From your roof to your ride, local businesses offer tips to keep people from breaking out in a cold sweat when the flakes start to fly
pring, summer, fall — for most of the year, driving your car is pretty much just a turnkey operation. Mother Nature isn’t a very demanding backseat passenger. Then there’s winter.
Treacherous roads. Ice-covered windshields. Cranky engines that don’t want to crank. Let’s face it: Most folks are happy to put winter in the rearview mirror. But unless you’re willing to move to warmer climes, getting your vehicle ready for cold weather is just one of those things you have to do when you live someplace where Jack Frost spends his winter vacation.
That’s why you need to make sure you don’t get stuck with tires that aren’t up to the task, a battery that’s lost its get-up-and-go, or wipers and wiper fluid that won’t clear things up.
Brandon Wallace has come across his share of cold-weather issues during his time at Dixon Ford Volkswagen’s service center. As the shop’s service manager, he oversees a crew of mechanics who keep customers on the road in all seasons. PUNCHES cont’d to page 3
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While a thorough winter checklist goes from bumper-to-bumper (see AAA’s winter checklist on page 6), there are some simple things that are easy to check before winter comes, like washer fluid. As fall takes a back seat to winter, it’s time to swap out a summer blend for a winter blend. While typical fluids are rated from zero degrees to 20 below before they’ll freeze, winter blends have a lower freezing point, from 25 to 35 below, and some have a de-icer mixed in.
That’s especially important when snow and dirt conspire to reduce your visibility and you need to give your windshield a squirt of fluid. Driving during a snowstorm can be hard enough, but when your visibility is reduced by a dirty windshield and your solvent freezes when it hits the glass, it can be downright dangerous.
“With windshield washer solvent, a lot of people don’t realize that there are typically two different versions,” Wallace said. “The summer blend can freeze faster, so I definitely recommend having that tested and replaced.”
Wallace knows what he’s talking about.
When the seasons change, so should your washer solvent. Getting a winter blend can help keep the fluid from freezing during winter’s cold snaps.
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Making sure it’s all good under the hood
... Brandon Wallace, service manager at Dixon Ford Volkswagen, inspects a vehicle at the dealer’s service station.
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During a family vacation several years ago, he found out firsthand the importance of having a winter blend under the hood.
“We had gone with our family on a trip down south, and got hit with snow in Tennessee on the way back, and the washer solvent froze,” Wallace said. “Down there, you couldn’t find any [winter blend], so that’s always one thing I remember to check now because of that scenario. It was rough coming back.”
Other items to be mindful of during the winter, Wallace said, are checking your battery (he recommends having it tested every couple of years), checking tire pressure more often, keeping a note on how long it takes to heat the inside, making sure your wipers are in good shape (or putting on winter wipers, which hold up to ice and snow better), and even something as basic as honking the horn on occasion to make sure it works.
Having a winter survival kit also helps, Wallace said, which can include a blanket, flashlight, jumper cables and an extra ice scraper. Even a tow strap can come in handy if you get stuck: “The towing facility is going to have everything they need, but if it’s a bad case and a truck goes by and you need help, if you have the trunk space, put one in there,” Wallace said.
One of the often debated questions when winter comes is whether you need let your vehicle warm up before you drive it. While motor oil technology has improved in recent years, the vehicle’s other fluids need to be considered as well.
“In my experience, I would recommend warming it up,” Wallace said. “Let it start and run for a little bit — don’t just get in it being ice cold and take off. The stuff’s cold. Get that engine warmed up a little bit and get the transmission fluid going — the colder it is the thicker it becomes. In the long term of the car, it’s better for it.”
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CODY CUTTER/CCUTTER@SHAWMEDIA.COM
Other vehicle functions to consider can depend on the make and model. Wallace’s service crew offers free mobile winterization inspections by appointment, where they can come to your home or business to inspect and check the entire apparatus to make sure it’s ready for winter, and identify any problem or potential problem that could arise.
“When they call to schedule an appointment, they’ll set up a time for us to come to their home or work, and we’ll do the inspection free of charge,” Wallace said. “We’ll give them a report of everything we’ve found, if it needs anything.”
There’s no worse feeling than being stuck somewhere during the dead of winter, but making sure your vehicle’s up to the task beforehand can prevent headaches and hassle.
“Usually the cold is what drives car failures and issues,” Wallace said. n
Shaw Media reporter Cody Cutter can be reached at 815-632-2532 or ccutter@ shawmedia.com.
Time for a check-up?
Dixon Ford Volkswagen, 489 state Route 2 in Dixon, is open for service from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. Find it on Facebook, Go to dixonford.com or call 815-288-3366 to schedule services or for more information.
