By: Kylen Mills
kmills@cbs4qc.com
There's still two months left of winter and the cold temperatures aren't going anywhere.
Luckily there are a few things QCA drivers can do to keep their cars running smoothly.
When temperatures drop below freezing it's easy for your car to not want to start.
Mechanics at Ace Muffler Clinic in downtown Rock Island say the last few days they've had several people come in with battery problems.
Auto technician Ron Dalldorf tells us that it's important not to leave your car sitting for too long and to start it for at least 20 minutes about every other day, even if you aren't going anywhere.
When your car is sitting, experts say to try to keep it out of the wind. You should also let your car run for a few minutes before driving.
"You wanna excite your battery in the morning when it's real cold out. Cycle, turn the key on and just leave it on for three to four seconds then shut if off. And then go back and start it up because that prepares your battery," said Dalldorf.
Another common issue caused by the cold is frozen doors, especially after a snowfall like we had this week.
Dallford says the best way to fix frozen doors is to take a butter knife or screwdriver and stick it into the corners of the door. You can then break up the ice and wedge the door open.
He adds that it's important to peel the door open slowly and not to jerk it; that can make the door break.
Dalldorf says there is one way to prevent your doors from freezing shut.
"One thing you can do on a day like yesterday is take some WD–40 or some silicone spray and just spray it on a rag and wipe it around that door jam, that lubricates it and it won't give you any problems in the morning," said Dalldorf.
Mechanics also say that it's a good idea to get your car checked out before every winter.
