JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The freezing temperatures Wednesday could make the start of your day harder. First Coast News is On Your Side to help start your morning off right with advice from experts on making sure your car starts.
"You go out and you crank your car, and then nothing happens," said Kevin White, service manager at Autobasics in Jacksonville. "Batteries in cold weather don't perform as well."
White advises getting your car's battery checked at a shop before the cold weather hits; He says it can be a costly mistake if you jumpstart your car incorrectly. When temperatures are below freezing and you turn the heat on in your electric vehicle, AAA finds the average driving range decreases by close to half – over 40 percent.
White advises checking your tire pressure and checking your car's fluids. Whatever you do, don't throw hot water on your windshield; that can crack it in the cold.
"Make sure you've got a little freeze protection in the washer fluid," White told First Coast News.
Even though the First Coast isn't covered in snow, checking off this list could save you a headache on future commutes.
"It's not fun anytime," said White. "It's no fun in this cold."
It's also advised to to keep an emergency bag in your car with items like jumper cables, a flashlight with extra batteries and drinking water.