BRANCHES ROOTS BRANCHES
ROOTS
BRAKES — If there is any indication of a brake problem, have the system inspected by a certified technician to ensure all components are in good working order.
WIPER BLADES — The blades should completely clear the glass with each swipe. Replace any blade that leaves streaks or misses spots. In regions where snow is common, consider installing winter wiper blades that wrap the blade frame in a rubber boot to reduce ice and snow buildup that can prevent good contact between the blade and the glass. WASHER FLUID — Fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir with a winter cleaning solution that has antifreeze components to prevent it from freezing.
AAA recommends motorists use this checklist to determine their vehicle’s fall and winter maintenance needs. Many of the items on the list can be inspected by a car owner in less than an hour, but others should be performed by a certified technician. Go to aaa.com for more information.
DRIVE BELTS — Inspect the underside of accessory drive belts for cracks or fraying. Many newer multirib “serpentine” belts are made of materials that do not show obvious signs of wear; replace these belts at 60,000-mile intervals.
ENGINE HOSES — Inspect cooling system hoses for leaks, cracks or loose clamps. Also, squeeze the hoses and replace any that are brittle or have an excessively spongy feeling.
AIR FILTER — Check the engine air filter by holding it up to a 60-watt light bulb. If light can be seen through much of the filter, it is still clean enough to work effectively. However, if light is blocked by most of the filter, replace it.
COOLANT LEVELS — Check the coolant level in the overflow tank when the engine is cold. If the level is low, add a 50/50 solution of coolant and water to maintain the necessary antifreeze capability. Test the antifreeze protection level annually with an inexpensive tester available at any auto parts store.
TRANSMISSION, BRAKE AND POWER
STEERING FLUIDS — Check all fluids to ensure they are at or above the minimum safe levels.
BATTERY AND CHARGING SYSTEM — Have the battery and charging system tested by a trained technician. A fully charged battery in good condition is required to start an engine in cold weather.
BATTERY CABLES AND TERMINALS — Make sure the battery terminals and cable ends are free from corrosion and the connections are tight.
TIRE TYPE AND TREAD — In areas with heavy winter weather, installing snow tires on all four wheels will provide the best winter traction. All-season tires work well in light-to-moderate snow conditions provided they have adequate tread depth. Replace any tire that has less than 3/32-inches of tread. Uneven tire wear can indicate alignment, wheel balance or suspension problems that must be addressed to prevent further tire damage.
TIRE PRESSURE — Check tire inflation pressure on all four tires and the spare more frequently in fall and winter. As the average temperature drops, so will tire pressures—typically by one PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Proper tire pressure levels can be found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker typically located on the driver’s side door jamb.
LIGHTS
— Check the operation of all headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers and back-up lights. Replace any burnt out bulbs.
Carry an emergency road kit equipped for winter weather. The kit should include: Mobile phone pre-programmed with rescue apps and important phone numbers including family and emergency services, and car charger; drinking water; first-aid kit; nonperishable snacks for both human and pet passengers; bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter) or traction mats; snow shovel; blankets; extra warm clothing (gloves, hats, scarves); flashlight with extra batteries or rechargeable flashlight with car charger; window washer solvent; ice scraper with brush; cloth or roll of paper towels; jumper cables; warning devices (flares, triangles flashing lights); basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench)
Your furnace won’t shut up, or shut off?
It may be time for a new HVAC system
Metro News Service
There’s no place like home, especially when it’s nice and toasty in the winter, and that takes a dependable furnace — and the best time to make sure you can depend on it is, well, before you have to depend on it.
So, before winter winds start whipping, take a look at your HVAC system, or better yet, have a pro take a look at it.
HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems can include heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioning units. It’s an automated system that works by adjusting a thermostat to regulate air temperature, and sometimes humidity, in the home. According to Enviguard, a commercial contracting provider, HVAC systems also may be used to improve indoor air quality through filtration and oxygen replacement.
As with any mechanical device, an HVAC system has a life span that must be considered. Should any of the following conditions be present, it is likely time to consult with an HVAC technician to see if repairs or replacement of the entire system is warranted.
Age — If the HVAC system is more than 10 years old, it could be time to begin budgeting for a new unit. Many modern, efficient systems may last 12 to 14 years with routine maintenance. But it’s good to keep an HVAC system’s age in mind so you can readily recognize when it might start to fail.
Longer or constant running times — An efficient, properly working system will quickly heat or cool the home and then turn off. A system that is turning on repeatedly or having to run for awhile before the set temperature is reached could be nearing the end of its utility.
