BEND, Ore. — This week’s snowstorms have caused significant disruptions in Bend and the surrounding High Desert area, making travel and daily activities more difficult for local residents. A mix of snow and ice on the roads, coupled with continued freezing temperatures, has led to hazardous driving conditions, with many roadways still covered in snow or slippery patches.
For locals like Bonnie Criswell, the challenges are particularly frustrating. “Having Olney and Portland Avenue both closed has been horrendous,” she said. “To get home the last two nights, it’s taking me a full hour.” Many in the community are facing similar struggles, as the snowstorms have created long delays and detours.
Beyond delays, the winter weather has also caused a rise in car troubles. Criswell, for example, experienced an issue when her windshield wiper flew off during her commute. “I’m here today to get it replaced,” she said, highlighting the unexpected issues that come with the cold weather.
The folks at Les Schwab Tire Centers in Bend have noticed a surge in customers dealing with winter-related car problems. Steve Curtiss, the manager of the tire center, said, “We’ve been having a lot of battery issues, of course, because of the cold snap. Windshield wipers breaking, so we service all that stuff, too.” Curtiss added that some residents are just now switching to winter tires, even though the season is well underway.
For those who have yet to switch to winter tires, Curtiss emphasized the importance of having the right gear for the roads. “If you’re proactive and you get them on ahead of time, good for you,” he said. “If not, you know we’re here. As bad as the roads are, it’s important to have the extra security of having good tires on your car.”
In addition to tires, vehicle batteries and brakes also need to be monitored during extreme cold. According to Curtiss, drivers should be especially cautious about their car batteries, as cold temperatures can drain their life expectancy. “If you drive your car daily, the battery should be fine. But unfortunately, batteries don’t always give you that fair warning of when they’re going to go out,” he explained.
For those concerned about their vehicle’s condition, the tire center offers free battery checks to assess how much life remains in a battery. A typical car battery lasts about 3-5 years, though factors like climate and driving habits can impact its longevity.
As winter weather continues to affect the region, Bend residents are being reminded to prepare for cold snaps, snowstorms, and the potential risks to their vehicles. Regular maintenance and early preparations for winter conditions can go a long way in keeping both drivers and cars safe throughout the season.
