Cold and Cars Don`t Mix | Video

Chris Williams | 1/21/2013

When winter comes, North Dakotans know it`s time to start plugging their cars in. However, some newcomers to the area might not even know what an engine block heater is. That doesn`t last long, though, when the first cold front comes, and the car won`t start.

It gets downright cold during a North Dakota winter. People have gotten used to the sub zero temperatures, but some of their cars haven`t.

"The truck I`m driving, there`s something wrong with it, I don`t know what it is. This cold weather, I have to leave it running or it just won`t crank,” said truck driver Roger Roland.

Chaney`s Towing has responded to around 30 calls this winter for cars being too cold to start.

"I just come back from one up by Ray. Diesel pickup gelled up because he forgot to put additive in it,” said driver Joe Lesmeister.

Lesmeister says diesel trucks tend to freeze more often because the fluid is thicker than gas.

Plugging in your car at night is one of the best ways to make sure it will start in the morning, but if you don`t have the time or money to get one installed, you also have one other option.

"It`s called Iso-Heat. You can pick it up anyplace you buy fuel. It comes in a tiny one quart jug, or one pint jug,” added Lesmeister.

If you do forget to plug your car in, or don`t have any heat to add, there is a chance your car still might start.

"If you do have to start it up cold you need to make sure you let it idle a little bit, warm up a little bit,” Lesmeister added.

And it never hurts to have a few extra supplies.

"The best thing to do is make sure you got four good batteries, or in a car a good battery because cold weather will discharge a battery right quick,” added Roland.

Chaney`s truck drivers did say only having 30 calls of cars not starting because of the cold is low.

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