Strange noises — Groaning, banging or loud humming noises should be addressed. While these noises may indicate that certain components need maintenance or replacement, they also could be symptoms of age and a system nearing failure.
Frequent repair visits — Knowing the HVAC company’s repair person by name is a sign that the system has required too much work in recent months. Repeated issues and repairs are probably signs that it’s time to consider a system replacement.
Higher bills — Sticker shock when receiving electricity or gas bills likely mean the HVAC system isn’t working efficiently and might need to be replaced.
Poor indoor air quality – If the home is dusty or humid or even if allergies seem to have cropped up out of nowhere, this could indicate a poorly functioning HVAC system. n
Heating your home can be a balancing act
Metro News Service
Homes can sometimes be an enigma, with problems arising that seemingly make little sense. One example of a problem that might not add up is when certain areas of a home feel much warmer or cooler than others, even when a heating and cooling system is running and operating efficiently. The culprit in such instances may be an imbalance in a home’s HVAC system. When an HVAC system is running yet there’s a noticeable temperature difference in certain rooms of a home, such as one room being particularly warm in summer or especially chilly in winter, that disparity could be a result of an uneven air distribution through the ducts in the home. In such instances, duct balancing might be a solution. Duct balancing involves adjusting the dampers or registers to correct issues such as uneven distribution of air, poor airflow and pressure imbalances with the heating and cooling system. Duct balancing is a relatively inexpensive fix, but it’s best left to HVAC professionals, as the job requires unique knowledge of heating and cooling systems and special tools to adjust the dampers or registers. n
he attic might be the least-visited place in your home, but it serves an important purpose: It helps keep a roof over your head.
An attic that’s well ventilated and properly insulated plays a role in getting the most mileage out of your roof — especially during the winter, when the snow piles up. When warm air in the attic heats up the roof and melts the snow, the water runs down the roof and refreezes when it reaches the cooler roof edge. Then it starts causing headaches.
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Ice dams form and ice start hanging around, and while icicles may paint a pretty picture glistening in the sun, the damage ice can cause can be pretty ugly. Ice dams can weigh hundreds of pounds, putting stress on eaves and gutters. And as the snow continues to melt, water can back up under the shingles, damaging the plywood underneath and eventually seeping inside, where it will head for ceilings and walls. In short, your house is never an ice dam site better.
Brick Boss has climbed lots of ladders and inspected a lot of attics, and he’s seen firsthand the damage ice can do. The owner of Boss Roofing-Siding Experts in Sterling and Oregon said he “can’t stress enough” to his customers how important having a well ventilated and insulated attic is.
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Crews have been working in recent months to transform the former Prescott’s Barbecue Shop at at 1910 E. Fourth St. in Sterling into Boss Roofing’s new offices.
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Take a look up and around your house — your gutters and roof may be telling your something
Time for new gutters?
Metro News Service
Certain home renovation projects are more glamorous than others. A remodeled kitchen is sure to garner its share of “oohs and aahs,” while a newly paved driveway is much less likely to dazzle guests.
A gutter replacement is another job that might not have the wow factor. But fully functioning gutters are a must and can help to prevent potentially expensive roof damage. Gutters rarely draw attention, but homeowners can keep an eye out for signs that indicate gutters need to be replaced.
Signs gutters
should be replaced
Various signs indicate it’s time to replace your gutters. Homeowners should act promptly if any of the following signs arise, as poorly functioning gutters can make it hard for water to get into the downspouts, ultimately pushing it backward and likely underneath roof shingles, where the result can be costly water damage.
• Peeling paint
• Cracks
• Rust
• Pooling water in the gutter
• Mildew in the gutter, which can sometimes be seen even from the ground
• Water damage: Water damage
Who should replace gutters?
on the gutter can be limited to certain spots and will be noticeable on the underside of the gutter
• Soffit damage
• Sagging gutters
• Detached gutters, which can be detached from other pieces or the house
Many home improvements can be completed successfully by skilled do-it-yourselfers, but a gutter replacement is best left to the professionals. Homeowners who live in single-story homes may be able to replace gutters on their own, but the issues that can arise when gutters are not functioning at optimal capacity make this a job best suited to professionals, even in residences without high roofs.
Some gutters may be under a manufacturer’s warranty, so homeowners can check to see if their gutters qualify for a free upgrade. Experience is one of the best reasons to work with a professional gutter installation team. Experienced professionals can identify which gutters are the best fit based on a host of factors, including the pitch of the roof, local conditions and the size of the house. In addition, gutter installation requires the use of various tools that many DIYers may not have on hand, which can cut into the cost savings of doing the project yourself.
