Local mechanics urge Mid-Missouri drivers to check vehicles as temperatures drop

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

As temperatures continue to fall and with more snow on the way this week, Mid-Missouri mechanics are urging drivers to check their tires and prepare their vehicles for the next round of winter weather.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Troop F responded to more than 400 incidents during last weekend’s winter weather. That includes:

• 170 calls for service
• 166 stranded motorists
• 73 non-injury crashes
• 4 injury crashes
• 1 fatal crash

Firestone Complete Auto Care experienced a major increase in customers since last weekend’s first snowfall. Mechanics report some of the most common issues right now include weak batteries, oil changes, and worn-down tires.

Joshua Moss, Store Manager at Firestone Complete Auto Care, said the storm served as a wake-up call.

“It was quite a busy time. It kind of felt almost like a retail Christmas because we increased probably 10 to 15 more customers that day. And a lot of it, of course, was tires,” Moss said.

Across all 12 stores in his district, Moss said each location saw an extra 15 to 20 cars last weekend. The snow didn’t just slow down drivers, it also slowed down their suppliers in Kansas City, delaying service for customers.

“Just like our customers, our deliverers were having trouble getting here. So, we had to push off some customers until the snow subsided and we could actually get our tires that they need,” Moss said.

Gavin Ross-- an auto maintenance employee at Firestone-- said tire care should be a top priority.

“Definitely keep an eye on your tire pressure. Ensure there's no bald spots or any visible wear on your tire,” Ross said.

Drivers may also notice they’re stopping at the pump more often. Experts said colder weather forces your car to burn more fuel.

“The only time that we use a little bit more fuel is when it is snowing because the car has to work harder to get through it,” Moss said. “So, they do increase in that fuel but it is always good to have a full tank when it’s snowing.”

Data from the U.S. Department of Energy states, that at 20°F, a gasoline vehicle can get about 15% fewer miles per gallon compared to a 77°F day. For short trips of just a few miles, fuel efficiency can drop up to 24%.

“[Drivers are] using a lot more of their heat, especially starting their vehicles before getting into them. They should make sure their vehicles are warmed up before they go to work or head home,” Ross said.

Low temperatures can also make car batteries less efficient. When it's cold, batteries can’t hold or produce power as effectively, forcing the alternator to work harder to keep them charged. To help improve fuel efficiency and reduce cold-engine strain, the Department of Energy recommends combining trips when possible.