Cold weather car care and safety

APPLETON - The cold weather can be extremely hard on your car.

The Winnebago County Sheriff's Department responded to more than a dozen broken down vehicles overnight because of the cold.

Places like Zentner's Auto Service in Grand Chute have been extra busy this week.

"Towing has definitely been busy from morning to night the last few days," said Dave Zentner, owner of Zentner's Auto Service.

Zentner says that's because many drivers have been caught unprepared for the deep freeze we're in.

"Batteries are the biggest issue."

Zentner says batteries more than five or six years old could have a hard time holding enough of a charge to start your car in conditions this cold.

"Today's vehicles typically start better than they did years ago, other than if it is a battery."

Zentner says it's still a good idea to let your car run for several minutes before driving. But Appleton has an ordinance against leaving your car running unattended. It comes with a fine of $200.

Appleton Police Department public information officer Sgt. Dave Lund says the ordinance isn't designed to prevent people from getting into a warm car, it's meant to prevent your car from being stolen by thieves.

"It's because of safety concerns, we don't want people to start their car, leave it run for awhile and then come out and find it missing and that it's been stolen."

Lund says it's a crime of convenience. While he's not aware of any reports of stolen cars this week, Lund says police don't want drivers taking chances. He also says drivers should be properly prepared for if an emergency on the road arises.

"Think about having a winter driving kit in the vehicle, blanket hat, gloves, anything that can keep you warm while out in the vehicle."

To help keep you safe from Wisconsin winter at its worst.

Police also recommend having a cell phone and a charger on hand if you find yourself stranded on the road. They also say you should stay in your vehicle until help arrives.

Kimberly, Combined Locks and Little Chute also have ordinances against leaving idling cars unattended.