When you’re preparing for subzero temperatures, don’t forget about your car.
Low temperatures can lead to complications with your car’s performance.
Diesel fuel, for example, can start to gel at 15 below zero. Depending on the type of coolant one uses in a vehicle, even antifreeze can begin to freeze when temperatures drop far enough below freezing.
Battery quality, tire pressure and the condition of windshield wipers all can cause problems during the brutal cold.
Mike Sokolik, the store manager of the Jensen Tire location at 96th and L Streets, offers these cold-weather tips:
- Proper maintenance is key. Any service center can check antifreeze or engine coolant to ensure it’s rated at 30 below or better.
- Check your fluid levels, including windshield wiper fluid and oil.
- If you haven’t replaced your vehicle’s battery in the last few years, consider a replacement or keep jumper cables in the vehicle.
- Check your tire pressure every month during winter.
- Install new windshield wiper blades. “When it comes to wiper blades,” Sokolik said, “you get what you pay for.”
- Pack a winter emergency safety kit with blankets, a flashlight and jumper cables.
‘Cold as Ice,’ ‘Ice, Ice Baby’ and 21 other songs that work in this frigid, freezing polar cold
“Winter Song,” The Head and the Heart — This is a song for staying warm, cuddled under blankets. As the song says, “Summer gone, now winter’s on its way/I will miss the days we had.” And I think we’d all agree with the line, ”it’s too late for this now.”
“White Winter Hymnal,” Fleet Foxes — This is a log cabin song, perfect for a blazing fire. In fact, put this tune on the stereo and you’ll be magically transported to a ski chalet.
“Cold as Ice,” Foreigner — Oh man. Feel that chippy piano melody down into your bones.
“Trapped Under Ice,” Metallica — Speed metal always gets me warmed up on a cold day.
“Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out,” Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band — This song isn’t really about anything cold or ice-related, but it’s easily the best song with “freeze” in the title.
“Ice, Ice Baby,” Vanilla Ice — Oh, yes. You knew it would be on this list. You’re welcome.
“Cold, Cold Heart,” Hank Williams — I’m not crying. You’re crying. (Feel free to take a break and turn on “There’s a Tear in My Beer.”)
“Immigrant Song,” Led Zeppelin — Ahhhhh-ah-ahhhhh-ahhhhh! The land of ice and snow sounds terrifying. I want to go there. I think we’re already there.
“Cold Creeps,” Owl John — Feel the cold creep up your spine.
“Cold One,” Eric Church — Revel in the country star’s descriptions of a hot May day and laugh at his misfortune when his girl leaves and takes his beer, too.
“Colder Weather,” Zac Brown Band — Isolation. Sadness. Cold weather. This song with a passing Nebraska reference simply feels like winter.
“Break the Ice,” Britney Spears — Let Britney warm you up.
“The Ice Is Getting Thinner,” Death Cab For Cutie — Emotionally cold is almost the same as cold temps.
“Living in Colour” by Frightened Rabbit — “I am weathered by the winter of mixed drinks,” sings the late Scott Hutchinson. Sometimes a stiff drink is just what you want on a gloomy day (or days).
“A Hazy Shade of Winter,” Simon & Garfunkel — “Seasons change with their scenery/Weaving time in a tapestry.” Who else is hoping they change soon?
“In the Cold, Cold Night,” White Stripes — One of the few songs where Meg White took lead vocals, this is a quiet, slow burn.
“Out in the Cold,” Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers — Don’t get stuck out in the cold. Let this riffage keep you nice and toasty.
“Cold Weather Blues,” Muddy Waters — I feel like following Muddy south and letting this winter pass us all by.
“Winter Winds,” Mumford & Sons — A love song and ode to winter, as told to us by Marcus Mumford in four four verses.
“Long Cold Winter,” Cinderella — Ready for this to be over? My goodness, me too. And Cinderella is on our side.
“Ice Cold Ice,” Hüsker Dü — Not sure if the descriptions of barren lands are helping my mood or not.
“Nine Below Zero,” Sonny Boy Williamson — Nothing freezing about this jam. It’s hot. Red, blazing hot.
“Chill in the Air,” Amos Lee — The stark song just feels ice cold, especially when he tells her he doesn’t ever wanna see her again.
