Temperatures are steadily going down across the country, and there's no telling how low they could go this winter. Regardless of how many layers you bundle up in, you'll have to get used to the cold – especially if you regularly commute in the early hours of the morning or after the sun sets. 

Is hypothermia a real problem? 
You may think that feeling the chill is just a side effect of driving in winter. However, the danger of hypothermia is real. The condition occurs when body temperature drops to an abnormally low level, causing many functions to slow down. It is also characterized by disorientation, fatigue, slower reflexes and poor muscle function, with the most serious cases eventually escalating to the loss of consciousness. 

All of this sounds pretty intense – and possibly far-fetched – but it is a real threat in the wintertime. It can be particularly dangerous for children and smaller adults, as body size does play a role in generating heat and staying warm. Even leaving someone in a car for a few minutes puts them at risk. Just as it's dangerous to leave kids or pets in a hot car under the summer sun, it's not safe to keep them out in the cold. 

How to stay safe
On the surface, it seems like there's probably an easy fix: Don't leave children or pets in the car. However, it can become tricky, as it's possible to sneak into a vehicle in a home garage. Pets or kids may also make so little noise that the driver loses track of passengers. To avoid this, drivers are advised to always lock the car. This eliminates the risk of a pet or child climbing into the backseat when you're not paying attention. You should also keep something in the backseat that you won't forget about, such as a cellphone or a purse, as that will remind you to always turn around and check the area before leaving the car. 

Does your car need a little help before it can perform in winter? If so, schedule an appointment at NJ State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. The garage caters to the public and is capable of addressing any issue you may have, including problems stemming from the HVAC system.