Tips for if your car won't start as the temperature begins to drop

Fargo, ND (WDAY TV) - Waking up to subzero temperatures tomorrow morning, might make you want to crawl right back in bed.

And your car might feel the same way.

Listen up, because we have some advice for you, "if" your car won't start in the morning.

I know I'm cold, and I'm sure these cars out here are feeling it, too.

It's something we deal with every winter, but if you don't know what to do when your vehicle won't start, you can make things even worse.

Joshua Hintz knows this freezing cold weather can be tough on vehicles and people.

That's why he makes it a mission to help complete strangers whether that's helping them start the engine, pulling them from a ditch or even offering a ride.

Josh Hintz/NDSU Student: "I carry this stuff with me because I like to help people."

But if you aren't fortunate enough to come by a handy helper like Hintz, here is what you need to know about getting your car up and running.

First of all, if you turn the key and the car just won't start - give it a rest after a few tries.

You don't want to flood the engine that can cost hundreds of dollars to fix.

And here's a quick - but important - reminder about jumper cables.

Make sure both cars' engines are turned off, and hook up the positive sides first.

Steve Hall/I-29 Tire & Service: "Do the negative of the vehicle you want to start last because otherwise you can cause real problems even an explosion."

Steve Hall at I-29 Tire & Service says the best approach is prevention.

Plug in the car, keep it in a garage, or face it away from the wind.

And if you can get the battery checked before temperatures drop.

Hall: "usually if something goes wrong there is a reason for it."

If none of the above works, who knows maybe Hintz will be in your neck of the woods.

Hintz: "I just hope somebody helps me out if I ever need it."

If you do need alternate transportation, MATBUS will be running all day tomorrow starting at six a.m.

Or you can call a cab; Doyle's Yellow Checker Cab says they have extra staff on because they expect a busy day.

Tags: becky parker, news, reporters, winter, car, care

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