Prepare prior to hitting the road

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Cars are seen on South
Main Street in Bowling Green, Ohio as snow falls on the evening of Sunday January 5th. (Photo: Enoch
Wu/Sentinel-Tribune)

With the area facing a bitter cold front moving in today, it may be tempting for folks to hunker down at
home.
Temperatures tonight are expected to drop to as low as 16 below. All time record in 1918 was minus 22
degrees. Jan. 19 and 20 of 1994 it was 20 below for two days in a row.
For those who have to get moving, having reliable transportation that will start and keep on trucking is
a must.
There are a few things to check to keep vehicles running smoothly.
According to Brent Sockman, of Sockman Automotive in Bowling Green, make sure you have the right
protection level of antifreeze, have the battery tested to make sure it’s fully charged, and check to
make sure your tires are properly inflated.
“That’s about the only thing you have to do with today’s cars since they’re so sophisticated. They don’t
freeze up like they used to in the old days,” Sockman stated.
He also recommended, with the anticipated sub-zero temperatures, letting the vehicle run for 10 to 15
minutes before leaving the house, to allow fluids to move to where they need to go.
Scott Feehan, owner of Muffler Brothers, also in BG, added that it is important to check spark plugs,
which if aged could make it that much harder to start the vehicle. Washer fluid should be full and
making wipers in good shape as well.
If a breakdown occurs, “it’s best to stay in the car. Get out in this cold weather and you won’t last
long,” Feehan stated.
“The best bet is to leave the car running to stay warm, and definitely don’t leave the vehicle.”
He suggested drivers have blankets in the vehicle plus a flashlight and a cell phone, which can be used
to call 911 even without a calling plan.
Items that should be kept in vehicles during the winter, according to The Weather Channel, include:
blanket, snow shovel, flashlight, hand warmers, matches, bottled water and snack bars with protein,
syphon pump, lightsticks, flares and whistle.

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