CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Polar Vortex could be even more exasperating for some people who find, at the worst moment, they have car troubles.
Shawnee Service Center has been repairing cars on Linden Avenue in Wilmette for more than 100 years. Manager Richard Link said cars are better built these days and don’t have as many mechanical issues that cause non-starts. That's not to say there are no weather related issues for cars and other vehicles.
"There are still some of those old quirks after those wet, snowy days, the cars will freeze-out windows, door locks, things like that. Those are the same kind of problems we’ll always have on a colder scenario like this," he said.
When motorists have troubles, chances are they'll be greeted by 79-year-old Rogers Phillips who has worked at Shawnee Service Center nearly 60 years, since November 1959. He's been out this week unfreezing frozen car door locks, giving a battery boost to cars that won't start, and taking care of flat tires.
"Most of the time I try to put air in them first so I don’t have to change them. But some of them, they be off the rim that you have to change so I do that also," he said.
Phillips said people are glad to see him coming.
The service center manager suggest that, to stay prepared to weather this deep freeze, you keep your gas tank full, keep window and door seals lubricated, fluids are topped off and tire are at the manufacturer recommended pressure.
He says it's "almost more favorable for people to stay home."