Metro Detroit weather: Drivers experience car troubles during freezing weather
DETROIT (FOX 2) - Metro Detroit drivers may have noticed an increasing number of cars stranded on the side of the highway during the couple of days of freezing weather.
Big picture view:
A cold front moves in on Wednesday night, bringing snow back into the forecast through tomorrow morning. Totals will range from 0.5-1.5", enough to make roads slick. This comes after a few days of a deep freeze throughout Southeast Michigan.
Some drivers, like Derek Reynolds, saw nearly two dozen abandoned cars with flat tires during their commute. Reynolds was among many who prayed he would not be next.
Unfortunately, he was.
"On both sides of the highway on the shoulders, there’s probably like 15 to 20 cars on each with multiple flats," he said. "I get to work and I find out it did happen, so here I am now getting two new tires."
What they're saying:
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) told FOX 2 that courtesy vans helped four cars near westbound I-696 near Farmington Road.
Strangely, officials say crews could not find any debris or issues that caused those flats.
National Tire owner Jamil Kosho says the problems they find with the tires brought in are usually slow leaks, nails, and pot holes. Those issues normally increase as temperatures plummet, affecting the air in and around each tire.
"This cold, it shrinks the air down so now your tire is deflated, now you’re driving on it like this," said Detroit Complete Auto Repair mechanic Travis Springborn. "You’re wearing the tires down, the belts, and they end up getting flat tires."
When a tire goes flat, it can lead to even more damage, like affecting the control arm, axle, struts, and tie rods that can be damaged due to a flat tire or pothole, according to mechanics.
They say take your vehicle to an auto shop and have your tires checked as part of winter maintenance.
What's next:
The Extreme Cold Advisory expired at noon Wednesday as temps ease slightly this afternoon, but clouds, cold, and wind will still dominate the day.
Behind this system, a brief shot of cold air settles in, but here’s some good news: less intense cold is on the way. We’re aiming for a "balmy" 30°F by next week!
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The Source: FOX 2 talked with MDOT and interviewed local auto repair shops taking in cars with flat tires.
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