makes the engine turn over slower,” he said. “If you have nice fresh oil the car’s definitely going to start easier.”
Strack said getting the tires checked was critical.
“You want to make sure you have a good all season tire, or snow tires, to make sure you stop,” he said. “Or else you’ll be rolling through an intersection into an accident.”
Dahlke also brought up the importance of tire maintenance.
“It’s a good idea to keep checking the pressure,” he said. “Slow leaks are common in the winter time.”
According to Dahlke, road salt works its way between the tire and alloy rims, which can cause a chemical reaction resulting in a leak.
To help avoid winter breakdowns motorist should have their cars and trucks thoroughly inspected before cold weather arrives, according to AAA. An online checklist advises that fluid, belts, hoses, filters and tires should all be checked.
For more information and tips visit www.aaanewsroom.net.
Lawn mowers
According to bobvila.com, winterizing your lawn mower doesn’t take too long and it pays off in the end.
“If you have ever pulled your lawnmower out of the garage or shed in the spring and realized it wouldn’t run — and that you’re facing a hefty lawnmower repair bill or replacing the mower completely — you understand the importance of winterizing your lawnmower,” writes home improvement enthusiast and freelance writer Scott Gray.
The first step before winter hits is simple: empty the gas tank.
“Generally I tell my customers to put in some fuel stabilizer and then run it until it’s out of gas,” said Steve Forbes, an owner and manager of Parkside Supply on Springfield Road in Wilmington. “If you leave the gas in it will degrade, and probably cause problems with the carburetor.”
Forbes recommended using Startron Enzyme Fuel Treatment, a multifunctional fuel treatment based on naturally-occurring enzymes.
“It seems to work really well,” Forbes said. “A lot of people are also recommending it for boat engines.”
When winterizing the lawn mower it is recommended to change the oil and air filters, “but the biggest thing is making sure the fuel tank is empty,” Forbes said.
For tips on how to store your lawnmower in the winter visit www.bobvila.com. To contact Parkside Supply, call 518-946-1269.
