HOUSTON — Houston knows how to deal with the heat but we have less experience when the temperature drops below freezing. And it’s not just pets, pipes, and people you must worry about.
Cold weather also takes a toll on your car. According to the Department of Transportation, in cold temperatures, it can take more battery power to start gasoline and diesel engines. When it comes to electric and hybrid vehicles, the driving range may be reduced. If you have concerns about your battery, then you may want to have a mechanic check it before cold weather hits.
Another issue could be your tires. As it gets colder outside you can lose pressure causing your warning light to go off. Experts recommend checking your tire pressure before you start driving.
You can find the recommended inflation pressure on a label on the driver’s side door frame. Don’t go by the number on the tire itself. That’s the maximum pressure the tire can hold.
The next warning is about kids and car seats. When it gets cold out, your instinct is to wrap your kiddo up in a big puffy jacket to keep them warm. However, heavy coats can interfere with how a car seat works, keeping the harness from getting a tight fit. Instead, when using a car seat use a lighter coat, put the harness over that, then use a blanket or heavy coat on top to keep them warm.