CORPUS CHRISTI, Tx \u2014 Local mechanics say cold weather can take a toll on your car. I’ll tell you what you can do now to help prevent big repairs.<\/p>\n
On the Northside, local mechanics say even a short cold snap can lead to big problems for drivers who don’t prepare.<\/p>\n
“We get the cold front. It hits, and batteries go out, tire pressure goes low, if we do have a long freeze and people haven’t prepared for that we do have those issues,” Antonio Cortez, Owner of T & A Auto Shop, said.<\/p>\n
Antonio Cortez is the owner of T & A Auto Shop. And while he says you don’t see freezing temperatures every day in South Texas, he says it only takes one to cause damage.<\/p>\n
“I’ve experienced one vehicle that we had with the freeze a few years back,” Cortez said.<\/p>\n
Northside mechanic warns cold weather can cause $6,000-$7,000 in car damage without proper preparation<\/p>\n
Cortez says one of the biggest risks comes when drivers don’t check their cars regularly, which can lead to dead batteries and fluids that don’t protect the engine.<\/p>\n
And if that damage goes unchecked, the cost to fix it can be steep.<\/p>\n
“Can start anywhere from $6,000 to $7,000 and can go up depending on the vehicle,” Cortez said.<\/p>\n
The biggest issue, Cortez tells me is engine failure.<\/p>\n
To avoid that \u2014 he says drivers should check their coolant, windshield wiper fluid, battery, and tire pressure especially when temperatures drop.<\/p>\n
He even checked my news unit to show me what to look for, after I was embarrassed to admit I don’t know much about cars.<\/p>\n
“The needle would indicate a certain freeze point here,” he said.<\/p>\n
Cortez says following these simple steps \u2014 like starting your car, driving it regularly, and keeping up with basic maintenance \u2014 can help drivers avoid costly repairs during cold weather.<\/p>\n
Mechanics say small steps like remote starting your car can help on cold mornings, and help you save thousands in the long run.<\/p>\n
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