You have to do more than simply start your car and let it idle for a few minutes to keep it running in cold weather. Tracy’s Automotive can help you if your car refuses to start.

Wichita and the rest of Kansas is seeing snow and record cold temperatures that hover near 0 degrees F. The cold is expected to last until at least Wednesday before a warming trend moves into the area.

Many of those who are lucky enough to stay home may still worry about the effect of cold on their cars and whether the cold weather will kill their batteries. Some run out to start their cars and let them idle for a few minutes, hoping that will help keep the car running.

But that supposition is wrong, according to a recent Chicago Tribune article. Yes, you need to start your car but you also need to do more than let it idle once you’ve gotten it started.

“It’s not the starting that is important, but what you do next that matters. If you start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes, the heat won’t evenly disperse through the entire vehicle,” the Tribune says. “In short, your car will warm up enough to create condensation in the fuel tank, but it won’t get hot enough to burn it away. That excess condensation may promote corrosion when water reaches your engine.

“Also, it is important to point out that sitting in an idling car is dangerous and you should never, ever let a car idle while it is inside a garage.”

Your better bet is to drive the car anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes at a time and make sure you get up to highway speeds at times. But be careful, the roads are hazardous.

“As far as frequency goes, the colder the temperature, the more often you will need to drive,” the Tribune says. “In temperatures that hover around 0 degrees F, this might mean taking a drive every single day, maybe twice. At higher temperatures, however, you may be able to drive once a week and be fine.”

The bad news is that, if it’s cold enough, your battery could weaken and die anyway. You can help your battery survive the cold by charging it when needed and keeping it and the car warm.

If your battery does die, or if you have other trouble starting your car, the certified Wichita auto care specialists at Tracy’s Automotive can help.

Tracy’s Automotive is here to help you. If you don’t have time or feel you can take your car to the shop, Tracy’s Automotive will pick it up at your home or work. Then, after your car is serviced or repaired, Tracy’s Automotive will bring it back to you thoroughly cleaned.

Tracy’s passion for a better tire buying, auto care and auto repair experience drove us to develop the model of Tracy’s Automotive Tire Pros. Tracy’s has turned hard work and inspiration into a booming tire and auto repair provider. Now Tracy’s has three locations and serves customers all over Wichita and Goddard. Tracy’s is thrilled to be a part of your family’s trusted brands for all auto repair and tire needs.

Tracy’s Automotive is a proud dealer for Jasper Engines and Vogue Performance Exhaust systems.

Also check out Tracy’s Automotive’s discount coupons.

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