Days, such as today, are the kinds of days enjoyed by polar bears and penguins. They don’t seem to mind when the thermometer suddenly dips into the nether regions of zero. For the rest of us here in Northern Illinois, this is the kind of day where simply staying inside is not a bad idea at all. It’s not merely a matter of comfort, either. Temperatures this low are down-right dangerous.

McHenry School District 15 officials came to that conclusion last night as they sent out e-mails to parents letting them know that the schools would be closed on Monday, Jan. 6, 2014. Temperatures last night were expected to hit 19-below zero. Today, the mercury is expected to rise as high as 12-below with a wind chill of 52 below.

“Things freeze quickly at temperatures that low,” said Denny Norton, owner of Performance Unlimited auto repair shop in Ringwood. “It’s very hard on a car.”

For those who do have to go out today, hopefully, they’ve maintained their vehicle and won’t have any trouble. Cars that weren’t maintained properly, and winterized in particular, are likely to have trouble when the thermometer hits these kinds of dangerous lows. Hopefully, they filled their gas tanks recently as a near-empty tank can allow moisture into fuel lines. When the temperature falls like this, the moisture can freeze in the fuel lines thereby starving the engine for fuel.

For those who do go out today, there are some precautions they can take, such as:

• Dress appropriately, not just for the drive but on the chance your car breaks down or gets stuck and you have to hike in the elements. That means layers, coats, hats, gloves, boots, a scarf and, once again, layers.
• Check your tires. Many vehicles have aluminum alloy wheel rims. When the temperature falls, there’s a risk that the seal between the tire and the rim can fail. You could find yourself with a flat tire even though there is no leak in the rubber.
• Make sure you have wiper fluid and good wipers. Road salt and moisture that sprays on your windshield can, eventually, block your view. At the very least, it will seriously impede your vision. You’ll need good wipers and wiper fluid to keep your windshield clean so you can safely negotiate the slippery roads here in Northern Illinois.
• Bring an emergency pack along for the ride. This should include a blanket, a bottle of water, flashers in case you break down or you’re in an accident. You might even include some munchies.
• Make sure you have a charged cell phone and a charger. And let people know where you’re going, what time you plan to leave and what route you’ll take. If you break down and no one knows you were on the road, they won’t know to expect you. You could find yourself on the side of the road for an extended period facing bitterly cold temperatures. If they know the route you were taking, they’ll know exactly where to look for you.

Of course, the best idea is still to stay indoors. Can your plans wait a day? It’s supposed to warm up considerably later in the week. Why not snuggle up in a comforter by the fire with a good book and a cup of cocoa. Sure beats braving frigid cold weather like this.

If you do find yourself stuck out in the cold with a car that’s not up to the task, you can call Performance Unlimited for help at 815-728-0343. You can learn more about Performance Unlimited by visiting www.4performanceunlimited.com.