Ways to winterize your car and house during cold weather months

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- The cold temperatures are here and they brought in a wintry mix across the region.

Recent weather was just a taste of what could come as winter creeps up. So just like you bring the extra blankets down from the attic, it's time to make sure your car and home are ready for the cold temperatures.

Your Car

ABC11 spoke with Steve Seargeant over at Mr. Transmission in Cary who says the cold air can impact your battery.

"The battery doesn't want to charge itself as easily and as readily until it gets itself warmed up," said Seargeant. "So that's just giving you an indication your battery might need to be charged or might need to be replaced."

He added the colder months could also cause more yellow lights in the dashboard, like tire pressure.

"That little light comes on kind of irritating at times, but that is when the air gets cold, it gets denser and the pressure goes down and it sets off those lights. So get your tire pressure set. That will give you a grip when the weather's slippery and icy and things," he said.

Experts also recommend to check your antifreeze, washer fluid, and windshield wipers. If you have an older car, keep an emergency kit handy like a warm jacket, salt, gloves, and shovel.

Your Home

Just like you get your car serviced you will want to do the same around the house.

Durham's Department of Water Management shares these key tips.

• During hard freezes keep kitchen and bath pipes exposed to warm air by leaving cabinet doors open.

• Don't turn the thermostat too low when leaving for work or extended absences.

• Disconnect and drain all outdoor hoses.

• Protect outside faucets with insulated covers.

• Caulk around pipes where they enter the house.

"Don't leave your ovens running to stay warm, that can introduce carbon monoxide in the home. Make sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors along with working smoke detectors," said Batallion Chief Keith Moilla with Durham Fire Department.

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The fire department highlights these reminders:

• Keep space heaters three feet away form combustible items such as bedding and curtains.

• Do not use portable generators indoors.