Tips to keep your car moving in bitterly cold temperatures

MILWAUKEE -- You won't want to be outdoors Wednesday, Jan. 30 and Thursday, Jan. 31 unless absolutely necessary. A wind chill warning was set to take effect at 6 p.m. Tuesday, running through noon Thursday. The FOX6 Weather Experts say we could see the coldest air in decades -- with wind chills potentially dropping to the -50s at times.

It's the kind of cold you definitely won't want to be stuck in. FOX6 News spoke with an expert, who offered some advice to keep your vehicle moving when temperatures fall.

Starting your vehicle can be easier said than done when temperatures are below zero.

"When it's real cold out, people have a tendency to think that their car is not going to start the next morning," said Larry Pelman, Andrew Chevrolet.

Larry Pelman

"The number one thing is, you got to make sure it has gas in it. That's the number one thing -- make sure you have gas. You want to have at least half a tank of gas in your car," said Pelman.

Pelman said it'll take more than that to get your vehicle started.

"Before you even kick it over, you want to turn your key to the auxiliary position. Let the computer sense the coldness before you kick it over," said Pelman.

Newer model cars are more computer than machine, so letting the devices inside warm up will go a long way to keep things moving forward.

"Make sure your battery is up to date. If it's an older battery, once it gets cold out, the cold will drain your battery," said Pelman.

It is also incredibly important that you do not abandon your vehicle while you let it idle in the cold.

 

"If it does have a remote start, use that. That's the number one best thing to use," said Pelman.

You'll want to start your vehicle, whether you plan on using it or not, at least twice a day when it's cold out. It's suggested you drive it around the block for 10 minutes in the morning and then again at night to make sure it will be ready for you the next morning.