The extreme cold temperatures in metropolitan Detroit have caused significant issues for vehicle owners, leading to a surge in breakdowns and towing requests. Lavish Williams, owner of Lavish Towing, has seen an increase in calls for dead batteries, lockouts, and vehicles that simply won’t start. The harsh weather conditions have exacerbated existing vehicle problems, making preventive maintenance crucial. Additionally, electric vehicle owners face unique challenges with charging infrastructure during the cold snap.

Frigid Conditions Expose Vehicle Vulnerabilities

The bitter cold has revealed underlying issues in many vehicles across Detroit. Owners are experiencing difficulties ranging from dead batteries to complete failures to start. Lavish Williams, who runs a towing service, has noted a significant uptick in demand for his services over the past couple of days. He attributes this surge primarily to the impact of freezing temperatures on automotive systems.

In detail, the cold weather has brought to light various mechanical weaknesses in cars. For instance, Shadaisha Phillips, a local resident, found herself stranded when her older vehicle refused to start after running it for 20 minutes. She spent two hours waiting by the roadside before calling for assistance. This scenario highlights how older vehicles, especially those not regularly maintained, are more susceptible to cold-induced failures. Williams emphasizes that preventive measures, such as checking batteries, can mitigate these issues. “Batteries don’t fare well in the cold,” he explains, underscoring the importance of regular inspections.

Electric Vehicles Face Unique Challenges

While conventional vehicles struggle with the cold, electric vehicle (EV) owners encounter distinct hurdles. Charging stations become critical lifelines as home charging options remain limited for many. Stephanie Johnson, a Detroit resident, experienced firsthand the challenges of maintaining an EV during freezing temperatures. Her Tesla’s battery range drastically reduced, leaving her stranded at work.

To elaborate, Johnson recounted that she arrived at work with a 60-mile charge but left with none, despite only traveling 13 miles. The dramatic drop in battery life underscores the vulnerability of EVs in cold weather. Charging stations, like the one at Meijer off 8 Mile, serve as essential resources for EV owners navigating winter conditions. However, the lack of widespread home charging infrastructure exacerbates the problem. Williams advises EV owners to prepare by ensuring their vehicles are charged adequately before venturing out in the cold, highlighting the need for better support systems for electric vehicles in extreme weather.