Homeowners also should not underestimate the challenges of working on ladders that are high up off the ground. Professionals are accustomed to such challenges, while DIYers may not be comfortable or used to climbing ladders with materials and tools in hand. n
Time for a new roof?
Metro News Service
While many roofing materials can last for decades, at some point in time homeowners will likely have to repair or replace the roof on their home.
Roof wear and tear may not always be so evident, particularly because most homeowners do not make it a point to get on their roofs very often. The first sign of roof damage typically is a leak that is noticeable from the indoors. It may include a browned spot on the ceiling or even pooling water in the attic. Leak from storm damage or something minor like a water intrusion through a nail hole or from a lost shingle typically can be repaired easily enough. However, additional indicators may necessitate a complete roof overhaul. Here are some signs a roof is in need of repairs or replacement.
Sagging roof: If the roof is sagging, it could be due to excess loads, such as water-damaged shingles or even weakened roof structure. A professional will need to restore the integrity of the roof.
Cracking and buckling: It is likely that shingles will have to be replaced if there is cracking or if shingles are buckling and warping.
Exposed nails: Exposed nails may rust and contribute to a leaky roof, says Family Handyman. How long the nails were exposed could indicate if the roof can be repaired or if everything should be redone.
Lost granules: Asphalt roofing shingles have small granules on the surface. Over time these granules will slowly degrade and fall off. If there are many granules in gutters or if one can see that portions of the shingles are bare, it is likely time for a new roof.
VISIBLE LIGHT: Homeowners who can see light streams coming into the home need roof repair. This is indicative of holes, cracks or spaces in the roof.
GROWTH ON THE ROOF: Mold and mildew on the roof is a sign the roof needs to be repaired or replaced. Such growths contribute to rot that jeopardizes the integrity of the roof. n
“Reducing moisture and condensation is huge in the winter time,” Boss said. “Your attic doors need to be insulated, any pipes and any penetration that’s coming into your ceiling into your attic needs to be insulated. Think of a glass of ice water in the summer that gets all that condensation around it; your attic roof does the same thing when you got that hot heat in your attic from the heat loss of your home, and then hitting that cold air from outside, you create condensation that can cause mold and all kinds of problems. Insulation and ventilation in the attic is so, so crucial to prevent things.”
Fortunately, there are steps people can take to help prevent problems.
Most newer shingle roofs have an ice and water barrier that helps protects them, but some roofs that are 15 years and older may not have that, Boss said. His crews have been putting them on since it started in business nearly 20 years ago.
“Preventative maintenance is important: making sure that, before winter, your gutters are clean, your attic ventilation is proper and your insulation is proper,” Boss said.
Another benefit of preventative maintenance: It can also increase your home’s energy efficiency, saving you money in the long run, Boss said.
But how can you tell if your attic is doing its job? One sign is the size of the icicles — the larger the icicle the larger the problem on a roof.
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Gutters are another important part of your home’s health. They make sure the water gets where it needs to go — away from your home — but trees and debris can cause build-up in your gutter, obstructing the flow of water, which not only contributes to ice dams but can damage parts of the roof, such as the fascia. Making sure trees are trimmed and branches don’t hang over your home can help prevent some of that, but leaves can still get in your gutters, even if the trees aren’t nearby. Gutter cleaning is another option, but who likes doing that? That’s where filtered gutter guards can help; they’re the best option for keeping leaves and debris from building up in gutters.
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• We specialize in commercial pest control, rodent control, and bed bug services.
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“If you have huge icicles on your roof, you probably have an issue with insulation or ventilation,” Boss said.
Having a professional roof inspection doesn’t hurt either; a pro can identify issues that homeowners may not know they have.
“An annual inspection allows you to spot small issues that could become costly problems when the temperature drops,” Boss said. “Each roof is a little different, but an annual inspection doesn’t hurt, especially when you have a lot of trees around. If you have a lot of leaves or debris that fall on your roof or your gutters, you should have somebody once a year come out and sweep that off your roof, clean your gutters, and make sure you’re prepared for winter.”
Roof and gutter de-icing cables — heated cables installed near the roof’s edge and sold at hardware and big-box BOSS cont’d from page 12
Boss Roofing-Siding Experts has offices at 1910 E. Fourth St. in Sterling and 810 S. Seventh St. in Oregon; both locations are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Find it on Facebook and Instagram (@bossroofing1), go to bossroofingsiding.com or call 815-590-2677.
stores — are another option, but Boss said those are more of a band-aid that, while providing a temporary fix, don’t address the bigger issue.
