FARGO — As another stretch of harsh, cold weather arrives, local mechanics say winter can be as hard on vehicles as it is on people. Battery life can suffer, oil can thicken and tires may deflate, but taking a few minutes for basic maintenance can extend the life of a car.

As the region enters the subzero season, experts say those extra steps could prevent drivers from being stranded in the snow.

“Being in North Dakota, it's when it gets that cold, it's just simply tough on batteries,” said Jesse Skalicky, owner of Skalicky’s Auto Repair in Fargo. He said batteries last about four years, and if a car struggles to start or makes a cranking sound in freezing temperatures, it may be time for a test.

“It's tough in the winters that we have to really, really protect it. But new batteries alw

See Full Page