Boss Roofing-Siding Experts opened in 2005 and also offers installation of gutters, downspouts and windows along with roofs and siding. Based in Rock Falls for most of its history, its recently been in the process of moving its offices to a larger location on Sterling’s east end, in the former location of Prescott’s Barbecue Shop.
“We take pride in delivering exceptional quality and service to our community,” Boss said.
“We’re committed to going above and beyond standard roofing practices, and try to be unique in providing the absolute best warranties for customers.” n Shaw Media reporter Cody Cutter can be reached at 815-632-2532 or ccutter@shawmedia.com.
Rock
Renters can winterize too
StatePoint
Taking the proper steps to weatherproof your rental is a simple way to stay snug this cold-weather season, while also resulting in notable savings on heating and energy bills.
In fact, a Duck brand survey found that 80% of people noticed a decrease in their heating bill after using affordable weatherization products, such as window insulation kits, weatherstrip seals and door draft seals. With this in mind, here are some temporary ways to prep your rental for the winter without causing any damage.
Install draft seals — Doors and windows are notorious for letting in cold air, which can drastically affect your home’s temperature. Fortunately for renters, the Duck Brand Double Draft Seal is a removable solution designed to insulate your door from both sides. This practical tool blocks drafts while maintaining the room’s temperature, ensuring both comfort and energy efficiency. Simply slide the seal under interior or exterior doors and window frames to keep cold air from coming in. Even better, the seals can be reused in future resi-
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dences, making them a smart choice for keeping your comfort intact wherever you choose to live next.
Hang thermal curtains — Thermal curtains are an excellent option if you’re looking for DIY ways to increase your space’s energy efficiency. By hanging these insulated drapes, the cold air between the window and fabric remains trapped, helping to maintain a comfortable temperature without the need to turn up the heat. If your lease doesn’t give permission to drill into the wall, use a tension rod to install them.
Embrace window kits — If thermal curtains aren’t your style, installing a removable window kit is just as easy. Shrink film window insulation kits create an added barrier between the outdoor air and your home’s inside. Plus, unlike thermal curtains, the film is clear and allows natural light through windows.
Dress your floors — Who said weatherization can’t be stylish? By placing decorative, cozy rugs on hardwood floors and tiles, you can further insulate your rental. While these items won’t fully prevent heat loss, they do offer an extra layer of warmth and can help reduce drafts from cold floors, making them an obvious choice if you’re a renter looking to stay warm without making permanent changes. n
Metro News Service
Meteorologists are predicting an El Niño weather pattern this winter. What that spells out for particular regions of the country remains to be seen, but when the snow does hit, people will have do something with it.
It’s essential for homeowners and business owners to remove snow from walkways for the safety of pedestrians, but shoveling snow can be back-breaking work, particularly when the snow is wet or compacted. That’s why many people have invested in snow blowers to make faster work of snow removal. While they’re are quite effective, they also require caution and proper technique to help avoid injuries. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates there are 5,740 hospital emergency room-related injuries associated with snow blowers each year. The organization Safety Now says most injuries associated with snow blowers involve injuries to the hands or fingers, including amputation.
People can prevent common injuries and even death by following these snow blower safety guidelines ...
Read the owner’s manual to understand all of the controls and features before use.
Dress accordingly for the weather, including using sturdy footwear with good traction. Boot or shoe grippers can reduce the risk of slips and falls. Also, avoid loose clothing, as scarves or jackets can become tangled in moving parts of the machine. Start the snow blower outside and not in a garage or shed.
Sending the flakes flying? Be careful
You don’t want to blow it when it comes to safety and your snow blower
Gas-powered devices give off carbon monoxide.
Stay focused on the task at hand, which means using the snow blower only when sober and not under the influence of medications that can cause drowsiness.
Working at a brisk pace can help prevent the snow blower blades from getting clogged from the snow sticking. Wet, heavy snow is more likely to clog the machine, so it may require more passes to get the job done.
Clogs can occur, and require extreme caution to dislodge. Always turn off the snow blower and disengage the clutch, says the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Wait for the impeller blades to stop spinning. Always use a broom handle or a stick to clear compacted snow. Never stick your hand down the chute or around the blades, even if the power switch is off.
Keep all safety shields and mechanisms in place on the machine, and don’t leave a snow blower unattended.
If the snow blower is electric, use an extension cord designed for outdoor use and plug it into an outlet equipped with a ground fault circuit interrupter. Keep the extension cord away from the auger.
Take it easy. Even though snow blowing can be less physically taxing than manually shoveling snow, it still exerts the body. Take frequent breaks to rest. Exercise caution where you toss the snow, and make sure other people, particularly children, are not in the path of snow removal. n
